Page 35 of Forged in Deception

As soon as the man caught Asher looking at him, however, he grabbed a couple of empty tea mugs and shuffled into the kitchen. Weird. Was he simply interested in a little drama to brighten up a mundane morning, or was there some other reason he cared what they were doing?

“I’m not interested in trying to preach at anybody or judge anybody,” Destiny said, looking slightly pained. “It’s just–I didn’t know, that’s all, and now I’m in a weird position.”

Paul finally spoke. “I agree, Doc. I don’t like none of this New Age stuff. I came here to take part in scientific medical research, nothing more.”

Once again, Asher felt his own personal convictions warring with the demands of his profession. He wanted to speak up in defense of Destiny and Paul, but he also had to stay under the radar as much as possible.

Fortunately, Lily intervened before he was forced to make a decision.

“I don’t think there’s any reason for this to become a point of conflict,” she said, reaching over and patting Destiny’s shoulder. “I don’t think anyone here disagrees with Cora that group unity matters–”

She paused for a moment, giving everyone a moment to nod in agreement.

“–but I don’t think that pushing anyone to do something they’re uncomfortable with is going to do anything but make their DX8 journey more stressful. And if a couple of people in our group are stressed, it’s going to rub off on everyone else.”

“That’s a good point, I guess,” Cora said, crossing her arms over her chest. She didn’t look entirely convinced.

“I should have made it clear to everyone that yoga and meditation were going to be included,” Karlin added. “I apologize. I don’t want to force anyone into doing anything they didn’t really get a chance to consent to ahead of time.”

Bajwa nodded. “We will take everyone’s feedback into consideration for the next retreat. In the meantime, it’s my job to balance everyone’s interests for the good of the whole.”

“So what do you suggest?” Cora asked.

Bajwa paused for a moment, scratching at his chin with a fingertip. “I do think everyone should stick together, but anyone who isn’t comfortable joining in with the yoga or meditation sessions may simply sit quietly, read, or pray on their own if that would be helpful to them. Any objections?”

Everyone but Cora shook their heads immediately. She rolled her eyes again before finally acquiescing.

Asher was in no place to argue, but he struggled to hide his annoyance at being forced to join in. Sitting in silence for most of the day sounded insanely boring. Furthermore, he was losing what would have been a prime opportunity to snoop around, or better yet, to talk with Karlin before the DX8 session began.

He followed the others as they headed outside. Cora pushed her way to the front of the group and started talking to Bajwa and Karlin. He was curious to know if she was still complaining, but he found himself hemmed in by Lily, Paul, and Destiny before he could find out.

“Thank you for sticking up for us back there,” Destiny said, giving the older woman a bright smile. “I really don’t like to rock the boat, but I have to listen to my conscience.”

“Totally, man,” Asher said, nodding. “Follow your heart and all that.”

He cringed. He hated that advice, but it had been the first thing that popped into his head.

“I really hope yoga is the last of it,” Paul added. “If they try to get me readin’ tarot cards or touchin’ crystals, I’m going home.”

Destiny nodded. “Same here. The idea of taking DX8 has challenged my faith enough. I don’t want to worry about anything else.”

“I guess I haven’t had to think about it in those terms, myself,” Lily said with a smile. “I’m not really religious. But I do think a lot of the hippie stuff is kinda silly.”

Asher chuckled. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Lily, but you kinda look like you’dloveall the hippie stuff.”

She reached over and swatted him playfully on the bicep. “Oh, hush. I like the seventies style. Just not the drug obsession. Or the free love.”

Asher made a face. He didn’t think Lily was old enough to have been involved in the party scene during that era, but still.

Ew.

Not an image he needed in his head.

At that moment, he noticed that Karlin had hung back a little from Bajwa and Cora. Clearly, he wasn’t going to get to speak to her alone before tonight, but he’d take what he could get. Asher sauntered up to her, catching her gaze.

“Hey, Ms. Kenna?”

The rest of the group was still close enough to hear him, so he couldn’t say much. “Can I trust you to keep me safe on DX8 tonight?”

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