Limbo (The Last Humans Book 2) Read Free Page B

shouldn’t be detected. Hopefully.”
    “I guess it’s worth the risk.” I get up from the bed. “We have to know how deep this goes.”
    “Exactly.” She looks distant again. “It’s going to happen in about twenty minutes. We can wait that long.”
    “Okay,” I subvocalize. “In the meantime, I think I need some fresh air.”
    “Good idea,” Phoe says and heads for the door.
    We’re both pretty quiet as we make our way out of the Dorm building.
    When we get outside, we’re greeted by the rising sun.
    “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Phoe says.
    I’m not sure if she’s talking about the sunrise or how it’s reflecting off the dew on the grass, but she’s right. It’s been ages since I’ve woken up this early, and I guess I was missing out. Even knowing that the sun isn’t real, that we’re in space surrounded by stars, doesn’t detract from its beauty.
    I walk down the green walkway and notice Youths who are already awake. To my right, a couple of boys are meditating. To my left, two girls are practicing yoga.
    When I turn the corner, heading toward the soccer field, a Youth inserts himself in my path. I’m so lost in thought that it takes me a moment to realize it’s Owen. What the hell is he doing awake at this unreasonably early hour? Somehow, I doubt he got up to meditate.
    When he sees I’ve spotted him, he walks toward me.
    Not in the mood for his shenanigans, I attempt to get past him by stepping right.
    He steps to his left, once again blocking my path.
    I automatically step to the left.
    He moves to the right this time. Clearly, he’s trying to get in my way.
    I stop and say, “What do you want?”
    “Oh, I didn’t even notice you there, Why-Odor,” Owen says in his hyena-like tone. “If you want to dance, why don’t you just ask me?”
    “I’m not in the mood for your shit,” I say. The intensity in my voice, as well as my blatant breaking of the vulgarity rules, makes Owen take a slight step back.
    Unfortunately, he recovers quickly and says, “Well, I am in the mood for a chat.” He looks around to make sure no one can overhear him, sees that we’re alone, and quietly adds, “So who gives a shit what you want?”
    “I’ll give you two seconds to get out of my way,” I say as evenly as I can, given the tension of the morning thus far. “One.”
    “Theo, don’t,” Phoe whispers.
    “Fuck you,” Owen replies and puffs out his chest, looking like a weird hyena-peacock hybrid.
    “Wrong answer,” I think, and without saying a word, I do something I’ve only done once in the IRES simulation.
    I ball my hand into a fist and punch Owen in the jaw.

3
    I expect Owen to raise his fists and fight back, like in the IRES game. To be honest, I’m hoping he’ll give me a reason to hit him again.
    He doesn’t raise his fists. He just stands there, looking as stunned as a cartoon character that ran off a cliff.
    Then, to my surprise, Owen gracelessly collapses.
    “Dude?” I say, looking down at him. “Owen?”
    He doesn’t reply.
    I think I knocked him out, like an ancient boxer.
    “Is he okay?” I ask Phoe.
    With a flick of her wrist, Phoe brings up a Screen.
    I see vitals on the screen and assume they’re Owen’s. They look normal, but I wait for her to answer.
    “Yes, he’s fine,” she says and shakes her head. “I didn’t expect you to do that.”
    “I’m sorry,” I say, half to her and half to the unconscious Owen. “I’m not used to having so much pent-up emotion.” I rub my aching knuckles with my left hand. “I had no idea my punch would be that effective.”
    “Well…” Phoe clears her throat. “It normally wouldn’t be, but I did something to a group of nanos in your body while you were sleeping, and this might be a tiny side effect of that.” She gives me a weak smile. “I’ve been meaning to tell you about it.”
    “What?” The hair on the back of my neck rises.
    “There’s nothing to be concerned about.” Phoe’s smile wanes.