X-periment 5

The Hidden Recollection (might be altered)

         It's been 2 days since we left the Base. Jerry announced that we'd arrive at the Tent the following morning. I'd learn from Jerry, who after the incident with Xander wasn't the happiest person for the past 2 days,  that most of the men in the group weren't as old as I perceived them to be. Their ages ranged from 16-23. And each and every one of them made themselves useful to whatever their cause was. Yet, to them I was still seen as lethal despite my wound and extreme lack of sleep. I couldn't make myself useful amongst those who saw me as a threat. Practically everyone did and kept their distance. This caused me to think about how my life has gone before I'd even was taken.  You left willingly. You wanted answers, remember that.

     That was true, as much as I hadn't wanted to admit it. Whatever result I had apparently gotten back at the Base thought proved me useful to these people. That hadn't surprised me though. I knew I was good at what I do. Excelled in some components even. What had caught my attention was for the entire amount of time, I was calm. Back at the Institute,  never had I thought that if I were to be out and in this situation I would allow it to play out like it has. If anything, I would've done the complete opposite...

             "Well don't you seem concentrated on that tree."  a familiar voice said, interrupting my train of thought.

             "Yeah, well don't you seem seem to be more irritating than usual." I mutter as I look up to a smirking Xander. Over the past 2 days this is how our conversations would go, him trying to talk to me about anything and me just shrugging him off.

              "Well goldie-eyes you're going to have to talk to me at some point..."

   Rolling my eyes at his persistence and the loathing I had when he calls me anything but my name, I turn towards him.

               "Why is that?"

               "Because your going to be meeting my father. And that's why Jani is implicitly informing you of what you need to be aware of."

               "Wait whose Jani?"

At this, his smile curves more upward as if he was recalling a memory. Or keeping a secret.

               "Jani, oh that's what I call Jerry. Her real name's January. But that's besides the point." He stands before me now more hesitantly.

        I narrow my eyes. "What's the point then." He chuckles almost uncomfortably "I need you to help me with a favor."

        "No."

        "You didn't even give me a chance to tell you, be a little more open." I roll my eyes and sigh.  He clears his throat "Not now just right before we enter the Tent."

         I don't stop to ponder what he needs done but if it'll leave me to my thoughts I might as well agree. "Fine."

        Xander gives me one last smile before he abruptly ends our conversation with "Great and don't tell Jani!" And runs off.

                                                                         *          *          *

      3 hours later while I pass Jerry talking with another member of our group I overhear a snippet of their conversation that slightly interests me. I decide to listen or at least that's what I like to tell myself. I've been trained to always listen because if I stay silent I might learn more about those surrounding me than if I had joined the conversation.