Project Lightning, page 6
He chuckles lightly before nodding and walks quickly over to the punching bags. His tight muscles smoothly glide through the air. A loud thump accompanies each strike on the bag. I feel my body warm as I watch his muscles bunch and extend. My heart beats faster and I swallow hard. My mind is swimming and I have no idea what I am feeling. I shake my head and make my way out of the gym.
Juliet is waiting outside my door. “Where did you go?”
“Warner wanted to make sure I was okay,” I say as I walk past her into my dorm.
“Okay? Why? What happened?” I look over at her and see she is serious. Did she not see what went down in the gym?
Realizing she is serious, I take a deep breath.“Oh, it was nothing. Havers just got a hair across his ass. He pushed me down during the obstacle course.” I grab my clothes for a quick shower.
“What! Why?” She leans against the doorframe. Her arms cross over her chest.
I shrug, “Apparently he blames me for getting bad marks on the inspection.” Of all the times she wants to talk, now is not a good one. We only have ten minutes left.
“Are you kidding me?” She throws her hands up in the air. Pacing around my room, I can see she is upset.
“Nope.” I keep it short because I really need to get moving. Nine minutes left.
“As if you would do that. I mean, it's not like you sabotaged his room.”
“Yeah, I know. That's what Sozanski said,” I reply casually but she catches it.
“Sozanski stood up for you?” Her brows climb her forehead. I can see a smile forming on her small face and I look at my watch again.
“Yeah. It was pretty cool,” I say with admiration. Confusion swarms within me. I like Sozanski. He is pretty to look at but he just doesn’t move me.
She smiles brightly. “Well, we better get moving.” She walks to my door. I take a deep breath and sigh as I look at my watch. Six minutes to go. I grab my clothes and move my way into the shower. Quickly washing my shoulder length hair, I step out. I don my army green fatigues and step out into the corridor.
Juliet is stepping out at the same time. I quickly knot my hair in a bun at the base of my scalp and ask.“What's your first evaluation?”
“Psychological.” My breath stills. Fear creeps through me as I think about what a top-secret military program would think about my lack of memories. Juliet looks at me sideways but I smile briefly. She shakes her head as we walk out of the dormitory. “What about you?”
“Technology. Good luck,” I say with a thumbs up.
She shrugs like it is no big deal and says, “You too.” Her nonchalant response makes me tense. She doesn’t seem worried. But I am. I think I am pretty good at technology. But what if I am not? What if I fail? My mind rushes through a million different scenarios and I feel panic slowly creep through my body. My hands tighten on clothes. No. I shake my head firmly. I can’t think that way. I am strong and capable. I can do this. I feel my pulse slow slightly and I know the panic is subsiding.
As I pass Warner's room, I smile slightly before continuing to the computer lab. Walking in, I see two other initiates standing around waiting. I exhale with relief when I notice Havers isn’t among them. I don’t think I could handle him right now.
An instructor enters the room. “Good morning. Please have a seat at one of the computer stations.” We all find a seat and look up at her for instructions. “At your station, you’ll find a binder. In each section of the binder are several projects. Each project has a different point value. The lowest point value is in the front and the highest is in the back. You will have 45 minutes to complete a project in one of the sections. Starting now.”
I open the binder and turn to the last page, finding a robotic automation script. As I look over the instructions, I realize a bunch of code is missing. I open up the corresponding file and get to work on repairing the code. Forty minutes in, I’ve finished the processes. The data is compiled and I recheck my work. The timer goes off and the instructor comes around to check our progress. She comes to my terminal, sits down and runs the process.
“Very good work, initiate,” she consults her clipboard to find my last name. Her eyes widen slightly and she glances over at me. “St. Pope.”
“Thank you ma'am.” I am curious as to why she paused when she saw my name. My parents had been here. But her face didn’t look good. It had gone ashen slightly before recovering. I gulp and paste a small smile on my face.
She smiles back and moves on. Just as she finishes with the other initiates, a large and imposing man walks into the classroom. She approaches him and he whispers something into her ear. She nods and turns looking around the room. Her eyes meet mine. “St. Pope. Security needs you.”
My heart beats faster as I walk to the front of the room. He stands about six and a half feet tall. Massive shoulders barely encased in his dark gray uniform. Security emblazoned over his right shirt pocket. A stony expression falls over his face. His jaw ticks with tension. He motions for me to follow him.
We walk up the stairs and down the hallway. This time when I pass Caleb's door, I wish he would step out and rescue me. I can't explain this feeling of terror sweeping through me. My throat feels tight as I wipe my clammy hands on my pants. We enter through the door marked SECURITY. I walk in and am greeted by a different man. “Good Morning, Cadet St. Pope.”
“Good morning.” I pull my hands tighter to my side to keep them from seeing them shake. My eyes dart around the room at the various equipment. Video screens show the gym, the dormitory common area, and the cafeteria. Several others seem to be in random hallways. I return my eyes to the computers and other equipment in front of me. Nothing seems familiar but I will know soon.
“Please have a seat.” He motions to a seat with a computer in front of it. “This shouldn't take more than a few minutes.” He goes over to the computer facing the workstation. “Now, place your chin in the chin cup and push your forehead against the rest. Stare straight at the red dot.” A flash goes off and I pull back, rubbing my eye.
“Yeah,” he says, “sorry about that.” I smile grimly as I wipe my eyes once more.. “Now place your hands on the gel mat in front of you.” I nod and place my hands on the mat. His computer beeps and he reads the monitor. His brows furrow slightly. He looks back up at me and excuses himself. My chest gets heavy as I sit silently. I tap my fingers on my legs as I wait. The technician and Colonel Barnum come into the room and my eyes widen.
He looks over at the computer screen. Looking up at me, he smiles, baring his yellow teeth. He pats the technician on the shoulder and walks out. I can feel his eyes watching me as he closes the door and I shiver.
“Sorry about that,” the technician says. “I never had a reading like that one and had to check on it.” I nod slightly but the feeling dread is still present in my stomach.
“Is everything okay?” I ask. Not that I think he will tell me but I have to ask.
“Of course. Just an odd reading.” His eyes dart around the room and I can tell he is lying. Something about my fingerprints either confused him or scared him. I want to think it was confusion but I think it was the latter. He recovers quickly. “Last but not least, I need to prick your finger. For DNA analysis and recording.” I freeze with my hand halfway to him.
“DNA analysis?” My chest hardens and I feel my eyes widen. Why would they need DNA? My mind races with the things they could do with my DNA. Cloning had been banned in the mid 21st century. But they are a top-secret government agency. There is no telling what they could be doing here.
“Yes, we keep a database with the DNA of each of the initiates. That way we can identify them if,” he trails off, leaving the unfinished sentence hanging. Shakily I extend my hand and he pricks my finger and places it on another pad. My blood soaks and he puts a Band-Aid on my finger. “Okay. We’re all done here.” He looks at the clock and says “It is time for lunch. You can join your crew back in the mess hall.”
I nod and stand up. Walking out of the room, I glance over my shoulder. He’s perusing over the readout on the computer. Something doesn't feel right about what just happened but I shove my feelings of foreboding aside. Nothing can be done about it now.
Chapter 10
After a week of intense training, I’m beat. I walk into the mess hall Saturday morning and am surprised to see everyone gathered around a TV screen.
I tap Juliet on the shoulder and she turns. “What's going on?” I ask.
“They are going to reveal our first week scores.” She turns back to the screen and I notice tension in her body.
“Scores?” I question. I knew we were being scored but I didn’t think they would reveal them this early. I approach the board and it blinks on. Rankings from 1-8 are posted. Weren't there nine of us originally? Shouts erupt through the space as we all search for our names. Several names are in red including Juliet's. As I look up the list, I find my name at number two. Sozanski is the only one above me. I sigh with relief, but know I need to keep up the good work.
I look to my side and notice Juliet’s downcast eyes. I place my hand on her shoulder and she looks up quickly. I smile slightly as I notice moisture gathering in her eyes. She turns her head and swipes quickly at her eyes. When she meets my eyes again, she looks determined.
We turn and get in line for chow. My mind turns inward again. The next assessment I’m worried about is the psychological evaluation. What are they going to think about my lack of memories? Will I fail due to this? I shake that thought out of my head.
Sozanski steps in behind me. “Good job, St. Pope.” He pats me on the shoulder and I cringed slightly from the contact. He is nice and all but I just don’t know what to do about him.
“Thanks,” I reply, returning my attention to the mess line. I figure if I avoid him maybe I could escape a confrontation. I don’t want to hurt him after all he has done for me.
“I didn't know...if maybe...” he mumbles and then clears his throat “Well maybe, you’d like to work out with me later?” His brown eyes seek mine and I gulp loudly.
My breath freezes. Juliet was right. Sozanski likes me. I look up into his ice blue eyes. His head stands almost a foot above mine. Dark brown hair cut military style, short on the sides and a little longer on the top graces his chiseled face. He is attractive, sure. But I don’t get the feelings from him that I get for Warner. The shivers and butterflies that move through my body like electricity.
Juliet tried to convince me of it earlier in the week when he kept holding doors for me. He pulled out my chair once during chow. I honestly thought he was just being nice. She insisted it was not him just being nice.
“Sure,” I say slowly. I need to shut this down. But how? I have no experience in this area. But I don’t want to do it right now. “When?”
“After breakfast?” he offers. His eyes light, like they were on the carousel and I feel awful. I really don’t want to hurt him. But I know my rejection will. Again I question what he could possibly see in me. I am a nobody. My mind leaps back to the conversation with Warner and his insistence that he see something in me. Maybe I am worth more than I think.
“Okay,” I answer and he smiles brightly. I attempt a smile back at him before picking up my tray. I walk over to the table with Juliet and she smirks. “Shut up,” I snap as I lightly punch her arm.
“Told you,” she mocks. Her eyes light with mischief. I chuckle lightly and sit down hard on the immovable chair.
“Yeah,” I begin digging into my meal. “I’m going to shut him down.”
She tilts her head to the side. “Why?” Her eyes narrow and stare deep into mine. I have to look around to avoid her intense stare.
I continue eating my meal. Coming up with excuses is not something I am good at. “I can't focus on anything other than the evaluations right now.” I complain. “Plus, I just don’t get the feelings I think I should from Sozanski.”
“Why not?” she questions. I can feel her eyes boring into me as I try to concentrate on my meal. “I mean, we have two days off. What’re you worried about?”
“I just can’t right now. Okay.” I snap and take a large bite of cereal to avoid any more conversation.
Her hands go up. “Okay.” Her attitude shows her irritation and I feel bad that I can’t answer her. No one knows about my memories and I would like to keep it that way. She turns and digs heavily into her bowl. Guilt swarms through my gut and I soften slightly.
“I need to focus on my evaluations and getting into the program.” I reply with a slow sigh. “I just can’t right now. Okay?”
“Yeah sure” she says as she focuses on her cereal. Her eyes fixed on the bowl in front of her. I sigh again as I return to my meal.
I nod and we continue our meal in tense silence. She gets up and empties her tray leaving me alone in the mess hall. I know I will have to repair our friendship later. But I have more important things to think about.
I get up and empty my tray and go back to my room to change. My mind is a jumbled mess and I need a distraction. I decide to stop by and see if Warner is available. I don’t know why I am drawn to him. He feels safe. Maybe it is just a crush. But I find myself standing outside his door. Knocking briefly on his door, he opens it dressed in his dress uniform. He looks so handsome. He motions for me to enter and he closes the door. His musky scent permeates the room and my knees almost buckle as I make my way into the room. He gestures to a chair.
“I don’t have much time.” he states quickly and turns to adjust his tie in a mirror.
“Okay.” I say trying to gather my thoughts quickly. My mind is blank. I had what felt like a million question before I entered. But now...nothing.
He turns to face me. “So?” I open my mouth and nothing comes out. I feel stupid for coming here. I feel the heat spread on my face. He chuckles.“You're cute when you are flustered.” His casual words shock me. Could he possibly know I like him? Does he like me? I blink rapidly
My mouth drops open. He thinks I am cute? “You...you...think…” I look down and wonder if I had really been that obvious. Trying to recall my interactions with him over the last week.
“No actually, I think you are beautiful.” Warner explains. “But I really shouldn’t say anything.” My mouth drops open and I stare at him.
Beautiful. He thinks I am beautiful. My pulse speeds up and I feel a shiver move through me. The flipping of my stomach almost makes me sick. Why me? So I decide to ask him. “Why?” I croak.
He smiles and chuckles slightly. “Why what?” His eyes are light with mischief and I can tell he knows what I am asking.
I look down at the ground. My doubt of myself has never been more apparent. “I mean. I am nothing special. Why do you think I am beautiful?” I whisper not trusting my own voice at the moment.
His eyes soften as he moves right in front of me. I feel his fingers under my chin as he lifts to meet his soft hazel orbs. A small smile breaks over his lips. “You.are.beautiful.” He pauses in between each word. His minty breath ghosts over my lips and I feel a shiver course through my spine.
Before I know what is happening, I’m in his arms and he’s kissing me, his lips firm against mine. His tongue sweeps across my lips. Awkwardly, I open my mouth and feel his tongue. His hands move up and down my back. I feel overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through my body. Standing stock still, I try to reciprocate.
Almost as suddenly as it started, he pulls away. His breath is ragged and as he meets my eyes I see his desire pouring out. I smile slightly and shift awkwardly between my feet.
He moves away swiftly. “Sorry.” he croaks and tries to busy himself around the room. Is he nervous?
I smile shyly at him.“It's okay.” I admit even though my mind is thoroughly confused. He links my hand with his. His calloused fingers gently stroke against my knuckles.
“God,” he groans. “St. Pope, I really shouldn’t be doing this. I should just stay away.” He gets up and paces the room.
“Brinna. Call me Brinna.” he nods. “And why not?” I ask. Trying to figure out my feelings. At first it was a crush. Now it seems he may like me too.
He stops in front of me. “You don’t get it do you. I could be demoted. You could be kicked out.”
My eyes squint and nostril flare. Anger courses through my body. “Why?”
He sighs deeply before meeting my eyes again.“Fraternizing with initiates is against the rules.” I cock my head to the side. My mind was boggled. Why can’t we like each other? He sits down in front of me and looks me in the eyes. “If we get caught, they will question your evaluation results. They will question my leadership skills. It wouldn’t be safe until at least after evaluation. Once you are in the program...”
“Then we don’t tell anyone.” I interrupt.” I mean if it is just until after evaluation...then...”. If he wants me, then I want him. My stomach flutters as I think about the kiss.
Warner’s head snaps up. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured or anything.” He stands stiffly a few feet away from me.
I smile brightly and place my hand on his cheek. “I’m sure.” I lean in for a sweet kiss. His lips brush lightly against mine. He doesn't try to deepen it, which is fine by me. I lay my forehead against his. “Warner” I say.
“Caleb…” his voice thick with desire. “Call me Caleb.” He places a hand on my waist and pulls me a little closer.
“Caleb.” His eyes light up and heat slightly. I feel the butterflies return to my stomach. I am so overwhelmed by this feeling that I take a step back. I gaze over his uniform. “I think we wrinkled it a little.”
He pulls his uniform top off and grabs his iron. As he irons away the wrinkles, he asks me about my week. “Well you would know better about my week.” I say coyly and he chuckles as he runs the iron methodically over a crease in the shirt.
“Yes. I know about your results.” I laugh slightly and we look at each other briefly. His crooked smile brightens as our eyes meet. The flare slightly and I swallow as heat infuses my body.
