Felix woke to the door opening.
Jacob walked in, closing it behind him. A cloth sling was tied across one shoulder.
“Have a good nap?”
Felix sat up, rubbing his face. His skin felt rough, stubble beginning to form along his jaw. He ran a hand over his scalp and found similar stubble. His eyes felt heavy, and his stomach rumbled. The smell of food permeated the air.
Jacob tossed the sling onto the bed.
“Let’s get changed. Food’s being served.”
The sun had disappeared, and night had fully settled in. Laughter drifted in through the balcony openings.
Felix stood and opened the cloth bundle, revealing the clothing Jacob had picked out.
He sighed.
A flax tunic, drawstring pants, leather thong sandals, and a headwrap. Basically, all the crap you wore under armor.
“Doubt I’m going to pick up any ladies in this.”
“Haha. Yeah, probably not. But at least you’ll blend in.”
Jacob’s expression became more serious.
“Listen. The closer we get to Delta, the less recognizable you should be. Truth is, you aren’t very welcome there.”
“What the fuck? I’ve never been there. How can I be unwelcome?”
“I’m not what you’d call a zealot, but many are. And you come with a bit of…” Jacob hesitated. “History.”
“History?”
“Moira plans to brief you more tomorrow. Truth is, I’m not entirely sure the rumors are true. It’s been a long time, and you know how stories evolve. Just know that it isn’t good. At least, not at Delta.”
Jacob gestured toward the door.
“That’s a tomorrow problem. For now, let’s eat and have a good evening.”
Felix just stared at him.
“That’s a bit of a cliffhanger. I’ve had a pretty fucked-up few days, and now it sounds like it’s going to suck even more. The least you can do is tell me what the hell is happening.”
“Like I know? That’s Cleric shit. My job is to keep you alive and deliver you to Delta—alive and well.”
Jacob’s tone hardened.
“Look, I like you, but you need to understand that there’s a game here, and you better man the fuck up and play ball. Now put on the fucking clothes, and let’s eat. We deal with tomorrow when it’s tomorrow. Don’t be that dumb fucker who runs to his own death. You’re smarter than that. So be smart, and shut up.”
He had the tone and posture of a commander who wasn’t in the mood to continue the conversation.
“Thank you, but fuck you too.”
Felix turned to put on the clothes.
“Right back at you, dick.”
Jacob did the same.
A few moments later, they were both dressed, and their tempers had settled. They were hungry and tired.
“How do I look?” Felix joked, turning to show off the bland outfit.
“Unremarkable. It’s perfect.”
Jacob wore essentially the same thing. The only identifying feature was the audacious scar across his face.
“One more thing.”
“Yeah?”
“We have rules… about mating.”
“Mating? Umm. Shouldn’t we at least buy each other a beer first?”
Jacob laughed.
“There are women—and men, I guess—down there who may find you interesting. I need you to limit any information you share.”
“Information?”
“They were born here. This is all they know, and I doubt they’d understand someone with your subjective experience. It’s best if you weren’t interesting.”
“Like a cover story?”
Jacob cocked his head, not understanding the reference.
“A fake identity.”
“That would work.”
Jacob studied Felix for a moment.
“You kind of look like this one recruit I had several years back. I think his name was Jason or Nathan. Can’t remember. Haven’t seen him in a long time. You could pass for him.”
“Sure. Fuck it. Nathan or Jason something.”
“One more thing.”
“Guarantee this is going to be awesome,” Felix said sarcastically.
“No sex.”
Felix stared at him.
“I fucking hate this place.”
Artavus Quill 