Awakening

Chapter 10 - The Hub (3/5)

I should tell her, Ameer thought as they passed the scanner at the entrance of the Hub. She deserves to know.

These thoughts had an annoying way to scratch at the back of his mind every time they were together--now more than ever. He knew she was about to leave. He knew her records and debt outstanding, and the acknowledgement of the lack of time twisted his stomach and pinched at his chest. He wanted her to be free, to get away from this life; but he also wanted her nearby.

The bar was full of life when they entered--it always was. Many familiar faces poked out of a Bev or a plate as he and Eelaya strolled to the center. Few gave him a faceless nod. Some grinned. He was not a notorious rebel nor a well-known miner. But he was a veteran of these quarters. Asheera was his home for most of his life.

Bal and the guys were supposed to be here. They were used to wait for Eelaya and him, and didn't want to stick their noses were it didn't belong. All except of Bal, who, wholeheartedly, always called them over the PeP.Net just in the middle of...

"Man," Bal said with a grin, shooting from his stool to greet them. "Ya always ignore me call."

"Ey boss," Plut said, gulping down on his Bev.

Cron just sat as he used to--cross armed and a serious stare on his grimace, nodding towards Ameer. He nodded back.

"Hey guys," Eelaya said. "What's..."

She froze. Ameer could sense her tense and become immobile for a moment.

He turned.