The Outsider (Outsider #1) ✔️

Chapter 31 : Amicus Curiae

As Dusk walked off the Parade Grounds dead tired, and somehow got into the Hover-Bus, her Sixth-Sense beeped with an "Urgent" tone. Dusk felt like ignoring that too. The Sargent was merciless today. Dusk had to run, actually run, at maximum speed, carrying a heavy gun and carrying a 15kg backpack while being chased by a bunch of cadets from another group. There was no option but to run fast because those other cadets were carrying long electric powered sticks called tasers. If those sticks touch you, it is very painful as a powerful jolt of eclectic current passes through you.

"Next week we are going to do forest run. If you think this is bad, next week you better fall sick" The Sargent bellowed. Even the military cadets were at the end of their stamina. She wondered what the kind of torture the next one will be.

However, she had to accept the connection because it was marked 'Urgent'. It was Susco on the line.

"Dusk, what the hell is happening? Where are you?"

Dusk didn't even open her eyes. "I am alive, thank you. This military training is murder."

The bus arrived at the Military Building and she got off, still talking as she dragged herself into the building.

"Look, did something happen on 7th Day last week?"

"What do you mean?" Dusk's heart was thumping. She wondered how Susco found out about the magical date with Luke.

"This morning, I have been summoned by the Dean. There is a request dated 7th Day last week, to grant an exemption to you for holding a consulting or board seat on some large tech companies. When did that happen? I thought Princess Rosemary wanted you to work on her thing as a student project. The exemption they are asking are completely different."

"Umm... Susco, I was working with the military team yesterday afternoon and then Luke came there with Princess Rosemary, that General from the party and 3 others from who were Princes. They liked what we had done but they removed Luke from all his military work saying he was useless and inefficient ... and they came up with some more things that I did not understand. But I think that Rosemary is taking over the project in her new company."

"Holy Spirit & Heavens! And you didn't tell me about this? Seriously?"

"Oh Shit! I was not supposed to tell anyone else about it. Anyway, I was confused by all that. I didn't remember. And then they were very mean to Luke. I was feeling bad for him and ..."

"And what?" Susco asked suspiciously.

"And to cheer him up, I agreed to go for dinner and dancing with him."

"Oh nice! Where did he take you?"

"Some ship that starts at a place called Richard Harbour Pier. It's a nice place. The dance floor is amazing, the food is superb. We must go there some time."

Susco struck out her tongue on the video and replied, "You must be mad. That dinner and dance for you and Luke would have cost him anywhere between $750 and $1,000. I am not going anywhere near that place. Either someone is celebrating, or it sets a new standard for 'upset'! ...Hold on a second! Who did you say was in that meeting? Because I find it strange that Princess Rosemary will allow Luke to be removed like that. They are very close. Have been from the time I was in the University. They used to even share the same apartment for some time."

Dusk lost some enthusiasm on hearing how close Luke and Rosemary were. She wondered if Luke had lied again. She tried to remember who all were in the meeting. Finally, she replied, "There was a guy called Louis. I remember him because he was giving me creepy looks. There was one called Drabert... I think they are related to Rosemary somehow...But I AM NOT SUPPOSED TO TELL YOU."