Page 53 of Becoming Super

CHAPTER 21 – Axel

It turns out that Zackwas in agreeance with Sarah and me. Back at the command center in the main city, the three of us met for a private conference.

“Something is definitely wrong here,” Zack sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “This isn’t going to be as clean cut as I wanted it to be.”

I grimaced. “Nothing ever is. But I can’t help but wonder how much of our tour is factual and how much is an illusion.”

“What do you mean?” Sarah asked, leaning forward and I was momentarily transfixed by the sweet shape of her lips.

Shaking my head, I continued with my earlier thought, “We know that Seron children cannot transform their shapes, but Seron adults can. Who is to say that what we saw wasn’t what they wanted us to perceive?”

Sarah nodded her head, “Actually that would be an excellent way for the rebels to get their point across to The Intergalactic Council.”

“The strange part,” Zack added, “Is that for the most part, there haven’t been any labor complaints sent to headquarters. My father made sure to look into everyone. I would think if what we witnessed was accurate there would be news about it.”

“We need to speak with Sabine and see if we can get an honest assessment,” I suggested.

“May I speak with Kat?” Sarah asked.

I didn’t see why not but was interested in knowing why.

“Kat seems to be more of an open book whereas Sabine tends to be rigid and closed off. I do not know how much the girl knows of the affairs in the land, but she does know her mother is in danger. I can’t help but wonder if she might have more clues or information for us.”

Zack nodded, “It’s a good idea.”

Sarah’s jaw dropped, and Zack laughed.

“I am not a complete ass all of the time.”

A slow smile spread across her face. “No, not all of the time.”

I WENT WITH SARAH TOspeak with Kat. We found the girl in the libraries, reading in one of the window seats. She beamed the moment she spotted Sarah. With the exuberance of youth, Kat hopped up and ran over to us throwing her arms around Sarah.

“I have missed you! It gets so dreadfully boring here.”

Sarah grinned, “Surely someone as clever as yourself can find something to do.”

Kat nodded reluctantly. “Sometimes.”

“Are there others that are your age?” Sarah asked, pulling Kat to a comfortable seating area and plopping down like she wanted to shoot the breeze.

Kat pulled a face. “We don’t have many young people on Seron.”

“Why?” I asked and then realized that I might have blurted it out too quickly when Sarah sent me a ‘shut the fuck up’ look.

Kat shrugged noncommittally.

Sarah went on blithely, “When I was growing up we lived in an area that had twelve boys and no girls except me. I had to learn to hang out with the guys or be left behind.”

Kat’s cheeks colored. “That doesn't sound so bad.”

Sarah laughed. “Yes, when I was your age it was amazing, but as a little girl it was really lonely.”

Kat bit her lip. “I know how you felt. Sometimes I get one of the servants to pretend to be a kid, but you can always tell that they are not even when they have shifted.

I was on high alert but knew to let Sarah take the lead.

“You must be wicked smart to tell the difference! I never could,” Sarah said with a grin.

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