Spectator

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Then

The worst thing about her new assignment was not being able to tell Ainsley. Oh, she probably could. It was just that her mom would be pissed if this became common knowledge, and Kali didn't have the advantage of the soundproofed room. It was pretty much a bogus task anyway, and what was her mom going to think if she failed? Kali was already a pretty big disappointment, could it really get any worse? But then there was the whole honor segment. If they were part of Genesis, people had died. On this station, even, if the power loss was really them. And there was Jae. She wished he wasn't on the top of the list, but he had been the one to talk to her about Genesis in the first place. There were eight of them from the station, although her mom had placed them as the most likely, it didn't mean the rest of them couldn't have been recruited some other way. It would certainly make them less obvious.

The second highest on her list was Archie, who was on her squad the very next week. She wasn't sure if that was chance or a hint, but despite herself, she would follow him to the study room or stay to her bunk when he did, just to see how he really spent his time. Mostly on the tablets, ostensibly doing homework, or studying, but Kali was no expert. He went to the games once a day, only for an hour, because he would spend it on the most costly game.

It was an immersion game. Kali had only played it a couple times because the one at home was even newer territory. Not that Kali was sure that she could call it home right now - her lovely mom had rescinded her privileges for vacation so she could focus on what was important. Was it a surprise? No. Was it annoying? Very. Classes were at a minimum and games were on a hold for the next two weeks, but Ainsley had been allowed to go visit her aunt, leaving Kali with a job far too big for her and few to entertain her. The only good thing was that Jae was still here, which was a confusing prospect on its own. Perhaps it would have been smart to kiss him, to gain his trust. Or that was just her libido talking.

Nari had remained behind as well, her and Photo being the only platoon leaders to do so. And because the remaining staff was adamant that this would be a time of rest and recreation, Kali was almost certain it wouldn't be. They had to throw a Game in here somewhere. After all, General Grouch was still here and was as disapproving of her as ever.

But he couldn't touch her now, not during play time. And instead of relaxing, which Kali definitely deserved, she was watching the projection of Archie's game intently. It was full body technology, from an impenetrable visor to a suit that would mimic the proper conditions. There were even grav controls on the platform beneath his feet in case he wanted to soar.

Kali wasn't sure what she was looking for. Writing that said 'I'm the traitor, it's me'? Genesis symbols? Secret code? This whole thing was stupid and a waste of time.

"Are you avoiding me?" Kali was startled out of her study by an all too familiar voice. Heat flushed up the back of her neck. Jae.

"Avoiding you?" She echoed as he clambered onto her bench, slinging one arm casually over the top, his fingers scant centimeters from her shoulder. "Why would you think that?"

"I saw you in the study room the other day," Jae said. "What other possibility could there be?"

Kali snorted and tried to elbow him in the side, a move he dodged easily. The panic that had started to grip her relaxed its hold. "Don't be ridiculous. I study. Sometimes."

"When Ainsley makes you." Jae ran his fingers through his air, the ends standing up. "But she's not here. Ergo, you're avoiding me. Or you've been brainwashed."

Kali shook her head with exasperation, but the smile on her face was genuine. But something slid into her stomach like unease, and before she could help herself, she was speaking. "I do miss her. She's flown off and left me behind. What about you? You didn't want to go home to Exodus?" It was just a question, she told herself. She wasn't investigating.