We made our way through the pristine white hallways, passing few people. Kota and I came to the dining hall doorway and I hesitated, hearing the noise inside. The cacophony of many voices escalating my normal level of nervousness. Kota stopped and looked back. Those perceptive eyes swept over my face.
"Too many people?" he asked. I sighed and nodded. He tilted his head thinking. "Alright, I will get our plates and we will take them back to my apartment. It will be much quieter. Wait here." He turned and entered the open doorway.
I stood silently, tension easing from my shoulders. He didn't give me a choice, but I wasn't bothered by that. Maybe I should be, or at least object someway. It felt sort of right though, and his casual, self-assured tone made it sound so...normal. Of course, back home it was normal for most teenagers, younger kids even, to visit a friend's house. They would call it a playdate, right? This wasn't any kind of date though, more like him babysitting me. I felt my blush again. He was certainly a very cute babysitter. And we were going to eat dinner together...at his place....alone. Did I want this to be a date?
Kota came back out toting two food containers. He smiled and motioned in the opposite direction of where we'd come from. I was very glad when the purple-suits had let me know mind reading was not one of the psychic talents; however I was really hoping right now that Kota did not have Place Sight, which was some sort of ability to read emotions. He was intuitive enough, recognizing my nervousness about going into the crowded dining hall. What else was he going to discover about me?
"I share this apartment with two other Fourth Squad members, but they aren't here right now," he said as we arrived and the door slid open at his command over the Interface. "Most of the Squad is actually still on leave, visiting family or whatever. I was called back early when our squad took over your sponsorship."
I almost stumbled at his admission as I followed through the doorway. He was supposed to be on vacation or at least visiting his injured sister, but had to guard me instead. The socially inept, helpless stray who was responsible for hurting said sister. He was being so nice, too. I must have looked as crestfallen as I felt.
"What is wrong, Sang? Are you okay?"
"I a burden..."
"Sang, you're not a burden. We are really glad you are here. Just thinking of the possibilities that your talent has to help us in this war....well, it's incredible, " he tried to reassure me.
" But, you family...sister... "
"She really is doing just fine. As far as being with my family...well, I miss my mother and sister, but Roan Lents...he is a good man and I respect his work as a zenoanthropologist. He and I have never been close, though. I came to Konna Island and into KOTIS Academy when I was young, then Fourth Squad became my real family. Hey, let's sit down and eat. Using our abilities requires more energy."
Kota led me into the common area of the apartment. There was a kitchen open to an eating area with table and chairs adjacent to a sitting area with plush couches and beanbag sort of chairs. No television or physical decoration, everything being on the Interface. He pulled out two plates and eating utensils, then plated the food from the containers. As we sat and ate, the virtual decor of the room cycled through three different color themes: green, red and white.
I was curious to know more and asked, "Tsa Lents you mother second husband?"
"Yes, my biological father was a Setari. He and Roan got along fine, but after Father was killed in a Massive battle, Roan changed. Mother says he was never jealous of Father's position; however, Taren media made Father out to be such a hero. I was too young to remember much, and Jessica had just been born. I know it was hard on them both to lose him."
I thought over Kota's words, wondering if I missed something in translation, then asked, "Mother marry father and Tsa Lents same time?"
"Sure, happens all the time. A single male and female pair are generally only allotted one child. So a man or woman will take another partner to gain additional reproductive rights. Since, psychic talents are hereditary, KOTIS supports those sorts of arrangements...." Kota trailed off looking slightly perplexed, like something had just occurred to him. Was he even blushing a bit? "Excuse me for a joden, Sang," he abruptly stood and swiftly went into one of the bedrooms that branched off this main room.
Perhaps he received an urgent message over the Interface that required more privacy? Or needed the restroom? I looked down at the algae-based meal on my plate. It reminded me a lot of a storybook our teacher had read in elementary school. That was probably why he blushed and rushed out, an upset stomach. While awaiting Kota's return, I thought about how different things were on Earth and Tare. If I had been born here, Marie might have been my half-sister, and I might have even had a different mother.
********
Interface Channel- Private
Users: Kota Lee, Owen Blackbourne
L: Tsee Blackboune, have you contacted the Anderson Squad or Toma Squad?
B: I have not, Tsen Lee. First Squad is on rotation and Second Squad just returned from a Rift journey to Kolar.
L: I think we need to hear from them as soon as possible. Do you have any theories how their Squad works? Does Sight Sight give any clues?
B: Tsen Lee, you know why I don't use my ability like that.
L: I know, sorry. It is too much like snooping.
B: It's alright. Ista Green has already pestered me to do so. I have a theory, but it's best to approach them respectfully. Is everything alright with our stray ave?
L: She is fine, eating dinner now. Can she stay out of MedBay?
B: Yes, and since you have my old room it is outfitted with the dampening circuitry. I trust you can work out the details. I will meet with the other squad captains as soon as possible.
L: Okay.
End Transmission.
*******
A/n: Seriously Kota! You were not supposed to be the first one to figure this out...geez, always knew you were too smart for your own good....I had this chapter outlined quite differently.