C0NV3RG3 (Sequel to M3RG3)

Chapter 24

Sunday

"This is a self-study lesson, so feel free to do whatever you want. Also, a word with Astrid, please," Rebecca started, meeting my gaze.

I rose from my seat, duffel bag in hand as I followed Rebecca's audible 'click clicks' on the marble floor. She never spared a glance at me, and neither did I, my eyes flickering from the glass paned walls to the shiny marble flooring.

"Now we wait," She whispered.

"Wait for what?" I asked, my voice bouncing across the empty corridor.

"Pretend we are having a pleasant conversation." She said abruptly, plastering on a signature Republican smile: Pearly teeth, lips painfully stretched wide. "So, Astrid, how are your lessons going?"

"They're going well." I said pleasantly, forcing a small grin. "Warwick says I'm extremely focused during his classes."

"Well, that's very nice to hear. How about Terence?" She continued, her eyes flitting towards a corner of the wall.

"He's a nice teacher, but sometimes his lessons are a little bland." I replied, wringing my hands.

"Hmm," She mused. "Well, the Republic has asked me to contact you and Magnus. They are looking forward to discussing some errands between you two. Something about a 'miscommunication'."

I instantly stiffened, but she mouthed, "Keep going."

"Well- I- You see-"

"Rebecca, there you are!" Magnus interrupted. "I was about to ask you for some advice on my reflective essay."

"What on the essay?" She steadily turned towards him, her posture surprisingly relaxed.

"I- Well- It's..." He managed a sheepish smile. "On the... grammar?"

"I find it hilarious that all Merged members are horrible liars. How much does he know?" She turned back towards me, studying her fingernails with utmost disinterest.

"Enough that he didn't freak out. Yet." I said, side-eyeing Magnus. "But he's still quite clueless."

She flipped over her Tabloid. A holographic note glowed on top of it. Take him to the next meeting.

I swiped her note away, using my finger to write on top of the sensor. Are you sure? They didn't like him before.

You mean Kyle? She wrote in her slanted handwriting.

Yeah. I replied.

"In my office. Now." She demanded, pushing up her spectacles.

"Are we in trouble?" Magnus whispered, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

"I don't think so," I replied.

Rebecca took the lead. However, she suddenly stopped. A holographic note was held between her hands. Wait.

"Rebecca, what a pleasant surprise." My feet halted. I could recognize that voice anywhere.

"William." She greeted him curtly.

"I see you brought your students with you. Astrid and Magnus, right?" He asked, studying us with feigned interest. "You have your sister's- Well, adopted sister's hair, Astrid."

"I don't-" I started, then bit on my lip. "Thank you."

"Rebecca told me how well you performed in your latest simulation. Too bad the glitch deleted it." He sighed. For a second, I thought he was genuinely disappointed. "Our technology is very impeccable, so it's rare for glitches to occur. At least this will be a challenge for the Techs. They're fixing the problem now as we speak."