Page 31
THE WATCHER
Head down,Rowan wandered through the halls of the TCR, jaw sore from grinding their teeth. They’d questioned the staff, save the unconscious man in the medcenter, and started on the passengers. The trouble was, pleasantries were not their cup of tea. Yet the boss’s clear-as-AC-glass instructions to keep in the good graces of the Bennets continued to play through their mind.
Rowan hated money. Capitalism persisted for far too long in their opinion. Society should be past it by now. But no one asked Rowan, and they still needed to survive by keeping their own job.
“You look like a big spender,” the nearest holographic girl said, leaning against the wooden beam connecting to the “brothel” which was actually a virtual reality game.
Rowan scowled and walked through her, causing her image to blink. They rounded the corner and found themselves entering the saloon they’d frequented since coming aboard. The bartender who’d misgendered them polished glasses behind the long, shiny bar. They now knew her name was Hanna. She nodded toward them and grabbed a clean glass to fill with water.
“You look disappointed, Mx. Watcher,” she commented, setting it before them.
“I guess I’m debating on ordering that whisky,” Rowan said.
“Tough day? You should try getting into the role play. Go find a costume.”
Rowan’s jaw ached again as they ground their teeth.
“I think it’s refreshing.” A woman with vivid purple hair sat beside Rowan at the bar where she tapped the wood and indicated the number two with her fingers.
Hanna turned away to pour the order and Rowan took in the newcomer’s appearance. She dressed like the rest in 1800’s attire, but at least it wasn’t as over the top as some of the ones they’d seen. A simple brown skirt and matching jacket with three brass buttons down the front, modest and sharp.
The woman smiled and leaned in to whisper, “Hanna can be a little much sometimes. You looked like you needed rescuing.”
Hanna returned with two whiskies and set one before Rowan. When they looked up again, the purple haired woman sipped hers, watching a roadrunner outside in the distance.
It would be impolite to refuse, so Rowan took a single sip, the cool liquid burning its way down their throat in a familiar trickle that relaxed their entire body.
“Thank you,” they said.
“You’re welcome. The name’s Caroline Long. Yours?” She held out a hand.
Rowan hesitated then shook it. “Mx. Watcher.”
Caroline raised a single eyebrow, a talent Rowan had long been envious of. When they didn’t clarify, she shrugged and downed the remainder of her glass.
“Are you enjoying your vacation?” Rowan asked, debating on whether to take a second sip. They were terrible at small talk, but they had to interview everyone. Why not talk to the woman since the opportunity presented itself?
Caroline sighed and tipped the empty glass in a clear sign she wanted another. “I spent my entire life savings on this trip, and it’s not exactly living up to the hype, is it?”
Rowan sat up straight. “Your entire savings?”
Caroline laughed at their expression. “I know it was stupid. But I figured I should do something unique while I had the chance. No regrets, right?” She smiled gratefully up at Hanna who delivered her drink.
“I’m sorry you weren’t able to explore the way you were promised,” Rowan said, taking that second, and decidedly, last sip. It couldn’t have been pleasant to receive the news they’d been knocked off course so far and would be unable to experience the past the way the resort had intended.
Caroline shrugged. “The small tour wasn’t bad. I liked the donkey. Have you had a chance to go yet?”
The cold chill of anger and humiliation swept through Rowan’s body. Once again, they’d been kept in the dark as to Bennet’s intentions, and they felt like a fool. Their head buzzed with shock as they gripped the whisky and shot down the rest in one gulp.
“You okay?” Caroline asked.
“You say they’re doing excursions?” Rowan asked in what they hoped was a reasonably curious tone.
“Yeah. You can sign up with the AI. You should totally go. It’s pretty stellar.”
Stellar indeed. Rowan tapped the bar, ordering another round, and leaned in to see what else Caroline had to about the trip so far.
