“Well, enjoy your morning,” he called as he headed into the clinic. I wondered if they had the ability to fix whatever caused him to limp. As he headed in, Joshua and Sydney made their way out.
“Good as new!” Joshua exclaimed as he headed for the car. No wonder they wanted to keep this city a secret. If they could heal a knife wound instantly I wondered what else they were capable of.
“Glad you’re better,” I smiled, watching as he climbed into the front seat.
“Sydney was just explaining how she was going to take us into the dining hall where we’ll meet the other recruits,” Joshua explained.
“Recruits?” I asked, having heard the word a few moments earlier and leaving me with far more questions than answers.
Sydney finally spoke up, as she got behind the wheel again, “Yes. Those who turn eighteen are given the chance, if they desire, to join the rankings of our militia or our science advisory board.”
“Interesting,” I replied, wondering if she would elaborate, and hoping she would leak more information.
“I’m sure the recruits will tell you all about it,” she assured, starting the car and driving us three blocks north. I’d barely have known it was part of the town, except for the large single-story brick building standing alone. “This is your stop,” she informed us. “Adam, if your foot starts acting up, I suggest you have it looked at. It should be healed though. We rarely have mishaps.”
“Mishaps?” What did she mean? I hoped his foot wouldn’t fall off! Paling, I pulled myself from the car and followed Joshua to the main entrance. At least his gait seemed fine on his bad foot. I turned around and watched as Sydney sped off in our vehicle, leaving us to enter the building without her.
CHAPTER 16
We headed into the brick building. I hesitated momentarily before following Joshua inside. To the left, I could hear a loud commotion of voices, and Joshua grabbed my hand and led me into the chaos. Others close to our age gathered around a cafeteria table – all wearing the same dull blue and gray uniform – eating breakfast. The moment I saw the assortment of food across the room, my mouth watered. “Do you think we can help ourselves?” I didn’t wait for Joshua’s answer as I dropped my hand from his and quickly headed toward the empty line. I grabbed a tray and piled on fruit and eggs as my stomach grumbled.
From behind, I could feel Joshua brush against me. “They’re staring at us,” he murmured into my ear.
“So, let them.” I didn’t care what they thought. I grabbed an empty glass and poured some juice from a pitcher, before taking my tray heaped with more food than I could ever eat to the table. I knew Joshua would join me as soon as he finished in line. “Hi.” I smiled politely towards a dark-skinned boy who couldn’t have been any older than Joshua or myself. He was definitely a full head taller than me. “Is this seat taken?” I didn’t wait for a response as I put down my tray and scooted onto the bench.
“You’re new,” he mused, looking me over and clearly sizing me up. He smirked, seeming pleased at my appearance. I couldn’t tell what amused him or caught his interest – my lack of height and build, perhaps, or maybe the fact I still wore my filthy clothes.
“Yeah, we got in last night.” I sighed, giving the most believable smile I could while keeping an eye on Joshua as he carefully carried his tray towards our table. “We’re from Haven,” I offered. It was better to befriend the stranger than cause any more trouble. I’d done enough of that in Haven, whether I meant to or not. Joshua scooted beside me and nodded once at the other boy to my left.
“Never heard of it.” The boy gave Joshua a skeptic look as he finished his last bite of breakfast and stood. “There are five openings and already seven of us competing. Don’t expect a warm welcome,” I appreciated his direct response and honesty. He walked to the trash and disposed of his tray before he sat back down at the table.
“So, it’s a competition?” I asked, trying my best to understand what we’d stumbled upon.
The boy rolled his eyes. “If you want to put it so bluntly, sure.” His leer made my stomach flop as I took a bite of my breakfast. After a moment and a sense of hesitation, he offered up his name, “Jaxon,” he introduced himself. “And that’s Margo,” pointing at the curly brunette across from him. She was well-built and more than a little buff. No doubt she could take on any of the boys. I knew not to get on her bad side.
“I’m Jacqueline and this is Adam,” I offered my hand with a pleasant look.
Jaxon stared at my hand, but refused to take it. His eyes narrowed sharply, “That’s real nice, but don’t think we’re friends because I’m talking to you.”
I shifted in my seat, looking at Joshua for reassurance before replying, “Lucky for me I’m not here to make friends.” I countered. “I’m just looking for answers.”
Jaxon seemed to relax at my response. Had he expected a fight? “Answers,” he paused and gave a slight nod. “Well that I can give you.” The corners of his lips curled up slightly, though he didn’t look particularly happy. “They hand-pick all the recruits from each town looking for the best – one boy and one girl. Those who don’t succeed…” Jaxon paused, “Well, let’s just say they go home in a body bag.” Jaxon laughed, and I wondered if he said this simply to make me nervous. “Don’t look so sick, Jacqueline. Five of us will come out on top.” He looked confident he’d be one of the five.
Joshua slowly sipped his juice, listening to the conversation. After a moment he put the glass down and confronted Jaxon. “If we don’t pass the tests, what then?”
I caught Jaxon sneaking a look at Margo before staring down Joshua. “You’ll die.” His eyes glinted. “It’s not the Chancellor who will likely kill you. It’s the tests themselves.” He let the words hang in the air, and I wondered if he meant to intimidate us. It was working. “Every year two recruits always leave home, and they don’t return.” He glanced at Margo as she chewed a thin stick of wood.
I couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to leave their life with no chance of returning. I had done it but only out of the sheer need to survive. “Why?” I asked perplexed. “Why would anyone choose this?” I couldn’t fathom how someone might volunteer to be here.
Margo leaned forward with a laugh, “Why not? This is a dream for most of us.”
Jaxon stared at me, seeing the confusion still etched across my face. “It’s an honor to be here. You should know that,” he clarified. “Oh, we forgot to tell them about the training,” he eyed Margo with an eager sneer. I felt as though they’d left out something, and whatever it was could be significant. I glanced at Joshua reaching for his hand as he sat beside me at the table.
Joshua squeezed my hand. His brow furrowed as he focused on the pieces of information we’d been given. “Training?”
Jaxon smiled. “Yes, they’ll test us on four abilities the rebel alliance feels most important for the success of our future. Pass the training, and hopefully you’ll be ready for the tests. Do you know what those are?”
I spoke up confident in my answer, “Bravery, integrity, honesty and self-worth.” I had remembered that from the previous day.
Jaxon raised an eyebrow, impressed I knew in part what we were here for. “That’s right. Taken from the texts of the old system, bravery and integrity were the principles of very powerful men and women. Many were leaders who helped shape our world.” He shot a quick glance at Margo, and with her brief nod of approval he elaborated, “With time, the old system had crumbled. Wars erupted. A horrifying disease plagued our world and made women infertile. Our goal – the reason each one of us is here – is to fight the oppressive government and to help grow our nation reach its fullest potential. We are here to reclaim what was once ours.”