Jim had to sort of run to keep up with Kix on her way out of the factory. She was stomping along rather quickly and he wasn't sure tapping her on the shoulder and saying 'sorry' would do much good.
When they'd got to Anni's garden he was somewhat out of breath, and somewhat disappointed that Anni wasn't there, until they noticed her further in the stockyards talking with some other mudokon girl. "There sure are a lot of those about," He thought as he hurried after Kix again.
While Kix's attention went to the stranger, Jim (who had been considerably more shaken by the whole thing, since he had actually ben there when Anni had leapt up and run off) went straight to her. "Anni, are you ok? What happened?"
Anni looked uncomfortable, realising her lies to Hembar were about to be exposed and not wanting to have to try and explain. "Oh, you know what it's like in there," She said, trying to sound cheerful but at the same time not cheerful, which didn't really work, "I just needed some fresh air. Well, you know, fresher air than the air inside the factory."
Jim looked concerned. "Are you sure? I mean you looked pretty-"
"It's fine; don't worry about it! Come on, I want you to show me how to work this pump in my garden!" And she started dragging him back over there.
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Krik, blessedly, did not have as many tests to do as he had had last time; just a few syringes, drawing samples and testing chemicals. He did find time to have a conversation with her while he worked. "We've been working on the genetic code for the new prototype," He informed her in a low voice.
She gave a sort of disinterested shrug. She was sitting, looking the other way like a chastised child, occasionally wincing or jerking when he injected her. she had no interest in the next prototype black-skin they talked about so much; as far as she was concerned it was something that didn't affect her at all.
"Yes," Krik went on in a conversational voice, "In fact some of the scientists are saying that when its done you'll be of no use to us anymore."
"Oh, who?" She snapped angrilly.
Krik just smiled, "Oh, just a couple of the team."
She turned around to look him in the eyes, "And what'll you do to me then?" She asked coldly. She thought he was saying this to try and upset her; she didn't believe it and she was trying to back his lie into a corner. It was, afterall, what she was made for.
His smile didn't waver. "I think we'll just have to wait and see," He told her. She looked shocked, her mouth hanging open, and she lowered her head.
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