The most bizarre thing has happened. I was working away, feeling
really pleased about the progress the Z Zoners are making. Then I suddenly got
a communication from the Head of Education. She’s a strange person and everyone’s
a bit afraid of her. She totally refuses to be known by her real name. She speaks
quite sharply, but apparently, she’s worse with the men than the women. But
anyway, she wanted me to meet up with her, and in the Reality Park,
of all places.
Well, I met her just before noon this morning. She’s smaller than she looks on screen
and older. Close to, you can see the wrinkles. In fact, she looks permanently
worried. It was cold, as well, sitting outside this time of the year. But she
said she didn’t want anybody to overhear us.
Anyway, of all things, she wanted me to tell her all I know
about Julien. Well, I couldn’t tell her much and I actually chose to tell her
even less than I do know. Not that it’s all that much, but there is that time
he came back in such a state, and that time he went down into the cave systems.
She did tell me a few things that I didn’t know about him.
That, just like Kaleem, he has no birth records. He doesn’t have a work record
either. In fact, they didn’t know he existed. They suspect him of being a
Hidden Information peddler.
It’s really scary. But I wish she hadn’t contacted me. He is
my friend. I don’t want to have to give him away.
I popped round to see him. He was a bit distant, but we’ve
arranged to go out tomorrow to one of the nectar bars. Hey, that sounds like a
date. Me and Julien? Never. But even so, it feels good to be going out. Even if
it is with a man who often dresses up as a woman. And even if it is just
because he’s under suspicion.
You know, I should be worried, but actually I feel strangely
excited.