There are two of them. One in the corner near the ceiling, and another disguised within a potted plant. This place is a holding cell with better furnishings.
I limp to the bed and sit, the mattress barely giving under my weight. I set my pistols on the windowsill and unstrap my blades, keeping them within close reach. Even if I engage the lock, I know that someone with the right access badge could enter the room at any moment. Or worse, the recruits could attempt to hack it if they are clever enough.
Private room or not, one thing is clear. Block A isn’t any safer.
I’m going to have to learn to survive this place or risk losing everything.
I arrive at the mess hall before dinner ends. The food is tasteless and dry. I almost regret not eating in Block A, but I can’t bear the idea of being stuck with the others. At least Aric and Rei won’t come here now that they have been transferred. Apparently, there is a decent chef at Block A. One who makes protein-rich,ediblemeals.
Sora straightens, waving to me eagerly.
“Where did you go?” she asks. “You were gone all day. I asked the sergeants, and they said you were reassigned. I figured that was code for ‘you’re dead’. I’ve been freaking out.”
“I’m fine,” I say. “And I did get reassigned.” I hesitate. “I can’t talk about it. They made me sign a ten-page contract—shit, I probably shouldn’t have mentioned that either.”
“It’s okay,” Sora says. “I understand. I’m glad you’re okay.”
Her eyes are clouded with worry. She can see the bruises and cuts on me. I’m in a short-sleeve shirt; wearing a jacket was too taxing on me. I have my main gun, Sullivan’s gift, and that’s it. I left the rest of my weapons behind. My clothes fit better and mold to my body. It’s all black. No more of that oversized brown uniform.
I hate that I can’t talk to her about what I went through. I need to bitch about Aric and Rei to someone, but I can’t tell the one person I trust. I can’t even confide in my sister. Ender is keeping her from me, guarding her like a prize jewel.
I wonder if he likes her and worries that I’ll corrupt her. I almost laugh at the thought of Ender Vale falling in love.
“I miss my sister,” I say with a deep sigh.
“You have a sister?” Sora asks.
I nod. “A twin.”
“Identical?”
“Yup.”
“That’s so cool,” she says. “I’d love to have an identical twin.”
“It’s great now, but when we were kids, we hated each other. My mom couldn’t keep us apart,” I say with a faint smile. “My sister always had an insult on her tongue, and I always met her with my fists.”
Sora chuckles. “That sounds about right.”
“Hey, I’m not a violent person!” I exclaim. “She just really pushed my buttons.”
I yawn, stretching my arms. Training starts before sunrise, and if I want any chance of waking up to my alarm, I have to sleep now.
“I’ll see you at lunch and dinner,” I say.
Breakfast would have to be an apple. I’d rather sleep in than waste time sitting around and eating.
“See you,” Sora says. “And, Mercy, be careful.”
She knows that wherever I’ve been moved to can’t be good. Nothing in the Forge ever is.
I nod. “I will.”
I won’t let this place break me. I refuse to give Ender Vale the satisfaction.
chapter
twelve
