Interlude α
Caroline tried not to fidget as she listened to the other council members talk about the upcoming tournament. She may have become an Avatar, but she didn’t yet feel confident…well, arrogant, like some of the others. Although for all she knew they were really just as hesitant as she was.
“So, all the players are in the field,” said Melinda thoughtfully.
“Howdoyoufigure? Therearestillseveralmissing,” Liz shot back.
“No, I saw them. They’ll be there on time,” assured Gary. Liz sat back with an implacable expression on her face.
“What happens now?” Gary continued.
“Nowwewait,” said Liz. Her expression didn’t change but there was something slightly unhappy in her tone.
“The question is,” Melinda murmured, “what their goals really are.”
Nobody said anything for a minute. Then Gary leaned forward. “Guys? Where’s Sridhar?”
Caroline started, looking around. Come to think of it, the room of the Avatars wasn’t very descript at all…anything that she looked at seemed to trail off into smoke. Except the projection TV that showed the world below. Consequently it was quite hard to hide anything…or anyone.
Where was Sridhar?