The Program [COMPLETED]

Chapter Fifteen

"So, you told Alena about the mission?" Aiden finally said.

He and Zariah were walking along the perimeter of Second Unit headquarters. They'd decided that the weather was ideal enough for them to talk outside, where Aiden liked it the most. Outside headquarters, Creatan was gradually transitioning into the typical spring weather. The bitter cold of winter was beginning to cease, allowing for rain and occasional sunny days to shine through. Aiden disliked winter, but was rather fond of spring. Today, the clouds parted to reveal timid rays of sunlight, and the climate was rather mild. It was a nice day for a walk, and at least he would get to enjoy it with company.

Zariah shrugged. "She asked. Sorry she freaked out on you like that. I didn't think she would."

"It's fine," Aiden replied. They walked forward a few paces in silence, absorbing the smell of fresh rainfall and the sight of the industrial-like headquarters building.

"She really cares for you, you know. Like a son," Zariah added. "She lost hers a long time ago. You remind her of him."

Aiden furrowed his brow. "I never knew Alena had a son."

"She did, long before we were even inducted into the Program. He died from one of the plagues in a nearby city," Zariah elaborated. "She talks about you often. You're her favorite."

"I've known her since I became a part of Second Unit," Aiden murmured. "She was my mentor. I would probably be dead by now if it weren't for her training."

"And your own resourcefulness," Zariah put in. "Don't underestimate yourself."

Aiden nodded. "Right."

More silence followed them as they turned a corner and onto the back side of headquarters.

"What are you thinking?" Aiden thought aloud. Zariah gave him a quizzical look.

"Nothing," she responded. "I'm just scanning the horizon." 

"No, but it's more than that," Aiden persisted. "It's always more. You're full of so many secrets."

Zariah pursed her lips and didn't say anything. She paused before answering. "I could say the same thing about you. You're just as equally reserved, resilient." 

"What happened in Fifth Unit, Zariah?" Aiden asked quietly. "Why did you get Transferred to Second Unit?"

Aiden waited patiently for her reply. After a few moments, Zariah finally spoke.

"I don't know, Aiden," she sighed. "Maybe I'm just a test subject of the Program or they're trying to get rid of me. Maybe they're doing this with a subject from every Unit. Who knows? I don't." She took a deep breath. "I'm here to do my duty as a soldier of the Program. I took my Test when I was ten, and I passed. I worked hard, I trained harder. I was good. Haven't I earned your trust by now, after all we've been through in the past few months?"

He'd sounded like an asshole without intending to. Aiden had never really thought about how Zariah must have felt, leaving everything behind the way she did. He'd felt only the sense that he had to protect her, from things he didn't quite understand yet. Then again, did she even really need protection? Everyone did, just a little bit, Aiden had determined. He still couldn't shake the feeling that Zariah was still harboring multitudes of secrets that she was unable to share. She hadn't shed her armor; not even a little bit.

"I'm sorry," Aiden said, looking at her carefully. "Of course I trust you, Zariah. You've saved my sorry ass plenty of times now. I just... want to look out for you."

Zariah eyes wandered away from his gaze. "I appreciate it. Thank you."

Aiden managed a friendly smile. "You look really beautiful, by the way. You always do. Just in case no one told you."