The Pastry
– This is impressive, 13-22, – the supervisor said, looking at the monitor, – this is very, very interesting.
– Really? – Nari feigned surprise, – has something changed?
– Your call has already mutated, – said the beta with the badge Amelie Auris, – but it continues to develop. If you look at past graphs, it has become significantly stronger. Tell me, have you tried to heal anyone other than yourself?
– No, – the girl shook her head, – there hasn’t been an opportunity.
– You definitely need to try, – Amelie made notes in Inaria's personal file, – we will wait for a response from the main laboratory and Professor Shiro. But it’s more likely that you will be assigned new training sessions. This year you are going back to the Arena.
– Understood, – Nari replied, – can I go?
– Yes, you are free to go, – the supervisor nodded and pointed to the door, – I hope we won’t have any more problems?
– Nobody will sign my permission on the inspection day anymore, so, yes. There shouldn’t be any problems, – Nari shrugged, – take care, Ms. Auris.
Nari left the corporate building and headed towards the central gate. Passing a few houses and encountering a few acquaintances along the way, she quickly reached the main street. The weather was pleasantly warm today, like spring. The sun intermittently hid behind and then emerged from behind gray clouds. The wind was warm, and the air was humid. Nari quietly rejoiced in this spring atmosphere. At the gate, she was greeted again by Kae.
– So? Where are you off to this time?
– I wanted to restock my coffee supplies, – the girl answered, glancing sideways, – you can’t get any here.
– There won't be any problems today?
– I’m not that problematic, – the girl murmured quietly.
– Just asking, – Kae smiled sideways, – have a good day.
– You too.
If you divide Elestra into circles, it would look like this: the center is the Alpha circle, the wealthiest houses, the most expensive life, the World Tree, the second circle – wealthy betas and recessive Alphas, the third circle – betas with a middle standard of living, the fourth circle – outskirts bordering the concrete wall of the ghetto. Here everything is the cheapest, and even Omegas can buy something for themselves. There was also a fifth circle, located directly under the wall that separated the ghetto from other areas of Elestra. It was here that Nari got into trouble yesterday. Passing by that very alley, she felt a shiver run down her spine. Also… somehow subconsciously, she began to search for the beta who had helped her yesterday with her eyes. But, of course, he was nowhere to be seen.
Having passed the fifth circle, she entered the market of the fourth. Betas reigned here. Many shops operated on the principle of "money doesn’t stink." But there were also those that refused to serve Omegas. Nari always tried to avoid them. Reaching a familiar little shop, she pushed open the old wooden door. The bell gave a short, rusty squeak, attracting the attention of the seller standing behind the counter.
– Oh, my dear favorite, – he smiled, – how are you? What’s new?
– You tell me, Frank, – the girl replied dryly, – outside the gate, there’s little news. Someone died, someone new was brought in, someone was granted favorite status and put on the Arena table.
– And you? Are you going to the Arena this season?
– Are you betting on me? – the favorite's purple eyes gleamed mischievously.
– Depends on who your opponent is, – Frank chuckled, – don’t look at me like that. I value my money.
Frank was a large, burly man. Like most betas, he was nothing special. Of average height, with a big protruding belly, he had sunburned, rough hands and a rather unpleasant face that was constantly crookedly smiling, showing yellow teeth. Frank was the type who would sell his own mother for money if the price was right. He was unpleasant, but Nari didn’t mind as long as he sold her the coffee that was otherwise unavailable in other shops in this neighborhood. He didn’t ask silly questions, didn’t try to belittle the omegas who came into his shop, and more importantly, he always defended them if any beta tried to cause a scene.
– The usual for you? – he asked.
Nari nodded and pressed the communicator to the cash register, which jingled, signaling successful payment. Frank placed a bag of coffee beans in front of her.
– Grind them for you?
– Yes, thank you.
While the seller was busy with the coffee, Nari looked out the window. Her attention was drawn to a commotion growing outside.
– Frank, I’ll step out for a second, – she shouted and left the shop.
The source of the noise was a seller from a neighboring shop. They sold sweets, a rarity in this part of the city. In front of the beta shopkeeper stood a thin woman with bright yellow hair. A small fair-haired girl clung to her tattered brown skirt.
– I’m just asking for one lollipop! I’ll pay! – the woman almost begged.
– Are you deaf?! Or blind?! It’s written! We don’t serve Omegas!!! – the beta shouted.
– My daughter isn’t even six yet, – the woman continued to plead, – she hasn't had the secondary gender test yet. She could turn out to be a beta like her father!
– And what does it matter to me?! Once it becomes clear, then come back! Go away now!
– Hey, that’s not very polite! – Nari intervened loudly, – your customer service is zero!
– Another one… – the seller rolled her eyes, – where do all of you come from?
– If you don’t want to sell one lollipop – sell a box! I’ll take it! – Nari said defiantly, – for both of us. Money is money, let’s just make a trade. That’s what commerce is!
– Who do you think you are, teaching me how to trade?! Stupid Omega! I’ll take a stick to you!
– I wouldn’t recommend that, – Nari tugged at her jacket collar, showing her collar, – you wouldn’t want to be held responsible for damaged corporate property, would you?
– All the more! – the woman scoffed, – I’m not talking about property! I said, go away!
She shoved the yellow-haired woman, who was still trying to plead with her. The woman stumbled and fell to the ground.
– That’s too much! – Nari rushed to her, but suddenly someone blocked her path.
– Again the noise and again you, – she heard a familiar voice, – miss, sell something sweet. That thing, and that box over there. Oh, and let’s have that pastry too. It’s nice.
– Y-yes… – the seller hesitantly began to gather the goods, – I will sell it to you. But you’d better…
– I’ll decide what to do with what I buy.
– Sorry. Here, take this.
Nari helped the woman up. The white-haired beta turned to them and handed her a box of colorful lollipops.
– I’m sorry; it's all I can do for you, – he said, smiling sweetly.
– What are you… – the omega was bewildered, – I can’t. I just need one for the little girl! I’ll pay!
– Consider this my apology for the behavior of this ignoramus, – the beta pressed the box into her hands, – be careful.
– Thank you, I’m very grateful to you! Come on, let’s hurry home!
Finally, the beta turned to Nari.
– Can’t you have a day without adventures? – he smiled brightly, – here.