Chapter 5 #3
Eric reaches into his pocket and pulls out a watch-like unit.
“This is our communicator. You wear it on your wrist and then say into it who you wish to communicate with. It will dial them directly, and it also allows people access to you. You can use it for regular communication, and there’s a meeting mode too.
There’s no need for anyone to have constant access to you, so just push the button on the side if you do not wish to be interrupted.
” Again, he winks at me. Ok then, Grandpa, because that’s not creepy at all.
He passes it to me, and I grab it with my other hand.
Looking between the two, I can’t seem to think of what to say. It’s all a little overwhelming.
In the silence, William swipes his own card through the slot on the wall next to the door, and the light on the handle turns green.
He opens the door, revealing a fairly large room, and gestures for me to step inside.
It has a huge bed that takes up a large amount of space.
The comforter on it is purple, pink, black, and blue with silver streaks, with the Galaxy Circus emblem in the middle.
On the wall behind the bed, there’s a door on either side.
William pushes past me and points to each door.
“Bathroom and closet,” he explains. Turning, I survey the rest of the room.
There’s a small desk and chair to one side, and sitting on the desk is what looks like an iPad.
William walks over and picks it up. “This is the control for your climate and entertainment unit. It can also work as a communication device, but it gives you a visual as well—similar to Earth’s FaceTime.
We have also loaded it with all the information on the acts we currently have working with the circus.
We’re going to have you do time with each of the acts and the tech teams, so we’d like you to familiarize yourself with what is there.
We don’t want you walking in completely blind. ”
Eric walks into the already crowded room and pushes William out of the way.
“You need to think very carefully about the Skar water,” he says to me.
“It will benefit you greatly and help you with the ins and outs of the circus. If you decide to take that step, we would like you to drink it at our little celebratory dinner we’re having with all the crew to welcome you tonight.
We’ll also discuss your role further, and you can ask us any questions you need to. ”
My stomach rolls with nerves at his words.
Woah, no pressure or anything, just going to throw me in the deep end and hope that I can swim.
Well, lucky for me, I’ve always been a strong swimmer who can easily adapt to new environments.
It comes from living in lots of different foster homes as a kid, and right now, I guess it’s going to help me keep my head above water with the aliens.
Never thought I’d think something like that.
“Okay, I’ll think about it while I have a break and freshen up,” I promise him.
“I’ll also have a list of questions about a mile long about everything once my brain catches up.
I want to know about possible powers the waters might activate, and a ton of other stuff.
Right now, it’s just… a lot, so I’m going to take a few minutes for myself.
” He looks pleased at my response and gives me some space, joining John back in the corridor.
I throw the swipe card on the top of the desk as I wander around the room, taking it all in.
“Oh, and Lila,” William calls, and I turn to him.
“Most of our performers are aliens. We only take performers who have a humanoid form, as it is hard to explain non-humanoid appearances, but some of the performers have three forms—humanoid, their natural form, and half-forms. They’ll likely wander about in other forms since this is one of the only places they’re free to be out of their humanoid shape, and we want them to be comfortable.
” His face becomes stern as he cautions me, “I’m warning you now so you can get your game face on.
At dinner, there are going to be sights that are out of this world, and we know it might be rough, but they’ll be watching for your reaction.
” With that, he turns and leaves. Before he can shut the door, John pushes past him and bundles me into his arms, his firm hug soothing my emotions almost instantly.
I sag against him and bring up my arms to return the embrace.
I can’t remember the last time someone hugged me or showed me any other kind of affection apart from Susie.
Mark tries, but I get this icky feeling every time he touches me.
No matter how much she encourages me or how starved for affection I am, I just can’t bring myself to allow him to touch me.
“Hang in there, Lila. I know it’s so much to take in, and it’s going to get worse before it gets better, but the Galaxy Circus is your birthright.
This is where you would have been if it weren’t for the tragedy that stole your parents from us all.
” He gives me a kiss on the temple and pulls away, gently closing the door behind him, leaving me feeling like a wrung-out sponge.
I’m not sure I’ve got any emotions left to feel.
I’ve certainly run the gauntlet of them all today.
I flop backward onto the bed, controller in hand, a big breath escaping my lungs.
I’m an alien. Well, fuck my life.