LINKAGE (boyxboy)

CHAPTER 115: ZERO DENSITY

"Hey." Isaac slowly approached Gavin once he found the boy in the common area of the ship. He was focused on his PAD and didn't mind glancing directly at his sun instantly. "What are you doing there?"

"Scheduling a meeting." Gavin was stiff as a rock. The tension from minutes before was still in his mind.

"Let's talk somewhere else. Without so many eyes around us." Now Gavin was looking at Isaac, wondering if it was really needed. The consistency in the eyes of the Bethervan assured it was. Gavin blocked the PAD screen and started walking to the hallway in the end of the room.

"I am starting to know this place. There is an observatory on top of us that I believe is not that crowded." They went to reach the closest elevator, not far away from that point.

"Did something happen? What do you want to talk about?" Gavin grabbed his lover's bicep and brought him closer. Isaac smiled inside with that.

"Nothing. I just want to make sure we are in the same page about this whole thing." The elevator arrived and the boys got inside. They didn't stay there for more than one minute. Once they reached the observatory, they saw a big room with a round glassy ceiling, similar to the Dome Office in the State Union. Indeed, fewer people were there, taking seats in the armchairs and couches while reading, checking their phones or PADs, or simply taking pictures of the insane view in front of them. Isaac chose the farthest spot for them to sit. Now side by side, the Bethervan put a hand on Gavin's knee and caressed it slowly, showing him tenderness.

"You know why I am discontented about we just talked with Zarko, Isaac. We have to keep our word with the public. My greatest compromise is with them."

"It is not only about that, Gavin." Isaac stared directly at Gavin's eyes. "You are in a stressful position. I understand that. However, you need to maintain your balance with the things that upset you. I know you know how to behave in those circumstances, but here everything feels different. That is why I wanted to give you a word about it. You need to be just like when you were people's favorite target in the meetings and debates at the Union. Listen everything and reply them with class even if they say you are a curse sent by the Gods to punish our country or something like that." They laughed at the last line, remembering something one member of the Opus said about Gavin once. "And beyond everything, be humble. Always. You are the most powerful person in here and we all know it, but being humble is what makes you look brilliant."

Gavin hugged Isaac in response to his speech. He knew about all of us what was being said, and he was aware that Isaac just wanted to see him in a good position about everything. "Thank you for that. It is only day two but it feels like the cycle of days here are longer. A lot is happening. A lot still needs to be done... but don't worry. I will always be on alert about these things. I know some people hope I fail and breakdown in front of everyone, but I know better. Mrs. Angelina Bethervan taught me well."

"She is the mastermind of political behavior." Isaac said. "But one more thing. Things cannot happen the way we want all the time, so instead of being angry we will find other solutions, is that clear?"

"Look, I was mad because clearly Martheust did that on purpose. If it was by mistake I would comprehend one thousand percent. We are all prone to making mistakes. I do things wrong all the time, Isaac, but this situation is not someone naive that had no idea about the capabilities of the satellites. It is a person that developed the devices!" Gavin showed his discontentment. He was still unbelievable about it. "But you are right. Thank you for saying this."

"It is an irritating feeling. I cannot disagree with you in this."

"I should have kicked him out of the mission when you told me to. Remember I said that we shouldn't punish him because he was a qualified professional? Well, destiny showed perfectly how wrong I was."