Balance Read Online Free PDF

, she slips under the hot shower.  A gain, Rena succumbs to her emotions; confident surveillance would not work or be present in the steam-filled bathroom.  She understands that the events of the last day have been overwhelming, expected as much.  T o be here, after all the planning … she was unprepared for the onslaught of emotions.  She chides herself for her naiveté .
    Her mind flashes to Michael, to the cage.  In all th e chaos of the invitation, she hadn’t the time to reconsider the events of the night.  What happened?  She’d seen him fight before, truly enjoyed watching him … but last night, that was different.  His reaction, his offensive … anyone seeing the fight, with any real knowledge of fighting … would have come to the same conclusion … the fight was fixed.  However, the promoter appeared just as shocked by the events, and Michael, he didn’t seem to even know what happened.  His reaction to her insinuation and collusion was genuine puzzlement … e ither Mic hael’ s an excellent actor, or he’s completely in the dark as to what happened.
    She stands under the hot water streaming down her body, relaxing the tenseness in her muscles, and her mind.  The gamut of her emotions spent in privacy, she collects herself.
     
    Showered and wrap ped in a towel , only her hair still wet, she returns to the bedroom .   Standing before the large mirror, Rena dries her long dark red man e , then dresses .  Locating a brush , she straightens her hair , arrang ing it into a loose braid down the middle of her back.
    Returning to the mirror, she inspects herself.  The clothing , form fitting , meant to provide mobility and minimal interference, the material intended to keep in warmth , while wick ing away perspiration.  She wears a form fitting lycra white ribbed tank under the removable jacket .  The shoes, a type of booty with a rugged ized rubber sole, form fitting without lace s, effective for running, climbing, swimming or any physical activity.
     
    R eturning to the main space, Rena goes to the office area.  O n the center of the desk, she finds the Protocol and Procedure s manual , a large tome holding the rules for her survival here in the Bunker .  She picks it up and deposits it on the coffee tabl e, on her way into the kitchen ette .  The only appliance , a refrigerator complete with drink dispenser, s he grabs a glass from the cupboard and pours herself some water.
    A computer on the wall in the sitting room chimes indicating 11:30AM.  A second chime sounds and the door unloc ks.  The door opens slowly, followed by a knock and a greeting.  “Lunch m a’ am. Is it okay if I enter?”
    “ Yes . ” She replies, working to hide any apprehension from her voice.
    A young man , dressed in white fatigues , enters carrying a tray with covered plates.  He walks in and places the tray on the island coun ter.  T urn ing to the young woma n, he introduces himself.  “Sargent Owens, Ma ’a m.  Did you find everything you needed?”
    “Yes … I think so.  Thank you. ” Rena responds curiously , t hen she thinks to ask; “The young man brought in with me, can you tell me where his quarters are?”
    “Yes ma ’a m.  He’s right across the hall .  Is there anything else, ma’am ? ”
    “ No…thank you.”
    As the young soldier starts to leave, he remind s her to be in the dining hall at 6:00PM for dinner , explaining that the door will unlock at 5:45 PM . D irections to the dining hall foun d in the procedural manual; she need only follow the rest of the people.   The door relocks after he leaves.
    Rena , starving , lifts the covers and considers the food.  As she expected, high in nutrition, low in taste.  The meal included chicken breast, white rice, bread and some fruit.  It a lso included a small cup of pills and a pouch with a powder inside .  She had expected this too , likely basic nutritional supplements and some sort of protein drink mix.  Until she knows what