In the cafeteria, Felix, Kip, and Nova sat at their usual corner table, eating cheese omelets for breakfast.
Jared approached, plate in hand, and offered Nova a warm smile. "I like your necklace."
Nova's fingers brushed the blue beads at her throat. "Thanks. Made it myself."
Felix's fork paused mid-air. "Why're you here?" he snapped, eyes narrowing.
Jared rolled his eyes. "What, scared of the dark? Is that why you were screaming last night?"
"Shut up!" Felix's voice cracked with anger. "Why don't you go back to your own country?"
Jared's smile faded. "I can't. I've got asylum status here in the Technate. Cascadia isn't an option anymore."
Nova's jaw dropped. "Felix, how can you be so rude? Telling him to go back to his own country?"
"Nova, Jared's made fun of my Intermarium's accent!" Felix protested.
Jared shook his head. "That's not true. I think it sounds sexy, especially hearing it from you, Nova." He winked at her.
Felix's jaw clenched, "You're lying through your teeth-"
"Enough. I don't want to listen to you argue with him anymore," Nova interrupted.
"Fine. I'm done eating." Felix rose from the bench to put his plate on the rack of dirty dishes. His appetite vanished the moment Jared opened his mouth.