(Viewpoint: Alpha-1)
I hate them all.
All those children and their laughter. Their arguments. Their silly little habits.
All of this annoyed me.
The Gardens had become noisier since the arrival of Project Sigma.
Everywhere I went, they were there.
Current between the trees.
Playing near the pools.
Inventing absurd stories.
And in the midst of all that...
Sigma-0.
Since that game, they keep sticking to me like earthworms.
I sometimes ended up between two groups.
Only for a moment had it become impossible, obviously until someone called him and pulled him away from me.
They disappeared again, laughing loudly.
It's as if he's refusing to let me approach him.
I hated it.
What I hated most was not understanding why.
That morning, the researchers had gathered all the Sigma team members in a training room; I had stayed behind them.
A huge circular room.
White .
Like everything else.
I remained seated in a corner.
Arms crossed.
To watch others.
Sigma-3 was laughing with Sigma-7.
Sigma-12 was chasing Sigma-18.
Sigma-0 was talking with several of them.
As if everything were natural.
As if everyone spontaneously liked it.
I didn't understand, we were supposed to be fighting to survive.
– Alpha-1 ?
I looked up.
A little girl was standing in front of me.
Sigma-02.
I believe.
You are Sigma-06.
I never knew.
They all looked the same to me.
- What ?
I snapped at him
She hesitated.
– Do you want to come with us?
I frowned.
- For what ?
– Let's play.
– No.
Her smile disappeared.
- All right…
I went back to look elsewhere.
End of conversation.
Simple.
Effective.
But a few minutes later, it was Sigma-0.
He was coming in my direction.
My heart sank slightly.
A stupid feeling.
He comes up to me and sits down as if nothing had happened.
– Alpha !
I hated that nickname too.
- What ?
– Are you coming?
I looked behind him.
Everyone else was waiting.
Then I noticed something.
Sigma-02.
The same little girl.
She was looking at me.
Worry.
As if she was afraid of my answer.
That expression immediately made me grimace.
I knew her.
This expression.
Pity.
I hated her.
– No.
Sigma-0 blinked.
– so we're going to stay
– I don't really feel like it.
– This is going to be funny.
– Good for you, do as you wish.
Silence fell.
I saw Sigma-02 lower its head.
And strangely enough...
That annoyed me even more.
– You hate me that much.
She suddenly looked up.
– Hein ?
– I can leave if you want.
Sigma-02 immediately pales.
– Is…
I put on my saddest face
– I won't go near him again, I promise
- What ?
His voice disappeared.
She took a step back.
Then two.
The other Sigmas turned towards us.
The entire group had stopped.
Sigma-0 was looking at me.
Without understanding.
As if something was eluding him.
As if he were searching for logic in the story.
– Alpha…
– she told me I was a defective problem that stuck to their group, I didn't want to bother them, that's why I always stay away.
Then I looked away and remained silent.
– 02….
The rest of the day was strange.
As is often the case.
But this time it was Sigma 02 that found itself alone.
In the evening, a discreet alarm announced the results of the assessments.
All the Sigma members were summoned.
The researchers were observing from the walkways.
The screens displayed the scores.
The rankings.
Compatibilities.
As always.
I finished first.
Again.
No one was surprised.
I, too, always stayed in front of her.
Applause rang out.
Strong tonight.
This was the first time I had felt that sensation.
To be admired, appreciated.
As I stepped down from the stage, I crossed paths with Sigma-2.
Romance.
I really don't like that girl.
And she didn't love me any more than she did.
It was immediately obvious.
In the way he looked at me.
In her smile.
In his perfect politeness.
- Congratulations.
Her voice was gentle.
I looked at her.
- THANKS.
– You achieved the best result again.
- Yes.
- Impressive.
I already knew she was lying.
His gaze slid towards Sigma-0.
Who laughed further away with the others.
Then he came back to me.
– Why did you lie...?
She seemed strange.
– Lies are not always enough.
I frowned.
– haaaa, I'm sorry
I collapse to the ground and cover my head
I didn't need to fight those kids.
All we had to do was wait.
The group rushed to my bedside, sigma-0 helped me to my feet and the others formed a circle around me, pushing that idiot far away from me.
Sigma-0 hugged me and patted me on the back.
I discreetly stared at Asmara and gave her a subtle smile.