They were supposed to write a paper on an important issue and create a presentation but it’s not like they liked each other enough to be together. The agreed to work at Veronica’s house since her siblings would be out and they wouldn’t bother them while they were working.
Veronica was semi-nervous though, which was weird because she never liked the girl anyways. She thought it was probably because she didn’t want to be caught hanging around her.
“That’s probably it,” she thought aloud. “Just make it quick and you’ll be fine.”
The doorbell rang and she jumped. “That was weird. Why am I so jumpy? Why am I still talking to myself is a better question.” She shook her head and opened the door.
Sure enough, Talia was there in her usual get-up: white t-shirt, her fabric sleeved leather jacket, loose skinny jeans, blue Valado sneakers, and a black snapback with a tribal print bill.
“’Sup,” greeted Talia, “You ready to write this thing or what?”
“As long as we get an A, then I won’t feel like I got a shitty partner.” answered Veronica.
“Likewise.” Talia strode in and took off her shoes. Veronica raised a brow at her actions. She sensed her host’s discomfort. “What?” Talia asked.
Veronica shrugged her shoulders. “Nothing just you don’t have to take off your shoes.”
“Force of habit. Besides, I’ll carry them with me in case your fam comes home.”
She smiled at the odd gesture. At least she shared the same sentiment as her…
II
They sat in Veronica’s room getting their note cards and articles out. Veronica started up her computer and logged into her session to access word. It had been on standby mode so her session from last night was there. Including her web browser. She minimized Tumblr before Talia could see
“So, I’ve been doing some research on some topics and I think that maybe we could work something about LGBTQ rights.” Talia suggested.
Veronica’s heart skipped a beat for some reason. She was surprised that the leader of the hip-hop group Flux Capacitor wanted do a project on something that was pretty opposite of her genre.
“Why? Not against it but why?” She asked curiously.
“Come on don’t pretend like you haven’t heard it around our school. People going left and right saying they’re gay for attention or acting rebellious. And then the people who call each other faggots like they aren’t hurting someone who really is.”
“Says the person who doesn’t give a shit if they’re called a faggot.”
“I don’t care because I am.”
Silence. Talia looked away as if she had let out some huge secret.
“Aren’t you though? People at school say you dated a girl.”
“Funny you listen to heresy, girly. Didn’t think you were the type.”
“Selective hearing gets you somewhere with a gossipy bitch.”
“You mean Icky Vicky?”
Veronica started to giggle. “Oh my god, do people still call her that?” she asked.
“Malina calls her that still.” Talia laughed. “I mean it fits her.”
“Wasn’t it your sister who started that?”
Talia rolled her eyes playfully. “Yup. Beginning of ninth grade, she had a class with a whole bunch of upperclassmen and Vicky’s crush was in it. Said she was icky because liked to get sticky back in eighth grade and got herpes or something. Spread like wildfire and stuck with her still.”
“Didn’t stop Darius though.” Veronica snickered. “He said if she really did have herpes and liked to get sticky, she’d have cold sores. Pissed her off so decently. But they fell in love.”
They laughed. Talia shook her head and smiled.
“But in reality, I’m pansexual.”
“Seriously?” Veronica blurted out. Talia raised a brow. Now she didn’t know how to recover from that one. “Um, well…”
“Can I ask you a question?” asked Talia.
“Uh sure.”
“Are you bi?”
“Who told you that? Was it Hiro?”
“No. You did though.” Talia started to frown. “Wow that didn’t feel satisfying. That was mean.”
“No. This is mean.” She rushed in and kissed her.
Talia was shocked, but at the same time excited and warm. Pretty damn warm, she thought. She deepened the kiss and started to cradle her and soon they were in each other’s arms until Talia pulled away.
They were both blushing and giggling like idiots and avoiding eye contact.
“Well then,” Talia shook her head, “that was kinda mean. Pretty rude.”
“Trust me,” Veronica said finally, “me being rude is a whole different thing.”
“Do you wanna be rude now or later?”
“We won’t have enough time to finish our project if I keep on being rude to you. Besides, we’ve already wasted enough time being mean. Let’s finish our work and be mean to each other later on.” Veronica winked, which made Talia flash red.
“Fine. I have a few choice words for you anyways girly.” Talia smiled and picked up her notes.
The minute we’re fully charged, they send us back to the Basement and experiment on us. They do all sorts of experiments on us. Overcharging, kinetics, and sometimes dissection if they feel the need to be handy.
Most of the experiments they do on me involve overcharging and kinetics since I’m so hyper when I’m fully charged. Right now, I’m at half battery. My depression is starting to kick in right now. I’m not anxious, I’m just moody. I used have panic attacks when I reached lower levels and that cost me dearly in certain situations.
Someone had a panic attack yesterday and I had to calm them down before the guards got to her. Someone snitched though and now we are currently in isolation. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t care, but I am in a maximum security prison so it’s sticky and as one Chaos put it “awkward.” He seemed to know a thing or two about awkward situations. He was kinda awkward when I met him. His brother wasn’t all that awkward and he helped his twin ease into the conversation.
I forgot their names. I know they start with an A –
Suddenly I hear the locks opening and the door slides open. Everything in the prison sub level is low tech since Phasers can still harness energy from technology. The metal is resistant to our powers so we can’t slice the locks open.
I stood up like usual, and let the guard check my shackles and my collar. The collar is electronic but it doesn’t emit any energy and it hinders my absorption ability. I guess I’m going to the shrink again since I’m at that stage again but a lot sooner than I expected.
The guard guides me into the elevator and we travel to sublevel 7. Funny how the least painful part about being here is my lucky number. Funny how this is my 7th time landing in a hell hole like this. But… this is the first time I’ve every entered the famous National Sanctuary: the state-of-the-art maximum security prison pen for the genetically challenged/advanced humans. Human… I laugh at that.
I’m not fucking human.
I never was.
I was always a living lightning rod.
We finally arrived into her office. Dr. Mai (Pronounced my) Loretta (yes that is seriously her name). She received her Ph.D. in genetic psychology so she’s more than qualified to deal with phasers, chaotics, and shields. She finds me fascinating. She’s short and thin and, much like me, has a lot of energy. Today though, I’d rather not absorb her energy. It might make me sick to my stomach with jealousy.
I sat down on the loveseat and looked around the room. Same as usual. Lavender colored walls covered with motivational posters and protocol. Every inch of her mahogany desk was covered in papers and reports. I guess its okay. It’s decent for a billion dollar facility. But then again, I’m a phaser. It’s not supposed to be flashy.
She walked in finally and I stood and bowed as custom. She told me to sit and she excused the guard.
“So,” she began as she flipped through my file, “how is my favorite phaser doing?”
I rolled my eyes. “If it’s all good with you, I’m not in the mood for peppy bullshit.”
Her smile faded. “I figured as much. I’ve been monitoring your vitals and it seems like your dopamine levels have gone down again. A little too quick this time if you ask me.”
“Really?” I gasped, “What gave it away?”
Her face was neutral. Nobody appreciates my sarcasm around here.
She sighed. “I know that depression is normal when your energy is low but this is a bit concerning –”
“For you or your sadistic superiors? Because last time I checked, the only people that matter are the people that deem me a menace to society!”
I looked up. There was hurt in her face. This is the part where I start feeling bad for her even though she works for the very entity that would rather put me through an “accident” rather than let me waste away naturally.
“I’m sorry.” I apologized.
“It’s okay, Ma.” She answered. “I already hear enough death threats and anger a day so it’s not that bad when you lash out.”
Fuck. Why she had to do me like that? I’m already mad depressed enough.
“Anyways,” she shifted in her seat, “I’ll recommend that you cannot go beyond the next phase of testing this week and that you get sunned immediately. My superior would be awfully mad if I gave him a test subject that cannot perform well.”
“Provided I’m going to be the control.” I muttered.
“You’re the best control that this organization has obtained. I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t use you in another group.”
Keep telling yourself that, bitch.
“Besides that, yesterday’s incident caused a bit of a stir don’t you think?”
Oh god she wants to talk about that. “Um which part: the part where I try to calm a phaser panic attack, the part where I’m put in isolation because I Shared, or the part where I tried to kill myself last night because of all of that?”
Her silence said all of the above.
“Well I don’t want to talk about my suicide, but I will say I had to Share with her. She went through an overload experiment and she was going burst if I didn’t do that.”
“It’s against the rules.”
“Did you want 26 test subjects to die from a burst like that? Most of them probably couldn’t even swallow more than 25 volts in their body. I couldn’t stand by and let everyone get hurt.”
She tapped her pen against her tablet. She’s knows I’m not wrong. Phasers are rare, but they cause a hell of a lot of trouble when they are maturing. That many subjects dying, logistically, would be a catastrophe.
“I understand,” she agreed, “but you are our star subject. We can’t contaminate you with other energies, especially during transportation. Yesterday’s catastrophe was because our team was short staffed. For the next two weeks, we will be keeping you in isolation indefinitely. I’m sorry but we can’t trust that the collar will suppress your absorption.”
My body felt cold. I couldn’t believe this. I’ve only been here for two months and now I’m about to become an anti-social fuck. I really hate this place.
“Are you okay?”
I looked at her. Rage and heat started to flow within me. “Okay?” I answered vengefully, “You just told me that you’re going to isolate me and I’ve only been here two months. Two fucking months! And now I’m being out in time out for doing the right thing? This is bullshit!”
“Ma please calm down or I will –”
“Use force?” I laughed. “You don’t have the balls to do that. I, on the other hand, am in that kind of mood.”
Somehow I was able to summon some energy I had saved up and slashed it across the room. She ducked in time and it mashed up the cabinets in the back. I started feeling weak. I guess that was too much because I didn’t feel any tranq darts in me. My vision was a bit blurry. Then I felt a force ram into my body and I was on the ground, tackled by my escort.
I guess that was too much commotion for them. Something sticked me in my stomach and I felt even more fatigued.
There’s the tranquilizer serum… damn that shit works fast… Come on Ma, you gotta… you gotta fight it… don’t let it take over your mind.
“… excessive to the very least…” I could hear Doc getting hysterical
“It’s… I don’t care what… It needs to be contained!” said a guard… I think…
“… refer to her as an object. She’s a human being, not a piece of shit!”
Nice analogy, there’s only one problem with that statement Doc…
“… ‘she’ is property of the state. Therefore, we can treat her however we…”
I’m…
“Not like this.”
Not…
“I don’t have time for this!”
Fucking…
“Shoot me then if that will please you.”
Human!
Silence. “Maybe I will.”
Never have been.
A gun shot rang.
Never will be.
“Get this dead cunt out of my site, and prepare the fresh meat for Overdrive!”
I found something for random alien names/species generators.
Here's a few I generated
Species: Syai'hi
Home-World: Amerath IV
Description: A race of small flying reptiles with large fangs and a deadly venomous bite. They are extremely hostile towards all species but their own. They have an extremely low-tech civilization and do not build their own starships, but they have been known to hitchhike on alien trading vessels. Their society is organized into several religious factions, each ruled by either a high priestess or a council of religious elders. Some religious groups actively promote the ritual killing of other life forms.
Alien Name 1: Hexiklen
Alien Name 2: Tusher
Alien Name 3: Khrelub
Species: Skortrokan
Home-World: Ariana VI
Description: A race of humanoid aliens with bony ridges on their heads and large resonating chambers on the back of their heads, through which they speak. They feel no pain and are immune to the effects of radiation.
Species: Borranorg
Home-World: Arawath V
Description: A race of hermaphrodites with extremely sharp teeth. The atmosphere of their planet has become toxic due to centuries of war and pollution. The rich now live inside large bio-domes, safe from the deadly effects of breathing the atmosphere, while the poor are forced to live outside. Their home-world is a frozen wasteland of ice and snow, and they can only survive in a thin temperate region around the equator.
Here's a list of a few of them (They're all under the same site if you didn't notice):
Nirvana Chronicles: There's Not Much Difference Between Us is There...?
“Well what do you think?” Asked the handler.
“It feels like I’m in some sort of dream. But everyone looks like us but they’re just really, really-,”
“Tall?”
“Hey you want some?” Motor turned around and saw Sutton offering him some sticks covered in purple and crunchy covered chocolate snack.
“Uhh, I dunno I mean-,” He wanted to turn it down but his handler was urging him not to be rude and just take it.
Sutton frowned it’s not gonna harm you. It’s chocolate.” She clarified.
“You guys call it chocolate too?” He asked.
“I guess. Maybe that’s what it translates to…” She looked up at the roof of the station. This situation was new to her. Very few times she’s escorted Maverick Sages from smaller villages into Future City, just never an alien. “Anyways, as long as that thing is working you’re good.” She smiled at him.
Motor couldn’t put his finger on it, but he just very safe and happy around the alien girl. Maybe I won’t die here after all, he thought. The next mono rail to their destination arrived and they boarded. Sutton guided towards a seat to the doors and they sat down. The train took off slowly then took off in speed that made him lean into Sutton’s shoulder. She giggled.
“So,” said Motor. “There’s a lot I gotta ask about this place.”
“There’s no question I can’t answer,” She answered. “Well except for like classified stuff, but that stuff isn’t really all that important to your quest to assimilate and learn.”
“Okay then. So I’ve been hearing Maverick Sage and Maverick Hunter. What’s the difference?”
“What’s the difference between a Human and a Maverick?”
“You guys have powers.” He shrugged.
“That is where you are wrong, and that is the answer to your question.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I thought all Mavericks had powers.”
“Well sorry you’re wrong.” She folded her arms with a confident smile. Well he had to give her something: she was pretty sassy.
“Okay but how and why?” he asked finally.
“I dunno. It just happens I guess. At one point in our planets time, Sages and Hunters never interbreed and they never lived in the same area.”
“Were they segregated?”
She shook her head. “They just didn’t like each other. It’s like they never wanted anything to do with each other. I I’m pretty sure you’re familiar with another conflict on your former planet that was similar to our conflict. Anyways, eventually something happened somewhere in the gene pool and Hunter’s gave birth to sages and sages gave birth to hunters. Once both side realized this, they slowly started to inch toward each other. Then, they came.”
“Who’s ‘they’? Us?”
“No.” She said flatly. “I forgot the name of the race actually.”
“Targons.” Someone answered. They looked and saw it was only AJ.
Sutton pouted. “Thank you AJ. I thought you don’t like taking the mono rail from the dorms to school.”
“Roads closed,” answered AJ. “Plus I’m real tired today so I can’t really use my powers to fly so yeah, stuck on this thing. Funny kinda expected this thing to be crowded.”
“Well, technically this line go’s through the Hunter dorms.”
“I have a question before you go back to my history lesson.” Inquired Motor.
“You’re wondering why they still have separate dorms if the conflict is over.” Said AJ. Motor blinked at him. “I didn’t even need to use my powers to guess that one.”
“Clairvoyance?” Motor asked.
“That and telepathy and telekinesis.”
“Aren’t they the same?”
“No. Reading minds and lifting objects respectfully.”
“Impressive. So Why?”
“Ever heard of nature vs. nurture?”
“Yeah. A child is either already born with a personality or their personality is influenced by outside factors.”
“Precisely. In the case of nurture, some parents raise their kids to hate hunters rather than be nice. I mean we do have dorms where both
Nirvana Chronicles: Escape to Nirvana ((Incomplete Draft))...
"I think tonight is a great night for hover boarding." Said a Lieutenant.
"Not a chance Isamu." said the Captain.
"Why not Dragona?" asked Isamu.
"Why would even suggest that... Wait a second!" She pulled his ear and he let out a girly yelp.
"What'd you do that for Akuma?" He asked.
"I knew it," she exclaimed. "Vortex get out of your brother so I can kick your ass for real!"
"Or you could kick me in his body." He laughed. Suddenly his face went blank then he blinked. "Can you let go of me now Captain?" He yelped. Dragona let the poor boy go. He couldn't help feeling sorry when he and his brother switched bodies. Being as they are telepaths connected by blood and brains, she wasn't sure how to relate to the two.
"Why are we referring to each other by codename anyway Akuma?" Asked Vortex. "I feel more comfortable referring you as Sutty-chan."
"Or just Sutton. I prefer Sutton-chan over that." piped up Isamu.
"AJ. Leo. Shut up." said Sutton, already annoyed by their antics.
"I have found something!" Someone exclaimed.
Sutton rushed up to the top deck to find one of underlings using the telescope...
"What-what the hell Aliel!" She yelled. "How many freakin times have I told you not to shout unless it's important? You don't even have the telescope in the right freakin direction!"
Aliel knitted his brow. "Will you just chill for about five minutes? I'm keeping watch just I wanted to show you something. But you sound annoyed so I hold my peace." He turned back to the telescope.
She looked down the tower the looked up at the sky then at the telescope. No don't let him win. Don't let him win...
"It looks so cool and blue." He taunted.
"Out of my way jackass." She pushed him out of the way and peered through the looking glass. The telescope was pretty powerful for a standard issue. It was worth thousands of credits but it was pretty cool overall. At first she couldn't comprehend at what she was looking at. Then she realized what it was.
"That's Earth isn't it?" She asked finally.
"Yup," he answered. "Pretty sweet huh? I found the coordinates in the astronomy book at school and wrote them down. I have few more places to find but if you want me to go back to working-"
"No, no, it's fine." She answered. While Sutton was fond of Aliel a few years back, the only reason why she gave blys to him now was because 1) he's her best friend and 2) he always finds something interesting to do when they weren't working.
Sutton thought for a second. "Hey how powerful is the zoom on that thing?" She asked.
"I dunno but now that you say that..." Aliel fixed the zoom and zoomed in deeper into the atmosphere. So far he got clouds and the occasional bird. He pushed up his lip and moves the axis to look for land until he saw an island. It was lush and beautiful but it looked deserted. He moved even more around and saw no one. Not even on the main lands he couldn't find anything. Just animals but nothing complex.
"Well?" Sutton asked excitedly. "See anything amazing? Worth discovery?"
Aliel turned off the telescope "No. Just simple animals. Nothing amazing or extraordinary or whatever." He looked at her. She shrugged her shoulders. The two were fond of space travel in different ways. Aliel wished to go into space and stays awake the entire journey. Sutton preferred staying in stasis until they get there. She preferred dying in her sleep rather than in some terrible accident.
"Oh well," He sighed. "I guess they died or maybe left the planet."
Sutton choked up a laugh. Aliel knitted his brow.
"What's so funny captain?" he asked irritant.
"It's just," she giggled. "I've read up on humans for a project. The way I see it, even though I'm not completely underestimating their abilities to survive... Well maybe I am, but I think that the only chance humans have of staying alive, especially in space-"
"You think they died out. Just come out and say it you knucklehead. Why you gotta explain everything?"
"There are idiots about. Hush, hush child for I am going to take... a nap."
Aliel burst into laughter. "Captain, when you're done with Interpol, you should become a comedian."
She rolled her eyes. "Eh, if I ever make it that long. Then again my girl is waiting for me at home so I'll sit on it." She winked and waved goodbye.
He could never predict what his captain would do next but he did enjoy her company. He looked back into the telescope and reduced the zoom until he saw it: a ship entering the atmosphere at an increasing rate. He called back Sutton to inspect the craft. She confirmed it and ordered him to sound the alarm.
The high pitched whine of the alarm sounded and the two squads that occupied the base scrambled out of their dorms. The Runner Squad took their positions while Vector squad, full of rookies with far less experience and talent, struggled to find their positions.
"Alright!" Yelled Leo. "Get yer' asses out of bed! We got a live one here!"
"I want all of Runner Squad in the Navistar now." Ordered Sutton. "We have unidentified ship that is losing control and may hit the village nearby and possibly kill both parties if we don't slow that thing down!"
"Vector Squad," Leo caught their attention. "Evacuate that village. I want every last civilian out and on the hill.”
FOOD FOR LOVE: Excerpt from My New Novel, 'THE NEFTA COMPLEXITY/NIRVANA CHRONICLES' That Started This All
FOOD FOR LOVE: Excerpt from My New Novel, ‘THE NEFTA COMPLEXITY/NIRVANA CHRONICLES’ That Started This All
“…. Gloria sic transit!”
Classical music wafted from the distant stereo. An oboe solo sprang to his ear, from a passage by a woodwind ensemble, sparking speech.
“Like the music? Double-reeds have a primordial attraction – it’s in my genes, I think – that fascinate me… nearly as much as you do.” She did not respond visually to his remark.
“Well, thank you just the same.”
((I have so many drafts from my books that I want to post them. I even have the notecards for a draft of Nirvana Chronicles. The draft i'm talking about is actually my favorite because I got pretty far into it and the the story was formulating pretty well but I don't really want to finish it because the story lost direction for a little bit and I got pissed off at myself for thinking about it. I have some continuity issues in it so I'm only going to post the chapters I liked the best. As for the other story I started, I call it Chicken Paradise. The second chapter might be too long so I plan on trimming it down. For now though, 'll post the original uncut version. I have a few more pieces that I want to show, so be prepared. Plus I plan on asking a friend of mine very nicely if he would like to post some of his writings on this site so we can work together on a project for once.))
Alex woke up. She had no idea where she was. The room was nice looking but it lacked decoration but as she gathered herself she realized where she was.
"It's okay," said someone. "I'm a friend."
The voice was unfamiliar to her, although she could tell it was a female. It was soft and sweet and had a lot of energy to it.
"Are you a nurse?" Alex asked finally.
"No."
"Then why should I let you in?"
"I'm the girl that saved you and I'm a member of the Elite Guard."
Alex hesitated but told her she could come in. The door opened and Alex was stunned. She had skin as tan as milk chocolate with a long perfect face. Not a single blemish stood out although her tight uniform, outlining her hourglass figure, could be hiding scars or tattoos, or both, she thought playfully. Her lips were full of pink and liveliness and her eyes... they were dark brown orbs filled with brightness. She smiled with perfect pearly whites at her and Alex was taken aback by her aura.
"Hello," the girl bowed her head. "My name is Captain Sutton Enjeru-Akuma of the Sage Elite Guard squad Alpha Charlie Echo. I saw you falling from the Flagler Tower and caught you before you hit the pavement... Well, at least from the distance you intended. I came in too fast and I lost altitude. We landed in the park and you fell on your back, but your spinal cord is fine and you only banged your head a little but it's not a concussion."
Alex was stunned. "But... Why were you by Flagler? " She asked defensively. "Don't you have duties to the Council of Elders?"
"I do."
"So why were you there?"
"I was told to go to Flagler by Elder Talia. She said my mission would come fast so I have to react quickly."
Alex was stunned. "Th-Elder Talia sent you?"
"Problem?" She said quizzically.
It wouldn’t be a problem if someone like her asked her to find her, thought Alex. She knew that those in the Elite guard were close to the elders but hat made this officer so special… Unless…
Alex shifted in her bed. “Do you,” she hesitated, “do you know Elder Talia on a… personal basis?”
With that, Sutton blushed and looked away. “Well… She is the elder of my clan… and I am her protégé, so I guess yeah.”
“Oh,” Alex looked away, “I’m sorry. I’m not used to having conversations with people like this.”
“Like personal conversations?”
“A little.”
“It’s okay. I’m a good conversationalist so you have nothing to fear. Although, I do have to admit you’re making me nervous.”
Alex raised an eyebrow. “Like how nervous?”
“The nervous you get when you kind of like someone but you can’t pinpoint your feelings quite yet.”
Upon hearing this, Alex was as red as a fireball. Sutton didn’t look phased but her heartbeat was escalating. Suddenly, there was a knock.
“Who’s there?” Sutton bolted up like an attack dog ready to pounce.
“Don’t worry officer, its just me.” said the voice.
“Come in then.” She lowered to her seat as the door opened.
Another Sage entered. Sutton stood back up and bowed her head and addressed him. He was taller by a couple centimeters and had short, jet-black hair wiping to the right. While he has a large build, it was a bit on the lean side but he looked like he could take on a speeding carrier if he wanted to. He was decorated shoulder to shoulder with medals and ribbons over an identical suit.
She couldn’t exactly hear what they were saying, but her name came up multiple times. She leaned back but focused on their words.
“You want me to do what?” Sutton whispered loudly.
“She’s an excellent addition to the project.” He explained, “Besides her mom is okay with the whole thing. In fact she was happy that I offered.”
“She nearly committed suicide, Jack. She needs to be evaluated further before she can be an operator!”
“What! I didn’t say she was going to be an operator… the doctor said… I know she isn’t exactly stable but… but she has to stay with someone and the only person willing enough is you. She has excellent knowledge of the Maverick body as well as superior embalming skills. I’ve seen the tapes, she’s amazing.”
“Huh?” Sutton’s eyes widened in confusion, “Like doing autopsies and preserving bodies and stuff?”
“Yes Captain.”
Alex was embarrassed. This girl practically professed her love and now she’s going to be disgusted by her weird hobby.
“I mean I can’t say much since I handle stuff like this but… Fine, Jack. I’ll go with this, but if something goes wrong, I’m pulling her out. Not for my sake, but for hers.”
“Fair enough,” Jack turned on his heel and faced Alex, “Miss Alexandria Cane, my name Jack Hu and I have a proposition for you…”
II
“So this where you live?” Alex looked around the common area of the apartment and saw two doors on opposite ends of the room. “Who’s room is that?”
Sutton put down Alex’s bags and took a quick look at what she was talking about. “Oh that’s my partner’s room. Don’t worry, he won’t bite ya’ unless you turn him on.” Sutton giggled.
“Well I don’t really swing that way so yeah.” Alex brushed off the joke.
“Wait,” Sutton turned slowly, “you like girls only?”
“Problem?”
“No. Actually it might be.”
“For you?”
“No. For you.”
“How would that -,” the door cut her off as fast shadow tackled Sutton and pinned her down. Sutton fought back but it still had her. Alex panicked and used her powers to throw the shape of her. Just when she was about to strike, Sutton stopped her.
The figure groaned. A girl, who looked about the same height as Sutton, sat up and put her hands through her hair and looked at Alex with great confusion. She was wearing a white tank top that showed the upper lining of her green bra and blue shorts with tears in them. Her hair was long and somewhat straight but messy from her encounter.
“Jegus cripes, Diamond!” Sutton yelled. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
Diamond stood up and brushed her self off. “I thought you were Aliel.”
“Ya’ know, even though we both have short hair, mine is buzzed in the back.”
“Yeah I kinda’ figured I was wrong when I saw that but you didn’t have to throw me across the room like that!”
“That wasn’t me.”
They turned to Alex, then back at each other. Then Sutton realized something. “You a liar girly!”
“Huh?”
“I just got in and started talking to her. Your boyfriend keeps the volume for the common area up. You would’ve heard it was me anyways.”
Diamond’s smile widened. “Sorry, you’re too cute to have fun with.”
“Aw, thank you.” She kissed her on the cheek and signaled Alex to follow her. As Alex looked back, Diamond waved at her flirtatiously and walked away.
“So was that…”
“No.” Sutton answered abruptly. “She’s my partner’s girlfriend. She’s staying here for the next couple month’s until the Southern Bay waters slink back to the ocean.”
“Oh,” Alex looked down, “Why did you kiss her on the cheek?”
Sutton froze. “Um… It’s a bit complicated.”
“Like how complicated?”
“Well Diamond usually comes here when the area floods in, but when she’s at home she usually has sex with other girls and guys and Aliel has sex with other girls-,”
“Wait, it sounds like they’re cheating on each other though!”
Sutton furrowed her brow. “Do you know what a polyamorous relationship is?”
“No.”
Sutton looked to the clock and cringed. “Eh, I’d like to explain but I have to get you to orientation soon.” Sutton got her into the shower and got her dressed in her uniform. Alex wasn’t really feeling the suit but it was standard for everyone so it was okay. As they left the room, they ran into another operator.
“Aliel!” Sutton hissed.
He turned away as if he knew what was coming to him.
He sighed. “What?”
“Check your girl please.” Sutton pushed her out before Aliel started cussing at her to shut up. Alex didn't get a good look at him, but he looked like a convict straight out of prison.
“What was that all about?” Alex asked.
“Oh that he’s fine. He’ll get over it later but he’ll probably come to kill me again.”
III
They entered the medical area. It was as small as a clinic but had has much equipment as disease control. Sutton guided her to the office of the Chief Physician and knocked on the door.
“Come in, it’s open.” Said the Physician. They entered into an office laboratory. Sutton guided her through the mess of boxes of equipment.
“RJ?” Sutton called out.
“In the back, love!” he answered.
Something clattered and he cursed. They arrived in front of an EEG scanner. He stepped out from the side of the large machine and smiled. He walked up to her and gave her a hug. He was skinny and had chin length curly hair. He was tan and he had no cheeks. But he had a mustache that somewhat bothered her.
“So this is my new protégé?”
“She might teach you a thing or two. Alex this is our Chief Physician for Project Nexus, RJ Mahar.”
“I've heard of you before,” said Alex, “You're a prodigy and one of the youngest medical students ever recruited with to the Elite Sage Guard. I’ve read some of your work and I really am honored to work with you.”
“Pleasure is all mine. I’ll admit I’m a fan of your work as well. Precision and speed from someone as young as you, I feel very honored to meet you and I guess I owe it to Sutton for bringing you here.”
Alex blushed. She never felt so welcomed to be in such a place before. She felt like she was in a dream.
“Okay then,” Sutton back away, “I have to get to training with Ali, but make yourself comfortable Alex. And welcome to Project Nexus.” She walked out. She walked back in quickly. “Hey do want me to call someone to help you with that?”
“Please.”
“Alright bye.” She rushed out again.
RJ smiled at her. Alex smiled back. It was very awkward mostly because Alex didn't have Sutton to guide the conversation. RJ showed her around the lab and answered some of her questions. When the tour was done, he asked her if she had anymore questions.
“Yeah, and this'll be the last one: What is the purpose of Project Nexus?”
“That is a question I cannot answer at this time.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t have a clue. I was selected straight out of med school. They didn’t brief me or give me anything to study before hand. At least not yet.”
“But when they do?”
“We'll be the first to know. I have some gear I need to give you and brief you on some more protocol. They say I'm going to get a bigger team along with some operators with medical knowledge under their belt so we’re not alone on this don't worry.”
“Okay.”
“Oh yes, I almost forgot,” RJ turned back, “my superiors have instructed me to give you psych evals to make sure you're okay.”
Alex almost forgot about her obligation to staying, but he seemed pleasant as a superior, psychologist, and friend so she wasn't all too worried. All she had to do was survive and make sure she did her job.
