The Ceres Illusion by Sue Eaton

Author:Sue Eaton [Eaton, Sue]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Water Dragon Publishing
Published: 2023-10-25T07:00:00+00:00

9

All the way through the final tunnel, I have been hemming and hawing as to the best way to deal with my task. My mind is made up for me when I spot BJ in the crowd that has just left the mono-pod. He must have just finished his shift. My heart thuds at the sight of him. He might be a big daft lummox, but he personifies safety and normality. I want to rush up and hug him but instinctively know that it would cause a ruckus and I would not be able to complete my task. I decide that meeting with BJ is a good omen. He lives quite close to the mono-port for a start, and he lacks any sense of curiosity. He is chatting to someone on the platform. I sidle out of the tunnel and step into the crowd.

“BJ?’

He swings round. “Who are you?” There is no recognition in his eyes. He just looks puzzled. He nods to his friend, who disappears into the crowd of people leaving the mono-port.

Alone with BJ, I nearly lose it and cry out my name, but swallow it back. “I used to work with you, back in the day,” I lie. When he doesn’t answer I add, “Have you forgotten me already?” He stands with his mouth open.

BJ thinks with his belly. “I’m on my way to tea.”

I smile as benignly as I can. “Can I come with you? I haven’t had my tea yet.”

He hesitates. I swallow and stare at him willing him to say something.

“I don’t know you. What do you want?”

People are starting to notice us and look in our direction.

I panic and start to stammer. “Sorry. Sorry. I thought you were someone else.” I turn and hurry away from him. The crowd resumes its pattern behind me like water swirling behind the boats on the park lake. I lose myself in the crowd and exit the mono-port without thought of where I am going.

People in the Admin Domes walk with purpose but without rushing, so hurrying at this pace begins to attract attention. I will myself to slow down and act as normally as I can. Looking about me, I find myself standing outside my old tower, the last place I feel I need to be. BJ didn’t recognize me, but someone might. I feel my heart beating painfully in my chest, my breathing labored, and any sense of direction has deserted me, along with any problem-solving skills I may once have had.

I should have kept my head and gone inside to the Refectory, taken some food and then left. I wouldn’t have stood out, as people don’t stick to their own towers in order to eat. I could have completed my task and been on my way if I hadn’t panicked. Instead, I keep moving along the street, as I am well aware that standing still will cause me to be noticed. Aimless wandering will also look suspect. Squaring my shoulders, I make an effort to look purposeful and head towards the nearest mono-port.

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