Earth's Revival

22 - Simulation Week

It had taken a few more days of solid Lab work before Ross let Rory out with friends again while he carried on with the project. And even then, it was only if Kailea was present, because apparently: "She's a responsible kid. I trust her." Lucky for Rory, Ross was unaware of Kai's friendship with the others.

But, unluckily for him, his other friends were busy. He found himself with Kai, walking aimlessly around Trision. He didn't know what to expect, but he thought the evening so far to be tediously dull. She barely spoke and spent most of the time looking over her shoulder.

They were sitting, playing another game of chess when Rory had had enough.

"Would you cut that out?" he snapped as she turned around for the umpteenth time that day.

"Sorry," she muttered. "I'm on edge."

"I got that. What for?"

"It's emergency situation evaluation," she continued, returning her attention to him and the game board. "A bunch of people sign up to be victims, and anytime they see one of the med students, they gotta fake an injury or disease or something. For the next five days, it could happen at any time. Student with the highest success rate gets to work in med research for a week." Her voice got gradually lower with each word. The last phrase was barely audible.

"What?"

She waved him off. "If you see anyone who might be dying, just let me know."

Rory blinked, and without thinking, he looked over his shoulder, scanning the area behind him.

"Cut it out. It's annoying me," Kai said in a tone that was unlike the one he had used.

Rory glowered at her, and a thin smile spread across her face.

"Well, would you look at that!"

Rory's heart nearly leapt out of his chest as a loud, sharp voice rang in his ear. He looked to his left to see the face of Charlie.

Charlie cracked a grin. "Two little scientists playing their cute game."

Kai barely reacted. Rory, on the other hand, felt inclined to defend himself.

"Chess is an ancient game, dating back thousands of years. While simple in principle, many spend their lifetime trying to master it. Those who do are considered some of the best strategists in the world."

It was silent for a moment. Kai spoke up first.

"What are you gonna say to that, Charlie-boy?"

"Eh, whatever." Charlie pulled up a chair to their table and sat down, orienting himself so that his elbows rested on the back. He looked the two over and said with a chuckle, "You two are a lot more fun drunk."

"Sorry, bud," Kai muttered as she moved one of her pieces. "For the next five days, no booze, no drugs, none of your parties or any of that crap."

Charlie pouted.

"You do that sort of stuff?" Rory blurted.

Kai glared at him through half-closed lids, and Rory held his tongue. Charlie burst out laughing. He pulled his chair up closer to Rory and whispered in his ear, loud enough though for Kai to hear. His voice took on a formal tone, tinged with slight amusement and interest -- the kind you'd hear over an intercom or in a documentary.

"You see Rory when observing Kailea York in her natural state, there are several things you can note about her that will indicate how you should interact with her today."

Kai shifted her glare to Charlie who didn't even flinch as he continued.

"For one, notice the bags under her eyes. Sleepless night. Probably studying. Second, the bouncing of the leg. Nervous tick. She's in anticipation, trying to keep herself alert. Third-"