“Jackass,” I mumble.
Knox laughs loosely. “Not a fan of Spider?”
“I’d stab him in the throat if I got the chance!”
“Get in line,” Knox says. “Nobody likes him.”
“I wonder why,” I say.
“He’s not bad,” Knox says. “Just loud, obnoxious, and crass.”
“That’s a glowing review,” I say. “I can’t wait to braid friendship bracelets with him.”
Knox chuckles. “I’m surprised Ender stuck with his pick. Spider is unconventional. And you weren’t who I was expecting.”
“Yeah, a lowly Common,” I say, my voice edged with a bite.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Knox says gently. “You’re a good fighter, but you’re outmatched. Those recruits don’t like sharing space with someone like you. You have a target on your back.”
“They’ll have to get in line.”
“You’re going to be moved to the private rooms in Block A. I recommend keeping your door locked at all times. The others will be in the same wing. You’ll have to be careful.”
“Can’t I just stay in the dormitory in Block C?” I ask. “Around people I trust.”
Sora is my only friend here. I don’t know any of the other recruits, and I’m not fond of Ender’s friends. Except for Knox.
He shakes his head. “Our sessions run long. It’s easier this way.”
“Fine,” I grumble. “But can I eat at the mess hall?”
“If you don’t mind the walk. I’ll get you an access badge so you can move between the buildings,” he says. “And before I forget, I sent a contract to your tablet. I require a signature, in case of any liabilities.”
“Liabilities?”
“It protects us if you die.”
“And if I refuse?”
“That’s not an option.”
I grit my teeth and nod in acceptance. This contract makes no difference. Warrick would never come after them for killing me.
The medical wing is silent in a way that makes my skin itch. White light glares overhead, stark as a lightning strike. The space is clean and sterile. The girl I stabbed is sitting on one of the cots, glaring at me. Her cotton pants are sliced at the thigh, blood oozing from the wound like a leaking sap.
I ignore her as Knox guides me inside, his hand hovering near my elbow, in case I stumble.
He’s nice, I’ll give him that. I don’t know how he retains his humanity when he works so closely with Ender. He doesn’t have the psychotic glint in his eye like Spider, or the cold indifference Orion and Clover wear like armor.
An old woman with graying hair and a stern look in her eye approaches us.
“Training injury?”
“Define injury,” I mutter. “I think I’m dying.”
Knox gives my limp a pointed look. “She took a hit to the ribs, shoulder strain, and possible concussion.”
The medic sighs, waving me towards the empty bed. “Sit.”
