Conniveo

Chapter XVIII: Velocity

"You could try to look a little more excited."

I ignored Father and tried to find a comfortable position in the chair of the Premium booth we had been provided with; a gift from Aris to his 'beloved mate's family'. The seats were not uncomfortable - they were designed to be of the best support. I felt my discomfort was self-generated. I had been told that Aris had made plans to meet me at Central when we arrived, and some pre-marital arrangements were to be made. I had done my best to look excited at the time; in attempt to mirror what I thought was the expected emotional response. But currently, I did not feel the need to feign any more emotions. I navigated through the endless array of entertainment options on the interface before me. But I knew that they would do little to ameliorate my current emotional state.

"Look at the broadcast on 309. Arye is in an interview!" Mother was excited again. She had been excited for the most part of the journey, complimenting everything from the wider range of refreshments to the near-limitless entertainment brochure. I offered a weak smile and selected the cast number. Sure enough, Arye had been fitted with a headset and was answering the interviewer's questions.

"We have been informed that your sister was recently attacked by the invaders, right before they were captured. How is she faring?"

"She...she is in good health. She is still recuperating from the last attack and we are most fortunate that the arrest was made before any more damage was done."

"Would these events have any effect on your performance tonight?"

"Obviously not. I know that the legal committee would handle the issue responsibly."

"We look forward to watching you at the accelerant track. The competition is rather fierce this year. Amongst the racers is Acul Brinn, who finished ahead of you at the Anto games with a 0.04 lead. Do you have any concerns regarding your rematch at this tournament?"

"I accept a worthy challenge," Arye laughed. "We have all had time to train and there are other new Accelerons competing with us, so the results should be different. As we always say about the Silas's..."

"Expect the exceptional." The interviewer completed, laughing along. Arye's interview ended and another competitor was called for an interview. I switched off the screen and looked away from my parents, studying the wall beside me. I understood that I should happy for Arye; he was closer to achieving his dream of competing in the Silas Games next year. But somehow, I could not find the associated emotion. All my thoughts were on one thing.

Eugene.

After he appeared in my house, I had mixed feelings. I was glad that he had returned for it put an end to the thoughts that I may never see him again, especially after all the attempts made to arrest him. I was also afraid for the consequences of his return, as it had happened in front of my entire family. He was no longer a secret that was shared between Tari, the General and I. Everyone knew. The General's threat that I was going to become the most hated person in Ixor resounded in mind, adding to the fear I felt. And then everything else happened so quickly, from Arye restraining Greg to the interrogations with the Security man to Eugene's reappearance and arrest. And then the news was spread by the Security men who felt the need to exalt themselves in the eyes of the public. I was labelled the victim of another attack, and they were lauded for arriving in time to protect an innocent citizen. Father had refused to allow me participate in any interviews, stating to all that I was in a fragile state of mind and unwilling to relive the psychological trauma that came with being attacked by the otherworld invaders. And I allowed him do it. I could have done or said something in Eugene's defense, but I merely sat back and allowed him get arrested and taken to the High Threat Detention Facility.