Panic attacked her a moment later, though it was less intense this time, thank the stars. Gemma managed to get her jumpsuit on and zipped before exiting her sleep chamber.Hopefully this will feel normal at some point.
“Congratulations,” their android instructor said. “All pairs successfully passed their second trial and will move on to the next round. Please enjoy the rest of your evening at your leisure.”
All six of them still fought the lingering anxiety upon waking, but there was definitely a sense of relief and accomplishment throughout the room. None of them had failed; their team was still together. And the more teammates, the more varied their strengths would be, and the closer Gemma would get to accomplishing her mission.Praise Illari.
Her calmed stare peered over at Christian and found him watching her. She offered him a small smile, which he returned in kind, a sudden intensity in his eyes, like he was seeing her for the first time.
An unfamiliar emotion settled in the pit of her stomach. He’d been so gentle and kind and unwaveringly steady.
Gemma grimaced as recognition hit her like a punch in the gut. She’d started having feelings for him, and at the absolute worst time possible.
She tore her gaze from his and hurried out of their testing room, anxious to grab her food and find a spot in one of the halls to eat alone. As she should’ve been doing from the start.
I won’t fail you, Nadine.
The next morning, Imara caught Gemma wandering to the hall with her plate of breakfast in her hands.
“What—you don’t want to sit with us anymore?” Imara snapped.
Gemma frowned, still facing away from her teammate. Eating supper alone had been both relaxing and lonely, though it definitely had put things into perspective: She needed to avoid getting emotionally close to those who might be the reason she failed.
Reymond had never includedHow to Shut Off Your Emotionsduring their training, and Gemma sensed her soul aching for friendship. She’d been so alone for the past three years; building camaraderie felt amazing. What would growing relationships between her teammates mean for her mission?
Yet, by alienating herself from them, she was also pushing away those who might help her win.
She sighed. She couldn’t hide herself away just because she was afraid.
Gemma faced Imara. “No, it’s not that. It was just nice to have quiet during dinner last night after that long day, and I wanted to relax before today’s tests. But maybe it would help to join you guysand strategize.”
Imara stared at her in a long, uncomfortable silence, like she was reading Gemma’s every thought. But then she smiled and nodded toward their table. “Come on. That’s a good idea.”
Relief washed over her as she joined her teammates.
“Strategizing” instead turned into another round of playful bickering between Hawk and Imara, leaving Gemma to avoid looking at Christian while Alfie gabbed, causing Colton to pinch the bridge of his nose and mumble he was “getting a headache.”
The doors to the cafeteria banged open, and the Kaizen marched in with her lieutenants. Neither Gemma nor her teammates jumped anymore; the captain’s expressive entry was now expected.
The room quieted in seconds.
“Listen up, babies,” the Kaizen began. “There are ten teams left, but it’s time to weed out the weak from the strong.” The androids, all identical, filed into the room. “When one of your teammate’s numbers is called, get off your asses and follow your instructor. Understood? Good.”
Gemma rolled her eyes. The woman was insufferable.
Teams began to hurry from the cafeteria, and then Hawk’s number was called. The six of them shadowed their android until it stopped outside a single white door.
Odd. She’d expected they’d return to their simulated environment. What did Rami have planned this time?
“You may enter,” the android said, and the door slid open.
A brightly lit room awaited them, with sofas and lounge chairs in a makeshift circle. In the center stood a small, round table, on which sat a black glass bowl, six strips of paper, and black felt-tips.
Gemma’s stomach sank. Reymond warned her this scenario might happen.
They were about to vote off a teammate.
“Você só pode estar de putaria,” Colton griped from behind Gemma. She didn’t need to know his language to understand he, too, knew what this test would be.
“Take a seat,” the android said. When everyone had done so, it continued. “Only teams of five may proceed from this moment. You must vote off a player. Good luck.”
