Arvium

14: Game Center

Aella straightened and watched as the Founder came closer and closer. He stopped in front of her, and told his guards to give him some privacy. She waited as the man stepped next to her and looked out of the windows, nodding as he surveyed the view. The guards dispersed to different spots around the hallway, keeping an eye on them both.

The Founder did not turn to look at her when he spoke, his voice soft.

The guards can't hear him--or me. Aella looked out at the trees and flowers, feeling homesick for the greenhouse in Quadrant 56. "I've never seen anything like it."

The Founder chuckled. "The manufacturing quadrants are dull and gray, but yours was so far South you had snow, ice, and border struggles thrown into the mix. I admire every one of the citizens who choose to live in such conditions. They are the bravest of us all."

Aella nodded, her eyes watching the incinerator as the lid opened as a small wave of heat followed it.

"Call me Aexander," he said, turning to look at her.

Aella glanced up at him, her eyes taking in the emotionless black eyes that watched her. "What?"

He smiled, the effect unnerving when it didn't reach his eyes. "I don't want you to be afraid of me, Aella. I want all of my citizens to be able to speak what is on their mind and voice their differences. Speak whatever is on your mind. I promise you will not surprise me."

"I hate you," she whispered, feeling her body shake. "I saw one of your soldiers throw a grenade that killed the only family I've ever had. I am confused because a Trinity saved me." She stepped closer, her voice quivering. "I'm looking for someone to blame and you are the perfect candidate."

She stopped talking, her chest heaving when a guard pushed her back, using his arm to keep her from getting closer to the Founder.

He hung his head, nodding several times. He waved a hand and the guard stepped away.

Aella took a deep breath, crossing her arms as she watched him raise his head, his lips turning down into a frown.

"I prepared a worldwide tribute for your friends, and all those who lost their lives in the rebel attack," he said after a few seconds of silence. "It will air the first night of the Beta Game. I cannot hope for you to fully forgive me by doing such a small measure, but I hope in time I will be able to show you the depths of my commitment to United Earth and all of its citizens."

She sighed, turning her head away from him.

"How did you manage at the Facility?"

She turned to him, her eyebrow raising.

"Consulars are required to keep their emotions in check. You are clearly stronger and more vocal when you allow your emotions to influence you. You," he said, moving closer, a smile on his face, "are more fit to be a leader. I would have picked you for Advising instead."

"I managed, Founder." She frowned as he cleared his throat. "Aexander."

He nodded, turning his head when a guard appeared and whispered in his ear. "I'm sure you did," he said as he turned back to her. "Come. It's time we headed over to the Game Center now that the media has left with the players. You will ride with me." He offered his arm to her and smiled.

Aella smiled as well, and placed her hand on his arm, following him through the doors and to the right. They exited the lobby into a docking station, a sleek, golden car waiting for them. She followed the guards onto the car, and took a seat next to the door, across from the seat the Founder chose. The guards stationed themselves in the seats surrounding them, several of them checking their handheld pads.