Fight or Flight [SAMPLE]

The Projection

The polished metal table glimmered under the light of the saelveh orb placed in its centre. With the lights turned low, the sphere bathed the murky room in a dull violet glow. He sat on a chair in front of the low table, arms crossed over his chest, an impatient scowl furrowing his brow.

She was late, as usual. They had arranged the meeting for hours before and yet he still sat waiting, growing more frustrated by the minute. Sometimes he wondered if she had any regard for his time, for his efforts.

With a grumble, he pushed himself up, rubbing the backs of his thighs where the unyielding metal had pressed his flesh. Throwing one last irritated glance over his shoulder at the orb, he stomped into the bedroom, his heavy boots thumping with every step. The bathroom door already stood open and he stared into the plate mirror.

The sun had set and his skin looked sallow and grey in the moonlight coming through the open window, but he didn’t move to turn on the lights. She would only be annoyed if she showed up to be immediately blinded. The window didn’t attract much of a breeze, even though the Veniche claimed that the heat was finally at its end.

He huffed and splashed some water onto his face, running his wet fingers through his hair. He wondered why he put himself through this. Every time it was the same. He never gained the confidence he had hoped for from their meeting. Doubtless this latest meeting would be no different.

From the living room, a jingle that reminded him of the Veniche travelling bells reached his ears, jolting him up from the basin. He hurried through the bedroom to be greeted by the sight of a woman standing in the middle of the room. She watched him expectantly, peering at him down her thin nose.

“You’re late,” he said, stepping around the door frame and circling the backs of the chairs.

“Yes, I’m sure I am.” She offered no explanation, nor any appearance of apology.

“Yet you called this meeting.”

“If you would like a full run-down of my day…”

She left the suggestion hanging in the air. When he didn’t answer, she snorted in derision and turned, taking a step away from him. He winced, looking away.

“Step to the left.”

She turned on her heel, glancing at him before looking down.

“Am I in the chair again?”

“The table.”

She took a careful step to the side, her shin sliding seamlessly through the polished metal. Placing her hands on her hips, she stared at him while the orb pulsed and shimmered, lilac and crystal-blue waves cresting over its surface.

“Well?”

“Well what?” he asked. “You contacted me, Olless.”

He met her lavender gaze and crossed his arms over his chest, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. She scowled at him.

“Because I thought you had information.”

He thought for a moment.

“It’s getting worse,” he said finally.

“What is?”

“Everything.”

“Are they moving forwards?”

“Not yet, but attacks are coming. Patrols have increased and there’s talk of revoking travel passes.”

Olless frowned and turned away from him again. Despite his warning, she walked straight through the table and the saelveh orb that created her appearance for their meeting. He winced at the sight but held his tongue. No matter how many times they met like this, he couldn’t get used to the way she moved through solid objects.