Chapter 18

Elara was given a clean bill of health after undergoing a medical checkup. She headed home and rested for one more day, only returning to the research base the following afternoon. Even from a distance, she saw a few security personnel standing guard outside her lab while holding heavy weaponry, their faces tense and uneasy. They looked at her hesitantly but ultimately remained silent as they allowed her in. Puzzled, Elara unlocked the thick, blast-proof metal doors and headed inside. A massive water chamber had been added to her office. No.17, handsome as ever, sat at the bottom of the chamber. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he swam to the top of the chamber, lifting the hatch and poking his head out. His ink-green eyes focused on her, the expectant look in them evident. "Good afternoon." Elara pulled a bag of regular candy from her bag and tore open the wrapper. "Open your mouth." He obediently did so and ate the candy from her hand. The sweetness burst in his mouth, and