I was starting to get nervous about meeting my father later and the exercise did me the world of good, as always. I loved sparring with Zaphy and fighting with Zack left me no time to worry about anything else but the moves he was making. If I slacked, I would end up hurt. Simple as that. My head was much clearer now and able to focus on what I had to do this evening. I was ready for it.
CHAPTER 42
I loved seeing Eliza blossom when she exercised. She was so focused and totally tuned in to whatever move I made. It was sexy as hell. I had to concentrate very hard on fighting and cloaking at the same time as I found it increasingly hard not to let any of my feelings seep through.
I could see the tension run off Eliza and her face looked like the sun emerging from behind the dark clouds. She clearly needed to let off some steam to enable her to regain her focus and positivity. It felt good to have a bit of a laugh with her as well, she was so sharp witted with her retorts. I was glad the disciplining hadn't squashed that side of her.
When Eliza and Zaphire were sparring together I got a chance to catch up with Ned, Brody and Sam, who were in the gym as well. They were working the equipment like mad and I remembered it must be coming up for our monthly fitness test that Markus had imposed on all of us, even the kids. That explained how busy it was in the gym and sports hall. Everyone was having a panic about not passing it and training obsessively.
It always happened around test time. It was a real pain if you didn't pass the test because Markus would run sessions at 6am every morning that you had to attend until the next monthly test. Understandably high on the list to avoid, even for those who loved exercising. Once you had passed the basic level, you would be given a target you had to achieve by the next test, so you were always working towards becoming even fitter. A great idea but, when you were busy running a mission, not always achievable and therefore always a slight concern in the back of your head. Fit as I was, I hadn't been working on improving, so was in danger of failing this month's test. A real pain in the arse.
Eliza would have her first test, but it would be the basic one, which I was confident she would pass. I would have to talk to her about it to prepare her, though I was going to wait till after the dinner with her father. The test wasn't until a couple of days later anyway.
My friends were having the same problem as me as all of us had been so busy with work, that even though we kept ourselves in shape, it wasn't a priority to improve ourselves. It was one of the rules I had argued with Markus over before, with the ultimate backing of almost everyone, I have to say. I urged him to give people a bit of leeway in certain busy times, but he wouldn't have any of it. He was convinced it was imperative to always work on one's fitness, whatever the circumstances. He could be so fucking annoying and stubborn at times. Anyway, I wasn't going to stress over it. I would just have to do the extra training in the mornings if I failed. I don't think Eliza would be very happy about it though, as she would have to come with me. Oh well, it'll do her good I reasoned. I shoved it to the back of my head, did a few exercises with Brody and then summoned Eliza to do cool down and get a shower.
After we both freshened up, we went through our plan for this evening again. Eliza looked stunning in the dress she had chosen to wear, one from Zaphy's wardrobe. Perfect for the occasion in its simplicity. Rick would be amazed by her maturity.
She seemed tense but in control and confident. I told her that it wouldn't be the end of the world if her cover was blown or if he suspected anything. I advised her to keep going with the flow as at some point he will pick up on something, it was almost unavoidable. We were not blinkered enough to assume we would be able to deceive him for long. He had been one of our best Sensorians after all. All we needed is for him to open up to her somehow, then we'd know what action to take.
I didn't tell Eliza that I was a little worried about the unexpected movements of the syndicate that Markus had alluded to. We did have back up with some of our most experienced weapon carriers if it all went tits up, but I really did not want it to
