“Have you tried the predontle vorealator?” The man with the long eyelashes speaks.

“Of course I have. What, do you think I’m stupid or something?”

I expect the second voice to be the woman, like before. But it’s unfamiliar. They must rotate shifts. I concentrate on their words, careful not to move a muscle on my face. What are they doing to me?

“It was the first thing I tried. I got my research badge same year as you, Rike.”

“That’s all rubbish now, isn’t it? Dwegini, Zruki. It’s like it never mattered. Now it’s just us and them.” He grunts, apparently pushing something heavy. My table moves and I resist the urge to steady myself, trying to let myself rock side to side as if I’m unconscious. The lights dim a moment before glowing brighter. They’re moving me… across the room. But why? Maybe I can get close to the door, break the straps holding me down, then bust out of here. I’d peek but it’s too risky.

“Not for long. Those loyal to the true leader of the Ghizon won’t falter. Have some faith. We’ll make this place what it was.”

The other guy says nothing and continues to work in silence. I strain to hear, even though their conversation hovers right over me.

“How’s Lella doing, news of the baby and everything?”

“It’s good. She’s doing what she can. Never thought we’d be bringing a baby into a world like this, you know?”

“We got a good chance here though, to prove ourselves. He’s giving everyone a double take. He’s got to. You know what that means?”

The other man grunts, feigning curiosity.

“Means it’s an opportunity to rise in the ranks. Get close to the big guy.”

The other lets silence hang between them.

“Some of his own Patrol turned on him, did you know? Razing the streets of the City, rebelling against the man that gave them everything. Can you believe it?”

“It’s not that black and white, Huff.”

“Is for me.”

They don’t speak again until my table moves back through a moment of darkness. Something clamps and my arms feel heavier. I hold my breath in my chest and ease an eyelid open. A spider-looking contraption is attached to my golden arms with pinchers at the end. They set it on my arm where the cuff meets my skin.

I gasp.

Th-they’re trying to pry off my cuffs!

“She’s awake!”

Something stings my neck. Sleep chases me, but I’m too weak to run.

The table is cold at my back. I immediately recognize the lab’s walls around me. Light hangs overhead and Jhamal’s face comes into view, hovering above me. I blink. He’s slick with sweat.

“Jelani, can you hear me?” He’s over me, his armor flecked with red.