Valence 2-2

Noun: Used to describe the amount of attraction or repulsion by people, either toward each other or an event.

Valence TOC

Read 2-1

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"No...no, no, no," the silent pleas had no way to manifest themselves other than becoming shameful tears rolling down the sides of my face, past my ears, and onto the slab beneath me.

The lid of the pod opened and Alyssa reached in to cup my hot cheek in her cool hand. I could feel every line, wrinkle, and divot in her palm - a palm made of skin that used to tell my favorite story, with new twists and turns in every retelling, but always the same rapturous ending. I squeezed my eyes shut and my lips parted, allowing the escape of a shuddering, leaden breath.

"Val", the velvet sound of my name in her mouth was so wrong in that moment, in that room. Her thumb stroked my cheek lightly. I continued to choke on my sorrow and embarassment, wishing I could sit up and shove her away, tell her I never wanted to see her again.

"Valerie," she began again, quietly, with carefully measured words, "It's been a long time. And - and I know I didn't handle things in the best way - " I huffed as loud as I could manage through a paralyzed mouth. She went on.

"- and for that I am deeply sorry," an edge of impatience had crept into her words before she could hide it, "You know I tried to call you. I regretted leaving you here. They told me what you were doing with Borea and I knew you were trying to prove me wrong," she released my face and grabbed my wrist, squeezed it gently, "and you did. I was wrong about you."

I wanted so badly to read more into the slight remorse I heard. I wanted so badly to believe her.

"They told me that if you bring him back, they'll pardon you - overlook your defection - and you can go with me to the new off-world Agency. You'll be demoted to a cadet, but you can move up again, I know you can. We can start over."

A switch inside me flipped and I had absolutely no more tears for Alyssa. Betrayal tasted sour, and as I opened my eyes and fixed them on her face hovering over me, betrayal also wore a halo of soft brown curls, set aglow by the white light shining down on us. Shiny new badges adorned her lapel, naming her current status as "Sergeant".

"Of course."

The sour taste in my mouth became unbearable. My glare became so intense with burning hatred that she let go of my wrist and stepped back.

"What is with you," she hissed. "You're going to throw it all away for this guy you had some mission with? He made his choice. Wait," she looked harder into my eyes, which had widened and were darting to the side, indicating the commander, "did something happen out there?"

Alyssa's face took on a look of concern and confusion before the lid of the pod closed and the commander stepped back into view. She lightly shoved Alyssa away and leaned down close to the glass.

"Farina, you bring Paul back now, or I will terminate him remotely."

Fresh, scalding tears pooled at the edges of my vision.

"It's just like he said. I should have believed him."

A heavy blanket of silent gloom descended upon me then, enshrouding me oppressively, stealing all air and thought. Welcoming arms encircled me once again and held me close.

"Mother?"

*Yes.*