Later that same evening, A-01 had invited him to a special dinner.


<< I thought you must be starving. >> came the voice of A-01. <<  We, as Plersizians, have vegetarian preferences. However, I am well aware that you humans require…meat.>>


Tom, sitting at the edge of a rectangular table, looked across at the woman. The two of them were in a space with a diamond ceiling and intricately carved white walls. He took note of the luxury surrounding them, both the dining room and the woman herself. She stood up and took a plate, walking over to place it in front of Tom. The scent of fresh meat hit him immediately, while the sight of colorful boiled vegetables made his mouth water.



<< How do you raise and grow food in such conditions? >> Tom asked.


<< There’s a way to do everything.. if you’re willing to find it..>> A-01 replied diplomatically, returning to her seat. Tom smiled politely and picked up the silverware resting on the silver tablecloth. A fork with two sharp prongs and a knife resembling a butter knife. Both could be used as lethal weapons in his hands, but he chose to tend to his growling stomach instead. Without suspicion that the plate might be poisoned, Tom gave in to A01’s hospitality and began to eat.


<<I see your people live in equality outside, while here, the space is decorated with luxury. I thought one of the main characteristics of the Plersizians was simplicity and…>>


<< I’ll stop you there, Tom Waltts..>> A-01 interrupted. << I suggest we enjoy our dinner while avoiding questions that seem to have a predisposition toward suspicion.. Correct me if I'm wrong but your presence here puts you in a more vulnerable position. You are in my world.. not me in yours, right ? >> A-01 asked with an innocent smile on her lips, masking all her inner doubts.


Tom realized that if he didn’t want to reveal his true intentions, he would need to phrase his questions more innocently.


<< Excuse me.. I just want to learn more about you, and I know my questions were.. off. >> he explained, feigning remorse.


Silence thrived between them for a minute.


<<So.. Tell my about yourself! >> A-01 asked innocently turning the entire question game in her favor. She moved her plate and sat down in the chair next to Tom, continuing to eat while waiting for his response. Tom understood the manipulation behind it but he decided to go along with her.


<< About me..>> he said quietly, stuffing his mouth with broccoli to buy himself time. << Is there something specific you want to know? >> he asked after swallowing.


<< The reason you’re here. Though Griff got ahead of me with the answer you gave him..” Curiosity”.. It’s a trait I don’t know how it feels, and I must admit it got me thinking…>> A-01 responded, wiping her lips with a napkin. Tom could see the sharpness in her eyes. He suspected that she knew everything.


<< I am part of the military..>> he confessed. << I read about your people, and I wanted to explore you. My journey here was my own initiative , solely to fulfill my personal goals. And I’d be more than happy if you could help me achieve those goals.. to show me your world.. so, that when I leave, I can write about you.. and reveal you to my people..So..i am an ex soldier who wants to leave his past life behind and became…a famous writer..>> Tom said in one breath, smiling ,flashing his white teeth.


Tom couldn’t help but feel a mix of frustration and unease. A writer ? Was that really the best cover story he could come up with ? To dedicate his life to documenting a species that was supposed to be his enemy! The irony! The thought almost made him laugh out loud at the absurdity, but he had to maintain his composure. He knew he had to say whatever it took to avoid suspicion. Yet, as A-o1’s eyes seemed to pierce through him, scanning him with unnerving intensity, he felt… vulnerable.


The longer she stared, the more exposed he felt. It was as though she could see beyond his human shell, into something deeper- his intentions, maybe even his future. For a brief moment, Tom wondered if she could read his thoughts, his every desire, and motive. The sensation made him drop his gaze, something he hadn’t done in all his years as a soldier. He had never lowered his eyes to an enemy before.


Was she using some kind of magic? Her presence alone seemed to weaken his defenses, disarming him in ways that physical threats never could. He even began to feel guilty for lying to her. His mind whirled with confusion, and he almost wanted to bang his head against the wall just to snap out of it. Despite the chaos in his thoughts , his face betrayed nothing but a friendly smile.


As he continued to eat, he silently prayed for their conversation to end. The last thing he wanted was to lie to her again, but he couldn’t afford to be found out. Moving in silence, without raising alarms, was his best chance of survival.


A-01 kept her eyes locked on his face. She smiled, but Tom couldn’t tell if it was genuine or fake.


<< That was my purpose from the beginning. I just wanted you to make me believe you. Since we both seem to be working toward a common goal , your journey here will be pleasant… for both of us >> she replied, standing up from the table << I would stay to finish dinner with you, but I need to attend a meeting with the Leadership Council, where the topic will be the review of your arrival. Enjoy your dinner and rest >> she concluded, leaving the dining room.


His mind raced as he ate. If his story really had convinced her, he would know by the next day. Either he would continue free, or he would be locked back in a cell.