Dead Heroes – Excerpt 3

Here's more of the science fiction novel Dead Heroes. This character, Sinoa, is instrumental in the development of the story. Read the Overview to get a hint at how.

Sinoa Glen-Berklin entered the seniors' canteen and frowned at the laughter and loud talk. The day before recess always presented this frivolous mood, while other times were more quiet with students studying or debating while they imbibed and munched snacks. She peered around the room and her expression softened when a young woman raised her arms and waved to her.

"Hi, Kwen," Sinoa said when she reached the small table. "I was afraid I'd missed you." Sinoa slumped into the chair opposite her friend.

"What's up? You look ragged," Kwen Oldmin said. "Was teaching that bad?"

Sinoa punched in a request for a fruit drink and gave a long sigh. "It was going all right until recitation, and then the students started arguing about Tal and Sol, and which one was a star and which a sun. Then at the end of class they started name calling and shouting."

"You must have a bunch of dorm kids in there. They can be rowdy."

"It wasn't an AG that started it. Anyway..." The mechan delivered her drink. Sinoa took a grateful gulp. "I got a summons to see an advisor. I figured I had really messed up, but he didn't even mention the two outbursts. He wanted to know why the AGs were advancing faster than the others, and asked if I was somehow tutoring them."

"That's pretty silly. What can we do without the advisors getting a report. With our uniform tags, we can barely pee without their knowing."

"I hope the tags don't pick up audio." Sinoa snickered, then continued, "He asked me if I was partial to AGs." Sinoa shook her head. "Did you ever get asked that?" Kwen was three levels ahead of Sinoa and had completed her student teaching.

Kwen chuckled. "Ah, no...That never came up."

Sinoa couldn't decipher the slight smirk on her friend's face. "So I'm a bit rattled."

"Well, maybe you can cheer up with my good news. I got my chit to order my Varsity togs," Kwen grinned. "That makes it official, don't you think?"

"Terrific!"

"I start orientation on the tenth; full classes on the fifteenth."

"I'm so happy for you. But—well, I'll sure miss you."

"You've only got a few more months and you'll be at Varsity, too." Kwen leaned forward, still smiling. "Oh, I went to C-level. Peeked in at your brother's baby. He's getting big!"

"I know. I check on him every day. He'll be one of the last babies to come aware before the Apex."

"He ought to get a prize or something. I haven't seen sign of a blemish, either," Kwen said. "No big moles; he has all his fingers and toes." Kwen glanced at her watch. "Oh oh, I have to get going. Have CWD in less than an hour."

"You'll miss Sage Gamion in the park!"

"I know." Kwen pulled a long face. "Luta and Ginnabor and some of the others are going." She stood and pushed her shoulder length curls into the hood of her tunic. "I'll talk to you later. Oh, and don't let that advisor rattle you. I'll bet you're doing fine with the teaching. Rankings will be up in a few days. You'll see." Kwen gave Sinoa's shoulder a squeeze as she started for the door.

"Right," Sinoa said, still worried. She needed a good teaching record to boost her Mental Achievement Ranking, which was fifty-five—high for a person her age. After another few swallows of her drink, she pulled out and activated her compac. On her first day of teaching she had forgotten to turn off the unit. She got a call in the middle of class, and was reprimanded for it. Now she didn't forget.

Only one message, she didn't recognize the call numbers.

"Sinoa. I'm arriving on planet late this afternoon," said a voice she did recognize. She smiled. Nathan was from the County 3 she had met him while working on Krellanon. "I'm planning to attend the presentation by your city's elder. Will you meet me in the park this evening?" the message went on.

Yes indeed, she thought. Fond of aviation, they had twice spent leisure moments racing rented vehicles through Krellanon's blue ravines. They once worked together at maintenance on a V-real pod in the dormitory lounge; Sinoa liked his sense of humor. He had left a number for her reply. Sinoa quickly called and was told to leave a message. "I'll be there a bit early to get a good seat. At the large arches by the south entrance." She clicked off and hoped she didn't sound too eager.

Smiling, she gave a happy sigh and finished her drink. Maybe the whole day wouldn't be a disaster.

E-book goes live on 24 December 2011
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