Chapter 14
Nessa minimized the holo-feed and examined the implant home screen. The text message conversation was still minimized in the bottom toolbar. She expanded it.
“Text to: Kommer 626,” she commanded the implant.
She took in the surroundings for a second. Emptiness still engulfed the room. The guards had not returned.
They’ve ended their shifts, she realized. The being called Trevon has gone home.
“Why did you send me this holo-feed?” She asked. “I don’t see how it’s relevant.”
The implant indicated an alert from Kommer.
Keep watching, his response read. She expanded the holo-feed.
“We’ll take care of the dishes,” Trevon told his wife.
“Thank you, dear.” Enya replied, as Trevon loaded his arms with cups.
Jamison stacked plates in his arms.
“Wait for me, Dad!” He called into the kitchen.
Trevon lined the cups in the dishwasher, and gestured to the bottom rack. Jamison made a row of the three plates.
“So, Jamison,” Trevon said, glancing around the kitchen.
He shut the dishwasher and squatted. He lowered his voice, smiling.
“We caught an alien today,” he whispered.
Jamison wriggled and grinned.
“Whoa, Dad!” He marveled. “Can I go see it?”
He leapt toward the dining room.
“Jamison,” Trevon said.
His voice had a firm finality. He didn’t say no. He didn’t have to. Jamison lowered his eyes. He stopped in the kitchen entry.
“Yes, Dad?” he answered. “It’s a no; isn’t it?”
“It’s just I can’t let civilians in there,” Trevon said. "You're not even supposed to know."
Jamison shrugged one shoulder.
"But I do know," he said. "I know things you'd never understand. I knew before you told me. I knew before you worked there."
Trevon wrinkled his forehead, and Jamison gave a confident grin and nod.
"You've not told anyone though?" Trevon whispered, his eyes wide with alarm. "You're just a kid. I don't even know what you're talking about."
"My lips are sealed," Jamison promised.
He joined Jamison and slugged him playfully in the shoulder. Jamison gathered his telescope.
“Come along now. We still have leftovers to put away.”