***
The sun was beginning to set as the group of lab assistants from gamma-four logged themselves as inactive and strolled casually through the exit. Anik's step was slower than usual, the hours of intense examinations and inspections having taken their toll.
"Don't let it get you down, Anik. The first few days are always the worst," a cheerful voice spoke beside her.
"Technician Emery," she acknowledged, recognising the small woman. "Thank you for you concern. I am sure I will adapt."
"You'll do fine. You learn quickly. I heard they were going to start you in Circuitry," she revealed. "I was in that section not long ago. Regarni is fair, he'll do well by you."
"That is good to know," the young woman replied, appreciating the reassurance from her peer more than she expected.
The group gradually broke up as they neared the transport lines, the pale blue coveralls easily lost in the crowd. Anik skirted the commuter terminal, able to walk the short distance to her apartment. The larger stores and trading galleries that lined the street were already closed, their display windows obscured. Anik stopped at one of the side carts, purchasing a bottle of fresh water and two small sweet-cakes. If Eryn's day had gone well, she would likely have their evening meal prepared, but the cakes were sure to be appreciated afterwards.
Anik increased her pace as she thought of Eryn. As head of their small team, the older woman would be waiting for her report, likely worried that she had been gone all day. Although, knowing the capable woman as she did, Anik knew she would have considered the possibility of her having been required to begin immediately.
Turning off the drab grey and brown street, the blonde woman crossed the community park. She moved quickly over the soft grass, keeping her eyes low, careful to avoid looking directly at the gangs of youths gathering in the shadows. She had been instructed to refrain from involving herself in their activities and, although it was only her second night in Kytora city, Anik understood Eryn's insistence. A great many of the younger people resented the increasing control of the Consulate and some chose to express that dissatisfaction with random acts of violence rather than join with the freedom fighters as many others had chosen to do.
The rhythmic tapping of her shoes echoed along the quiet street as she crossed the laneway to their apartment. Light shone from two small windows on the third floor and she watched for movement inside before taking the stairs two at a time. Muted voices could be heard through the walls and the young technician made a mental note to speak to Eryn. It was important they not forget that there was more than the surveillance devices to guard against.
The door opened for her as she approached and a slightly older woman with shoulder length auburn hair stood framed in the doorway. Eryn smiled warmly in greeting, indicating with a single look that all was well.
"I apologise for being late, Eryn," she said as soon as the door was secured behind her, dropping her bag wearily to the floor.
"I take it everything went well?" the other woman asked, taking a seat on the mottled green lounge that dominated the living space of their tiny apartment.
"I was assigned a position in section gamma-four as a third level technician," Anik replied, joining her on the couch. "I completed the indoctrination this morning."
Eryn's face clouded slightly. Reaching to trail her fingers over Anik's forehead, she brushed a few errant strands of pale blonde hair away from her face.
"You're okay?" she asked, concerned.
"I will recover," Anik replied simply.
Dropping her hand to rest on Anik's, Eryn remained silent, allowing her eyes to say what she could not. They both knew what was required to gain placement at the facility and the fact that the examinations were now over was a relief, if nothing else.
"Come on, you must be hungry." Eryn stood and headed towards the small bench which served as their kitchen.
Anik propped her feet on the now empty cushion beside her, spreading her length along the couch and closing her eyes for a moment's rest, finding comfort in the slightly more familiar surroundings and in Eryn's company. The older woman's presence was reassuring and Anik was finally able to let her guard down, if only a little.
"I am hungry," she mumbled in reply.
"Anik, don't fall asleep," Eryn called. "You need to eat and we have to talk."
She lay there a moment longer, the crease on her forehead and the tension in her body proof that she was still awake. Despite her exhaustion, her mind was too alert to allow her to sleep just yet.
"Anik!"
"I am awake," she grumbled, smiling as she heard the soft chuckles coming from the direction of her companion. "I bought us fresh water to have with dinner," she said, remembering the treat.
"Sounds good. Pour it for us while I finish up here."
Sitting upright once again, Anik rubbed her face with her hands. Heading towards the kitchen, she collected her new bag on her way past the door.
"I also bought some sweet-cakes." Locating the two bundles she placed them on the bench. "If I feel like sharing," she teased.
"If not, you can heat your own dinner," Eryn grumbled, the sparkle in her eyes belying the edge to her voice.
Clearing a space for them on the bench, Anik arranged their plates and mugs opposite each other. She watched with interest as Eryn spooned the contents of her cooking pot onto their plates.
"What are we eating?" she asked finally.
"Temhak Lo. It was all I could find that didn't have the roja in it that you don't like," Eryn replied, taking her seat. "Or something that looked less appealing," she added after moment, remembering the unusual orange slime that seemed to be a common addition to most meal-packs.
"We should find somewhere that sells food like we had back home," Anik commented as she took a bite of the unfamiliar meal.
Eryn glanced up at her, an odd expression on her face. The younger woman paused, thinking about her comment.
"Leave it," Eryn ordered when she saw Anik open her mouth to speak.
Both women fought against an increasingly familiar sense of disorientation that accompanied any thought of their past, it was as if they were somehow cut off from themselves. Their memories had been blocked, large parts of their lives temporarily erased; it was how their team worked, both knew and accepted that. As part of a larger organisation working to restore balance to their home, each had their own roles to play. The knowledge they needed to complete their task had either been provided to them or lay dormant in their subconscious minds. Eryn wondered if it made up for what had so obviously been taken away.
"Tell me how your day went," she asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that was forming around them.
"Better than expected," Anik replied around her food. She took a moment to finish her mouthful before continuing. "I shall be working in the testing laboratory. I have found a task which I believe I am well suited to. I hope to have the opportunity to complete it tomorrow."
"Don't rush into it if you think it might be a little ambitious to begin with. It might be better to allow yourself more time to settle in first," she advised, plainly concerned about rushing too delicate a job.
"I do not believe I will gain anything by waiting. The task is well within my capabilities."
"Okay," Eryn nodded, granting her permission. "But if you have any doubts, I want you to hold off."
"I will," Anik agreed, scraping around the edge of her plate to get the last of the Temhak. "How was your morning?"
"Quiet. The Minister's people seem very particular. It seems they always keep their offices tidy, there was little for me to do until the staff arrived," Eryn explained. "The other assistants say he has been very busy the last few days."
"It is logical that a man of his importance would have many meetings to attend. There must be a great deal for him to oversee," Anik replied, paying careful attention to the older woman's facial expressions.
"He spoke highly today of a food court just outside of town, the Lemyr. I may treat myself to lunch there one day."
"I agree. You should take the time to explore more of the region while you have the afternoons free."
"If the food is good, we should go there together one afternoon," Eryn added after a beat.
"If you think I should also attend, perhaps it would be best not to go alone," Anik stated, concerned that her friend was putting herself in danger.
Eryn smiled and shook her head. "No, I was just thinking it might be nice for us to go out one afternoon. Maybe on your next day of leave?"
Anik regarded her companion, considering the request. "I would enjoy that," she said with a small smile directed towards the table.
"Good. At least I know you like Temhak," Eryn quipped with a glance at her spotlessly clean plate.
"I was hungry," the young woman admitted, an almost sheepish grin on her face. "It was nice, thank you."
Placing her spoon on her empty plate, Eryn pushed them both across the bench. Anik followed the movement, finally directing a raised brow towards her auburn-haired companion.
"I take it you expect me to clean up?"
"I'm busy," Eryn stated, leaning back in her chair and stretching her feet out underneath the bench.
"Doing what?" the young blonde woman asked, more than a little skeptical.
"Watching you clean up," she replied seriously, folding her arms over her chest.
Anik tried to frown, an insistent smile ruining the imposing look she was hoping to maintain. Collecting both plates, she proceeded to clean the kitchenette, aware of a thoughtful gaze following her movements from across the counter. Deliberately avoiding eye contact, the young woman took her time, wiping and re-wiping the worn preparation surface.
Anik spared a moment to wish she could remember their background. It was obvious the pair had worked together for some time, at least it felt that way. From the start of their assignment there had seemed a connection, some intuitive sense of the other's thoughts and a mutual respect for their abilities and weaknesses. She wondered if perhaps there had once been more between them.
Looking over at her companion, her half-lidded gaze, red-gold hair framing her pale skin, she prayed that there had not. If she had ever kissed those lips, felt the softness of that body against her own, she could not imagine agreeing to trade those memories for anything.
"I think it's clean enough, Anik," Eryn spoke softly, interrupting the young woman's thoughts. "If you're not too tired, we could listen to some music while we eat those cakes of yours."
"I would enjoy that," she agreed, folding the cloth and placing it on a hook. "I want to use the jets first, my body aches."
"I'll set the bed up while you're gone. We can listen there just as well as anywhere else," Eryn suggested, clearly pleased by the nod she received in response.
***
Glad to be rid of the thick blue overalls, Anik undressed quickly, hanging her uniform on the clothes peg ready for tomorrow. Stepping in the rounded alcove, she hit the controls on the air jets. Breathing the fresh air in deeply and resting her hands flat against the wall, she pressed her back into the buffeting waves, moving side to side to allow the air pressure to massage her shoulders. She leaned against the wall for several minutes before releasing the cleansing agent, allowing the gas to neutralise any contaminants on her skin.
After several minutes, the soft hum of the jets was replaced by the more relaxing sound of music as the transmitter was activated in the other room. The soothing melody sooned being joined by a not quite as soothing accompaniment as Eryn recognised the tune and hummed along.
Feeling better, Anik shut of the jets. Collecting her pyjamas from the shelf in the bathroom, she watched herself in the small mirror as she dressed for bed. Despite the fact that the long blonde hair, light blue eyes and pale skin was most definitely her own, the reflection that looked back at her seemed somehow unfamiliar. Feeling a little unsettled, she averted her gaze and finished dressing, anxious to join her roommate.
***
Unfolding the lounge as she sang, Eryn arranged the pillows so they could sit upright and lean back against the rear of the lounge. It was still early, but Anik's day had been difficult and may well be just as difficult tomorrow; a full night's sleep would not hurt either of them. Changing into a deep green singlet and sleep-shorts, she climbed under the blanket. Moving around until she settled herself in the cushions and finally tugging the blanket up to settle over her chest.
"Are you comfortable?" Anik asked from behind her.
"Quite," the older woman replied with a grin. "Now pass me my cake and get into bed."
Collecting their dessert from the bench and dimming the lights, Anik made her way across the small room. Glancing briefly at her roommate, she hesitated as she neared the bed. While yesterday it had seemed unremarkable to share sleeping space with her partner, for some reason, right now, Anik felt extremely self-conscious.
She lowered herself onto the fold-out bed, careful to remain on her half of the mattress. Feeling a yawn threaten as she slid between the cool sheets, Anik realised she was too tired to stay awake for long. The music was gentle in the background, pipes and bells with an interwoven vocal harmony that would quickly lull her to sleep.
Anik was aware of Eryn's gaze as the older woman studied her, knowing that the shadow that marred the blue of her eyes would likely be evident, even in the low light. She worried briefly that her unease was obvious to the woman beside her as she watched a flurry of emotions pass over the smaller woman's features. Finally, Eryn shuffled closer.
"Do you intend to keep me waiting forever or do you just like torturing me?" she said with a mischievous smile, lightening the mood between them.
Anik's brow rose, a tiny smile gracing her features. "You would like your sweet-cake," she said, the statement almost a question.
"That too," Eryn quipped, taking one of the small bundles and returning to her side of the bed.
Unsure how to respond, Anik neatly opened her own packet, occasionally looking sideways at her companion. The distant look in her eyes began to fade, replaced by an expression of curiosity as a shy smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
The sun was beginning to set as the group of lab assistants from gamma-four logged themselves as inactive and strolled casually through the exit. Anik's step was slower than usual, the hours of intense examinations and inspections having taken their toll.
"Don't let it get you down, Anik. The first few days are always the worst," a cheerful voice spoke beside her.
"Technician Emery," she acknowledged, recognising the small woman. "Thank you for you concern. I am sure I will adapt."
"You'll do fine. You learn quickly. I heard they were going to start you in Circuitry," she revealed. "I was in that section not long ago. Regarni is fair, he'll do well by you."
"That is good to know," the young woman replied, appreciating the reassurance from her peer more than she expected.
The group gradually broke up as they neared the transport lines, the pale blue coveralls easily lost in the crowd. Anik skirted the commuter terminal, able to walk the short distance to her apartment. The larger stores and trading galleries that lined the street were already closed, their display windows obscured. Anik stopped at one of the side carts, purchasing a bottle of fresh water and two small sweet-cakes. If Eryn's day had gone well, she would likely have their evening meal prepared, but the cakes were sure to be appreciated afterwards.
Anik increased her pace as she thought of Eryn. As head of their small team, the older woman would be waiting for her report, likely worried that she had been gone all day. Although, knowing the capable woman as she did, Anik knew she would have considered the possibility of her having been required to begin immediately.
Turning off the drab grey and brown street, the blonde woman crossed the community park. She moved quickly over the soft grass, keeping her eyes low, careful to avoid looking directly at the gangs of youths gathering in the shadows. She had been instructed to refrain from involving herself in their activities and, although it was only her second night in Kytora city, Anik understood Eryn's insistence. A great many of the younger people resented the increasing control of the Consulate and some chose to express that dissatisfaction with random acts of violence rather than join with the freedom fighters as many others had chosen to do.
The rhythmic tapping of her shoes echoed along the quiet street as she crossed the laneway to their apartment. Light shone from two small windows on the third floor and she watched for movement inside before taking the stairs two at a time. Muted voices could be heard through the walls and the young technician made a mental note to speak to Eryn. It was important they not forget that there was more than the surveillance devices to guard against.
The door opened for her as she approached and a slightly older woman with shoulder length auburn hair stood framed in the doorway. Eryn smiled warmly in greeting, indicating with a single look that all was well.
"I apologise for being late, Eryn," she said as soon as the door was secured behind her, dropping her bag wearily to the floor.
"I take it everything went well?" the other woman asked, taking a seat on the mottled green lounge that dominated the living space of their tiny apartment.
"I was assigned a position in section gamma-four as a third level technician," Anik replied, joining her on the couch. "I completed the indoctrination this morning."
Eryn's face clouded slightly. Reaching to trail her fingers over Anik's forehead, she brushed a few errant strands of pale blonde hair away from her face.
"You're okay?" she asked, concerned.
"I will recover," Anik replied simply.
Dropping her hand to rest on Anik's, Eryn remained silent, allowing her eyes to say what she could not. They both knew what was required to gain placement at the facility and the fact that the examinations were now over was a relief, if nothing else.
"Come on, you must be hungry." Eryn stood and headed towards the small bench which served as their kitchen.
Anik propped her feet on the now empty cushion beside her, spreading her length along the couch and closing her eyes for a moment's rest, finding comfort in the slightly more familiar surroundings and in Eryn's company. The older woman's presence was reassuring and Anik was finally able to let her guard down, if only a little.
"I am hungry," she mumbled in reply.
"Anik, don't fall asleep," Eryn called. "You need to eat and we have to talk."
She lay there a moment longer, the crease on her forehead and the tension in her body proof that she was still awake. Despite her exhaustion, her mind was too alert to allow her to sleep just yet.
"Anik!"
"I am awake," she grumbled, smiling as she heard the soft chuckles coming from the direction of her companion. "I bought us fresh water to have with dinner," she said, remembering the treat.
"Sounds good. Pour it for us while I finish up here."
Sitting upright once again, Anik rubbed her face with her hands. Heading towards the kitchen, she collected her new bag on her way past the door.
"I also bought some sweet-cakes." Locating the two bundles she placed them on the bench. "If I feel like sharing," she teased.
"If not, you can heat your own dinner," Eryn grumbled, the sparkle in her eyes belying the edge to her voice.
Clearing a space for them on the bench, Anik arranged their plates and mugs opposite each other. She watched with interest as Eryn spooned the contents of her cooking pot onto their plates.
"What are we eating?" she asked finally.
"Temhak Lo. It was all I could find that didn't have the roja in it that you don't like," Eryn replied, taking her seat. "Or something that looked less appealing," she added after moment, remembering the unusual orange slime that seemed to be a common addition to most meal-packs.
"We should find somewhere that sells food like we had back home," Anik commented as she took a bite of the unfamiliar meal.
Eryn glanced up at her, an odd expression on her face. The younger woman paused, thinking about her comment.
"Leave it," Eryn ordered when she saw Anik open her mouth to speak.
Both women fought against an increasingly familiar sense of disorientation that accompanied any thought of their past, it was as if they were somehow cut off from themselves. Their memories had been blocked, large parts of their lives temporarily erased; it was how their team worked, both knew and accepted that. As part of a larger organisation working to restore balance to their home, each had their own roles to play. The knowledge they needed to complete their task had either been provided to them or lay dormant in their subconscious minds. Eryn wondered if it made up for what had so obviously been taken away.
"Tell me how your day went," she asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that was forming around them.
"Better than expected," Anik replied around her food. She took a moment to finish her mouthful before continuing. "I shall be working in the testing laboratory. I have found a task which I believe I am well suited to. I hope to have the opportunity to complete it tomorrow."
"Don't rush into it if you think it might be a little ambitious to begin with. It might be better to allow yourself more time to settle in first," she advised, plainly concerned about rushing too delicate a job.
"I do not believe I will gain anything by waiting. The task is well within my capabilities."
"Okay," Eryn nodded, granting her permission. "But if you have any doubts, I want you to hold off."
"I will," Anik agreed, scraping around the edge of her plate to get the last of the Temhak. "How was your morning?"
"Quiet. The Minister's people seem very particular. It seems they always keep their offices tidy, there was little for me to do until the staff arrived," Eryn explained. "The other assistants say he has been very busy the last few days."
"It is logical that a man of his importance would have many meetings to attend. There must be a great deal for him to oversee," Anik replied, paying careful attention to the older woman's facial expressions.
"He spoke highly today of a food court just outside of town, the Lemyr. I may treat myself to lunch there one day."
"I agree. You should take the time to explore more of the region while you have the afternoons free."
"If the food is good, we should go there together one afternoon," Eryn added after a beat.
"If you think I should also attend, perhaps it would be best not to go alone," Anik stated, concerned that her friend was putting herself in danger.
Eryn smiled and shook her head. "No, I was just thinking it might be nice for us to go out one afternoon. Maybe on your next day of leave?"
Anik regarded her companion, considering the request. "I would enjoy that," she said with a small smile directed towards the table.
"Good. At least I know you like Temhak," Eryn quipped with a glance at her spotlessly clean plate.
"I was hungry," the young woman admitted, an almost sheepish grin on her face. "It was nice, thank you."
Placing her spoon on her empty plate, Eryn pushed them both across the bench. Anik followed the movement, finally directing a raised brow towards her auburn-haired companion.
"I take it you expect me to clean up?"
"I'm busy," Eryn stated, leaning back in her chair and stretching her feet out underneath the bench.
"Doing what?" the young blonde woman asked, more than a little skeptical.
"Watching you clean up," she replied seriously, folding her arms over her chest.
Anik tried to frown, an insistent smile ruining the imposing look she was hoping to maintain. Collecting both plates, she proceeded to clean the kitchenette, aware of a thoughtful gaze following her movements from across the counter. Deliberately avoiding eye contact, the young woman took her time, wiping and re-wiping the worn preparation surface.
Anik spared a moment to wish she could remember their background. It was obvious the pair had worked together for some time, at least it felt that way. From the start of their assignment there had seemed a connection, some intuitive sense of the other's thoughts and a mutual respect for their abilities and weaknesses. She wondered if perhaps there had once been more between them.
Looking over at her companion, her half-lidded gaze, red-gold hair framing her pale skin, she prayed that there had not. If she had ever kissed those lips, felt the softness of that body against her own, she could not imagine agreeing to trade those memories for anything.
"I think it's clean enough, Anik," Eryn spoke softly, interrupting the young woman's thoughts. "If you're not too tired, we could listen to some music while we eat those cakes of yours."
"I would enjoy that," she agreed, folding the cloth and placing it on a hook. "I want to use the jets first, my body aches."
"I'll set the bed up while you're gone. We can listen there just as well as anywhere else," Eryn suggested, clearly pleased by the nod she received in response.
***
Glad to be rid of the thick blue overalls, Anik undressed quickly, hanging her uniform on the clothes peg ready for tomorrow. Stepping in the rounded alcove, she hit the controls on the air jets. Breathing the fresh air in deeply and resting her hands flat against the wall, she pressed her back into the buffeting waves, moving side to side to allow the air pressure to massage her shoulders. She leaned against the wall for several minutes before releasing the cleansing agent, allowing the gas to neutralise any contaminants on her skin.
After several minutes, the soft hum of the jets was replaced by the more relaxing sound of music as the transmitter was activated in the other room. The soothing melody sooned being joined by a not quite as soothing accompaniment as Eryn recognised the tune and hummed along.
Feeling better, Anik shut of the jets. Collecting her pyjamas from the shelf in the bathroom, she watched herself in the small mirror as she dressed for bed. Despite the fact that the long blonde hair, light blue eyes and pale skin was most definitely her own, the reflection that looked back at her seemed somehow unfamiliar. Feeling a little unsettled, she averted her gaze and finished dressing, anxious to join her roommate.
***
Unfolding the lounge as she sang, Eryn arranged the pillows so they could sit upright and lean back against the rear of the lounge. It was still early, but Anik's day had been difficult and may well be just as difficult tomorrow; a full night's sleep would not hurt either of them. Changing into a deep green singlet and sleep-shorts, she climbed under the blanket. Moving around until she settled herself in the cushions and finally tugging the blanket up to settle over her chest.
"Are you comfortable?" Anik asked from behind her.
"Quite," the older woman replied with a grin. "Now pass me my cake and get into bed."
Collecting their dessert from the bench and dimming the lights, Anik made her way across the small room. Glancing briefly at her roommate, she hesitated as she neared the bed. While yesterday it had seemed unremarkable to share sleeping space with her partner, for some reason, right now, Anik felt extremely self-conscious.
She lowered herself onto the fold-out bed, careful to remain on her half of the mattress. Feeling a yawn threaten as she slid between the cool sheets, Anik realised she was too tired to stay awake for long. The music was gentle in the background, pipes and bells with an interwoven vocal harmony that would quickly lull her to sleep.
Anik was aware of Eryn's gaze as the older woman studied her, knowing that the shadow that marred the blue of her eyes would likely be evident, even in the low light. She worried briefly that her unease was obvious to the woman beside her as she watched a flurry of emotions pass over the smaller woman's features. Finally, Eryn shuffled closer.
"Do you intend to keep me waiting forever or do you just like torturing me?" she said with a mischievous smile, lightening the mood between them.
Anik's brow rose, a tiny smile gracing her features. "You would like your sweet-cake," she said, the statement almost a question.
"That too," Eryn quipped, taking one of the small bundles and returning to her side of the bed.
Unsure how to respond, Anik neatly opened her own packet, occasionally looking sideways at her companion. The distant look in her eyes began to fade, replaced by an expression of curiosity as a shy smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.