X-periment 5

The Discussion

        After Clara finishes stitching up my wound and places the pieces of the tracker in a clear bag, Levii grabs my arm and leads me out of the infirmary tent. I wince as he drags me to a bustling section of the camp.

“Where are we going?” I ask as we weave through the crowd of people scurrying about. 

“Jerry’s sleeping quarters. You’re going to be rooming with her for the time being.” he replies.

“For the time being?” I repeat his words. How long would that be?

“Yes that’s what I said now can we keep moving and you can ask your questions later?” That was harsh. I sigh and follow him, passing the large tent where I’d spoken to Cassandra earlier.

We walk at a fast pace until we enter Jerry’s tent. It wasn't huge, but it was big enough to have 2 cots, a dresser, a mirror and a table with many papers and a map sprawled across. I sit on the cot that I presumed to be mine given its tidy set up. The other cot though, had various blankets stuffed into strange balls and a pillow that was about to fall off. Either Jerry had terrible nightmares or  found no need to make her bed. I brought my knees to my chest and begin to close my eyes...

 Levii curses under his breath.  “Of course she isn't fucking here.” His jaw tightens but releases after a minute. His tired eyes meet mine and it as though there’s a battle waging inside of him. He clears his throat and raises an eyebrow as if he was asking if he could  join me. I give a small smile and move over. He strides over and flops onto the cot. Rolling my eyes I mutter, “Was that necessary?” 

“Yes it was. I haven’t had any time to lay down for the past week. “

“You poor thing.” I remark as Levii turns his head away from me biting back a smile. He doesn’t respond but eventually turns around to match my position and face me. I meet his stare but after awhile I begin feeling uncomfortable and look away. He continues to watch me as I try to stare intently at a book sprawled open on Jerry’s cot.

“How was it like in there?” he asks. I turned back to him expecting to see his usually empty eyes and stony gaze. To my surprise though,  he didn't give me the look he gave me back at the Institute when he’d attempted to interrogate me. Instead his blank eyes are filled with slight curiosity, hesitation and even concern. 

The logic I’ve grown to follow told me why shouldn’t I tell him anything. He had no right, wasn’t he the one I was suppose to gather intel about oh so long ago? He should be my enemy, but I was stuck at a crossroads. He wasn’t the one ready to kill me without hesitation. The logic I’ve grown to follow could’ve not been the same logic I would have if I never lived in the Institute. Maybe, just maybe I could try not seeing everyone that didn’t come from my home as an enemy…

“Uh,” I stuttered, “It was pretty normal. I mean they   taught me how to speak 6 languages, interpret the history of the world, kill possible threats, deactivate explosives, analyze human behavior- you know, what should be common knowledge in the world we live in now.” Levii stifles a laugh at my remark. It's strange to discuss what I'd learn in the Institute.  There was no need to, everyone I’d ever met while I was growing up had either insinuated or conducted in the same activities in the Institute.

“Did you like it?” Levii asks 

I give a strained laugh “Now who's the one asking all the questions.”

“You’re right. Kind of. Well, I just wanted to know whose the girl that I’m supposed to watch and help “ease” the transition for?”

“I still have no idea why Cassandra believed that this match would be good, no offense.”