the A.I. ordered as they approached her quarters. “Sergeant Shardae Simmons.” She noticed he lingered in the corridor, searching. The hairs on her neck rose. The doors opened and she entered. “Zander…” she started, letting go of his hand to hug herself. “Yes?” He turned her around to face him. Could he have done it? She needed to know for sure. Trust no one. “Leave,” she said. She needed to think. “What’s wrong?” he asked, surprise on his face. “You’re shaking.” She couldn’t look into the intensity burning in his face, his eyes, and through to her soul. “Talk to me, Shardae.” “Get out!” she said, breathy. “You attacked me!” Zander grabbed her wrists to stop her from striking him. “Why? Why would I hurt you?” She spun, putting her back to him. “Because you’re new. You could have ties to Lee, Rojas… Let. Go. Of. Me!” He did. But he didn’t leave. “I’m from Omega, remember? Mackerel --” “There were only the five of us,” she interrupted.
