The Phoenix Project

How to learn about a person.

"So, um, what have u learned so far?" I ask him.

"I've gotten through physical training, but I need to learn how to hack computers and stuff."

"Well, we better go get some food. We're going to be here awhile."

I show Sky the food area. There's sandwiches, chips, and energy bars laid out on the counter. We each pick up a sandwich and sit at a table. I study him as he eats. His hair is pushed back, and his jawline is sharp. His light blue eyes have grey around the pupil, they are wild eyes, like he wants to run as fast as he can. I can see that he is creative, the wild look in his eyes tells me that. He sees me watching him and smiles, "I'm not that interesting." he says.

"I was just trying to learn more about you."

"By watching me eat?"

"You would be surprised by what u learn by watching people."

"Really? Well let me try." He stared at me with his wild eyes, studying me.

A minute had passed and he speaks. "I have found out a few things I think"

"Okay what have u learned?" I ask.

"Number one: You are a leader, or someone really important to the project."

"How can u tell?"

"Well, your face is stern looking and you hold yourself in a way that just radiates power."

"Stern?!"

"Yeah but it looks good." We both blush furiously.

"Okay what else?" I ask to fill the awkward silence.

"Um... that was it." He is still blushing.

"Oh well you did pretty well. It's a good skill to learn when u become a spy. Helps figure people out."

***

After we ate I showed Sky the basics of hacking. Which took a while, hacking is hard to do. Now it's eight at night. There's still people here, but most have left. Captain Williams, Sky and I and making the plans for tomorrow's mission.

"Now, you will be taking a plane to Virginia at seven in the morning. It's a public flight, so you need to go low profile. Here's your tickets." He hands us two slips of paper. "Okay, so the plan is you get into you hotel and prepare for your mission. Once that is done you will go to the Military HQ and get in."

Sky interjects, "Then we find the data sheets."

"Yes," Captain says, "You can find those in the office of Alexander James, the head of the military."

***

I get home at ten that night. Zia is up in the living room on her laptop. "Hey." I say as I walk in. She looks up, her eyes look heavy and sleepy. "I was starting to think u died." She smiles a little. I tell her about me leaving in the morning and that I have to get some sleep. I go up to my room and put on my pajamas. Once I'm in bed and all the lights are off, I begin to think about this mission. Even though I like Sky I feel like he may not be ready like Captain thinks he is, that he might drag us down. Hopefully not. He looks strong, that could help. I soon drift off to a dreamless sleep.