IRINA
Stay out of my way or die, Space!
Those were not the words Junior hoped to hear, but were the words he expected.
JUNIOR
Nice to meet you too, Irina...
He extended his hand. She ignored it.
IRINA
I'm serious, Space! You heard the alien. Only one from each team can pass the test.
JUNIOR
That's not precisely...
Irina disregarded him and turned to Lwazi.
IRINA
This means you too. Don't get in my way!
She glared at Junior one more time and then she left.
LWAZI
What did I tell you about people not wanting to collaborate? It was bound to happen sooner or later...
His tone was distant, resigned. Shaking his head, Lwazi turned around and left Junior on his own. Before the test had even begun, the team was already broken.
During the journey to the Sonoran Desert, Junior had plenty of time to think. They rode to the airport on buses, got on a plane arranged for them and flew all the way to Arizona. Once they landed they got on more buses and traveled into the middle of nowhere. By the time they arrived, day was already turning into night, and they found X-466 and R-328 waiting for them beside their almond-shaped spaceship.
X-466
So what is it like to travel with primitive fossil fuel technology?
For the first time, X-466's attitude got on Junior's nerves. Previously he had found it amusing, but he was currently in such a bad mood that he needed to direct at least part of his anger towards the clone.
R-328
Each team can collect the kits provided here. They consist of backpacks, sleeping bags, a tent, maps and a few other items that should prove to be useful during your task. As we've said before, your gear doesn't include water or food, as they will only be provided to the first of each team to cross the checkpoints we have set up along the course.
The harsh reality of the trial got even bleaker. Without food or water they would seriously risk their lives.
R-328
The course itself is 63 miles long, or just over 100 kilometers...
In a rare outburst of frustration, R-328 turned to his fellow clone.
R-328
Why do they even NEED two units of measure?!
X-466
I told you, there's no use in dealing with primitive people!
Scoffed X-466.
R-328
Anyway...
R-328 recomposed himself.
R-328
I would like to remind you that you can successfully complete this task either as an entire team or just by yourself... choose wisely.
And with that last warning, he let every team gather their supplies.
Junior, Lwazi and Irina barely spoke to each other while erecting their tent for the night. They ate in silence, trying to enjoy their last certain meal for the next couple of days. Albeit they were all thinking about the same thing, their thoughts couldn't have been more different. Irina was plotting how to come out on top on her own, Lwazi was hesitant, unsure about how to behave the following day, while Junior was racking his brains, trying to figure out a way so that his entire team could succeed. He might have been naive, as everyone constantly reminded him, but he felt, he was sure, that it was the right thing to do. "The only way forward is together" Junior kept repeating to himself, as he struggled to fall asleep. When morning came he had barely slept, and still had no answer to his problem.
Scarcely talking, they gathered their things and made their way to the starting point. Junior glimpsed Miss Roberts, who looked quite concerned. He reminded himself that she was not worried about Junior's fate in that task. She was worried he wouldn't be selected.
What kind of consequences would his family suffer if Junior were to fail right now? That thought fuelled him with even stronger determination.
At R-328's signal all the candidates began walking. The route they had to walk along was clearly demarcated with colourful poles at regular intervals. At least, getting lost wouldn't be a major problem thought Junior.
Irina immediately took off at a fairly high pace, leaving Junior and Lwazi behind. After a little while, Lwazi said
LWAZI
I'm sorry, Junior...
And he sped up to catch up to Irina.
At first, Junior felt like giving in. Even Lwazi, whom he thought he could trust, had already disappointed him, but he was suddenly inspired.
JUNIOR
Lwazi, wait!
Junior cried after him. Lwazi didn't slow down, so Junior started running until he caught up with him.
JUNIOR
Lwazi, think for a second!
LWAZI
What is there to think? I have to get to the end before her. The end.
JUNIOR
What if it isn't true?
LWAZI
What if what isn't true?
JUNIOR
What if the only way to pass this test is as part of a team? What if they've been lying to us just to see how we would react?
Lwazi didn't reply, but slowed down to allow Junior to catch his breath.
LWAZI
You really think so?
JUNIOR
Absolutely!
In reality, Junior was making everything up. The clones had been quite clear about the rules. His main concern was to get Lwazi on his side. Once they started working together, maybe, just maybe, even Irina could be persuaded.
For a few minutes, Lwazi remained silent, contemplating Junior's words. They walked side by side, while Irina was leaving them further and further behind.
LWAZI
You may be onto something... Very sneaky on their part, but it would make sense...
Lwazi considered Junior's words.
LWAZI
They have been constantly drilling us about teamwork after all, why would they change their mind all of a sudden?
Junior felt like he didn't need to reply.
LWAZI
OK Junior. I will risk working with you for now, but if it looks like we can't make it to end together, then it's everyone for himself!
JUNIOR
Agreed.
Junior smiled. He had bought himself some time.
The day was getting hotter and the light from the sun was starting to burn his skin, but he had regained the hope he had lost.
