Read Online Decay by J. F. Jenkins - Free Book Online Page B

charges. Discuss it with them. If they do not seem inclined to come with you, then you can leave them to their side projects, and you can come alone. Your powers especially Alanmendiquixanimackle, will be useful for this mission. Perhaps you would consider sharing them with your roommate.” Sir Oriol gave Alan a pointed look. “You are both free to leave now.”
    Alan stood from his chair without another word. He bowed before exiting, and as soon as he stepped a foot out of the door, he sighed with relief. Sir Tuliy soon joined him.
    His friend smiled and ran a hand through his short, playful, red hair. “Why were you so nervous to begin with?”
    â€œI wasn't sure if Sir Orioltogorthan was going to like my proposals or if he would continue to have use of me,” Alan explained. He toyed with the idea of telling Sir Tuliy that he knew about the artifact even before Sir Oriol told them. It didn't strike him as a good idea, however. Sir Tuliy would want to know why he wasn't informed as well. All Alan could do, was express the relief he felt when Sir Oriol said he could come along to retrieve it.
    â€œI thought it was an excellent and plausible plan. Though, it might not be a priority, every little bit helps and that is why your work is so important. You do those small, less thought of things that bring us so much valuable information.”
    â€œLike the drug?” Alan looked over at him with both of his eyebrows raised, almost challenging Sir Tuliy.
    His comrade let out a weak cough. “Yes, like the drug.”
    â€œI wasn't sure if that was what really interested you, or if it was the dark skinned girl I've tasked with working on it for me,” Alan said bluntly.
    Sir Tuliy stumbled, something Alan had never seen happen before. He must have caught the great prodigy off guard.
    â€œI−I do have interest in the drug itself. There is a lot that is being ignored about it. First of all, the side effects are important. My double agent, Dale, you remember him. His ability is not as smooth in function as the rest of my charges. Something about the drug caused this to happen. Plus, the implications of what this could mean for home. The artificial gifts produced on Altura are controlled. Those induced by the drug are not. Furthermore, if this breakthrough is brought back to Altura, the black market would have what they refer to on Earth as a 'hay-day'. Not something I want to see happen.” Sir Tuliy made eye contact with Alan, and then a small blush spread across the young man's face. “But yes, I do wish to see Cadence again.”
    â€œYou know she is dating one of my other charges,” Alan said flatly.
    â€œI'm well aware of that fact, thank you. I'm also aware of how he treats her, and that perhaps they make better friends than lovers. Or maybe I'm expressing wishful thinking out loud. Regardless of whether things work out between those two or not, every moment I can spend near her is one I will gladly take.”
    Alan couldn't help but laugh at that. It was all too reminiscent of his own lovesick days when he used to dream of Alona, his ex-fiancée. Had he been so badly blinded by love? Maybe if he had paid more attention to the oncoming signs of the war, he would have known she was bad news. Was the girl he dated back on Altura ever the woman he believed her to be? Or did she always live in a lie?
    I can't encourage this behavior or this relationship. “Those are romantic words, my friend, and I'm not sure they will result in much productivity.”
    Sir Tuliy gazed at Alan solemnly. “If you can keep your work and professional life separate, then so can I. By all means, I invite you to supervise my encounters with her to make sure we stay on task. I have no intention of being a distraction. Her mind is fascinating. She is. There is a lot we can learn from each other. One of my abilities is knowledge as well, in case you've forgotten.”
    Alan sighed. He