Colony One Read Online Free PDF Page B

fancy term that the complex owners had used to describe her small studio. Despite having been honorably discharged from the military, there was not enough money to go around for everyone – especially to support out-of-work veterans. That was what she and many others were told, at least.
    Her eyes scanned the room instinctively before zeroing in on the door as the banging started up again. In a flash, she was on her feet – much quicker than someone who had just woken should have been. Since she had already identified the distinctive knocking, she simply cracked the door open without checking her viewer to see who it was, and then turned to walk to the kitchen unit for some much needed coffee. The floor crunched as she stepped on a wayward take out box and she pushed another off the counter and into the waste bin.
    Her old military buddy, James Hunter, pushed through the door, “You’re alive!” he observed and closed the door before asking, “Why on earth have you not been answering the OMNI?”
    Alexa shrugged and pointed to her glass device that lay broken on the floor, “It seems to have lost a fight with the wall.” She said in way of answer. The device had a habit of telling her that her blood-alcohol levels were too high, and she didn’t appreciate it.
    He shook his head at her and removed his filter mask, revealing his surprised, but amused expression. “Most impressive. Those things are supposed to be pretty difficult to break.”
    Alexa shrugged and changed the subject; “Don’t tell me you’ve joined the filter bandwagon?” She gestured to the apparatus hanging around his neck as she started a pot of coffee. She was grateful he had not worn his uniform to see her – the large overcoat he now wore, while grey like the military uniforms she knew so well – was a civilian cut.
    “What can I say?” It was his turn to shrug, “Air quality just keeps getting worse, and my lungs haven’t been the same since our last tour. Not to mention, World Corp is handing them out for free to just about anyone who wants one. Creative problem-solving for the world’s pollution concerns.” He added with more than a hint of sarcasm.
    Though she tried to hide it, Alexa visibly flinched at the mention of the war. She took a deep breath before she could turn back towards him and retrieve coffee mugs from an upper storage compartment. “Yea, the masks are free, but the filter refills aren’t. Funny how that works.” She offered stiffly.
    “You’d get one, too, if you ever left this high-rise.” James pointed out. It was true most high rises had everything you’d need – filtered air, hospitals, grocery stores, schools and more – but the human condition begged to go outside eventually. Alexa was a stubborn hold out, and it made James worried for her. 
    As soon as she saw his face, she knew that he knew her thoughts. Giving in, she finally asked, “What do you want, Hunter?”
    James set his filter on the counter and leaned in. His cobalt blue eyes were sincere as he explained, “I want to help you get past this. We all miss you back at barracks. We know you’re not going to re-enlist. But at least keep in touch. Come out and see us.” He paused and glanced away for a moment before returning his gaze to her and adding, “Or at least meet me out somewhere.”
    “You’re wasting your time.”
    “We’re a unit, Dilyn.” His tone was earnest. “A family,” he reminded her. “That doesn’t change because you’re no longer fighting the war with us.”
    The concern in his voice was almost too much for Alexa – she couldn’t handle being treated so delicately. “Save it…” she warned, her tone becoming venomous.
    His jaw set and he paused for a moment, as if to evaluate if he should say what he was thinking. In the end, emotion ran over, “Is this how you want to live the rest of your life?” James gestured to the scattered mess around the small apartment. Empty and half full alcohol bottles lined