Cody
''Cody, get up. You're going to late.''
I sigh and turn over on my side. Resident pain from W.S.T the previous night lingered. I rub my face and finally sit up. Then I throw the covers off and stand.
''Morning to you too.''
I turn to the clock and pull up the holographic screen. I click on the music tab and play my favorite song. Chezr groans.
''Really, man? I like this song but you play it every morning.''
I look at him and smile, wickly.
''When I get down on my luck, I hide behind my eyes in Hollywood. They saying what you know, but who you know. You need to know someone to know no one.'' I sing, smirking the whole time.
He shakes his head, ''what is a Hollywood anyway?''
I shrug, ''don't know but, it sounds magical.''
He laughs and sits on his bed putting on his socks. I grab my towel and walk into the bathroom.
./.
''That doesn't make a lick of sense.''
''Well, of course it doesn't to you.'' Chezr joked.
I laugh until I see a P.K turn the corner. Surprisingly, it stops us.
Note the sarcasm.
''BADGES, please.''
Chez held his up and it scanned. Then it turned to me and I froze. To be honest, P.K freak me out. They're really mean and unnecessarily rough.
''MOVE ALONG, COLONIST 8.''
Chez looked at me then at the P.K.
I put my hand on his shoulder and squeeze, ''its alright, I'll catch up.''
I lied the best I could. My other shook as I balled it into a fist. Chez walks away, his face concerned. I smile and nod. He turns the corner and I looks back at P.K.
''BADGE.''
''Its... its back in my room. I could go back and get it.''
I grabs my arm before I could even turn.
''Nnnnn... NO.''
The thing was obviously glitching. I tugged at the hand that was tightening on my arm.
''Get off-''
The P.K shoves me hard into the wall. The wind gets knocked out of me. I cough and breathe heavily.
''S-stop.''
''Error 028.''
I try to peel the metal clamp of a hand off me, again.
First mistake.
The P.K yanks me forward with great force and slams me against the wall, again. Indescribable pain filled the next couple seconds. I scream at the top of my lungs. The robot pushes me down with its gun. Tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision. I cry out and pain, again, praying someone would hear me and come running.
It yanks me up again.
''Sil... Error 028. Foreign software detected.''
I couldn't see really well but, I could see another P.K. It was scanning the one that was glitching.
''Help me! HELP ME PLEASE!'' I pleaded with the robot.
The glitching robot twitches it head and turns toward my potential savior, taking me with it. The P.K reached out to the glitching one and I thought this was all over.
Second mistake.
The robot pushes the other one with its gun/hand and twists swiftly, throwing me back into the wall. Pain erupted like my spine was being ripped from my back but, something else caught my attention.
A snap.
A first I was in shock I didn't hear or feel anything. I looked to my left and saw two more P.K's and a small crowd. I looked up, slowly, and see that the glitching P.K had let me go but, had its foot up ready to bring it down on me. Ready to hurt me.
Ready to kill me.
The pain beat him to it.
It rushed in and swallowed me whole. I cry out for the pain to cease. I cry for my late father to come.
I cried out for death.
I put my hand behind me and feel a wet, warm substance. I bring it to my face.
Blood.
I scream, again, feeling the panic set in. I can't die. Not like my father. Not at the hand of P.K. I try to get to my feet but, pain pushes me down like weights. Something else was keeping me from getting up too.
I couldn't feel my legs.
I look down at them and poke. Tears fall my face as the pain reminds me of the snap I heard before. I turn to the now large crowd of people.
''Someone HELP ME! HELP!''
They were all U.F citizens but, I didn't expect them to be so heartless.
''PLEASE!''
Suddenly, three people burst through the crowd.
Jack
''I'm not helping you cheat, Jerry.''
''Bro, don't even think of it as cheating. Think of it as giving an advantage to a disadvantaged friend.''
'Well, when you put it like that, '' he smiled hopefully, ''no.''
''Whatever. See you later.''
''Alright, man.''
We were about to part ways when a blood boiling scream filled my ears. I turn to Jerry, who had stopped as well. He share a look and listen as it dies down.
''Dude, what was...''
The scream filled the air again, even louder this time. I don't wait another second, we both take off toward the sound.
./.
When we make it there all we see is a crowd. We push through until we see what all the screaming is about. Cody is on the floor with blood surrounding him.
''CODY!''
He turns toward me with tears in his eyes, ''help.''
I run to him but, a P.K stopped me.
''Altercation zone. Go Around.''
''MOVE NOW!''
The robot pushed me back again. I was not going to let it stop me.
Not when my friend bleeding out on the floor.
I grab the robot's arm and yank it aside. Another tries to push me back but, I kick it back. It keeps it balance and tries to grab me. I take its hand and pull it down so I can put it in a headlock. I'm successful but, another tries to pull me away by my jacket. So, I swing the P.K under my arm at it. They both fall.
This is my chance.
I rush to Cody with Chez and Jerry in tow.
''Cody, you alright buddy.''
''Uh, n-no. That dumb r-robot...''
It was hard for him to catch his breath. It was choppy and rough, a sound I knew too well. Tears well up in my eyes making it hard for me to see.
''Jack, I-I don't want die. I don't-''
''Dude, chill. You'll be fine.'' I lied.
''W-we can't let them win, Jack. I c-an't die. Not now.'' Cody struggled.
I just stared at him, not noticing the sound of the P.K's getting up.
''P-promise me... you'll fight... for us... all of us...''
I nod and gripped his hand tight, ''Cody.''
His chest moved slower and slower. He looked at me, not scared like before but, calm. He almost smiled before he closed his eyes. His head lightly hit the wall behind. He looked so calm.
''Jack!'' Jerry called.
I stared him and the world slowed down. With his limp hand in my hand, I squeeze it.
It's so still.
That's when I realize he's gone but, I didn't want to believe it. I check for his pulse and felt nothing.
I can't lose him, too. Not like Eddie. I already have enough blood on my hands.
I shake him, ''Cody, wake up.''
I wiped the tears from my eyes and stared at him.
No.
My hands started to tremble with anger and rage.
I stood up and walked up to the P.K arguing with Jerry. I kick it back into the wall. The other P.K grabbed my shoulder and tried to pull me away but, I wrapped my arm its arm. I pull it towards me, swiftly, and punch it. It falls and I grab the head of the robot.
The other P.K was off the wall and coming for me. Using all my strength, I yank the robot up and fling it at the other one. The P.K that I fling is twitching. The other is getting up. It points it gun at me.
''HALT.''
I walk up to the gun pointed at my chest. I stare up at the P.K and it down at me. Quickly, I shove my knee into its chest. Pain rushes up my leg but, I don't care. I stumbles back and shoots at me. I lean out of its way then I grab its gun arm. I force it under it head.
''If you can dish it out then you can eat it.''
I hit the sensitive part on the side to the robot making it shot itself multiple times. Then it slumps to the floor. I ball my fist and squeeze. I turn to the crowd and see Robert. He stand with his arms crossed like he always does, staring at me.
The officers behind him are at a silent attention.
He surveys the scene and walks up to me.
''Jack.''
I stare at the shoes of the privileged.
''Get to the room and calm down.''
I look up at him, his face calm and sympathetic. I turn away and walk through the parted crowd.
Jerry
Chez sits beside Cody with a blank stare at the wall. The Supreme General walks up to me after Jack leaves. I wanted to go after him but, I couldn't.
''Jerry, I want you to tell me exactly what happened.''
''I-I don't know. I got here at the end.''
He turns to the crowd, ''everyone is dismissed excluding the officers who saw the what happened at the start.''
Immediately, crowd diminished to a few. They moved into a line.
''Mr. Ritz.''
Chez looked up at the Supreme General with tears in his eyes.
''Take your friend to the Infirmary.''
He gets up and picks Cody's limp body carefully. Then he makes his way down the hall. I watch them with blurry eyes. The Supreme General briefly squeezes my shoulder then he turns to the officers.
''Alright, who's going to speak up.''
They were all silent at first.
''He didn't have his badge.'' one voice almost whispered.
''Speak up.''
''He didn't have his badge.'' he repeated.
It was a guy with short blonde hair and broad shoulders.
''The PeaceKeeper stopped him and the Colonist got angry and starting attacking.''
''No, that's not what happened at all and you know it.'' the fiery red-headed girl snaps.
She turns to the Supreme General, ''the PeaceKeeper was obviously glitching. It kept screaming error or something then it started to beat him.''
She looked down at her shoes in shame. I bet she was there the whole time and didn't do a thing. I rub my wet eyes to try to dry them.
''So, you all and stood and watch the PeaceKeeper beat Mr. Weeks to death?''
''His name is Cody.'' I said quietly.
Everyone glanced at me then went quiet. The Supreme General looked like he was going to scold me but, turns away.
''Does anyone know the specific cause of death?''
''Yeah, the PeaceKeeper kicked his butt.'' the broad blonde answered with a smirk.
I clench my jaw and fist to keep from speaking out of tongue.
''The PeaceKeeper slammed him into the wall multiple times possibly causing his spine to break.''
I remember the snap.
''Then it stomped him in the chest until the other PeaceKeepers pulled it off.''
He looks back at the puddle of blood but, I couldn't stand it. I couldn't look at it, I didn't even want to think about it. I stare at the wall, not wanting to talk.
''You clean up this mess-''
''Excuse me!''
I look up to see a skinny, pale dude with spiky hair and a screen in hand.
''Where's 0207?''
The Supreme General looks at him with a blank look, ''Milton, right?
How does he know everyone?
He nods and taps his invisible screen.
''Yes and i'm trying to figure why 0207 was hacked and reprogrammed by foreign software.''
I looked over the disabled P.K on the floor.
The Supreme General crosses his buff arms, ''what are you going to do about this?''
''Track the software by putting a virus on 0207. The virus should then tell me exactly who is behind the glitching system-''
''And the death of my friend, right?'' I cut in.
He looks me over briefly, ''yes.''
His attention goes back to his screen as he taps, earnestly.
''Almost...''
''Alright everyone go to class.''
I turn to see the Chancellor walk up.
''No one move.'' the Supreme General says.
Chancellor turns to him, ''what seems to be the problem?''
''I don't have to explain anything to you. Stand at attention, Chancellor.''.
''Supreme-''
''Excuse me.''
The Chancellor stand at attention with a look of pure hatred on his face.
''I will deal with you later.''
He looks around at all of us, ''all of you, excluding you Chancellor, is dismissed.''
Jack
After doing my laps, I was pretty tired. I still had to do my push-ups and I'm still pissed. So pissed that I decided to skip them and go straight to the bag. I pound it hard, making my fist burn. I almost don't notice though. Like I didn't notice Robert come in. My eyes get blurry and breath hitches.
I know I need to get control of my emotions but, I can't. A great wave of anger and sadness flushes over me.
''Jack?''
In between punches, ''yes sir?''
I slam my knee into the bag then kick with the other leg.
''Stop and sit down.''
''I-I can't.''
He stops one of my fist midway, ''you can and you will.''
I look at him, ashamed.
''Now sit.'' he says sternly.
I sit down on the bench and wipe my wet face. I can feel Robert staring at me but, I don't want to look up.
I'm too ashamed.
''You know, I lost someone too.''
This makes me meet his eyes.
''Yeah, '' he sits beside me, ''it was a few years ago.''
He frowns, ''an accident they said... a PeaceKeeper shot him.''
He nods like he's trying to shake the memory.
''But...''
''It was an accident but, Edward knew better.''
I stare at the floor.
''How about you go and visit your mom.''
I look up at him, ''what?''
''I'm serious.'' he half smiles.
I hug him, ''thank you so much!''
''Alright, Jack.'' he shrugs me off.
I stand as the excitement takes over, I almost forget about Cody. Then I realize that I could never forget. Cody was my brother not by blood but, by friendship.
./.
I walk through the street, in uniform, with all eyes on me. Of course they recognize me but, they stared with looks of sympathy and disgust. I couldn't blame them I would probably be the same way is I was in their shoes. I remember when officers walked through the streets I used to play in, immediately I think of Eddie. Sadness washes over me. I try my best to keep my face blank.
I was happy to arrive at the Mental Hospital and Containment Center or M.H.C.C. I thought all the weird looks would stop. Sadly, though, when I entered guards, officers and Colonist all looked at me like I was out-of-place.
I kept my gaze straight as I approached the front desk.
''Hello, I'm here to see Kathy Anne Brewer.''
She looks down at her screen then at me.
''Follow the PeaceKeeper to the left.''
I smile, ''thank you.''
./.
''You got five minutes.''
I nod and walk into the white room excluding the thick metal wall. No chairs, tables or anything. Then the metal wall rises revealing a glass wall and my mother. I stare at the back of her head. Her once lovely, long blonde hair was short and dull.
I stand frozen, staring.
She looks down at her hands.
I will myself to talk to my mother.
''Mom.''
She doesn't move. She stills herself, listening.
''Mom.''
I say it a little louder this time, causing her to turn around. She looks at me for a moment and all the years of missing and longing for her washed away. She stood quickly and runs to the glass wall. She places her hand on the wall and I do the same, tears blurring my vision.
''Don't touch the glass.''
I swear I could feel the warmth of her hand through glass. I obeyed the guard and let my hand drop.
''Jack, look at you. You've got so big.''
I smile.
''And so strong.''
I smile harder, if possible.
''Just like your father.''
I wipe a tear away.
''I missed you so much, mom.''
She looks me up and down, ''why do you have that on?''
That's when I realized that she been in here so long she doesn't know anything that's happened in the last five years. I dread having to tell her.
''I got an invitation to The Academy... and I accepted.''
''Oh... did Jerry and Eddie get invitations too?''
Something deep in my gut twisted at the sound of his name. I wipe away more tears and take a deep breath.
''Jerry did... Eddie, he...''
I couldn't get it out.
''What, honey?''
''Eddie was... shot and killed by a P.K not long after you got in...''
I trail off not wanting to talk about it. We are quiet for a moment.
''Happy birthday, Jack.''
I look up at her in her eyes and see years of pain and strife. She smiles small.
''You remembered.''
''You're my son, Jack. Why would I forget it? And I am sorry about-''
''Cody was shot, too. Today! A few hours ago, Ma. They killed him and they're gonna kill Jerry and me, Ma. We're gonna died just like him.''
I feel like a whiny little kid. And I know for a fact that Colonist don't cry easily. I start bawling.
Stop it, Jack.
''Jack.''
I rub my eyes, too ashamed to meet her eyes.
''Jack, look at me.''
I look up at her.
''I love you. You know that right?''
I nod.
''Good. I just want you to know that you're a man now and you have to make mature decisions.''
I nod, again. I felt like she was talking in code. She meant the words literally but, voice was weird like she wanted me to really pay attention. Her face was blank but, focused.
''Your father told me to tell you what his father told him when he was your age.''
I don't move, I just listen intently.
''He said, 'You have to make a decision, on who you want to serve. Yourself or the Colonists that lived, are living and are yet to be. I trust you, son. And I hope you restore order and honor back to our people'.''
''Time's up.'' the guard says.
''Wait! Mom!''
The thick metal door began to slowly make its way back down to the floor.
''Jack, I trust and love you son with all my heart. Goodbye.''
''Wait, Mom! MOM!''
The door reached it destination and she was gone. I breathe heavy as I stand up.
''Alright, out.''
Without, a word I turn and leave.
./.
I solemnly walk back towards The Academy. The only thing on my mind is the words she spoke. She was talking in type of code I just knew it. Suddenly, I'm bumped violently by a black figure. I looked down to see my badge gone. I mutter a few curses and run after the thief.
He is already a few paces ahead but, I'm gaining fast.
Thank you, Robert.
He took a sharp right turn into an alley. I almost passed it because it's so narrow.
I walk toward the trapped thief, ''alright this only goes one way.''
The thief stood dangerously still.
''I need my badge. I'm not going to hurt you.''
He looks up slightly but, I still can't see his face.
''Oh, Jack. What ever happened to your sense of humor?''
I could feel the stranger smirk.
I know that voice.
''Wait, who are you?'' I asked.
The stranger pulls the hood of his head revealing himself. He smiles bright.
''Rudy?''
I dedicate this chapter to my late Godmother Karen. Rest in peace.
Yo?
So, I've been super busy but, always get around to writing. I'm kinda upset about how long it was taking to get to 50 reviews. So, I thought I would upload the chapter on the start of a wonderful time.
Christmas break!
Tell me what you thought? The good? Bad? Weird? Write it all in the reviews and don't forget to favorite and follow.
Anyway, thank you so much for reading.
Hope you all are alright and chill.
Love you all!
Bye!- Angel
