Elicerent

XX.

The next morning, my eyes were heavy from lack of sleep. I tried to remind myself that I had seen plenty of people in the settlement greet and farewell each other with a kiss to the cheek, but I still could not stop the flip of my stomach when I thought about it. I felt ill.

I tried to avoid Owen where I could and when I couldn't, I always ensured that we were never alone. I even took to ignoring him. I volunteered more time to the flock during kidding, which meant, sleeping in the tunnels adjoining the herds normal grading cavern.

The ceiling had the largest opening of all the caverns I had explored and was the furthest from the main settlement. The opening, although large, was structured such that the Facility could never get mercenaries through without heavy casualties, nor could it be seen from the air. But they could use it as a weak point for bombing. It would be a shame. The view of the sky was breath-taking if you climbed a little and stood on the right ledge. I did not really want to think about what would happen if they knew they could use this to gain entry. It was actually difficult to think about destroying so many lives when I was here witnessing its birth many times. I aided five does in bringing their newborns into the world. It was the most disgustingly fascinating experience of my short life. No wonder they wanted to return to tradition. There was a beauty to it. Natural. It was so different to the unto-pods that lined the walls of the Facility. I knew why it was done this way now, and the fact that the resistance was fully functioning, using traditional methods of governing, made me begin to question the motives of the Facility and the Minister.

I did not sleep in the tunnels with the others. I enjoyed watching the sky as I fell asleep. I was on the edge of a dream when a firm hand grabbed my shoulder. It was Lilian. She knew everything there was to know about animals and oversaw the health and welfare of all those care for in the settlement.

"Etta, wake up. There was a messenger for you. The council want to see you right away."

"Thank you, Lilian. I will come back afterward if I am permitted."

"You will be most welcome," she squeezed my shoulder again before disappearing back into the closest tunnel.