by Cooper Eaton
And then as if I was at home a knock came at my door. For an instant, I thought: Mom? But no, it couldn’t be. I ran to the door opening it swiftly only to be greeted by Rasben and Chris.
“Hey man, what’s up? Can you believe this! This is crazy! Have you lain on our bed yet? It feels like you died and went to heaven! I feel like I’m in a dream!” Chris oozed excitement.
“I have.”
As if he hadn’t heard me Chris continued. “Plus the size of these walls makes the transparency screen so big! I can’t wait try out my whirlpool tonight! What’s your view look like?” He asked as he headed over to my wall facing the capital. He pushed a button that I hadn’t seen, and a pair of blended curtains slid apart to reveal the wonder behind them!
In front of me lay the massive buildings of the Capital's downtown! They weren’t skyscrapers, but they were at least 4 or 5 stories tall. Their walls, made from various moon materials, curved this way and that.
All of us were stunned for a moment. “Can you believe this? It feels like a dream! This is awesome!” Chris continued.
“Considering they used our money so they could live like royalty I would say it’s more of a nightmare than a dream.” I fired back unable to hold back my pent up anger.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, that is isn’t right. They shouldn’t be allowed to live like kings and queens while we’re forced to live like animals. This isn’t what I want to be funding for the rest of my life. This isn’t right.”
“Oh, get off your high horse William. You're not as perfect as you want to believe, and these people aren't that corrupt. Why can’t you just savor the moment before it’s over?” Chris asked, clearly irritated.
“I don’t know where you lived by my life was hell! My parents have no shot at gaining a life like these people, and neither do the rest of the population! This isn’t right, and you know it!”
“Well, life isn’t fair!”
Rasben interjected. “Guys, guys. Come on, you both need to calm down.”
“All I’m saying is my parents shouldn’t have to live like they do while these people live like this. Something is definitely wrong with the system.”
Chris also calmed down before responding. “I hear you, just not now. Don’t screw this up for everybody. If you do, none of us will get what we want.”
Rasben once again interceded. “Alright, now that we have that out of the way, Chris and I came to tell you that we’re leaving in half an hour for our dinner with the Chancellor.”
“How do you know?”
“Mrs. Nasdin came by and told us. She also said that we have suits in our closets that we need to dress in before we leave. They're pretty cool actually.”
“Alright, I’ll be there. See you in 30.”
And with that, they left only pausing briefly to wish me good luck before closing the door.
I walked to my closet and opened it to reveal a silver animated suit that looked as though it belonged on the moon.
This night was going to be interesting…
I trotted down the stairs looking snazzy if I do say so myself. The suit’d scanned my body and then covered my bare skin with a shiny white, almost silver material. The computer generated cloth, which I’d only worn once before, made me feel exposed and self-aware. I’d hated wearing it at prom, but Mom said it looked good, so I’d worn it. However, that night had gone poorly, and I hoped that it wouldn’t be an indicator for tonight.
As I approached the remaining testers who’d gathered in the lobby, I realized the boy’s all had on neck bands. Where were those at?
“Hey, William, nice of you to join us!” Rasben turned jokingly.
“How did you guys all get neck bands?” I cut in afraid I’d be sent back.
“They were in the closets, did you not have one?”
“I didn’t see one. Do you think I’ll get in trouble?”
“Only if you get caught, hurry let's get to our transportation.”
We all hurried outside. The limo resembled those I’d seen in movies. However this one had no top. Whoa!
“Hey guys!” Chris called to us from the back of the Limousine! “Come sit back here!”
We complied and quickly made our way to the back of the limo. “This is gonna be awesome! Can’t wait!”
“You sure it’ll be safe.” Questioned Rasben.
“Sure it will, don’t be such a downer. This is going to be so cool!” Chris responded.
Needing no further reassurance we both sat and awaited the roller coaster that was beneath us.
“Zuup!” The airlocks from the engine cleared and all of the sudden we lifted into the air!
The blades shifted direction, and we were off! We moved only feet from the ground weaving between buildings, our speed increasing with every second. “Whoohoo!” A tester shouted with joy from the front.
I think we were all pretty happy at that moment. The sweet, clean air rushed into our nostrils bringing with it the coolness of evening. Rasben tried talking but was drowned out by the wind, so instead, we all just sat quietly enjoying the new sensation as we moved closer to seeing the most powerful man alive.
The only thing that was strange about the trip was the city’s lack of nightlife. In fact, there was no one outside. We passed no clubs or anything of that nature. People were nowhere to be seen. The streets were completely void of life. Well, this is weird. I guess since the city is compiled of elites they have no need for parties, but wouldn’t their jobs make it more likely for them to drink to relieve the stresses of their days?
My reasoning must have been flawed because no matter how hard I looked I never saw anyone. And just as I began to think maybe they were all asleep, we arrived at our destination.
We’d passed by many buildings, but this one had to be the strangest. It was triangular! It was shaped like a pyramid! I’d never seen a building this tall shaped in this way, is this real? It has to be. The pyramid was completely lit up. Light came from every neck and crevice giving the building the appearance of a star amongst the darkness of space. Are these people really so rich that they can make pyramids just for the heck of it?
“Hello everyone, it’s so nice to see you made it here safely,” came Mr. Blackwood’s voice from the front. “I’m so excited for you all to meet the Prime Chancellor. If you’ll all, please follow me.”
We followed and he led us into the massive pyramid that was our destination. As we walked in everyone stopped what they were doing and stared.
Upon our entrance, we were greeted with curiosity. There had to be at least 100 people inside, and they were all staring at us! Mr. Blackwood and Mrs. Nasdin herded us to a table that was slightly larger than those surrounding it. We sat trying to avoid the stares of the politicians that looked like they were seeing teens for the first time.
A woman chef walked up upon our sitting down. “Dinner will be served shortly; there will be three courses, which we hope you will enjoy. If there are any problems, please feel free to…” Her voice trailed off, and her eyes got big!
We all turned to see what she was looking at.
Sebastian Neo! It was the Prime Chancellor!
He walked up followed closely by a staff of bodyguards. “Hello, children. How is everyone this evening?”
“Good,” came the shocked reply.
“So you are the few amongst the many. It is great to finally meet you. I have been informed of your progress and have been very excited to meet you for some time now.” he greeted energetically.
I couldn’t believe I was standing face to face with the man that had changed my life so drastically. I both hated him and feared him, and kind of felt the need to like him. His smile seemed genuine and reached into his eyes. He looked genuinely happy to meet us. He was younger than I’d expected with a small amount of stubble that had begun to gray.
“I’m very impressed with each one of you and am excited to hear from you!” he tal
ked as he began walking around the table shaking hands.
It was strange. Even though I wanted to hate him, I felt the need to somehow impress him. He reached me, and his eyes seemed to click with recognition. Our hands grasped, but it felt different than it should have. Instead of his hand being warm and energetic like his face, it was cold, and its temperature sent chills through me! The hand felt completely alien as if it didn’t belong to the man standing before me.
Just as our hands separated my sight flipped on! As if a switch had been hit, colors appeared dancing before my eyes. The imaginary glasses slipped on, over my eyes and colors from the many people around me burst to life!
It was too much! They’re everywhere! I was overwhelmed! My knees buckled and I almost fell!
The Chancellor looked at me quizzically, then turned and moved to the next tester, Robert, and began shaking his hand. “How are you, what’s your name?”
The colors were still overwhelming me, and I could barely stay standing. Everyone seemed to have an extra amount of electricity running, and it was quite overwhelming. The added electricity from the politicians at all of the other tables was drowning me as dozens of electrical snakes flew around haphazardly!
Stay strong William! You can’t be found out, you can do this! I gave myself a pep talk and willed myself to focus on the Chancellor and leave the colors behind.
My strategy only half worked. As I focused on the people in front of me, the colors became less overwhelming, but they were still there. I couldn’t seem to switch the sight off! My eyes traveled around the room and came all the way back to Sebastian Neo, and then I noticed it. Sebastian Neo didn’t have any color running to or from him! He was void of color strands!
“Please sit,” Neo instructed as he eased himself into a lush white chair.
“I’m famished, let's get some food over here!” He said laughingly to the rest of us.
One of his guards snapped, and waiters appeared with food immediately. A sea of white appeared as the dozens of waiters approached with heaping platters of food.
“Finally, something to eat,” Neo said with a hint of annoyance.
But I didn’t focus on him for long. All I could focus on was the food! It was delicious! There was some sort of meet drizzled with gravy and next to that was a sweet fruit I’d never had before. The flavor exploded in my mouth! My taste buds felt as though they'd died and went to heaven!
Even in the castle hadn’t had food like this. With meat being the rarity that it was I’d only had it twice in my life. It was so good I practically inhaled it! I couldn’t stop stuffing my face!
“Whoa there! Someone was hungry!” Neo said looking at me. “Is it that good?” He asked looking at his untouched portion. “We can get you some more if you like,” he asked jokingly. I was tempted to say yes, but realized he’d only meant it as a courtesy and so I shook my head in the negative. “I hope Mr. Blackwood here has been feeding you all enough,” Neo said as he eyed Mr. Blackwood who shied from his gaze.
I answered quickly. “He has, this is just so good I just can’t slow down, my apologies,” I said hating myself for apologizing.
“It’s perfectly all right, Mr. Rose. There’s plenty more where that came from. No need to apologize. How do the rest of you like it?” He asked, and everyone nodded their heads in the affirmative.
And that’s what the conversation turned into. Sebastian Neo asking polite questions and we, the testers, answering with short, shy responses.
Finally, the conversation got interesting after we finished our second course.
“So, what have you learned through these tests?” Neo asked.
No one spoke as a sudden tension built.
“Anything? Did you learn anything?” He said with a hint of agitation.
I could see a tic start in his jaw, so I quickly jumped in. “We learned how much technology has increased. We learned how to work together and help one another.”
Chancellor Neo just stared back at me trying to read me. I quickly looked away trying to stay off the grid by holding my tongue. I couldn’t let is slip that what we’d really learned was how to kill each other and look out for ourselves at all costs.
“Is that the best you’ve got.” Sebastian Neo said letting a hint of irritation enter his voice.
“Your government put billions of dollars into this research, and all you can say is that you learned how to make friends and work together! That’s all you learned?”
I tried to think of something to say before he blew his top off, but one of his guards did it for me. He tapped on The Prime Chancellor’s shoulder before whispering something to him. I couldn’t hear a word of what was said, but Sebastian turned and rose to his feet. “Excuse me, there is is a matter I must attend to. Please enjoy the rest of your meal.” he turned to leave but only took a few steps before “Boom!” the doors burst open!
“Zing, zing, zing!” Ray fire!
In came a flurry of people! They rushed towards us guns raised! “Stand down!” called a gigantic man from the front.
Sebastian Neo suddenly looked very scared. “My men have you surrounded. You would be wise to follow your own advice.”
And then an older familiar looking man stepped forward. “Why that’s no way to greet someone, Neo. I only came to see the children. How are you, children?” He said turning towards us.
I looked over to Chancellor Neo only to see that the color had drained from his face. “You know you’re not welcome here.” Neo said trying to stand firm but looking more afraid by the minute. His guards had taken positions around the room, and I realized we were caught in the middle of a standoff!
I felt like I was in an old western! Neo stared at the man who gazed nonchalantly back. All of the guards had their fingers on their triggers ready to fire at any moment!
The standoff couldn’t have lasted more than a minute, but it felt like an eternity. And when it did end, it was the Prime Chancellor who backed down first. “I’ll allow you to stay and visit with them for one hour, and not a second more. Do we have an agreement?” ¶The Chancellor leaned forward now desperate for the other man to accept his terms.
I don’t know why he’s so scared. Neo clearly had more men, and more are probably on the way, what’s he afraid of?
The other man smiled without a care in the world. “Alright Chancellor, but if anything should go not according to plan, there will be hell to pay.” His voice had a cold edge.
Neo turned to us. “Alright testers, it seems we have a visitor who will be visiting with us tonight. He is the head of ASTA and a very important cog in the governmental wheel.”
A few of the testers smiled in an attempt to ease tension, however, their levels remained high.
Dining resumed by the politicians at the tables around us. The stranger approached giving his own introduction, and that’s when I realized it; it’s him, it’s the man from the forest! I looked to Chris and could tell that he also knew exactly who this man was! I couldn’t believe it, this was the man who had helped me figure out that I had the “sight.” is he be here to save me? My hopes raised only to be struck down as the man gave his name!
“Hello, ladies and gentlemen, I am Mr. Dark.”
What! Is this real? What is happening? This has to be a nightmare! My world spun quickly out of control. All of the colors once again took center stage and the sudden news of who the evil man behind everything sent me falling to the ground!
Just as I was going down a hand reached out and caught me!
“Whoa there Mr. Rose, are you okay?” He said with a mischievous glint in his eye. He knows my name! I don’t get it, how could the man who had been helping me, be working for the government? How can the man who’s been my small source of guidance be the same man who almost killed Mr. Blackwood and myself? The world of good and evil seemed to have flipped in an instant!
After pulling me back to my feet, Mr. Dark shook my already grasped hand. “I don’t beli
eve we’ve formally been introduced Mr. Rose, my name is Mr. Dark, and I am the reason you're here. You see, I am the mastermind behind this great experiment that you’ve all been taking part in.” He said turning to the other testers. “I am the man you should all be dying to meet. As you will soon come to know, I’m the man with all of the answers. If you will all sit, I will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have.”
A tester named Abby tentatively raised her hand. I looked over to Chris. He seemed to still be reeling in disbelief.
“So what comes next?” Abby asked.
“My dear girl, what comes next is truly amazing, but I cannot spoil it. It is simply so splendid I cannot bring myself to tell you.”
This seemed to satisfy Abby, but it only spurred anger in me. “Mr. Dark, that’s all well and good for us, but what about the other testers?” I asked.
“What other testers?”
“You know, the ones kept below the testing castle. The ones hooked up to life support that were supposed to be sent home. What happens to them once this is all over?” I asked knowing full well things were going downhill quickly. But I couldn’t hold back any longer. This had been the man walking with Mr. Blackwood when I’d been hiding under one of the testers lifeless bodies. I remember Mr. Blackwood referring to him as Mr. Dark. This was the man who’d almost killed Mr. Blackwood and then sent his black snakes of color after me! This man had been in on everything from the beginning! Why did he help me if he’d been working against me the entire time? What has he really been doing?
The room had gone deathly quiet. He sat there staring coldly down on me. “Mr. Rose, I’m so glad you asked. I think everyone should know the truth. You see, everyone, when you die in a simulation, you aren’t sent home like we’ve lead you believe. In fact, you don’t come back at all. Your consciousness is lost in the abyss of the universe unless we decide you’re needed and bring you back. You may be wondering why I’m telling you all this, and the answer is quite simple. A few weeks ago Mr. Rose here stumbled upon our secret, and we’ve been attempting to cover it up ever since.” He gazed out across everyone confused and stunned faces. “What I’m saying is, if you die in a simulation you're also dead in real life. We could wake you, but why would we? We don’t want word of our tests reaching the public. Plus, who knows, we may need you later. Our attempt to hide these facts from you is irrelevant now seeing as how tonight is your last night to live.
