Aiden waited silently in the pool houseâ€™s darkened mechanical room. The brick-walled chamber was filled with pipes and heavy equipment, most of which smelled faintly of machine oil. The massive brass pump that dominated the room was a new addition to the building; a modern contraption that moved water from the pools through a filter, then back again. Luckily the noisy device was powered down for the evening. An electric floodlight on the roof provided a minimal amount of illumination through the roomâ€™s large windows. The windows were installed to vent the diesel engine that powered the pump. The windows also, inadvertently, framed a fantastic view of the valley beyond. It was perhaps the only place in the old prison that was pleasant to sit, even despite the clutter and oily air.<br/><br/>Aiden almost didnâ€™t even hear Carina enter. When he did, he gestured for her to join him on the large pipe that faced the window. Even in the half-light his genuine smile was easy to see. In a place like the reeducation camp where almost anyone would rat you out, it was good to meet a friend he could trust. The fact that she was an Alpha made it their friendship even more remarkable to him. Clearly she was in the minority who didnâ€™t believe in light band discrimination. The fact that she was really attractive wasnâ€™t lost on him either.<br/><br/>â€œIt is so good to seeâ€¦ and talk to you again. I am starting to go crazy up there,â€ he said with a sigh, referring to the Omega dormitories on the top level. In the summer the heat of the upper floors was almost totally unbearable. In any case, Aiden appeared to have showered and changed prior to their meeting. â€œSometimes I think you and I are the only two in here with any sense. Everyone in my classes is playing along. Weâ€™re the only respectable anarchists here,â€ he said with a smile.<br/><br/>â€œOh, before I forget,â€ he added, reaching down into a small cloth bag that was slung over his shoulder. From within he pulled out a candy bar in a yellow wrapper that read â€œTobleroneâ€. The heavy candy bar had a triangular shape to it. â€œI couldnâ€™t get any Hersheyâ€™s this time, sorry,â€ he said apologetically, â€œbut they say these are really great. Chocolate and nougat. You could break it up and make a mint in your dorm,â€ he added hopefully. He offered her the present without any pretense or expectation of anything in return.