Author: Kate Leslie
Category: Other
Go to read content：https://onlinereadfreenovel.com/kate-leslie/page,19,561377-the_project_project_2080_book_1.html
It seemed like an eternity to Ben until the door finally opened and the officer who had previously questioned him about his sister stood in the threshold. Ben hoped he had already questioned Clara. That would mean she probably would be back on her way to her room. The officer scrutinized Ben from the doorway for a while before he entered, approached the table, and sat facing him. Still, he remained quiet for a while. Ben suspected it was a tactic meant to rattle him. He put on an impassive expression and waited. He was not going to do him the favor of being intimidated.
“I thought I advised you to stay out of trouble?” the officer finally stated.
“Yes, you did and I’m sorry,” Ben replied calmly.
“What were you doing there?”
Ben felt his palms growing clammy and placed them on his thighs. “I was meeting my girlfriend.”
“Did you get permission to do so?”
“No.”
“Yet you were told not to leave your quarters without permission?” The officer’s gaze was piercing.
Ben wanted to avert his eyes but forced himself to hold his gaze. “Yes, again, I’m sorry.”
The officer leaned back in his chair and studied Ben. “How did you manage to leave your quarters?”
Ben remained silent.
“Answer me!”
Ben took a deep breath. His pulse was racing. He could not allow himself to lose his composure. He would not admit that he knew about the surveillance cameras. He wondered what Clara might have said? “I waited until my roommates were asleep and snuck out.”
“Just like that?”
Ben nodded.
Again, the officer scrutinized him for a long time. “What am I supposed to do with you?”
Ben regarded it as a rhetorical question and stayed silent.
“You are unable to control your hormones,” the officer said. It did not sound like a reprisal, more like a statement. “We should have kept you separated by sexes from the beginning. We’ll have to move the girls to another base.”
Ben was shocked. He could not maintain a neutral expression. Of course, the officer noticed it too. Perhaps he was waiting for that reaction.
“Don’t worry, relocating the girls would have happened anyway. It’ll just happen a little earlier.”
48
Ben
Ben was dismissed and instructed to join his schoolmates. By the time he left the building, he realized it was already dawn. He headed back to his barrack with quick steps. There was something he really needed to clarify. When he reached his quarters, his classmates were already assembling for morning roll call. Ben went straight to Daniel and shoved him.
“What was that for?” Daniel asked angrily.
“You know perfectly well!” Ben saw realization dawn in Daniel’s eyes. He knew why Ben was angry. Before Daniel could react or Ben knew what he was doing, he punched Daniel in the face. Daniel screamed. He wiped the gushing blood from his nose with the back of his hand.
“You’re crazy,” Daniel shouted. Ben swung again, but Daniel blocked it. He pushed Ben away from him. Ben lunged at him and pulled Daniel down to the ground. They wrestled for control, which Ben finally acquired by straddling Daniel. “You’re a traitor,” Ben spat.
Daniel did not attempt to deny it. “I had to report it,” he defended himself.
The words only infuriated Ben even more. He struck him again. Daniel shielded his face with his arms.
Abruptly, Ben was grabbed by the arms and forcibly pulled off Daniel. Two guards held him, each one twisting an arm behind his back. Then Daniel got up too. “You ass,” Ben hissed between his teeth. Daniel brushed the dust off his uniform.
Lieutenant Becker stepped next to Daniel. “Is that how you talk to your superior? Apologize!”
“I won’t apologize,” Ben replied.
“Apologize,” Becker demanded again.
Ben kept glaring at Daniel. “I’m not going to apologize! I have no reason.”
Becker studied him. “Okay. As you wish.” He ordered the guards to take Ben to a cell.
They took him to the administration building and down to the second sub-level. The guard opened the door and Ben got a good look inside. The room measured about three by three meters. On one side was a worn mattress, on the other, a toilet. Ben glanced up and inspected the ceiling, then the walls. He didn’t see a light fixture. The guards pushed him into the room and the door slammed shut. He was surrounded by complete darkness.
49
Mia
“Good morning, ladies.” They were woken up by Phil.
“Are you crazy?” his sister grumbled.
Phil pretended to be offended. “Why the bad mood? I could have let you sleep longer. You already missed breakfast. I excused you by saying that I usually wake you, but since you’ve been complaining about it, I did not bother today and you promptly overslept. However, you shouldn’t miss out on your chores or someone might start to wonder what you did last night to sleep the whole day away.” He grinned at her and disappeared.
Vi groaned. “Phil loves to hear the sound of his own voice way too much.” Reluctantly, she rose and hopped in the shower. She definitely would be late for her shift, which was about to start.
Mia stayed in bed. But she could not sleep. She took a shower in time to avoid being late for her shift.
They had just gathered for lunch when Erik addressed everyone. “There are new developments that everyone should know about.”
Mia exchanged a look with Phil and Vi. Already? Should they be surprised if they were immediately suspected?
“Someone or a group,” Erik glanced around the room and for a few moments, lingered on the table where Mia was sitting, “apparently sprayed filth all over walls in Filiae last night.”
Phil sat up as if to protest but was quickly silenced by a stern look from his sister.
“The whole city is in an uproar. The authorities are busy trying to remove the spray paint, but of course, they also want to apprehend the perpetrator or perpetrators. The stepbrother of my wife, Alma, contacted us this morning. People are being questioned. Police units are going door to door. There is also a targeted search for insurgents as they refer to us. They are planning to fly reconnaissance drones over a large area. They assume the perpetrators are hiding outside the city. Now my brother-in-law fears they might make a connection between him and us. Later this afternoon, he and his family will come and hideout with us. Considering we’re short on quarters, they’ll be staying with our family for the time being. From now on, going topside is prohibited,” he glanced at his son, “until the situation calms down. There will be no lone wolf excursions or whatnot. Everything must be discussed. I hope everyone is on board.” Again, his gaze went to the table where Mia sat with Phil, Vi, Becka, and Max.
Phil huffed. “How long will we be cooped up? I guess the remark with the excursions was meant for you, Max. Welcome to the club.” He grinned at Max.
“You skipped your chores and upset your father,” Becka complained.
Max took it in stride. “I had a nice afternoon. I regret nothing.” He smiled at Mia who sat across the table.
“How can you say that?” Becka asked. “It is important everyone is responsible for their tasks. Mia also skipped her duties. But then I’m not surprised.”
Mia was about to defend herself when Max beat her to it. “That was my fault. I assured her I’d excuse her.”
Becka huffed. “She should have asked to be certain.”
Phil rolled his eyes, then turned back to Max. “It’s going to get pretty cramped in your quarters with another family around. How will you manage?”
“I guess we’ll put the parents in the living room. They have one son. He can bunk with me in my room.”
Phil grinned. “So, ladies, visits are probably no longer in order?”
Max glanced at Mia. “No, unfortunately that seems to be the case,” he said regretfully.
Phil
laughed. “Luckily, I have a room to myself. Of course, my room is always available to the ladies.”
“I gladly decline,” Becka replied.
“That’s too bad.” Phil put on a sad face. “I can only hope another young lady finds her way to my room.” He gave Mia an inviting look.
“Thanks, but I already have a room,” Mia replied.
“There you have it,” Phil turned back to Max, “I’m also not lucky. The girls share a room and are happy with it. Maybe you’ll grow fond of your cousin and won’t want him to leave.”
“I prefer the privacy of my own room,” Max said regretfully while looking at Mia.
Mia spent the early afternoon with Edith and then worked her second shift. Vi stayed in her room. She had excused herself, saying she had a headache. Mia assumed she wanted to catch up on some sleep.
After her shift, Mia went straight to dinner. Max was already at the table. Once she sat too, he beamed at her.
“What?” Mia asked with raised eyebrows.
“Nothing. I love seeing you alone for a change.” He glanced around to see for how long it would last. Then he looked at her again.
“What about your cousin? You didn’t bring him along? Hasn’t he arrived yet?” Mia asked. If he joined them, that would be one more.
“No, he’s here. By the way, he’s only 10-years-old. Becka took it upon herself to show him around.” Max tilted his head slightly to the side and regarded Mia.
“That’s nice of her.” Mia could not help feeling there was something on his mind. The way he looked at her, most likely it had to involve her. She recalled last night and was hoping her face didn’t betray her bad conscience.
“Yes, it is,” Max agreed. “A while back, I planned to give you a tour. Unfortunately, you weren’t interested.” Did he sound slightly reproachful?
Mia studied him for a while. Then she lowered her eyes to the table. “I was busy.”
“Yes, I know. You could have asked for a rain check.” Now he sounded thoughtful.
Mia peered at him. “Maybe I should have.”
“Speaking of rain check; there is something about yesterday’s trip that I cannot stop thinking about.” So, she was right. He had something on his mind. “We started a conversation we have yet to finish.”
Now he sounded serious. “What is it you forgot to tell me?”
“Hm,” a mischievous glint flashed in Max’s eyes. “I wanted to let my lips do the talking, though not with words — if you catch my drift.”
Mia glanced down. Her heart started to race. “Why didn’t you?” she asked softly.
“Because I’ve been waiting for your approval.”
She didn’t have the courage to look up. “And what would that look like?”
“A little smile would have been enough to let me know. So, how do you feel about it, dear Mia? May I kiss you?”
A smile played across Mia’s lips and immediately vanished. “Have you kissed a girl yet?” She raised her head to see his reaction.
Max tilted his head thoughtfully to one side. “Hm…yes.”
She thought so. Or maybe she should say feared. Mia looked away.
Max leaned forward and tried to catch her eyes. “Well, Mia? How about it? May I kiss you?” he whispered to her.
Mia’s heart was pounding fiercely. She nodded.
“Shall we meet tonight?” When she did not answer, he continued, “Don’t be afraid. I won’t attack you right away. I merely want to see you. We could meet here. So, we’re among other people.”
“I’d like that,” she answered.
“My father asked me to help move furniture around and whatever to make space for our relatives. How about at nine, would that be okay with you?”
“Vi didn’t show again for her shift. I don’t even want to know what excuse she’ll use this time,” Becka complained as she took a seat beside Max.
Max cleared his throat and sat upright. But his eyes were still on Mia.
She nodded and lowered hers.
Becka watched them morosely. As soon as Vi stepped up to the table, she found a vent for her irritation and snapped at her. “You were missed during your shift.”
“I had a headache,” Vi replied nonchalantly.
“You seem perfectly fine now,” Becka said accusingly.
“And I actually feel that way. Amazing what a little nap can do.” Vi shrugged and took a seat.
Her brother laughed as he was also sitting down at the table.
“You know perfectly well that it is important for everyone to...” Becka started.
“Do their jobs,” Phil finished for her. “I know. I believe you have already mentioned it a few times.” He exchanged looks with his sister. Neither one could resist a grin.
“It’s good that you know this,” Becka said, “so you won’t mind”, she continued as she turned to Vi, “helping to clean up after dinner. You said it yourself, you no longer have a headache.”
Vi’s expression darkened. “I would love to,” she said indignantly.
Her brother laughed.
50
Ben
Ben groped his way to the mattress and lay down on it. How long would he stay here? He hoped not too long. The interrogator had threatened to move the girls to another location. To do that, they would probably need a few days. He had to start a new attempt with Clara. They would not be beaten.
Ben did not know how much time had passed. A hatch opened at the door. A tray was slid in. On it was some bread and a glass of water. The hatch was closed, and darkness prevailed again. Ben remained laying. After some time, the hatch reopened, and the untouched tray was removed. Nobody spoke to him.
51
Mia
After dinner, Mia went to her room and sat on her bed. She was not mistaken; he did want to kiss her. She had managed to deter him. She sighed and lay down. Hopefully, next time, she would not do everything wrong. But when would next time be? Perhaps tonight? Her stomach felt queasy. He had already kissed other girls. Who knows how far he went with them? Would she disappointment him? She sat up and glanced at the clock. Only 8:30. If Vi were here, she could ask for advice. Or better not. It would be too embarrassing. She stood and paced the room. There were only a few steps in each direction. Not enough room to work off her nervousness. She left the room and was about to leave the quarters when she bumped into Phil.
“Where are you off too?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I just need to move a bit.” Mia looked up and down the hall, uncertain.
Phil studied her. “You’re right. Being cooped up in here all day is terrible. Come with me. I have an idea.” He walked off. When she did not follow him, he came back, took her hand, and pulled her up the stairs.
“What are you doing?” Mia wanted to know.
“Allow yourself to be surprised.” Phil’s enthusiasm was visible. Where did he want to go?
Instead of turning onto the upper-level corridor, Phil continued climbing the next flight of stairs. Mia tried to stop him, but he kept dragging her along. She saw Becka out of the corner of her eye. “Don’t tell me you want to go outside. You know we’re not supposed to.”
When they reached the top landing, Mia told Phil that Becka had seen them.
“Who cares about that shrew? She doesn’t know how to have fun.” Phil opened the door and pulled Mia out, then further on to the small lake. “Have you ever gone swimming?”
“No, and we should head back.” Mia turned to go back.
“It’ll be fun. We don’t have to stay long.” Phil held her back by the arm.
“But I don’t have a swimsuit,” Mia protested.
Phil released her arm. “So what, me neither.” He grinned at her and started taking off his clothes.
When he began to take off his briefs, Mia closed her eyes. “Leave those on!”
Phil laughed and took his hands off his briefs. “Spoilsport!” He jumped into the water. “Com
e on.”
Mia made no move to follow. Phil came out again, picked her up, and carried her into the water.
“Great, now my clothes are wet,” Mia complained.
“You’re to blame. You should have taken them off. At least now they’ll get an extra washing.” Phil laughed.
Mia could not stay angry with him. Phil was too often like a little boy. She joined him in his laughter.
“I’ll teach you how to swim,” Phil said.
When they heard voices, both looked to shore. A small group of people had gathered there. “Come out this instant!” It came from Markus.
Phil set Mia down, then with an arm around her, led her back to shore. Now Mia could see that in addition to Markus, Erik, Max, and Becka were there. Max took off first. The others followed. Phil quickly put on his jeans. He carried his shirt and shoes. Mia stayed behind and waited for him. She wanted to delay meeting the others, especially Max. He had given her a look as if she had betrayed him. Perhaps she actually had. They had a date and he found her with Phil. How did that affect him? Seeing her in Phil’s arms.
Together with Phil, Mia reached the first sub-level, where they were confronted by the others. Erik and Markus stood in the front. They were the speakers. Becka stood with Max, who was leaning against the wall. Mia tried to catch his gaze, but he avoided looking at her.
“What were you two thinking?” Markus exploded. “Probably nothing,” he answered his question. Vi, who had been assigned the late shift as punishment, stuck her head out of the kitchen and, seeing who was involved, came out.