Author: Kate Leslie
Category: Other
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“Well done, little brother,” Vi said.
“And here you always expect the worst from me,” Phil complained. “How about a tiny apology?”
Vi rolled her eyes. “Oh, please, come back down to earth.”
25
Ben
The wakeup call came too early. Ben would have liked to sleep a little longer. He recalled the last morning he had with his sister. She had been nagging him because he did not want to get out of bed. She was worried he would be late for school and her late for work. All had been as usual. But then what happened? Mia meant to go to work. Did she even make it there? Ben could not make rhyme or reason of it nor could he get it out of his head. But being confined to the compound, unable to search for her was even worse. Ben stood and went to shower.
Then followed morning roll call and condition training. By now, they had adapted nicely. Only a few penalties were given because the students had learned to obey orders. The initial resistance was a thing of the past. But one was still glad when one was not addressed personally unless it was for praise.
Today’s classroom topics were the general possibilities open to everyone in society. Their teacher believed their existing society allowed for anyone to reach their full potential as long as they applied themselves. Even the training they received here would open up new opportunities for them later in life. Anyone could achieve social advancement. It was of utmost importance to protect the society. Their life should not be disrupted due to a few who longed for power. Each of them was asked to do their part to preserve the society.
Ben wondered how anyone could fall for that story. Each one of them had been a resident of District 2. There had been no opportunities for them or their parents for that matter. Ben was glad when class was over. He really had to refrain from making a contradictive comment. Most likely, it would have earned him a hefty punishment.
At lunch, some talk about the story of opportunities started up. A few of Ben’s classmates chatted about what opportunities were available to them. They actually concluded they were lucky to have been brought here. They imagined what they could achieve in life. Did they forget where they came from? What opportunities did they have, regardless of how hard they tried? Most people there had to work hard. They had a tougher life than people in District 1 could even imagine. They had to work several jobs, were fully committed, yet at the end of the day, they were lucky if they could survive. There were no opportunities. On the contrary, it happened way too often that a worker was replaced by a machine.
Afterward, they had weapons training. By now, Ben could disassemble, clean, and assemble his weapon blindfolded. Their instructor had promised they soon would have heavier weaponry available. Heavier weapons, Ben thought, more power, greater range, more likelihood of killing.
When they lined up again, Clara purposefully stepped into a different row. When they were side by side, she gave him a regretful look. Ben indicated with a nod he understood. Now he was isolated from another person. He had never felt so alone.
The rest of the day went by without incident. Ben was glad when it was evening, and he could fall into his bed. He wished for nothing more than to forget the world around him.
26
Mia
Now that everything was set up, all they could do was wait. The time crept by agonizingly slow, though for Mia, it was still too fast. She was dreading having to talk for so many people to hear. You are only talking to a camera she kept telling herself.
Fifteen minutes before the agreed time, she, Vi, and Phil went to Isa’s quarters. Isa greeted them and reassured them everything was ready to go. All they were waiting on was the go-ahead to broadcast.
Vi eyed Mia. “You look pale. Perhaps a little makeup would do the trick?”
Isa viewed Mia thoughtfully. “No way. Natural is better. Let the people see how young and vulnerable she is.” That settled the matter.
When the moment was almost upon them, Mia sat down in front of the monitor. “How will I know when the broadcast starts?”
“You’ll receive a signal. A text message,” Isa informed her.
The message appeared: “Broadcasting in 15 seconds.” The seconds counted backward to 0. Mia took a deep breath when another message appeared. “Your image is broadcasting, start talking!”
Mia took another deep breath. “My name is Mia Scholl. I am 17 years old and live in District 2, in the city of Filiae. My brother Ben goes to school there. All the students have been taken to an undisclosed location. The same happened in cities all over the country. I made inquiries and was declared a terrorist. We have a right to know where those teenagers are being held. Like so many, I had accepted my fate, had only played by the rules. Their rules. No more blind obedience. No more silent suffering. It is time to stand up against injustice and oppression. Join me...”
Another message appeared: “Broadcast ended. The connection was cut.”
Mia leaned back in the chair. She had done her part. Now she hoped it would not make things worse. Would her message move the people? “Well done,” she heard the others say. Isa made sure to immediately power down her computer just in case. Soon afterward, Mia, Vi, and Phil said goodbye and left.
Since they had no intention of seeing their parents and perhaps being found out, they went to the dining room. Granted, they were too early for supper.
A few at a time arrived and the tables filled up.
“Hello.” Max was standing next to their table. “You guys are quiet today.”
“Hello,” the two girls returned his greeting.
“Considering we see the same thing day in and day out, never getting to go out, what is there to talk about,” Phil replied morosely.
Surprised, the two girls looked at him but remained quiet.
“A little variety couldn’t hurt,” Max agreed.
Phil eyed Max critically. “Such an enlightened thought from you? I thought you were happy being the good ol’ boy.”
“I’m not a good ol’ boy,” Max protested.
Phil huffed. “Well, one hears all kinds of rumors.”
“Phil, please don’t start a fight,” his sister begged.
“I wouldn’t think of it,” Phil said.
“Please, take a seat?” Mia offered, trying to ease the situation.
“Max!” Max’s father waved for him to come over.
“You always have to be pushy, huh?” Vi snapped at her brother as soon as Max was out of earshot after he said, “I’ll be right back.” “Please, at least try to be a little nicer when he returns.”
“I can spare the effort.” Phil jutted his chin toward the front tables where Max was now sitting next to his father.
“Still,” his sister insisted, “I wouldn’t want to sit somewhere I felt unwanted.”
“So now it’s my fault Max doesn’t stand up to his old man.”
Vi huffed. “Phil, you’re annoying.”
“Well now I feel unwanted too,” Phil grumbled to himself. “Should I go join our parents?”
Once back in her room, Vi vented her frustration. “Granted, Phil is my little brother and I love him, but at times, he’s such an idiot. He’s afraid to be responsible for himself. He’s spending too much time thinking about fun. Max is much more serious and does not always put his needs first. Before you came here, I talked often with Max when I needed someone to talk to. At least he listens without joking about everything.” She sat down. “If Phil keeps this up, it won’t be long before I sit with my parents.” The thought made her laugh.
27
Ben
Every day, they completed the same program of classes and training. During the last few days, Ben had barely spoken a word, certainly none with meaning. He had the impression his classmates were becoming more and more passive. What had been the person’s character seemed to be slowly fading. Ben only had to look at Daniel, who used to be easygoing and now had an unknown ambition. He was one of the best in training and
received lots of praise. That in turn, spurred him on even more. Lieutenant Becker announced that it was time to share responsibilities and promised to put Daniel in charge of their room. Then again, Ben noticed he had changed slightly too. He started to adapt to the situation. He took the path of least resistance, did as he was told, and each day lost a bit more of himself.
After military drills, they ate dinner in the canteen. Ben’s classmates were talking about today’s experiences. Ben stayed out of it. He only participated when prodded and even tried to spin everything a positive light.
Lieutenant Becker appeared in the doorway. His gaze moved to their table. Ben hoped he would address Daniel and put him officially in charge as promised. But his gut feeling told him otherwise. Becker approached and ordered Ben to follow him. Ben stood at attention and saluted. Expressionless, Becker regarded him and led the way. Ben followed. Now what was this about? Maybe this was about Mia again. Hopefully, she was doing all right.
Like last time, Ben was taken to the small interrogation room. Becker manned the door again and Ben was asked to take a seat. As before, the officer in charge did not introduce himself. “Don’t let this become a habit,” he said to Ben, who merely nodded in reply since he was uncertain if he was expected to answer.
Wordlessly, the officer stared at him as if trying to read his mind. Ben was convinced it was not possible to read another person’s mind. Perhaps this was merely an attempt to unsettle him so he would reveal something he would otherwise keep quiet about. Although, since he did not know anything, there was no danger of that happening. Nevertheless, Ben tried to keep his expression neutral.
Finally, the officer said, “We have already talked about your sister. Unfortunately, you did not provide me with any useful information.”
Aha, it was about Mia again. What was going on? The last time Ben had seen her, everything was normal. So, what happened in the meantime? Since he had not been asked a question, Ben maintained his expression as neutral as possible.
Again, the officer stared at him before he spoke. “Your sister has joined an anti-government group of rebels.”
Ben could tell how the statement caused all color to drain from his face. He could no longer maintain a neutral expression. How was that possible? Where would she have met such people?
“Together with this group, she released a video message where she spread lies about our government.”
Ben wiped his sweaty palms on his pants. “Are you sure it was my sister?”
The officer made a face. “Of course, we are sure or you wouldn’t be sitting here. She even mentioned your name.”
Why would Mia do that? Was it her way of communicating with him? Hadn’t they told her where he was? Was the message even real? The interrogator seemed to notice his doubt. Ben made sure to put on a neutral expression again. He had to be more cautious. He could not let emotions dictate his behavior.
The officer was still eyeing Ben questioningly. “She harmed you with her statement. What was your relationship like?”
Mia would never do anything to endanger or harm him. How would it not be for his benefit? How could it get any worse? He made an attempt at gallows humor. He quickly lowered his eyes. Under no circumstances, should they get a chance to guess his emotional state. He made certain to appear serious again. “We got along quite well. Sometimes we argued. But most siblings do, I believe.”
The officer continued staring at Ben. He was probably speculating if he answered truthfully. “All right,” he said. “If that’s all you’re willing to tell us, we’ll see you again tomorrow right after breakfast.” He stood and left the room. As he passed, he exchanged a look with Becker and imperceptibly shook his head. “The boy needs a haircut,” he added. This was acknowledged by Becker with a nod.
Mia had the same sentiments when it came to his haircut. Ben almost grinned. But what about the shake of the head, did it mean he believed Ben or thought he was a liar? And why see him again early tomorrow morning? Was he hoping to sweat it out of him?
Ben was dismissed.
28
Ben
As probably intended, Ben slept little that night. He regarded his face in the bathroom mirror. He seemed pale. Was this what someone with a guilty conscience looked like? Probably yes. He sighed. After breakfast, they would continue with the next round of questions. He should be thinking of possible answers to give to them. They should be conclusive. Then again, he thought, what’s more conclusive than the truth, namely, he did not know anything. He sighed again. He had to remain positive. He always wanted a change from the usual routine. Here it was.
Morning roll call progressed without major complications. And again, it was pointed out who had performed well and who had performed poorly. This probably served to encourage students to do better.
On the way to breakfast, Ben briefly filled in Daniel about his upcoming, second interrogation. “Did your sister do something?” Daniel asked.
“You know her,” Ben answered evasively.
“Yes, I know her,” Daniel confirmed. “The reason I’m surprised. She is not the type to cause trouble. She always made sure you behaved.”
“And there you have it. I cannot imagine her being roped into doing something illegal,” he said as vaguely as possible. He had not told Daniel about the explicit nature of the interrogation. That they were suspicious she had joined a group of rebels. Listening to his classmates’ conversations, he could tell whatever information they were given did not make them sympathetic toward the rebels. Ben did not want to risk confiding in Daniel no matter how lousy it made him feel. After all, they were best friends. He should be honest with him.
After breakfast, Ben returned to the small meeting room. By now, he knew the way well. At the entrance, he was met by Becker. Ben saluted and Becker ordered him to stand at ease. The lieutenant eyed him. He paid special attention to Ben’s hair. Then he ordered Ben to follow him. But instead of being led to the meeting room, he was led to another room on the same floor where he was met by a soldier who was acting as the base hairdresser. Apparently, they were serious about the haircut. Ben had to sit and Becker informed him he was expected to come to the meeting room and departed. Ben received his haircut. Relieved, he noticed only about two inches were taken off. Why would the interrogator care about his hair length? You would think Ben having long hair would not matter in a conversation.
Ben was done and walked down the hallway to the small meeting room. The door was ajar, and voices could be heard coming from the inside. He stopped.
“He’s not ready yet. Not for a long time. We are acting too hastily, reprogramming takes time.” That was the voice of Becker.
“Unfortunately, we have no time,” the interrogation officer replied, “thanks to the rebels and his sister.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to just get rid of him?” Becker asked.
“That’s no longer an option. She mentioned his name, so now inquiries about him could be made,” the other explained.
Ben had to lean against the wall. What were they talking about? Getting rid of him? Killing him? It seemed Mia had somehow provided him a reprieve.
The voices of the speakers showed no emotions whatsoever. Did they care about a human life? Not one bit. Did they care about his life? Even less so. Ben really had to pull himself together. He glanced down the hallway. No one had discovered him yet. His expression could not betray that he had overheard their conversation. He took a few deep breaths as he quietly moved away from the door, only to approach it again with resolute steps. The conversation fell silent. Ben entered.
He was not confronted with the usual sight. Now there was only one chair at the table. It was facing a camera. Next to the camera was a monitor. Ben noticed the two attending officers were eyeing him and he hurriedly saluted. “Sit down,” the interrogator said. Then he grabbed another chair and set it next to the camera. He waited for Ben to sit before he started to speak, his tone was friendly. “I told you
yesterday that your sister has placed herself in an awkward situation. She put many in harm’s way. Most of all, herself. She has gotten involved with the wrong people. Do you want to help her?”
Ben nodded.
“That is sensible. She has to get away from those people as soon as possible. You’ll record a message for her.” He gestured toward the camera. “She will see the message and hopefully, come to the right conclusion.” He looked encouragingly at Ben.
Ben swallowed dryly and cleared his throat. “What should I say?”
“I’ve prepared a text for you. Read it to yourself a few times and then you will speak into the camera. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know it by heart. We’ll display it on the monitor, and you can read it. It’s just for you to get used to so you speak smoothly. It should be your words.” He placed a sheet of paper in front of Ben.
Ben read the text and wondered how it was supposed to help Mia. They labeled her a rebel and a liar. He was to say they were here of their own free will. So, tell a lie. Now what should he do? Did he have a choice? He took a deep breath and forced himself to make a neutral expression. It was the only thing left open to him. He would deliver the message as emotionless as possible. Mia would realize the words were not his.
Ben read the message a few more times. Then they made a trial run before the actual recording took place. The officer seemed satisfied with the result and dismissed Ben. As he left the building, he made sure to keep a neutral expression that would convey he was at ease. No one was allowed to notice the inner turmoil he experienced. What they made him do, defame his sister. But what other choice did he have? Not to mention, the conversation he had overheard. Becker had spoken of reprogramming. What were they doing to them? Did they intend to make them into mindless henchmen? And act in matters that were against their own interests. Ben was still convinced the rebels were fighting the current system to put a new fairer one in place. And now he and his classmates were supposed to fight on the government’s side to prevent that from happening.