C0NV3RG3 (Sequel to M3RG3)

Chapter 12

Wednesday

Arista

My hands easily removed all the dummy's glass shards, sanitizing its wounds and threading them closed with ease. Lyla was truly smart, but what she lacked was confidence, leaving her undetermined and uncertain. However, utilizing information and applying it was second nature to me, so combined with Lyla's knowledge, Astrid would make an excellent doctor.

"That's quite a neat job," Rebecca commented, taking notes on her Tabloid. "Bonus points for your Medical grade."

"Thanks." I started, then leaned slightly closer to Rebecca. "How did you know about the Doctor and his past?"

"What do you mean?" Her tone was confused and puzzled, but her eyes were sparkling.

"You didn't send me there to do random credit work," I accused. "You sent me there for a reason."

I could feel dozens of eyes on me. However, the two of us continued staring at each other, unfazed by the attention. Finally, Rebecca relented, clapping her hands to dismiss everyone else. "We'll talk after class."

When class was finally over, I shoved the Tabloid into my duffel bag and followed Rebecca to her room. The decor was strikingly similar, with polished floors, ironed sheets and fluffed pillows. For a city of such high disparity, providing equal luxury to professors and students was simply ironic.

"This room is camera free, so no one will hear anything." She crossed her arms and legs, almost slouching in her armchair. "So, what did you just say, Arista?"

My back immediately stiffened at the sound of my name. There was no mask to cover my surprise or shock. For the past two months, I had always been Astrid. Calling me by my old name gave it a unique ring, that it was only directed to me, not to Lyla or Natasha.

"I want you to answer my question," I stated. If she were to be unprofessional, then there was no point to be polite and indirect.

"Obviously, when I knew about the Doctor, he was still alive. He was quite popular back then. Funny how people forget about him so quickly." She carefully poured herself a cup of tea, then offered one to me. "Want some? Lavender tea reduces inflammation."

"Say his name." If she was going to have an idle conversation while sipping lavender tea, then I could too.

"Anthony," She smiled wryly. "The legendary doctor who placed your life in front of his, daughter of Teresa."

The way Rebecca said 'daughter of Teresa' told me enough. "Says the infiltrate who is having lavender tea with me right now."

She cocked her head, her lips pulling up to a smirk. "What gave it away?"

"Anthony would have a similar reaction to yours, given the same situation," I replied, my tone even as if we were talking about the sunny weather instead of the Revolution.

"I assume that you are trying to contact the Revolution. I'm not surprised, really. Unfortunately, I don't have this information, but I'm sure you have it. Otherwise, Anthony wouldn't have died so peacefully." She fixed her glasses to the bridge of her nose before taking another sip of tea.

"You're not helping here." I glared at her, my fingers tapping impatiently against the porcelain cup.

"Just continue with your research and you'll find it eventually." Her eyes then strayed towards my duffel bag. "On second thought, you don't need to look for it for that long. It's right in front of you."

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I swiped across Anthony's Tabloid, the weight of it surprisingly heavy. Tabloids were supposed to be extremely light and portable, but Anthony's was twice as heavy compared to mine. There were a few scratches and dents, but the metal case still gleamed under the light, the screen glossy.