Page 9 of N8
“Night, Cydney.”
She opened the restraining door where, at the end of the short inner corridor, he saw the sign that saidDECONTAMINATION AREA, and an arrow pointing to the right. He waited until the door fully closed with a firm click before heading for his own quarters.
They were all gathered in K8’s room where four of them were sitting at her kitchen table and playing cards. G8 was the only one not present.
“Where’s G8?” he inquired.
“In the bathroom, peeling himself,” T8 answered. Facing F8, he demanded, “Give me your threes.”
“Go Fish,” she told him, then laid down her cards. “Well?”
N8 dropped onto the sofa and stretched his long legs out in front of him. “It’s done. I’ve assimilated with her.”
“Oh, goody!” K8 exclaimed. They all placed their cards on the table and came over to join him.
“Any problems?” T8 asked.
N8 shook his head. “Naw. But, guys, I’m beginning to feel like a first-class jerk for doing it.”
“Why?” F8 softly questioned.
“I feel like I’m using her. Oh, by the way, thanks for the warning.” He patted his chest by way of explanation.
The young woman smiled. “I thought you needed to know her badge was still functioning.” She pointed above their heads. “P8’s got the audio cloaked here, so all they have feeding to them is the video.”
He smiled in relief. It was good to know.
T8 gave F8 a curious look. “When did you warn him?”
N8 explained. “It was when you guys were leaving the gym. F8 was inviting us over here when she gave me the signal and tapped her chest to let me know.”
G8 emerged from the bathroom looking a bit like a human zebra. “Well, it’s official. I’ll be darker-skinned this next time. Hey, N8, I was wondering what you thought we might discover when your other half returns.”
He shrugged. “I haven’t the foggiest, but one thing’s for certain. I think we’re going to be in for a big surprise.”
“What makes you say that?” T8 pressed.
“Too many things aren’t adding up. We’ve suspected for a long time that they’re hiding something from us. I’m betting it’s a biggie, considering how much pressure they’re putting on Cydney. It would also explain why assistants come and go so frequently. I don’t think it has anything to do with promotions, like we’ve been told.”
“Hear, hear. I agree with you one hundred percent,” G8 voiced.
“Frankly, I’m dying to know what A Block is like,” K8 commented. “Do you think it’s anything like C Block here?”
G8 answered her. “Who knows?”
F8 sighed loudly. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see how the others live? I’d love to travel to A Block, or to D Block where the gardens are located. Wouldn’t you love to dig your hands into real dirt, and smell the flowers? Or pick a piece of fruit right off one of the trees and eat it right there?”
No one answered her. They all had their own wishful visions of what those experiences would be like. After another moment or two, K8 got up from the sofa and ventured into the kitchen to fetch them drinks.
“Are you going to see her again? In a dating sort of way?” G8 queried.
“I’ll find out tomorrow. If she hands me my assignment, it’ll mean we can. A no is her placing it on my desk.” He grinned. “One way or another, I’ll make sure to make contact. I got a whole other me to reassume, and I can’t wait to find out what I’ve discovered.”
6L8
She was beginningto detest this whole thing. More than that, she was beginning to despise herself. For her weakness. For selling out N8 and the others. And most of all, for betraying his trust.
She was literally caught between the proverbial rock and hard place. She sincerely wanted to get to know N8 better, including the others. And, in a way, she was happy to know she was being allowed to do that.
