Disclaimer-Huxley owns things and so does Pokémon! I own nothing! Nothing I say!
------ ------Chapter 2
Hypnopedic Conditioning was something that came about way before the world became what it is now. Propaganda had been doing it for years! But to work it to where it's a rhythmic whisper to a child at night took time and many mistakes. But once it was perfected, it was right at the forgotten time(for history is completely forgotten save the few Controllers) called The Transition, where clones and people coincided. They tried it on the children of both forms and found that it had worked!
Then came the castes. It was once Clone and Human, but the Humans were, more-or-less, kicked out of the equation and thus, the clones needed a better caste system. Here's where the first World Controllers really shinned. But history warned them of class systems. The lower always wanted to climb to the higher. Hypnopedic Conditioning fixed that; giving each class pride for their class and a superiority over other classes. But, as a side effect, most interaction between classes were usually filled with pleasantries until it was over(after all, one does not wish to upset the ones whom deal with their shit…Literally in some cases), in which mocking occurs; usually from the upper classes.
Gary sighed and closed the book, marking the page where he stopped. He just started where Giovanni told him would be easier to grasp; which was The Intermediate History of Our World. He looked at the clock and heard it chime the time. He also heard, from a big clock outside the Hatchery and Conditioning building in which he mostly spent his time, say that all battles and tournaments should end.
Gary then placed the books in his desk that sat in his a joining office to Giovanni's. Bookshelves and other things also crowded the room. He sat in his chair and tried to relax. But his calendar had to speak out at that time.
Solidarity Services: 9 o'clock! Solidarity…
Gary pressed a button and it stopped. Oh how he hated those services. The blame was on Giovanni, for he had told Gary of Jesus and other religions long forgotten. It was also Giovanni who said he should attend every other week at least. It was, as the World Controller had explained; to let him be with others and fulfill that urge to not be alone. Though, like most World Controllers, he found solitude to be slightly comforting.
But, the urge was there and he needed to quench it. So, like others, he headed for the roof to retrieve his helicopter and head to Solidarity services. He got into the contraption and lifted up. All was fine until the propeller stopped spinning. Gary did not have the screws in the right way, so hovering was not an option, but fortunately the boosters were working, so he had a chance of a relatively safe landing.
On the ground, Ash was walking towards Solidarity Services. As an Epsilon, walking was conditioned to be one of the best ways to travel. He was thinking, a little glumly, about how he had to leave the Pikachu. Granted, Ash likes all Pokémon, but that one yellow mouse was really important to him.
But his thoughts were interrupted by a loud thud in front of him. A helicopter had crashed. It was in perfect condition except for where it landed and the propellers. Ash stared at it in wonder. This was the closest he's ever seen one. He looked up every so often, but usually to stare up at the sky that wasn't covered in huge television screens that constantly showed advertisements for the newest things.
The hatch burst open and Ash was transfixed at the boy whom hopped out of it; clearly unhurt(1). He wore grey that made his auburn hair stick out slightly. But Ash stared mostly at the charming face.
He quickly ran towards him, worried that he might be hurt and the overwhelming need to meet this person. But the reason he wanted to meet this person was beyond his underdeveloped brain.
"You OK?"
"Huh?" The boy asked.
"You OK?" He asked more because of the conditioning that Epsilons are more immune to pain compared to the other classes. Even if the crash landing was gentle, one could not help but wonder if they were OK.
Another thing to note: an Epsilon's speech is infantile. One reason is because, during their incubation, they recieve little oxygen and blood nutrients, much unlike the other classes which recieve more in comparison. Another is that, for their semi-underdeveloped brain, speaking as such is easier. But, if someone were to have a conversation with one, they would find that they can speak more than two to three words in a sentence.
"Uh, yeah." Gary said, scratching his head. He'd have to buy a new one later.
Smiling, it was then that Ash saw the time on the huge clock and gasped. "Late!" He grabbed the boy's hand and tugged him towards Fordson Community Synergy, the(to put it lightly)church. The main part where the Ford's Day Services were held was at the bottom, the Solidarity Services were held in the upper floors; having over four thousand rooms, each person was assigned a room with his or her caste; but only if they ever stepped into a room. There were others who did not participate in the Solidarity, but the Ford's Day Services.
The building was insight, only having been a few blocks from the Hatchery and Conditioning Building. It was tall and gaudy with flood lights lighting up the higher levels. But in the center of it was a giant red T. Despite being confused because of an over excited stranger tugging him towards it, Gary also felt amusement. It was slightly entertaining seeing the young Epsilon run around in a panic shouting "Late" like a chant.
They both entered the building and ran towards a lift, the Epsilon tapped his foot and shouted "Come on, come on!" As the lights for the floors quickly blinked its way down. The doors opened and both went inside. Without thinking, the Epsilon told the elevator Epsilon to go to the top and he quickly complied before Gary could say anything. Not that he minded. He found himself content in following this Epsilon.
"Oh," Gary said. "Where are my manners? I'm Gary, what's your number?" He reached out a hand.
"I'm Ash." The Epsilon said, surprising Gary. But he did not let that last long, perhaps this was a secret Epsilon thing to name each other. He wasn't sure, he barely spent time with any one class.
"Nice to meet you, Ash." Gary said, grabbing onto the Epsilon's hand.
"Gary!" He shouted back.
The lift stopped and opened up, letting the two dash down the hall, Ash having not let Gary go after their handshake. They stopped at one of the last rooms and Ash opened the door. Other Epsilons were huddled around a table. Eleven to be precise set in male female order, as was custom for the Service.
The Director, a Delta looked angrily at Ash.
"You're late!" He shouted.
"Sorry," Ash murmured, sounding close to tears.
The Director was about to say something else, but he spied Gary.
"Who's he?"
"I'm Gary Oak," Gary introduced himself. "Future World Controller of Eastern Asia."
He was told by Giovanni himself to always address himself as such in certian situations so that he may have an excuse. After all, he was important and lesser classes were not permitted to know what went on with Alpha Double Plusses. But he was not expecting the reaction he got. Whenever he had said that before hand, they would look up at him admiringly. But the only one whom seemed to do so was Ash, who also seemed oblivious to the stressed and worried expressions of his fellow Epsilons and Delta Director.
"What's the matter?" Gary asked.
"Nothing." The Director said rather hurriedly. "Nothing. We were not expecting you; World Controller, Gary Oak."
He heard the slip up, but did not bother to correct it. That would only put more strain on them, for he understood what was going on now. As World Controller he was like a boss. And no one liked a surprise visit from their boss.
"Oh, sorry." Gary said. "I'm…"
"My guest." Ash said happily.
The Director gave Ash a stern look while the others gave Gary a sad look, having to be forced into the company of their weirdo. So many rumors surrounded Ash…
"632567!" The Director snapped.(2)
That surprised Gary. If he addressed himself as Ash, but was scolded with his number. Was this to show one was upset?
"Uh," Gary said. "Pardon my curiosity, but he addressed himself to me as Ash. Does not every Epsilon do this in secret?"
"No," The Director said with disdain. "If you don't mind me saying, there's something wrong with him."
Gary did mind, but didn't voice it. And even if he did, that would not calm them to his presence.
"Now, will you join or are you just sitting in to watch?" The Director asked, sounding as friendly as he could.
Ash grabbed Gary's hand and happily proclaimed "Join! Join!" Gary chuckled at the Epsilon's antics and gave in with an "Okay, okay, I'll join". Which was met with a loud cheer from his Epsilon friend and shocked gasps from everyone else.
------ ------Part 2
Ash led Gary to the only open seat and sat down, inadvertently tugging Gary down to his knees. The Director wanted to scold Ash, but Gary chuckled and he began. Tambourines and atmosphere entered the room and a delicious glass of strawberry icecream Soma was passed around before the twelve stanzas of the first Solidarity Service hymnal began. But every time it came to him, Ash pouted, said 'No' and took the glass from him and gave it to the person next to Ash, skipping the both of them. Which confused Gary, but knew it best not to ask anything when the Service was in session. Which, as it should have, made the others confused as to why he did not speak up or yell at him.
Unlike the Alpha Service he was accustomed to; which would have had only them sing the hymnal. At an Epsilon Service; a low, sing-song, whispery voice sings out with the Epsilons:
"Ford, we are twelve; oh, make us one.
Like drops within the Social River,
Oh, make us now together run
As swiftly as thy shining Flivver…"
Once the twelve stanzas were finished, the Soma was passed around once more and once more the pair did not partake in the Soma. the stanzas were sung once again with the voice as accompaniment.
"Come, Greater Being, Social Friend,
Annihilating Twelve-in-One!
We long to die, for when we end,
Our larger life has but begun."
The third and final time the flavored Soma came around, Ash still denied them any and thus both were in their right mind unlike the rest of them. The Director pushed a button and a voice whispered 'Listen,' and later the sound of soft foot falls coming down stairs were heard.
"Hear him!" A female shouted. "Hear him!"
Many stood up. Ash smiled and stood up, too. He winked at Gary and shouted. "Hear him!"
"He's coming!" Gary shouted, winking at Ash.
The Director rolled his eyes; annoyed that the freak would force an Alpha to participate in his antics. But, everyone was standing and that was the point. They could continue. He pushed a button. Yet he could not help think: "Oh Ford, help us all!"
Just then the speaker sang out in "Orgy Porgy". People started facing the person to their right. Ash faced an Epsilon's behind, Gary faced Ash's butt. The patting of behinds in time to the tune resounded throughout the room as they all sang:
"Orgy-porgy, Ford and fun,
Kiss the girls and make them One.
Boys at one with girls at peace;
Orgy-porgy gives release."
They danced and danced until it was over.
"Dancing's fun." Ash said, smiling as they left for the chute.
"Yeah, it is, isn't it." Gary responded.
Actually, Gary hated dancing. But perhaps it was that they had both played a trick on the congregation that made it fun.
"The only reason I go." Ash confided. "I hate Soma."
That was new. A glitch here and there was nothing new, but to hate Soma?! What went wrong with his conditioning? But Gary did not bother with the question, for another question beat him to it.
"Will Gary stay with me?"
"Yes." Gary found himself saying.
"Yay!" Ash shouted and clung to Gary's arm.
Gary sighed. It had been a while since he was with somebody else like this. And little did Gary know, the same applied to Ash, too.
1) Usually, in Palletshipping fics, one gets hurt.
2) I don't believe they had numbers. But since Epsilons are seen more than in BNW and the best way to distinguish them to the reader in such castes where individuality is unheard of is easier with numbers! XD