Page 39 of Tribute
Rehz took the frosted bottle and brought it to his lips. “Vas.”
Kai reached across and clinked his bottle against Rehz’s. “Vas. Nice to see you’ve finally got something good to drink in.”
“Lee likes it. She calls itbeer, says they have something similar on Earth.”
“Do you believe she’s from another planet?”
Rehz shrugged. “We’re pretty isolated out here. The government likes to pretend we’re the only planet that exists and that everywhere else is either a threat or a legend. Have you ever seen anyone who looks like her on Mitan?” He frowned. “There were some differences in her initial DNA test results, but Palk passed her into the program anyway.”
“She certainly doesn’t look like any Mitan female I’ve ever met. Those blue eyes are pretty unique.” Kai finished hiskvasand returned to concocting the bowl of salad. “Is Lee coming out to eat with us?”
“She’s asleep. She’ll help herself later if she wakes up.”
“Does she know I’m still here?” Kai peeled off his jacket, leaving him in just a black regulation T-shirt and pants.
“She does. Let’s eat.”
By mutual consent they took their plates over to the couch and watched the news and sports roundup on the telescreen as they ate.
“Do you really think you can stand another year?” Rehz asked as he got up to clear away the plates and get morekvas.
“I don’t have any choice. Apparently Solly doesn’t count, so I’m still one down on my count.”
“That’s fucking unfair.”
“Hell, Rehz, he jumped off the roof on my watch. I failed him.”
“I’m sure you did your best.”
“I took my eye off him while I was in the shower. I thought he was doing okay readjusting. He found the code to the rooftop of the building and he just . . .” Kai sighed. “It was a fucking mess. Literally.”
Rehz reached out and gripped his shoulder. “It’s okay. We’ve all had one like that. Remember Iniz? He managed to kill himself on the way to the hospital while a whole team of medics and I watched, and we still couldn’t save him.”
“Yeah.” Kai closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the couch. “So I signed up for one more year. I’ll be leading the team.”
“They couldn’t have anyone better.”
Kai smiled. “Except you.” He ran a finger down Rehz’s nose. “Will you let me stay with you tonight?”
“If you wish.”
“What about Lee?”
“I told her you might be staying.”
“You know me too well.” Kai hesitated. “I need to be fucked hard and I know you’ll do it right.”
“Were you and Solly still fucking?”
“No. He wasn’t really into men so I didn’t push it. I wonder if we need to try and recruit more female trainers?”
“I don’t think Lee will go for it.”
“Fuck no. They only take ex-military. Although she’d be damn good at it. That female has big balls.” Kai laughed and finished hiskvas.
“I keep wondering if there is a better way.”
“Than training Tributes?” Kai shrugged. “It’s the cheapest option the government has at the moment.”
