The soldiers were switching places. They all carried a rifle with them and were taking their jobs seriously.
It was the perfect image of a soldier, one which the simulation came up with. They looked way too real that Zera had that moment once again. She was lost in her thoughts that she gasped when Jaspreth put a hand on her shoulders.
"Sorry," Jaspreth immediately apologized. He looked at his friend, worry evident on his creased forehead. "How are you feeling? You know, about all this?"
Zera realized that Jaspreth was trying to be careful with his words. He was walking on eggshells, and Zera didn't know if she should be grateful or annoyed.
"I'm fine," she replied. "This is nothing but a simulation; none of it is real."
Zera repeated the mantra inside her head. But the more she tried to make herself believe that, the more she sounded pathetic.
Jaspreth read right thru her. He smiled in her direction.
