Specimen

“Well, let me know if it happens again.”

I start to tell her that I will, but I can’t say the words. If I told her, she might find out about my dreams, and I can’t risk that. I don’t want to forget again, and anything I say would be a lie. I can’t seem to bring myself to lie to her.

“I’m glad you stayed,” I say instead. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Riley says. She sighs. “I still think it’s a bad idea.”

“I don’t. I want you to stay. Fuck the laundry.”

She chuckles, and I hug her against me.

“I guess I can save a little money if I don’t bring in the hookers.”

“Good. I don’t like them.”

“I thought it would help.”

“This helps more.” I tuck my nose against her throat and inhale her scent. “It isn’t the same with the others. Being with you is different. I don’t ever want another hooker brought to me. I want it to always be you.”

“I…I don’t know, Sten.”

“I’d make it worth your while,” I say with a sly smile. “I’ll make sure you end up as satisfied as I am.”

“You took care of that pretty effectively, Sten.”

“I mean it,” I tell her. “I’d do anything. Anything you’d ever want me to do, I would do.”

“I know.” She looks away from me, her expression pained.

“Why does that upset you so much?”

“You’ve said before that you are drawn to me,” Riley says.

“The chemical reaction between the components of FOG and whatever you take to complete the interaction.” I remember talking about this some time ago.

“Exactly. This will only enhance that feeling.” She opens her mouth to say something else but then quickly closes it again. “I’m not sure it’s the right thing to do. The closer you are to me, the more you will look to me for guidance.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“It depends on who you ask.” Riley shakes her head slightly. “Mills thinks it’s advisable. She says it will strengthen the bond you have with me already, but I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?” I tilt my head and focus on her face. “Isn’t that the whole idea of this chemical reaction? It seems like a tactical advantage.”

“Maybe it is,” she says, “but I feel like I’m…like I’m taking advantage of you.”

“I really don’t mind.” I chuckle.

Instead of laughing, like I expect, Riley presses her lips together and scowls.

“You don’t know if you mind or not.”

Chapter 8

My solitary instruction in a virtual training center is complete. Today, I’ll meet some of the others like me, and we’ll begin to work together.

This also means I’ll be leaving the medical facility for the first time. We are going to be transported to an outside training area near a military base on the edge of the city. I have no idea what to expect, but I’m anxious to find out.

“You are doing so well,” Riley tells me. “You are officially at the top of your class, so to speak. I can’t wait to see how you all perform together.”