26 Meimi
Thorne and I approach the lab door. For the first time since reworking the plan, we’re getting together to chat up where things stand for the Liberation Celebration. As we close in on the lab, low voices echo into the hallway around us.
“I think she’s coming,” says Chloe.
“I hope she likes my new chem dart launcher,” adds Zoe. “That way, the puffs of smoke will start from multiple spots.”
Not sure why these chats always make my stomach woozy, but they do. Thorne gently rests his hand on the center of my back. That’s calming. Together, we walk into the laboratory and park ourselves around the conversation pit. All the while, Thorne smiles and nods at folks like a pro.
A thought hits me. Thorne is part of the royal family back on his home planet. Perhaps he’s marched into tons
