The Corner
It was morning and a faintly magenta sky subtly gave way to a pale sunrise, though it still gleamed over the smooth black road below.Along the flawless concrete was a row of two story buildings that were ivory with shining silver trim around their glinting blue windows,each lacking any imperfection so that their surface seemed metallic. Adjacent buildings rose high over the houses,pillars of white and each without a single crack or smudge. A red door slid open from one of the rounded houses asa slender boy with golden brown hair began down the even concrete steps. The days events would soon be marked as some of his finestachievements, the boy's first thoughts out the door, as the new sumester would be starting today and would invite grand new challenges to be faced. His life over the brief break between sumesters had been uneventful, spending time at home with family and friends. He could now only focuson the excitement that his schooling would bring, and that came with enduring the challenge ahead.The boy checked to make sure he had his identification card needed to enter the complex. William Manson, number 20083, read the card as he glanced for a moment. In the glint of the ruby red card Will envisioned the familiarity of the other students faces, and the brilliantly lit hallways of the school.Will started down the road towards the school which had been named Xi. A baby blue comet rushed past him, once again bringing him to a pause."Such a nice auto" Will wondered aloud, turning round to admire the sleek body of thatglorious machine. The boy often admired how paradise afforded everyone schools, homes and lofty positions with the car being one of the moreaustentacious luxuries afforded to some of the people of Omicron City. The boy was left with a hint of jealously over the niceties of the technical caste,even though he had been over this many times before in his mind, and once again concluding that such pursuits would not lead him to find his place in society.Soon he lost track of the car along the walk and began recounting questions that often seeped into his thoughts,with one in particular. How in a fair society with wondrous technology as our birthright are some afforded luxuries others can only dream of?It was a only a quick moment for Will's train of thought to snap, as if cracked by a bullwhip.He decided that it would was in everyone's best interest to not have such concerns. His family did not often speakopenly about the finer points of the socity's castes.
Will passed the blocks of rounded homesteads, and began to see increasingly taller and ornate buildings that rose above further sleek automobiles.
Xi's shining silver panelling and transparent glass structure were in Will's sight, when he realised that therewere no longer sharply dressed citizens walking the streets. This left a disturbingchill in the air, as this could only mean that Omicron was under emergency lockdown. His school was just across street,and the symbol to walk had appeared on the light. Will didn't know what the reason for the lockdown was, except thathe must reach the school where it would be explained. It was on that final corner that Will was suddenly face to face with an olderman with white hair and a long beard, dressed in the same form fitting garb of all those that had been on the street."Help me son" he gasped, falling onto Will's slight frame. Will noticed a distinct energy burn across the man's chest. "We'll get you to the hospital" Will replyed firmly with an air of exasperation.He took the man's arm over his shoulder and began back the way he came, toward the Omicron medical facility.The thought of being away from his post at school during a lockdown was very discomforting, butcompassion for other citizens was stressed as much as duty. "What happ-" Will began hurriedly, when a boomingvoice revealed the looming figures behind him. "Desist citizen" spoke a loud and commanding voice, which was disturbingly monotone.Will began to envision scenerios that would explain why this man had been shot in the city plaza during a lockdown ashe turned to face the intimidatingly large men behind him. He now stood before two towering figures, easily seven feettall clad in gleaming black with red v neck armor and ghostly gas masks hiding their faces. "No, please!" shouted the old man over Will's shoulder with simpering desperation. "There is an emergency lockdown of all citizens"boomed the overshadowing figure. "Listen, we have to -" Will began but was interrupted. "Release this fugitiveand you will not be harmed." "No, they'll kill me" the old man sputtered, now whimpering, but Will had already let himslump to the ground under his own weight.Black and red were the colours of Helix's police force, and Will instictively, would not argue. He had never seen menso large with concealed faces before, and nor to his knowledge had the police ever made reference to someone being a fugitive at large. The punishmentfor being away from one's position during a lockdown was not death, and Will couldn't help but wonderwhat this man had done to have found himself in this precarious position. It was then that one of the hulking soldiers took aim with his energy weaponand delivered two more killing shots to the poor man, who screamed weakly as he expired. "Identificationcitizen" the ghastly officer spoke again without tone variation. Will produced his card immediately as fear for his own safety creeped sullenly upon him.The man took the ID and promptly scanned it with a device from his belt, then spoke to the other man beside him "this one is a candidate for the defender caste." "You are free to go" said the brutish figure "You sawnothing here today." With that one of the officers heaved the old man's body over his shoulder, then thetwo turned an started down the road perpendicular to Will's school.The school. That was where Maverick would reveal what is going on, Will thought. The head of government,Johnathan Maverick III, was always kind and dignified. There would be a grand explaination waitingon Xi's information HUD, there must be. Will stood paralyzed on the corner, thoughts racing. There arenew soldiers, inocent people are now fugitives, and the lockdown. Will could see green grass just outsidethe school though he wondered if after all he'd seen, would class even be there when he arrived? He was lateby now, and he had surely violated lockdown. Will had never taken a lashing for administrative punishmentbefore, and was growing rather worried.Wrestling panick and any other thought from his mind, he ran across the street and to the large slidingdoors of the education center. "Welcome" a gentle female voice echoed from the display adjacent to the doors. The display read lockdown in effect from all four corners."Please present you identification." Will was only ten minutes late, and he thought that perhaps he couldstill avoid the reprocussions. He brought out the ID and scanned it. "Welcome William Manson, you have beenexcused for your lateness, please enjoy your day." Will breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps luck was on hisside after all. The first class of his grade eleven year was history 101, but like everyone else during alockdown, he would check the school's display for instructions and hopefully an answer to what he witnessed.Still gaunt from seeing a seemingly innocent man gunned down, Will passed through the sliding doors.The hallway was a brilliant white with blue lining down the center, branching off into the various sections of the complex. It was familiar, though the day was anything but ordinary. A large group of students had gathered in frontof the school's main display, indicating that classes had not proceded as usual. "now is not the time toquestion our leadership" spoke a sharp image of Jonathan Maverick. "The technologies we have come to relyupon have never failed us." "We are a free and peaceful society and there will be a time for protest, butnow is a time to keep our faith." "Faith in that which we hold so dear, our civilization." "Know that ourleaders have not steered us wrong, and even now, we work to root out those who have foresaken our birthright.""The lockdown will end in moments, and in moments we shall once again have peace, good day."A quick cheer errupted amongst the students, as was customary when Maverick concluded a speech.Will was shaken. What about the killing machines he witnessed earlier? A pleading old man couldn't have been whatwas meant by forsaken, and violence was not the usual policy for dealing with criminals. This was all toomuch for Will to take in, as he like everyone, believed strongly in the leadership of Helix. His distraughtconfusion was short lived however, as the school's female personality chimed in "Students, please report toassigned classrooms, entrance exams for technical candidates will begin momentarily thank you." Will was acandidate for denfender and labour castes, perhaps the lowliest position, in his opinion. After a briefmental hiccough at the notion of becoming a labourer, Will breathed a second sigh of relief at the sight ofa familiar face. It was his good friend Nick Sutherland. "Hey Will" Nick spoke, pausing for a moment tonotice that his friend was visibly shaken. "What is going on?" he continued. "This year is going to bethe finest yet, cheer up." "Listen" Will began, dragging Nick off to the side of the hall. "Listen" Nickretorted, "We need to get to history." "Ok" replied Will, "We'll speak on the way."The two began down the brightly lit halls through the crowd of students making their way to class."Attention citizens" the school's voice spoke, "Lockdown has been lifted, have a nice day." The twocontinued past silver sliding doors that lead to various classrooms. "Nick, we'll catch up later but Ineed to tell you" Will stammered. "Ok, ok out with it" Nick offered. "I ran into the police outside duringthe lockdown." "That isn't unusual man" Nick replied cockeyed. "No, these men were different." "They stoodat least eight feet, and their faces where covered with masks." "They killed a man Nick, he was standing twofeet from me!" Nick took a moment to position his shaggy brown hair, looking somewhat skeptical. "Youexpect me to believe that Helix officers executed a citizen in broad daylight?" "People are entitled toa fair trial Will." "Nick, please!" Will said desperately. "There is more to today's events than Maverickspoke of!" The two were nearly at the doors to their class. "Will, I believe you, but perhaps now is notthe time for protest and we've been awaiting this class." "You're right." The two long time friends passed through the doors and into theclassroom, which was more like an auditorium. The seats were jet black leather and the desk panels weremaple, running from wall to wall. Students had already taken many of the seats, with Nick and Will followingsuit. The professor stood at the front of the room, already prepared for the class at hand. She was dressedin a form fitting black shirt with red accents, and a neat black skirt. The class settled immediately withoutneed for an introduction. "Welcome to history 101." "You all must pass this course for advancement to yourrightful place in society, and so we begin." "I'll start with an old earth phrase, this will be the nittygritty.
Will passed the blocks of rounded homesteads, and began to see increasingly taller and ornate buildings that rose above further sleek automobiles.
Xi's shining silver panelling and transparent glass structure were in Will's sight, when he realised that therewere no longer sharply dressed citizens walking the streets. This left a disturbingchill in the air, as this could only mean that Omicron was under emergency lockdown. His school was just across street,and the symbol to walk had appeared on the light. Will didn't know what the reason for the lockdown was, except thathe must reach the school where it would be explained. It was on that final corner that Will was suddenly face to face with an olderman with white hair and a long beard, dressed in the same form fitting garb of all those that had been on the street."Help me son" he gasped, falling onto Will's slight frame. Will noticed a distinct energy burn across the man's chest. "We'll get you to the hospital" Will replyed firmly with an air of exasperation.He took the man's arm over his shoulder and began back the way he came, toward the Omicron medical facility.The thought of being away from his post at school during a lockdown was very discomforting, butcompassion for other citizens was stressed as much as duty. "What happ-" Will began hurriedly, when a boomingvoice revealed the looming figures behind him. "Desist citizen" spoke a loud and commanding voice, which was disturbingly monotone.Will began to envision scenerios that would explain why this man had been shot in the city plaza during a lockdown ashe turned to face the intimidatingly large men behind him. He now stood before two towering figures, easily seven feettall clad in gleaming black with red v neck armor and ghostly gas masks hiding their faces. "No, please!" shouted the old man over Will's shoulder with simpering desperation. "There is an emergency lockdown of all citizens"boomed the overshadowing figure. "Listen, we have to -" Will began but was interrupted. "Release this fugitiveand you will not be harmed." "No, they'll kill me" the old man sputtered, now whimpering, but Will had already let himslump to the ground under his own weight.Black and red were the colours of Helix's police force, and Will instictively, would not argue. He had never seen menso large with concealed faces before, and nor to his knowledge had the police ever made reference to someone being a fugitive at large. The punishmentfor being away from one's position during a lockdown was not death, and Will couldn't help but wonderwhat this man had done to have found himself in this precarious position. It was then that one of the hulking soldiers took aim with his energy weaponand delivered two more killing shots to the poor man, who screamed weakly as he expired. "Identificationcitizen" the ghastly officer spoke again without tone variation. Will produced his card immediately as fear for his own safety creeped sullenly upon him.The man took the ID and promptly scanned it with a device from his belt, then spoke to the other man beside him "this one is a candidate for the defender caste." "You are free to go" said the brutish figure "You sawnothing here today." With that one of the officers heaved the old man's body over his shoulder, then thetwo turned an started down the road perpendicular to Will's school.The school. That was where Maverick would reveal what is going on, Will thought. The head of government,Johnathan Maverick III, was always kind and dignified. There would be a grand explaination waitingon Xi's information HUD, there must be. Will stood paralyzed on the corner, thoughts racing. There arenew soldiers, inocent people are now fugitives, and the lockdown. Will could see green grass just outsidethe school though he wondered if after all he'd seen, would class even be there when he arrived? He was lateby now, and he had surely violated lockdown. Will had never taken a lashing for administrative punishmentbefore, and was growing rather worried.Wrestling panick and any other thought from his mind, he ran across the street and to the large slidingdoors of the education center. "Welcome" a gentle female voice echoed from the display adjacent to the doors. The display read lockdown in effect from all four corners."Please present you identification." Will was only ten minutes late, and he thought that perhaps he couldstill avoid the reprocussions. He brought out the ID and scanned it. "Welcome William Manson, you have beenexcused for your lateness, please enjoy your day." Will breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps luck was on hisside after all. The first class of his grade eleven year was history 101, but like everyone else during alockdown, he would check the school's display for instructions and hopefully an answer to what he witnessed.Still gaunt from seeing a seemingly innocent man gunned down, Will passed through the sliding doors.The hallway was a brilliant white with blue lining down the center, branching off into the various sections of the complex. It was familiar, though the day was anything but ordinary. A large group of students had gathered in frontof the school's main display, indicating that classes had not proceded as usual. "now is not the time toquestion our leadership" spoke a sharp image of Jonathan Maverick. "The technologies we have come to relyupon have never failed us." "We are a free and peaceful society and there will be a time for protest, butnow is a time to keep our faith." "Faith in that which we hold so dear, our civilization." "Know that ourleaders have not steered us wrong, and even now, we work to root out those who have foresaken our birthright.""The lockdown will end in moments, and in moments we shall once again have peace, good day."A quick cheer errupted amongst the students, as was customary when Maverick concluded a speech.Will was shaken. What about the killing machines he witnessed earlier? A pleading old man couldn't have been whatwas meant by forsaken, and violence was not the usual policy for dealing with criminals. This was all toomuch for Will to take in, as he like everyone, believed strongly in the leadership of Helix. His distraughtconfusion was short lived however, as the school's female personality chimed in "Students, please report toassigned classrooms, entrance exams for technical candidates will begin momentarily thank you." Will was acandidate for denfender and labour castes, perhaps the lowliest position, in his opinion. After a briefmental hiccough at the notion of becoming a labourer, Will breathed a second sigh of relief at the sight ofa familiar face. It was his good friend Nick Sutherland. "Hey Will" Nick spoke, pausing for a moment tonotice that his friend was visibly shaken. "What is going on?" he continued. "This year is going to bethe finest yet, cheer up." "Listen" Will began, dragging Nick off to the side of the hall. "Listen" Nickretorted, "We need to get to history." "Ok" replied Will, "We'll speak on the way."The two began down the brightly lit halls through the crowd of students making their way to class."Attention citizens" the school's voice spoke, "Lockdown has been lifted, have a nice day." The twocontinued past silver sliding doors that lead to various classrooms. "Nick, we'll catch up later but Ineed to tell you" Will stammered. "Ok, ok out with it" Nick offered. "I ran into the police outside duringthe lockdown." "That isn't unusual man" Nick replied cockeyed. "No, these men were different." "They stoodat least eight feet, and their faces where covered with masks." "They killed a man Nick, he was standing twofeet from me!" Nick took a moment to position his shaggy brown hair, looking somewhat skeptical. "Youexpect me to believe that Helix officers executed a citizen in broad daylight?" "People are entitled toa fair trial Will." "Nick, please!" Will said desperately. "There is more to today's events than Maverickspoke of!" The two were nearly at the doors to their class. "Will, I believe you, but perhaps now is notthe time for protest and we've been awaiting this class." "You're right." The two long time friends passed through the doors and into theclassroom, which was more like an auditorium. The seats were jet black leather and the desk panels weremaple, running from wall to wall. Students had already taken many of the seats, with Nick and Will followingsuit. The professor stood at the front of the room, already prepared for the class at hand. She was dressedin a form fitting black shirt with red accents, and a neat black skirt. The class settled immediately withoutneed for an introduction. "Welcome to history 101." "You all must pass this course for advancement to yourrightful place in society, and so we begin." "I'll start with an old earth phrase, this will be the nittygritty.
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