"Grey," Jupiter hissed, surprised, horrified at once.
The young woman's face eased into a strained smile. The eyes, a pretty green, flickered as they always did when someone underneath a personal cloak moved too quickly, showing the after-image of Grey's true eyes. Grey the Keeper, kneeled in front of Jupiter, and if she hadn't already guessed it was them, Jupiter would have realized it when the image of the young woman ignored the fact that they were wearing expensive jeans on the bathroom floor.
"You weren't in your room. Your DNA unit is worried," the worry in their own voice was evident. Green eyes roamed across Jupiter, dark brows scrunching together as Grey looked over her.
Jupiter frowned, and despite herself, she felt tears in her eyes. Grey was trying to protect her, even if they had no idea that Jupiter was trying to do the same.
"You shouldn't have lied. You're going to get in trouble! You can't be doing this stuff-"
Grey shifted uneasily, frowning widely at Jupiter.
"Jupiter Jones, youngling, you are in very grave danger. Not all of my kind are gentle to Terristies, and you are in the most secure and monitored area. I have broken rules concerning you, and it will not be pleasant for either of us if we are caught. You will get yourself harmed being here. Please, go back to your room as quietly as you can, trust Grey."
Jupiter stared at Grey and made a decision that she knew she couldn't take back. She had hoped to avoid this. Give Grey safety and fade away from the aftermath. This was risky. Beyond unsafe, and had the potential to lead into Jupiter being discovered as a Reoccurrence much too soon. But I can't just leave Grey behind.
"I'm trying to help you… Grey, trust me."
"What do you mean? Explain-"
"I need to access the Planetary Lift. Where is this District's?"
Grey's projected mouth fell open.
"The Planetary Lift- That… That is Entitled-"
"Grey, trust," Jupiter begged. Because Grey had made a mistake, because of her plan to help them. I messed up too. If she didn't get access to the Planetary Lift, then Grey would die for lying to their fellow Keeper about a security problem.
The Keeper stared for a second, projected brows furrowed in alarm and confusion.
"It is this way."
Jupiter beamed.