Free The Terminals by Royce Scott Buckingham Page B

strong enough.”
    â€œFailure of one team member is often considered a failure of the team leader,” Ward said evenly. “Where were you when Cam started drifting away? You weren’t racing ahead to show off, were you?”
    Donnie bit his lip. His face looked vaguely purple, and Cam realized he was holding his breath to keep himself from replying. Ward didn’t demand an answer. He knew the answer. He turned to Cam.
    â€œIn truth, it’s not a failure, Cam. It’s a life experience, one to be learned from. And I think we’ve just learned that you are going to be on a different squad.”
    *   *   *
    â€œDon’t sweat it,” Ari said, taking a huge bite out of a roasted bird of some sort. “They’re juiced. You aren’t. It’s not an indictment of your manhood.”
    â€œI was dragged to shore by the hot gal,” Cam mumbled.
    â€œHot gal on enhancers, pal.”
    â€œWhen do I get some?”
    â€œSome TS-9? Whenever you like, but I recommend you don’t start until after your symptoms begin to break you down.”
    â€œIs that what Donnie did?”
    â€œI think Donnie was an early adopter. He’s aggressive that way.”
    â€œWhat about you?”
    â€œDo I look like I’m on steroids?”
    â€œYes. I bet you were even skinnier before.”
    Ari smirked. “You’re quick, Cam. And correct. The TS helps with focus too, you know. I’ve never thought so clearly and quickly.”
    â€œIt sounds amazing.”
    â€œAnd kills you eventually. Don’t forget that part.”
    â€œYeah, but after our natural expiration date.”
    â€œI still say hold off until you need it.”
    â€œMaybe I need it to keep up.”
    â€œLook, I only take it because after they diagnosed me I started to deteriorate. I used to be all natural and organic and stuff, but feeling your body start to decay while you’re still alive is pretty goddamned disconcerting. And feeling your brain struggle to call up information you knew by heart just a month earlier is wrong at any age. At nineteen it’s a bona fide travesty. The TS fixed that for me. But you’re not broken yet, pal.”
    â€œWhat are you, my doctor?”
    â€œGiven a few more years I would have been.”
    Cam considered his roommate. Ari had no reason to lie, unless maybe he was just as competitive about the training as Donnie and Zara and wanted to keep Cam down too. Unlikely. “As soon as I feel even a twinge, I’m having what you’re all having.”
    â€œAnd when that day comes I’ll buy you the first round. But you can’t really go back, so until then just stay gold a bit longer there, Wingman.”

 
    CAM’S PLAYLIST
    8. THE ICE FIREMEN   
    by Blabbermouth
    9. I LOVE BACON
    by The Foodies
    10. RUSTLE AND WHISPER
    by Okee Kenochee
    â€œMelt, melt, melt, like a schoolgirl’s dream.”
    After an hour of rest they tumbled out of their beds and headed for the bunker. The remainder of the crew were already inside, arranged in their V formation in the conference room with Ward at the front. This time Pilot had joined him. He sat in a chair to one side, wearing his jumpsuit as though he might have to scramble the helicopter at any moment. He chewed a toothpick and wore large sunglasses. The chopper wasn’t actually at the compound. A beach landing was difficult with the uncertain wind coming over the bluff. Pilot came ashore by boat, a sea kayak he’d paddled from around the southern cliffs.
    Zara smirked and Donnie frowned when Cam and Ari walked in. Cam rolled his eyes and headed to his seat in the back. Calliope sat nearby, but she drew cartoons with her pencil and pretended not to notice. Cam wondered if she was embarrassed about having shared so much of herself the night before at the keyboard, or if she too regarded him as a failure. Jules, however, patted his seat