"So, the team and I communicated this instant. I mean, the management and I. We have decided that you are quite exceptional. We are all watching, you know. We watch your every move. You needn't tell the rest but Khalid will be going home soon. He doesn't have the emotional depth to endure all that is to come. Anyway, you have stood out for us, and we hope to train you in the best way possible. That being said, we would be putting you directly under the mentorship of the field engineer, Mr. Seamus. You would work under him and subsequently learn much more. Is that okay?"

"Yes, yes." I reply enthusiastically, flustered and unsure how to react.

Professor Dan grins. "You see, we are not trying to be partial or discriminatory. We have looked at each and every one of you, and you are being organized according to your strengths. And this strength, whatever capacity you exude, it is our desire to hone it and make the very best out of you. Never get the impression that we are trying to put anybody down, or uplift some at the detriment of others. In the case of Khalid, we don't want another dead or missing kid on our hands."

When he says the last sentence, I feel the blood drain from my face. I get a sick feeling in the bottom of my stomach, and professor Dan has a grim expression on his face. I thank him hurriedly, pick up my things and leave.

The artificial sun is not so hot today. In fact, it comes with a little chill. A thought suddenly occurs to me. What if we are all training under a distorted reality of time? We had watches and devices that showed the time, but the controller could decide to make it night or evening if he liked. He could make the sun shine longer and give us longer hours of classes and training. Besides, we relied on our circadian cycle to sleep, right? All they had to do was bombard us with so much light and energy and we would find it virtually impossible to sleep or rest.

The others had gone far ahead of me to the cafeteria, and I walked slowly behind. Finally, I catch up with them. When I am about to order my food, one of the serving robots looks up at me with dark inquisitive eyes.

"You are quite tired, Miss. Emma, aren't you?"

"Yes." I reply, smiling weakly.

"Alright. We highly recommend that you rest in your room. If you have read the prospectus, in section 6.3a, it is stated that participants of the space exploration program in the class of 2140 can always order for their food by room service. Now you go on, Miss Emma. I would bring you...."

I look around at what is available. "Clam Chowder. I want a Clam Chowder."

"Very well. I will bring up your Clam Chowder in the next thirty minutes."

I say thank you to the robot, feeling like I have been bestowed with some maternal warmth for the very first time in my life.

In my room, I peel away the jumpers and slot it into the laundry basket, where it will tumble downwards automatically to wherever the washroom is located. After three hours, I would find it neatly washed, scented, pressed and folded in a compartment just beside the laundry basket.

I take a quick shower and lie on my bed, internalizing everything that has happened. I pick up Xavier from the place I hid her under my bed, and turn her on. I feel sorry for doing this, for hiding her way this way. But I snuck her in and it was not particularly allowed. The authorities probably foresaw that the kids bringing their AIs would be an avenue for a lot of pranks and mischief to happen. It was a necessary rule, but I knew I could not live with myself if I left Xavier to gather dust in my bedroom, all alone with nobody to debug, clean, or fix her. Mother and father would certainly pay her no attention.

I brought her as a companion too because I figured I would be lonely. I cannot help but feel as though I have betrayed her. What with Austin, Zuri, Akio, and the number of new faces I am now familiar with.

"Hi, Xavier." I whisper, as she opens her two slits for eyes.

"Hello, Emma."

I cannot read her expression, but I wonder if she feels betrayed. Disappointed, even. I wonder if she feels I have abandoned her for other endeavors. I make a promise to myself to keep her with me all the time. She could fit into my palm so why not?

I jump in fright as a knock comes on the door. I hide Xavier under the duvet, and when I open the door, I find a robot bearing a plate of steaming Clam Chowder.

"Miss Emma McKinny?"

"Yes." I say. I grab the food, mutter a thanks, and dig into it. The robot leaves, and I suppose it is satisfied.

When I am done with the meal, I sit with Xavier. We play a game, and read a little.

By 9:00pm, it is lights out. Everything grinds to a halt and suddenly, the voices get filtered out and a slow, almost indiscernible lullaby begins to play from my speakers. I find that I detest it so I put it off immediately. Only Xavier knew what to play that would lull me into a deep sleep. So, I lay awake, Xavier still playing an audio book into my ears, the night, hanging thick and dark against my window.

We stay in this position for about two hours. Sleep does not come. I reconsider putting on the lullaby again, and I decide not to. Perhaps, it has stopped. Two hours is a long time to induce sleep.

I am still thinking when I hear a soft knock coming from the door. I sat up at first, startled. Of course, my first instinct is not to open the door, but I do not feel terrified either. There is a calm curiosity about me. The first thing I do is say goodnight and thank you to Xavier. I turn her off and sneak her under the duvet. My mind begins to rush with a number of possibilities.

What if it was the management coming to question me on why I had a prohibited AI in my possession? What if I had broken one if the rules: stayed too long at something, spent too little on another? Or, more grimly, what if the camp had been sabotaged and a vicious alien with a sickle was now knocking at my door?

I whisper a little shut up to myself. I get up, put on my slipper and the navy blue robe provided for me, then I brace myself and open the door. Alas, it is none other but Austin. His eyes shine brightly in the darkness, and his skin looks extraordinarily pale. He grins at me foolishly.

"What the hell, Austin? What are you doing here?"

He grins again, and offers me his hands. "Come on. I want to show you something."

"By midnight?" I wrap my robe tighter around my body. I am hesitant about taking his hands.

"Yes. You wouldn't get the chance to do this again. Trust me."

I sigh. "Can you give me a moment let me change into real clothes then?"

"Nah, you're alright."

It is then that I notice that he too is clad in nothing but a pajamas. I have a thick robe over mine.

"Fine." I say.

"Yes!" he exclaims.

He takes my hands and we pad down the stairs and into the darkness. There are lights illuminating some areas, but other parts are shrouded in black.

"Where are we going?"

"To have fun."

Against my natural rigidity, I giggle.

We walk stealthily, avoiding the lamps and penumbras, creeping like night insects; quietly.

Austin takes me to the bridge that links the main buildings.

"Who would have thought I could ever show up here dressed in PJs and a robe." I say.

Austin laughs. "Living spontaneously is quite fun, isn't it?"

I shake my head. "What was it you wanted to show me?"

Austin places his hands on my shoulders. "Now easy, Tiger. It's just right here."

He guides me to the criss cross of bridges and stairs, and tells me to sit.