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Thirty-four : Slimebucket

My legs refuse to bear weight. I start to sink to the ground, nausea rising up, burning the back of my throat. Corin reaches out to steady me. He tries to wrap an arm around my waist as I stumble backwards.

"Don't touch me," I hiss, shoving him away. "Don't talk to me. Don't look at me. Don't you dare even try Linking with me."

"Benna, I can explain -"

"Save it. You - you... lured me into falling for you, and... shit, Corin." My fists ball at my sides. I swear my fingernails slice into my palms, they are so tightly clenched. A fresh wave of nausea washes over me as I picture the many nights we spent curled into each other. "I hate you."

Corin's face drains of colour. He advances again, hands raised in submission. I push past, charging for the door despite the pain moving away inflicts. I need to warn the others. The refuge has been discovered - everyone needs to get out.

Beak Nose blocks my way, a gun I hadn't noticed before crossing his chest.

"No point trying to flee. We got men stationed at every one of these hatches." He points at the ladder. "Climb up. Ladies first."

My hair flies around my face as I shake my head. "No." I retreat to the sinks, using them to hold my weight. My legs shake almost uncontrollably. I think I'm in shock.

The man's forehead creases into a scowl. He takes a step towards me, brandishing his weapon.

"I don't know who you think you are, but when I tell you to do something - you do it. Ladder. Now."

I tilt my head to peer up through the open hatch and glimpse shades of greens and golds rustling in the breeze. The sweet, damp scent of fresh forest air is tempting. I could run, and get caught by a different officer of the Authority Bureau, toting another gun. Or I could comply and see what fate awaits me. I imagine a room in the Department of Research & Investigation - long, narrow, filled with human-sized plexiglass pens each containing a Linker. In the centre of the room Garnet Frenchwood stands tall in her white coat, red hair streaming down her back. Proud of her "safe facility", pleased with the amount of guinea pigs she has to assist her search for a cure. If I must, I will go... but not without my mother. I refuse to lose her again. I've lost enough already.

I shake my head once more, clutching the rim of the metal sink for support, cold beneath my fingers. My limbs burn. I want to cry but fight to keep my face expressionless. The officer advances, too close in the small space. His lips curl into a sneer. He raises the gun, as though to strike me with the flat side, rather than shoot. I brace myself for impact, determined not to cower.

"Stop it," Corin demands, jumping forward. He plants himself between me and the beak-nosed officer. Immediately, the surging pain subsides. I am angry that I feel relief. I'm desperate to touch him, my body aches for contact, but my brain wants nothing more than to slap him across the face. It's conflicting and confusing.

"Excuse me?" The officer turns to Corin, eyebrows raised. He lowers the gun - slightly.

"Don't you recognise her? This is President Denman's missing daughter, Benna. The one you've been sent to collect? Harm a single hair on her head and you'll be risking severe punishment."

There is a beat of silence as the officer considers this. His gaze rakes over my face. I blink at him defiantly. I don't know why Corin is playing at protecting me, but I'll go along with it. After what feels like forever, the officer gives a curt nod.

"Thank you." Corin says. "Now, is Dr. Frenchwood here? I need to speak with her about my mother."

"No. She's in Lovethorn with President Denman, waiting for our return."