CHAPTER ONE
Realism
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Meg: I hope I get some reviews soon – free cookies for the first three reviewers!
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I opened my eyes, and it took me a moment to realise that I had only been dreaming. I took a deep breath to steady myself, and then I glanced at the clock on my bedside table.
3:22 – in the morning.
I sighed, and sat up, swinging my legs out of bed and being careful not to wake the one sleeping next to me. His breathing was heavy and deep, and I smiled lovingly at his dreaming form for a moment, before putting on my dressing down and exiting the room.
It didn't matter what time it was, or even that no one in their right mind would be up at this hour. I had been told – no, ordered – by the one I was going to see to go straight to him if I had anymore weird, shockingly real-like dreams.
My long dark brown hair swung behind me, trailing along the floor at random intervals as I navigated my way silently through the maze of corridors at the base, my metallic green eyes scanning around for anything out of the ordinary, because I sensed something was awry.
I found out what it was when I nearly tripped over it – my hands shot out and caught me on a nearby chair, and I turned to see a small orange kitten looking up at me with big green eyes.
"Ah, Sonny, it really is true what they say – cats are always underfoot." I said with a smile, as I continued on my way.
Sonny – short for Son Of Leveret – followed me, his big ears pricked up and listening to the quiet sounds of the night.
We soon arrived at our destination – Sonny seemed to have decided to come with me – and I reached up a hand and placed it on the small pressure pad next to the huge door.
The door opened, and Sonny and I walked in.
"Ratchet?" I said softly, and then I was surprised. I had expected the medic to be in recharge, but he was awake, and seemed to be working on something at his desk, but he got up when I came in. I looked up at the giant robot.
"Emma?" He said, glancing down at me. "What's the matter? Did you..?"
I nodded. "Uh-huh – it was fairly realistic this time, too."
Ratchet came over to me and held out his hand. Sonny and I scrambled onto it, and Ratchet placed u both down on his berth, although I noticed him giving Sonny an annoyed glance.
I bit my lip to keep from grinning – today, Sonny and his sisters had annoyed Ratchet, and they would continue to do so forever.
It was easy for us all – everyone living at the base was immortal. So, the cats would have forever to annoy Ratchet.
Ratchet said: "What was the dream about?"
I told him, leaving out no detail, and getting more and more into it. Most people forget their dreams, or have them fade away, but not mine. My dreams stay with me and, if they're a nightmare, then they frighten me as well.
What's worse, my dreams almost always tell the future, or have some message of what to expect in that time.
Ratchet was almost as worried as what I was, but he tried not to show it as we discussed what the dream could have meant. We came up with many possible answers, none of them at all good. Having Sonny in my lap helped. I think I might want to consider a job as a massage lady – if they allow part robots that don't age to do that sort of thing.
It was five o'clock when Ratchet and I finished talking, and I was about ready to fall asleep again. As I was walking out the door, I heard a scream – a familiar scream that sent me running down the hallway as fast as I possibly could.
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Meg: So…review. And then maybe I'll think of something to put in the author's notes!
Sunstreaker: I could sing…
Sideswipe: But that might make it worse.
Sunstreaker: Traitor! I have a lovely singing voice!
Ratchet: Both of you SHUT UP!!
