Chapter 1: Our days
I lay on a field of black spikey yet soft ground, unlike the smooth and hard surface I’m used to.
Viewing the floating lanterns floating above me. Each one black and white, the only two colors that exist in this world I live in. The dream comes only once a year, and when it comes, it is always the same, the only thing that changes in the dream is the number of lanterns that appear every year. The numbers have always matched my age.
But tonight it is different.
I see a lantern different from the rest.
It was not
black
or
white
But something so different, so bright, I felt something fall from my eyes.
Year: 2200
Time: 6:30 AM
Dwelling 231..||
{EL402}
“EL402”
My eyes slowly open from the bizarre and only dream I have ever had.
I turn to EL510; a young, 14 years of age, female unit part of my dwelling, already dressed in the required clothing for both females and males. According to my EPL(Eye Provided Lens), she is currently hungry and wishes for me to come downstairs for Morning ReConsume. ReConsume is a period of scheduled time in which all units eat food supplied by Caretakers.
I swing my legs over my slumber board and face EL510. “Yes EL510?”
She walks over. “Female Parental Unit wishes for you to come downstairs for ReConsume.”
I nod, for my stomach has growled.
EL510 bits her lower lip and leaves the room.
As soon as she leaves the room, I start to change into the required clothes for the young males and females in the North City.
It’s only a simple black shirt and white pants with plain sandals with straps as well as a coat with two pockets and three buttons.
As soon as I complete my task, I walk down the stairs and enter the Food Supply room.
Female Parental Unit looks up and acknowledges my presence. “Ah, EL402, Pleasure for you to come and join us for Morning ReConsume.”
I nod and take my seat. Before me is a plate of the same consumption items we are given every day, a cube and a cup of clear liquid.
EL510 appears more quiet than usual, picking at her cube. Normally, young ones of her age would be bursting with conversation. But EL510 rarely talks.
Which raises concern from members of the Eye who keeps a close watch on everyone.
Female Parental Unit breaks the silence that loomed over us. “Your Male Parental Unit has already left for his Contribution.”
I see. That would explain his current absence. Male Parental Unit’s Contribution is Creation Professor. In which he is tasked with creating the next generation of our community.
I slowly chew on my cube. It did not have much taste but provided all the nutrients our bodies need.
In case you are curious, I am a male unit. It is a rule that all units must have two young units. No more, No less.
But they don’t have to be simply male and female anymore. That rule was removed.
The Screening has turned itself on for the Morning News. It turns on by itself and at the time during ReConsume.
The usual news that follows is always the same.
I pay no attention to it.
Like we all always pay no attention.
EL510 looks up and announces. "I have consumed my cube and liquid. May I wait for EL402 at the front of the dwelling?"
Female Parental Unit nods and says, "You may EL510. Be sure not to forget your belongings."
EL510 nods. "Yes, Female Parental Unit."
I look to Female Parental Unit and speeds up my consumption.
EL510 patiently waits as I slowly raise as well as walk to the small female.
Female Parental Unit reminds us of the basic rules of travel.
I take EL510's hand and together, we walk out onto the sidewalk.
It is alright for those part of the same unit to hold hands, in case you are curious.
My EPL scans everything and everyone around me. Random facts pop up. Age, Contribution, Numbers, Etc.
Transportation zooms by me.
Everyone looking almost exactly like each other.
All Black and White.
Only the slight squeeze from EL510 brings me back to reality.
I look down at her as she looks up to me.
Her eyes are different as well. They were big and filled with something only I can see.
I wish that something wasn't there. That I can know what it means.
Everyone knows what happens when even the smallest difference is seen.
I am once again brought to reality as EL510 says, "Shall we get to the Educational Facility?"
I nod. "Yes EL510."
And then together, we walk to the Educational Facility.
