Page 80

Story: Secrecy

They entered cautiously, their eyes widening as they took in the riot of color that was my quarters.

"We heard you were visiting the Island," Jess said, her gaze finally settling back on me.

Britta ran a hand through her long hair. "And we wanted to ask if you'd do us a favor.”

“A favor? For you two?” I clapped my hands together in delight. "Of course! I'm happy to help in any way I can!"

The two cadets exchanged another glance, a whole conversation passing between them without a word spoken.

"It's about Morgan," Jess finally said.

"And Tivek," Britta added.

I blinked at them, my head tilting slightly. "What about them, hons?"

"We have suspicions," Jess began, choosing her words carefully.

Britta nodded. “But Morgan denies everything.”

I perched on the edge of my bed, patting the spaces beside me for them to sit. "Tell me more.”

"We've always suspected Morgan had a crush on the adjunct," Jess explained, settling onto the bed beside me.

Britta plopped down beside Jess. “They were together a lot during the mission, and there was definitely something going on when we were on that video call with her, and he appeared.”

"Morgan is all about rules," Jess continued. "Always has been. She would never get involved with someone if she thought it would cause trouble."

Britta sighed. “But we're afraid she's going to miss out on something real. I was worried about getting involved with Kann since he's an instructor, but now I've never been happier."

"Morgan has always been focused on her career, but we both know how the right person can change your life." Jess glanced at Britta with a knowing smile. "And we want that for her, if that's what she wants too."

"I understand completely," I said, ”but what exactly do you think I can do to help?"

Britta rubbed her hands together. “We were hoping you could find out if there's anything between Morgan and Tivek when you get to the Island.”

"Or maybe help the process along," Jess added with a smirk.

I pressed a hand to my chest. "I hope you know I would never push anyone into an unwanted relationship.”

But Serge absolutely would, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's already started.

The two cadets looked momentarily abashed, and I softened my tone. "I can certainly keep an eye on things and report back. If they're truly interested in each other, then I might be able to give a nudge.” I held up a finger. “But only then.”

I did not agree with Serge’s more assertive methods of matching couples. My Gatazoid friend had all the finesse of a sledgehammer.

Relief washed over their faces, and Jess leaned forward to squeeze my hand gratefully. "Thank you, Reina."

"Yes, thank you," Britta echoed. "We just want our friend to be happy."

"Of course you do, hon," I said, patting Jess's hand. "And I'll do what I can."

After they left, I returned to my packing with renewed enthusiasm. This trip to the Island was becoming more interesting by the minute. I had a romantic mission now, which was the very best kind!

I carefully nestled my favorite silver sequined dress into the suitcase, humming a cheerful tune. If Morgan and Tivek were both as stubborn and rule-abiding as everyone seemed to think, this would be challenging indeed. Especially if I wanted to keep Serge from getting involved and taking an overly firm hand.

“I’m sure he can be convinced to see reason,” I told myself as I folded the remaining clothes in my case and snapped it shut. I was probably exaggerating my memories of his overexuberance when it came to matchmaking. No doubt he’d relaxed his tactics in my absence.

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