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Journal Entry: 6 Years Before Year Zero

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She gritted her teeth and failed to hold in a wince as a sharp finger jabbed painfully into her back.

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“Don’t slouch. Stand up straight.”

 

She could hear the grin in the man’s voice and even though he walked several feet behind her. The stench of the things he smoked constantly made her want to sneeze… or kick the bastard in the fork of his legs. The human had quickly recognized her sensitivity to the smoke and had taken every opportunity to blow it in her face ever since.

 

It was even worse since they entered this building cutting off any breeze or fresh air. She had only seen a human city once from afar before and now she deep in the heart of one.

 

She had never felt more trapped in her life.

 

Everywhere she looked there were signs of unnaturalness. The water in the painting of a ship floating on a calm sea would ripple, causing the boat to rock gently with the waves. All of the torches glowed with pale blue light that didn’t waver or sputter.

 

While two of the humans had broken off from the group when they arrived at the building, she was instructed to keep following the woman and Smokey kept a constant watch on her from behind. The woman’s robes drifted and snapped with each turn down the hallways and her gait touted a deep sense of pride. She looked perfectly clean despite having just traveled for several days. One wave of her hand and any form of filth would disperses from her person; dirt, shit, sweat, blood....

 

“You would do well to listen to him Initiate. You’re about to make your first impression with the people who will be shaping your future. Given your appearance and lacking education thus far, it would be in your best interest to make it a good one.”

 

She couldn’t help but make a face at the woman’s lofty tone. It’s not like the woman even bothered to turn around when she spoke to her anyway.

 

“The path your future takes directly depends on your performance here. Perform well and you may find a place in society. If your mind proves to be of no value, there are several who have already expressed interest in your physical form.”

 

She couldn’t help the shiver that traveled down her spine. She heard Smokey’s wheezing laughter and stuck her chest out, holding up her head defiantly in response. Smokey seemed to find this even more amusing.

 

“There are currently five others in your age group.” the woman continued. “There is also one who was moved ahead from the lower level due to his advanced performance. It may be advantageous for you to utilize him.”

 

“Giving out free advice? You getting sweet on this thing Smythe?”

 

The woman stopped walking.

 

Slowly, she turned around completely to face Smokey.

 

Her face was expressionless with no lines or scars maring her peaches and cream complexion. Her hands were held loosely in front of her as she absently stroked the amber gem of the ring decorating her right hand. She looked directly at Smokey, as if the girl wasn’t even present.

 

“It is just possible that this girl could become a valuable asset. If some additional care is required to achieve the optimal results, then I would say the ends justify the means. Wouldn’t you agree Specialized Soldier Dalton?”

 

The girl held her breath. She could feel her heart hammering against her chest. She prayed not to draw the notice of the woman. Especially not now when she was speaking in that detached tone.

 

Dalton chuckled as he replied “My mistake Smythe. I was just curious if something had finally crack that icy venere of yours.”

 

The man guffawed at his own joke but it quickly trailed off into awkward silence as the woman’s face continued to remain immobile beyond an occasional blink.

 

“My apologies General Smythe. I’ll keep such personal statements to myself in the future.”

 

“See that you do.” And with that, the woman, Smythe, abruptly turned on her heel and continued walking down the hallway at the same sedate, yet efficient pace.

 

The girl let out a large breath.

 

Minutes passed walking through the winding hallways bathed in pale blue light. The girl struggled to keep her eyes open as one hallway blended into the next. She couldn’t remember the way out and yet, even though she felt like that should be bad, she felt calm and drowsy.

 

Eventually the woman stopped in front of a nondescript wooden door.

 

Knock knock knock

 

“Enter,” answered a warm baritone voice.

 

Smythe opened the door and immediately walked inside. The girl peered inside to see a warmly lit room with several people inside. A rotund blond human man stood conspicuously at one end of the room facing the rest who were sitting at wooden desks.

 

“Please forgive the intrusion Sage Peck. I thought it prudent to induct the newest recruit as soon as possible. Initiates, this is our newest initiate, Urgra.”