Chapter 24: Could It Be?
Amy froze when the lights on the ship first went out, and the ping pong ball hit her smack in the forehead.
"Ow!"
"Sorry," whoever had hit the ball said from somewhere in the darkness. Amy rubbed her forehead, and instinctively put her hand on the wall to find the door. She was forced to pull it back when a shock, this one much stronger than the previous "tags", shot up her arm. She shook out her arm, and frowned as the other occupants of the rec room began to whisper.
"Is this some sort of drill?"
"I can't see!"
"Why not? I can."
"Shut up, Leonard."
Amy tuned out the whispers, cautiously reaching out to find the door again. Her hand settled on plastic, and she sighed in relief.
Never thought memorizing the number pad would come in handy, Amy thought as the door slid open and she stepped out. The hallway was also dark, and she couldn't see more than a foot in front of her.
"Where are you going, doll?" The voice whispered, echoing down the hall. "Are you trying to be a hero? Don't be silly. Be a good girl and go back."
Amy shook her head, squeezing her eyes shut. Maybe if she focused… Reuben? Sonja? Can you hear me?
Whoa, Amy, is that you? Awesome! Wait, am I hearing things?
No, Sonja, I heard that too. Amy, are you alright?
I'm fine, but the virus is taunting me again. Where are you guys?
I'm in our dorm room. I was just reading, and then BAM! Lights out. Where are you, Amy?
I'm in front of the rec room. Reuben?
I'll come find you and get you back to the front. The captain is ordering everyone to activate the backup generator. Any idea what happened, guys?
I think I have a clue… Even in the dark, She could see – and feel – electricity in the walls. But I don't think this is just a nuisance anymore. We need to figure out where this thing came from, and how to get rid of it.
I'm on my way.
I'm staying here.
Reuben, are you sure you'll be okay?
"Are you kidding? I know my way around this ship with my eyes shut." Amy spun around, and could barely see Reuben's shape in the dark.
"That was fast."
"That was nothing. Come on, let's go." Amy felt Reuben's hand close around hers, and began to follow him, suddenly grateful for the darkness hiding the burning red under her skin.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" Amy had no doubt that Reuben knew where he was going, but the dark was making her nervous – if the virus was strong enough to bring down the ship, who said it couldn't spring out and attack?
"Do you trust me?" There was something in his voice – something she didn't recognize – that Amy caught. It sounded… hopeful.
"Yes."
"Then I won't screw this up."
They walked in the darkness for what felt like an eternity, talking about nothing to help the time pass by as Reuben retraced his steps.
"We're lost."
"We are not lost. The elevators ran out of power, so I'm taking the long route."
Amy nodded, even though she knew he couldn't see it. As they kept walking, Amy became aware of something – she felt heavier, but at the same time safer. It took her a moment before she realized that Reuben had protectively wrapped his arm around her waist, probably without realizing it. Amy started to say something, but stopped herself – she didn't want him to let go. Even if he didn't realize what he was doing, she felt safe in his arms – the safest she had felt since she first set foot on this ship… was it already six months, now?
Reuben turned a corner, and Amy stepped closer to him, unwilling to be separated from him. The electricity followed them as they kept walking, but Amy did her best to ignore it, instead focusing on Reuben – his steps, his speed, the warm hand around her… Amy shook her head, trying to stop the burning in her cheeks. Oh, please, she thought herself as they reached the entrance. We're just friends. He doesn't see me that way… right?