OPChapter 7

Someone, someone he knew- touched him on the arm. The soft fingertips holding onto his own his skin made him aware of it.

Vincent looked beside him on the couch to see Jess sitting beside him.

They were on a couch of a dark lit room. Light from a screen shone on a projection movie. Where were they now?

Vincent was looking to her as she sat beside him on the couch of the lounge room… a movie-play blaring in the background with other faces watching it while Jess was buried inside him.

The fingertips brushed his arm towards his fingers. Her hand squeezed tightly around his. “Don’t let me go” it said. He tried to gently push it away, but it got tighter, so he gave in.

‘But there’s something you have to do…’ he thought to himself.

She curled up next to him, and he felt her skin as his arm circled around her arm.

“Don’t let me go,” she whispered on his chest, her head buried into his tight grasp.

“I won’t…” he said back, brushing her hair softly.

A gentle tug on his heart, the memory of something else-… Her squeeze tightened onto his chest and held him in place.

‘At least we have this moment…’ and he held her there gently brushing her skin with his fingers.

It could have been a second and millennia… he wasn’t sure which:

‘But there’s something that you need to do…’

And the dream vanished.

—

Vincent woke up with cold sweat. He triedhis best to wipe it off with the back of his hand then brushed it onto the bed. His thoughts went backwards.

He didn’t have time for heartbreak. He would make his heart a stone instead.

He closed his eyes and took a breath before moving his body.

He lifted himself from the bed- and picked up his bag. A singular memory threatened to grab him from his dreams- something about a dark room and a T.V.

He closed his eyes again tightly and opened them up to see his real surroundings- a cold and unfeeling empty bedroom.

He didn’t have the time to worry about what the dream meant... instead he reviewed his itinerary. He noticed his thoughts drifting and consciously focused on the task at hand.

All there… he thought. He took the bag, pressed a button that zipped it up, and then slung it over his shoulder and clipped it around his waist.

He looked at his watch. 04 30.

He left quietly, as curfew was from 11 to 5- he would have to sneak through the halls one last time. He opened his door quietly and closed it behind himself one last time.

Twelve years was the duration of his time between first getting picked up by the Underground and now.

---

Another memory- one from long ago…

Two years after Jess and himself met- she and her father left the village in central while her father became the acting commander of the Underground in the west. His feet chased after her as she left for the Underground.

Once again the same void filled his stomach.

---

He walked down the halls towards the hangar. The earliest transcontinental train would leave at six. Including the security check he’d get there at approximately 5:45.

Vincent looked at his watch and relayed through the schedule in his head.

Footsteps echoed in the empty hangar as he entered inside. He picked the keys up from the wall to his bike and then loaded it up. He threw his foot around it and started it up. After a quick breath he left.

—

Beep. Beep. Beep. Slam.

An older man's arm reached back from slamming the alarm and moved to the edge of his bed, bolstering the man up.

Late nights and early mornings -Rejas Fillaburn was nothing if not punctual. Within another minute- he'd pulled himself upwards and was already on his way to changing. If there was a mountain in the way- he’d be the one to say, “Strong will power and a good schedule!”

Another time when he was an unruly youth came to mind. He and Sosa Martinez had a couple bikes and drifted through the country with wild.

He brushed the thought away. This was no time for reminiscence.

He walked towards the bathroom and the bed pulled itself backwards into the wall. He slipped into some slipperse as he walked through the illuminated path toward the bathroom.

Reegas never understood why Sosa chose not to accept the amenities that technology provided. The commander’s quarters were made to supply the commander with modern luxury.

He laughed when he remembered joining up with the resistance against the bandits. Back then he and Sosa had been given a small bunk of a large bunker.

He looked at an amplifying mirror as it illuminated on his face. Grey hairs grew into the lump of hair on his head. His eyes were older. Aged crinkles stretched from the corners. His eyes were wide and piercing- similar to a hawk.

As he to shaved and put on his uniform- he felt good. He knew that if he’d taken this position in the Underground- Acting Commander of the Eastern Front – then he must be a proper candidate. It was true too- he was a very studied and capable commander.

He kept up with the details – trimmed nails, crisp uniform. A professional appearance was important as timeliness.

He may have been an unruly rebellious youth but he’d proved himself with tactics and bravery. He deserved this position.

He told himself that it was for the good of the territory that he forced Sosa out of the office. After all- hadn’t he pretty much been acting commander of the east already- holding the front against opposing forces for the past two year.

Even still he felt somewhat pained by the loss of his friend. Sozo had gotten him a position of leadership in the Underground when things had gone to shit in his life.

The ex-wife saw to that.

But maybe if he could prove to himself his worth, he’d know for sure that she’d been the one mistaken. He started by maintaining his place. Over the course of a couple years, his ingenuity and determination drew him to be one of the head council members- but he was always overshadowed by Sosa.

He began to have his own opinions- he truly believed that if things went his way, that it would solidify the strength of the nation.

He couldn’t dare call himself a good man. He didn’t try to lie to himself about that. His two failed marriages were a better reflection of who he really was. But this was for the good of the entire nation. One soul was a small price to pay.

Now that he had become responsible for Sosa’s death - he almost wished that he’d have died young in some glorious battle rather than betray his only true friend. Regardless- he made his decision and now he would follow it through.

He looked in the mirror once again –There was one undeniable truth- he’d grown older.

He organized the room – set the toiletries in their respective locations and walked to the door.

All of the thoughts were pushed to the back of his mind as he closed the door of his quarters and walked towards the command center in ‘Central’.

—

The president of ANI Sector Seven sat in the virtual center which linked up to the other leaders in a hologram room. It was private office with only a chair and table- but with technology he could see all the leaders sitting in their respective chairs as it projected the shape of a giant room.

An emergency meeting called them together.

“What is the status of your situation?” the ‘sector three’ representative spoke.

“Code blue,” the president responded. Different colors represented different situations. Code blue meant that the problem was internal and would be handled within its own sector.

“We recognize that your economy has been put onto bare essentials,” another member spoke.

“Yes it has, repairs have been put in the works- the city has been put on the bare essential function. While the citizens have been somewhat restless, they have been explained the situation and are relieved due to our action on the front.

“Exactly what steps are being taken?” the ‘sector four’ leader said.

“I have put General Scion in charge of immediate sweeps. The rebels will be handled by any tactics at his disposal. They are nothing more than a group of vagrants and should be smoked out soon.”

He paused, “…he has agreed to certain regulations- direct harm to townspeople is in violation of our agreement. While the details must be kept discreet, a full military effort is working. As we speak, the rebels are being taken prisoner now.”

“Do you think the problem will be resolved soon?”

“Yes, I do believe so,” he only wished his words were as true as he tried to let them believe they were.

“The council is adjourned,” the sector two elected representative spoke. One by one the images disappeared from inside the room. The ‘sector seven’ president signed off too and found himself sitting alone. The president rubbed his temples to release the small headache that was growing under his head.

The strife with the territory had come from years of unregistered conflict while he had only just been elected to save them. He had been on the verge of starting negotiations with the prior Underground leader, General Sosa. If successful- it would have brought peace to the territory for a long period of time- perhaps even permanently.

His own plan had been to foster a peaceful environment between the Allied world and the countries surrounding it. But years of playing the aggressor had left the territories restless. And by the looks of the situation it seemed some other Elites had dug their hands into the dirt and wanted a war.

Not everyone suffered from war. Some even profited.

He himself would have to do everything in his power to maintain peace within the territory. For one, he didn’t believe the sector had the means to control the territory through force. Secondly, he understood that the territory was made of people. He’d come from humble beginnings himself.

He kept his own view from public opinion, attempting to maintain a good appearance with the people. The general perception of the territory was a bunch of lawless barbarians.

As he exited his office, his aide was outside the door to escort him to his next meeting.

“Everything’s ready sir,” he said as he saluted.

The president nodded.

He followed the aide as he was directed to the meeting room with General Simms. Upon entering the general greeted him and then updated him with the movements of his men.

“The team is in position,” he said.

“I authorize the counter-strike,” the president said, “Proceed.”

—

Vincent parked nearby the automobile section and walked to the entrance. It was still dark, but there was a small crowd of people gathered inside of the building going their way.

“Tech, can you hear me?” he said on his com on the side when he sure it was a clear coast.

“Supz…vincent, yeah, I’m up,” Tech said.

“placing device,” Vincent said.

Vincent heard tech yawn on the other line.

Oh geez. Vincent thought.

“Approaching entrance,” he said on the com.

“all systems are good,” Tech said.

Vincent walked through the entrance bay and placed a small disrupter on the detector on the side as he passed through.

“Just a minute,” the guard said.

Dammit Tech, Vincent though.

“All right,” the guard said. “You’re clear, Jonathan. It just took a little long to load up your data.”

After he got into a quieter zone he heard Tech on his com.

“’Well, you’re officially Johnathan Walken,” Tech replied- after a moment of Vincent’s silence.

“Sorry about that man,” Tech said. “I’m still a little tired.”

“Forget it,” Vincent wasn’t going to dwell on it. He went to the line leading up to the doors of the train, “The signal’s going to cut out.”

Vincent walked through and stepped onto the train.

“See you, man.”

“Later,” Vincent replied and turned off the com.

He got a look around the cabin. A row stretched on both sides. The wall had a sort of lighting and was made out of some sort of plastic. He looked at his ticket that said 12C. He walked up to his seat and sat down. In front of him was an on board computer and visors which would connect to a multitude of entertainment files.

Why do they need all this? Vincent thought to himself trying on the visors and soon taking them off. Vincent decided to look out the window and soon his mind began to drift.

He wished in a way he would have been stopped earlier… at least then, he would have been noticed. As it stood- he felt invisible. He closed his eyes, and waited for the train to start.

—

Michael knocked on his now girlfriend’s door.

“Who is it?” she asked matter-o-fact.

“It’s me,” Michael returned.

“Oh- Just a minute!” He heard rustling from inside. She got out of the room after picking up her things and opened the door.

“Hey,” she said as she greeted him with a smile. It seemed in the moments he’d been waiting she’d managed to tie her hair up and get dressed in a change of clothes. As always he was still impressed how well she could wear her uniform.

Soo…”after a moment of gazing, “you up for a walk to the cafeteria together?”

“Of course,” she said and wrapped her hand around his extended arm.

They walked towards the cafeteria. It had only been a night since the kiss. Last night after the kiss- he escorted her back to her room and verified that she was girlfriend simply – with a “ are you my girlfriend?” to which she responded – “I think so.”

Today would be the first day that they would go through the base together as a couple.

With a deep breath - they entered into the cafeteria together.

As they entered – they received an immediate response from the people they knew as they walked in together. A smile from Sally, an eyebrow raise from Jadon, and a tilt of the head from Tech.

Jess looked up at Michael who was simply smiling, “So,” Michael kissed her forehead. All the looks faded away.

“Alright,” she replied as they went towards the aisle together. They picked out their food and sat down.

Jadon had a sort of annoyed look – perhaps he wasn’t a fan of cozy couples. Sally just smiled at them.

“Hey guys,” Tech said nonchalant.

“Hey Tech,” Michael replied.

“Hey,” Jess spoke and looked downwards with a smile- and they started talking like normal.

---

After a little more time- and breaking the flow of the conversation… Sally asked Jadon, “Where’s Vincent anyway?”

“He’s gone,” Jadon said.

Both Jadon and Jess looked up at the word. However- Michael kept inside what Vincent has said last night.

“When I woke up this morning- I noticed that all his stuff was gone. His bed was made. He must have left at night when I was asleep.”

“Gone?” Jess replied.

Jadon nodded.

“That was sudden,” Michael replied.

“And he didn’t tell anyone about it?” Sally spoke.

“Why did he leave, do you think?” Sally pondered to the table.

“Who knows...” Jadon replied.

Everyone had a shrug kind of look, except Tech and Michael. Tech seemed to be looking down and Michael had a more far-away look.

“Maybe it’s because of Reegas?” Jadon proposed- to which no one replied.

“Do you think it’s because of Michael and Je…” Sally was cut off as Jadon nudged her.

Michael couldn’t help but notice that Jess seemed to be a little reserved about the topic.

“Was there something between them before me?”

Jess refuted, “nooo- nothing ever happened.”

Jess seemed adamant about the last statement. Perhaps a bit too adamant which made Michael think that perhaps Jess had wanted something with Vincent at some point. In that case- it was probably kinder to leave it alone- so Michael started eating instead.

After a silent moment- Michael brought up a new topic.

“So… did everyone get assignments last night?”

Sally spoke up first –“Area 5.”

“Central still,” Tech spoke.

“4,” Jadon spoke. 4 was expected to be the area with the most conflict.

“7,” Jess spoke.

“8,” Michael sighed after finding out that Jess and he wouldn’t be in the same area.

“Don’t worry, it won’t be forever,” Jess reassured Michael.

“Ah yeah- well- let’s go on a date once things work out between us.”

“Yeah…” Michael seemed a tad unsure of himself as he spoke to Jess, “so I owe you that date we talked about when I get back?”

“Yeah,” Jess gave him a slight smile.

An alarm went off on Michael’s wristband- indicating that Michael was supposed to meet in the hangar.

“Well, I gotta go you all…” Michael said looking at the time and standing up with his tray.

—

Robert Penn-worthy (penny-worth) held up a finger to his secretary as she entered. His look went from annoyance to astonishment as the man she escorted stood on the side.

He immediately closed the display call and politely offered a seat.

“Hmm,” the man spoke, “you’re busy?”

“I’m sorry about that,” Robert replied apologetically, “it was just the secretary of affairs about a meeting.”

The man pondered a bit, “the secretary of affairs hmm… it can’t be helped I suppose.”

Robert sighed out relief. The man in front of him was responsible for him being in this position in the first place- along with a network of information- a trusted advisor. If he lost the man’s backing – he’d lose much of his power. He motioned his secretary to have drinks delivered. She quietly left.

Robert was a politician. Good education- good family.

He lived with the elites and supported legislation meant ‘for the people’. In reality – he’d long ago traded his concerns about the welfare of society for legislations that profited him or those within his sphere. He put on a smile and told people what they wanted to hear. Or else slander his opponents. These were his best skills and they were something he’d long since mastered.

The office he sat in was fairly sized one in the parliamentary building- but he still felt cramped in comparison to the luxury at his mansion.

He gave his current attention to a well-dressed man sitting across from him. A simple black suit and orange tie. A younger man- perhaps thirty-two or a little older- but experienced in the art of politics. From his handshake to the insincere smile, facial expressions to posturing – he too seemed experienced in the field of politics- which was strange- as the man was not a politician.

Only really one memorable feature stood out from the man, his eyes. They seemed hawk-like, predatorial and fierce. Had Robert been more attentive to the man’s background he would have given the eyes more credit, but he chalked it up to nature rather than nurture and was easily susceptible to the charms of flattery and pleasant speech.

The man sat down, crossed a leg and put his hands over his knee- waiting for Robert to follow his lead. As Robert too sat down- the man spoke.

“You must step up in front of parliament and the council about this whole sector seven debacle, Robert.”

The man waited for Robert to process the concept.

“It’s important that you do so as soon as possible.”

Robert being cautious in regards to his own political status responded with doubt:

“It’s not a popular subject at the moment. The other Allied sectors don’t want to be involved in another sector’s conflicts because of all the expenses it requires to fund its support.”

The man in black countered, “By supporting it now, you’ll become the forerunner in the campaign to stop it. When the Allied sector falls, the fear will spread as the rest of them feel the sting of it in their pockets.”

“How do you know that the sector will fall?”

“Trust me.” He said with such confidence, that Robert couldn’t help but nod.

The man paused for a moment and then smile before asking, “How do you like the sound of Prime Minister?”

Prime Minister. Robert thought.

“I like it a lot,” Robert said after contemplation.

“Good,” the man said and got up, “I think you’re the right person for the job.”

—

Vincent sat in his seat in the back row of the long transcontinental train. He wasn’t quite sure what to expect from it. He’d heard about it, but never seen it from the inside.

The train system functioned in similar design to the electromagnetic railway in sector seven except for the fact that it was supported to skirmish underwater. On top of it was a buoyancy plate so that the actual cabin out looked the ocean from in the walls. The sea life whizzed by as Vincent looked out of the window at the underwater sea life.

He was heading to sector 2, in which he had no idea what would be there. He couldn’t help feeling a sting in his heart- anger, guilt, sadness and maybe a tinge of jealousy.

Get yourself together. He said to himself.

“How are you sir?”

“Ok,” he said with a failed attempt at a grin. He gave her a look that said ‘I tried… you can leave me alone now.’

Instead, she gave him a sympathetic look. Something in her face said that she understood.

“Ah, not doing so well huh…” she took a beverage in a cup and placed it in his hand.

“Well let me give you this ‘spiced fizzy’. It’ll cheer you up.”

He kept his look down from her and to the beverage she handed him. It didn’t seem too bad.

“Heh…” he replied as she stood there for a moment seeing if he liked it…

After trying it… he smiled and she gave him a smile in response.

Everyone else who she passed by seemed to completely ignore her and even treated her with an annoyed short attitude.

Even still- she treated them as kindly as she’d treated himself.

Thinking about the fact that she had to maintain this attitude day in and day out – imagining how routine it could be – he couldn’t imagine enjoying it…

When she came around to the back of the train again- he figured he’d talk to her about it. She did her rounds and ended up close to him in the back putting away some dishes through a sort of automated wash system.

As her eyes caught his, he figured he’d ask

“How do you maintain such a good persona?”

“You like it?” she smiled.

“I think it’s unique,” he responded trying to think of the right way to respond.

“Well, you’re sweet.. Uh, mainly because it’s my job.”

“And what about when you’re not happy?”

She leaned in close so no one else could hear, “I fake it.”

She gave him a wink and moved on to the next customer with a sly smile.

“Have a nice day sir,” she said as she turned her head.

He sat back in his own chair. Something about that phrase seemed to be the something he needed. He’d put on his own smile, he’d just keep pushing through it. Despite being hurt, for now he’d ‘fake’ it.

It seemed that the train users were for more of the middle classes. Lower class wouldn’t need to travel and higher class would have their own transport. Businessmen and women using the train travelled in between the sectors for trade.

He looked outside. At this point – the train looked outwards into the ocean. The train went much too fast to notice the details, however as the train started to slow- he was able to catch a better view. Windows looked out into the ocean side. Dolphins, a whale, some sharks. It was a new thing to see oceanic life as he’d never done before. Under the ocean using a clear tube- perhaps this new assignment would give him some perspective just like this had.

Eventually the train came to a stop at the Icelandic Sector Station. This stop was along the way, built for easier transit and upkeep of the train along its extended route. Some got off and some got on.

The next stop would be Greenland –followed by sector 2.

After the first stop- the initial fascination wore off. A couple more hours passed between stops with which he used to gain some rest.

He put down his head as he sat in the corner- the motion carried him to sleep.

—

He began to feel another shift in the acceleration during the train slowing and the final stop. He looked around to see the masses of people he’d been riding with get up and out of the train.

He picked up his bag and slowly followed the rush of the crowd.

As he was leaving he caught a last look of the stewardess.

“Hey,” he said to her, not sure what else to do, stopped in place.

“Hey,” she smiled, “I’m free on Saturday.”

She put a piece of paper in his hands.

He pocketed the paper into his jacket, “Okay.”

They stood there together for another moment.

“You’d better head…” She said.

He looked around to find he was the last one on board. He gave her a smile and a nod.

She gave him a wave as he left and he headed out.

He tucked the paper away in his pocket. Anyway… he thought to himself.

He took a quick glance as the doors shut on him where she stood smiling.

He then turned his attention forwards. The platform was filled with a rush of people. He followed behind them and up a wide ramp leading upwards. Above him opened up a giant room. A hatched curve of roofing led upwards in a sort of dome. Surrounding the building were all sorts of moving billboards. Stations of people in a place that looked like some sort of information booth.

Other booths- cafes – and the like surrounded him. They seemed to be built into the walls – and most of the process seemed like it worked through automation. He was a little hungry but he’d worry about it later.

“Come in Matthew…” Vincent could hear in the hustle of the crowd from the com on his ear. His last line to Tech- after confirmation of his arrival- he would assume his new identity completely.

“Hey Jackson- I’ve arrived,” he spoke along the com-line as he dove into a small alcove to get a quieter place to talk.

“That’s good to hear- how is it so far?”

“Obnoxious, loud, and blinding,” Vincent replied, “You’d like it.”

“Yeah?” Tech responded, “Ahaha- well it’s good to hear that you’ve arrived… we’ll use lo-fi to contact each other only in emergency.”

“Yeah- sounds good. Have a good life,” Vincent said.

“You too.”

“Bulletpuncher out.”

“Superstar out,” Tech laughed. Vincent long ago thought that codenames were ridiculous in these situations- so he decided to make it his goal to have the most ridiculous ones. Tech already missed Vincent.

-

He walked upward through a giant gateway onto the road in front of him. However- unlike roads he was familiar with in the territory- the entire structure was completely different.

He looked up to see residual traces of daylight leaving. While it would have been only midday where he’d come from in the territory- with the time zone change it was already nearing nightfall. He looked at the time on the giant clock tower for the base of King’s Cross and saw the time in some sort of old format – it read 6:40 on the clock.

Unlike the Sector 7 however old buildings were incorporated into the base architecture. Built above King’s cross- and additionally the entire city- was a spider web of interconnected buildings- including flashing lights all along moving billboards. It seemed to be chrome-like mixed with various colors. Numerous walkways connected buildings. It seemed sector two focused more on its artistry – as the entire structure gave the feeling of a giant spire. Additionally- there were vehicles which travelled on some sort of invisible wires in straight lines between the towers as well- and a free flying disc system for individuals by some sort of electromagnetic powered propulsion.

It was astounding to him how high up the buildings went to. Despite hating everything they stood for - ANI technology would always impress him.

People began to look to him strangely so he stopped gawking and began to move. It wasn’t his outfit – 2 had much more ridiculous fashion sense. He seemed to be passed by dozens of people – each with a unique style and fashion sense- including facial changes and physical augmentations that made them look not even human. Even him dressed in a unique one piece black- he wouldn’t make any waves by his appearance.

Everything about the city seemed to make a person feel small. No wonder they moved around like cattle- even still he had a mission. and he wouldn’t let his inhibitions affect him.

Sex on the billboards and streets. Graffiti and strange characters on alleyways. Strange smells from bars- not all of them food. Vincent moved onward. The pinnacle of civilization, Vincent thought- annoyed. Flashing lights and images didn’t impress.

A blinking dot showed his location on a map he’d taken on his way out of the city. Thankfully the map gridded out the city into sections- adjusting itself according to his location and linearly connecting his current place to his destination.

I should probably start by looking for a place to make camp… he thought to himself. But first there was something he had to take care of.

Looking at the map – it seemed the target had become stationary- and judging by the distance was only a quarter mile eastwards of his own location. He began to walk.

---

He overheard different accents and he noticed the same green tone in people’s eyes; the same far-away from the drugs that dulled the mind. Anything that allowed for productivity was legal in this environment.

Mindless drones, Vincent thought: just like the sector in the Americas. How easy it is for them just to give in- but to do more than acknowledge it would require care. Vincent didn’t care; instead of pity, he just felt extra anger and disdain for the people who chose to live their lives this way. It’s an individual’s fault.

As he worked his way down the government section on the walkways, he circled the perimeter of the government sector. A section of surrounding smaller buildings all conducive to certain aspects of the government and one larger building in the center which held the common working offices for all the politicians. He scoped out the main building.

37 levels, multiple guards, single main entrance, perimeter checks. I’m going to need to become someone with access into the offices…

As he tried orchestrated the plan to gain access into the building as a worker he noticed a man walking towards the building. Sharp suit- soft features, level 3 shoulder marking: born in politics, elitist family, and well known- pride, easy mark.

He quickly walked up to the politician.

“Hello, sir,” Vincent spoke. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you!”

“Uh,” the diplomat replied. “What’s your name young gentleman?”

“I’m just an unimportant laborer; I just wanted to have the honor of shaking your hand,” Vincent replied.

Vincent put forth his hand to shake it; the politician took it and smiled, “each role is important.”

Vincent smiled back. “Thank you, sir.”

He stood there for a moment and just watched him with a smile.

–

It was approaching night as Vincent stepped up to the housing unit assigned to ‘Matthew’.

As he got to the building with his unit, he walked through the doorway and went up to the unit.

His one room had one bed, a desk, and a small box of it split into a two parts, a kitchen and restroom.

Firstly- he unpacked the suitcase. He put his stuff on the table and organized it. Then he began to arrange the identity duplication unit.

The earlier handshake he’d gotten from the politician was for this reason. An integral part of the ANI security system involved identification through data chips imprinted hear the hand. Through a handshake- he was able to duplicate said code.

Vincent undid the contact lens from his eyes and linked it up to the software reader- as the computer began to scan in a compilation of the images gathered from his interaction with the politician.

From here it would be child’s play. Vincent simply had to wait.

He let the computer system run as he started a simple shower for himself- undoing the rest of his outfit and hanging it up. He emptied his pocket – finding the number of the girl he’d met on the train.

He crumpled it up for a moment in his fist and then released his hand. He changed his mind and uncrumpled the paper- setting it on a counter in the bathroom with a sigh.

After he finished readying himself –he got changed into simple night garments and sat down.

For the first time in a long time, he let himself think about Jess, and sat at the computer letting the sound of his fingers flow against the writing pad.

‘

We were younger then…A time when there was more

Since I saw you with him- I resented you

I’ve tried to let you go

Because it’s time to move on

So I do my best to let you go.

To place the memory of you behind me.

but a part of me knows I won’t forget

Every moment spent with you

The way your hair falls around you

It seems that I’m not that strong

Those eyes

I wonder if he sees them lthe way i do

Does he know the beautiful soul inside?

And they’ll haunt me in my dreams

And tonight’s going to be a lonely night alone

Because all that I believed in- won’t let me go

and when you see me next.

you'd know...

For some reason - he felt better- having written it down into the abyss. He closed the lid to the device after finishing. He crawled into his newly gotten bed shutting his eyes. I haven’t forgotten you, h finished the poem in his head. before he finally fell into a restful sleep.