“Who knows,” Bear grumbled.
“Probably scientists or engineers,” Skylar said. “You know, people recruited for a better reason than playing a video game.”
He heard the unease in her voice. “What’s up? Thought you were excited.”
“Not anymore. I played a game, Austin.”
“One you were very good at playing.”
“So? This,” she gestured at her surroundings, “this is too real. When I was playing the game, it was for fun. I didn’t think about it. But everyone else in here got recruited for something real.”
“What do you mean?” Bear asked.
She lowered her gaze. “Scientists. Engineers. Chemists. Us? Gamers?”
“It takes some skill,” Austin said. “Same ballpark.”
“Umm, hmm. Sure. Same ballpark. Let me know how you feel when Nubern plops you in a fighter and they expect you to stay cool when someone
