Brian
Things Are Changing
The morning is warm, and hinting at the heat of the day to come. Brian and his friend Gordon stand close together on the gun range as they watch other Youth Corp members setting up the target practice for the Visitor Friends coming today. There are two security officers, and several shock troopers who are walking about as well. Today is a big day for the Visitor Friends as they will be assigned weapons. The idea makes them all a bit nervous, but everything he and the other Youth Corps have done has led up to this moment.
The sound of a bus has them all turn their heads. Brian watches as very quickly the youth in their brown uniforms exit the bus. They have a number fixed to their uniforms, and one of the Youth Corp members points to the flags bearing a number. It is if these young humans have found a party, and the sound of laughter fills the air. The human youth walk swiftly to the flag number that matches the one on their uniform.
Brian winces, maybe it is a party, they will have succeeded with putting weapons in the hands of humans. The creation of ground soldiers has begun, and hopefully weapons that will not be used on him and his friends.
"Let's go meet and greet," Gordon says with a wide grin and places an emblem with a number 2 on his uniform. "Better place the symbol on your uniform."
Brian nods and together they walk over to the humans kicking up dust from the dry ground as they walk to a pole with a flag displaying a large 2. In front of the pole is an open structure in which you can see equipment inside. Four shock troopers are standing in front of the structure. There is a small table on the right and the left of the structure with a Youth Corp member sitting at each. There are three other structures setup in the same manner.
"Looks like the fun begins," Brian says as he nods over to the youth in the brown uniforms. He smiles as there are three youths with different numbers. "Those of you who have been assigned to the number two, please stand here in formation. If not please go to the appropriate flag number." The three with different numbers move on chuckling as they walk away to their respective flag.
Gordon looks about and once it appears that they have everyone he says, "It is so good to see you could join us today." The humans stand in formation exactly as they have been taught. They are all looking suddenly very serious.
Brian gives his special, happy to see you grin. He does it so often now that he doesn't even know when he is doing it anymore. Still the anticipation of what lays ahead puts him on a bit of an edge. The thought does not leave him that this may be everything that he hopes for or are they inviting a death squad of monsters with weapons into their lives. Weapons he has given to the monsters to annihilate his own people with. He winces, these are thoughts he should not have. He knows he should always follow the command of the Supreme Commander; and he knows John knows how each individuals part plays into the whole. Besides the humans are not monsters; in years to come they may become comrades in arms against the Bateen. He shakes his head there is no time for these odd thoughts, he needs to focus. Today will be a very busy day and will likely become monotonous as the day proceeds. Yes, focus.
The humans look at the Visitor Youth Leaders with quiet anticipation as the two security officers walk up to them. Both security officers scan the faces of the young people before the older looking one speaks. "Today is a major day for all of us. You have shown us that you are dedicated to helping your people. Unfortunately, now there are so many of your own people who wish to harm my people," He shakes his head solemnly, "It bothers them not that your people may be in jeopardy, for it appears that even the lives of other Earth people will not keep them from killing. I wish I could tell you why they wish to do this; if it is fear or greed." He shakes his and looks down before looking up again; he scans the humans with his face showing a degree of sadness. Then he nods his head and shrugs, " I don't know why. However, we...meaning our people and you. Yes, all of us working together can make this world and our people strong. We ask you to help us so that together we can protect you, your families and your friends." The security officer looks about and smiles slightly before his voice takes a stronger tone. "We hope that you see us as your friends as well." Then the security officer holds a hand out to the group and both security officers bring their fists gently to their chests. Then the older security officer says, "Can you make that kind of commitment?"
Most of the human's immediately nod and say yes, the rest after a moment also confirm their willingness to do as directed. For a moment most of the humans speak telling of their commitment.
Brian and Gordon, signal for everyone to be quiet and then they bring a fist to their chest. They do their best with only their eyes and faces to have the humans repeat this gesture. Once done they nod and bring their hands down to their sides.
The older security officer speaks again, "Thank you, I appreciate your commitment." He looks towards Brian and Gordon before returning his gaze to the human youth, "...we all appreciate your assistance." Again his gaze returns to the Youth Leaders for a moment before before speaking to the humans. "I ask that you allow us to take a hand, and eye print for future verification needs. Once given we will be assigning you one of our weapons."
There is a gasp from some, and the sound of joy from the others.
"I promise the ID verification is a positive move for you. We will be able to track your growing qualifications as time goes on to further your progression in the Visitor Friends organization. You will also have the verification to get into events and meetings quickly. If you have questions Youth Leaders will be there to answer those you may have." The security officer smiles, "Again you may be seeing a promotion as time goes on as we monitor your rise in the organization...Now, this is what is expected for today..." He gives instructions on the steps they will take to receive a gun and begin weapons training. Then both security officers leave and move to the next group.
Brian checks off the names of the humans quickly and when he comes up to Daniel the young man gives him a welcoming smile, but does not say anything. Still it is obvious he is very excited to be here. Brian smiles back, in the conversations he has had with Daniel he seems like a very good candidate for further advancement. Something tells him Daniel will be fine in following the Supreme Leaders commands. He senses that Daniel may not have the same regrets others may have if asked to do something that others may hesitate in doing. He nods over in Gordon's direction and Daniel walks over to the Youth Leader. Brian watches Daniel for a moment before he moves down the line to the next Visitor Friend.
"Your name?" Brian says with a smile to the next individual, a young woman. Suddenly a sharp cold shiver makes him jerk when he remembers the last time he saw Daniel. He frowns as he remembers how Daniel had caught him with Robin being more than a Visitor Youth Corp member; could this be a problem later? He regrets that evening he had been such an idiot, his need to reach out to someone, combined with his curiosity of the Earth girl was really, really stupid. When he brings his focus back the young woman is looking up at him with a puzzled look. Brian brings his focus back and asks, "Could you repeat your name?" He again gives her his ever ready friendly smile. "I just need to verify." She tells him again, and rubs her tongue slightly over her upper lip. He is not sure what to make of her action, but if he goes by the look in her eye she is letting him know she is available for more than weapon training. Something more personal. He just nods over to Gordon, and steps over to the next Visitor Friend.
As for Gordon, he has the humans wait in line for their turn and he leads the youth one by one into the small structure where prints are taken by the Youth Corp members.
After Brian finishes taking the names he walks over to the other table and as each Visitor Friend emerges from the structure he uploads the information from the prints taken onto his device.
The Youth Corp member sitting at the table verifies the individuals information is correct and once confirmed the youth is given a gray card with their name and ID number. Unknown to them the gray card contains a tracking chip. After that they are directed to another table away from the four small structures. At this large covered table are several Youth Corp members and shock troopers standing. Another Youth Corp member gives a brief explanation on how to use the weapon they are being given. After that the Youth Corp member assigns the human to a shock trooper and the two walk away to the shooting range for a one-on-one training session.
After Brian's first part is finished, he joins other Youth Leaders at a large table where water and food has been set out for them and the humans. He first walks around asking individuals if they need other assistance or have questions regarding the verification prints and the weapon training. There are many questions, which he and the other Youth Leaders answer. However, there are some questions that need more detail, which will be better taken care of in a group. He and the other Youth Leaders remind the humans that there are going to be further meetings and classes that will be better suited for their needs.
Finally, most of the humans are drawn to the food or admiring their new weapons. Now that no one is bothering him Brian can hear the rumble of his stomach. He smirks there is a reason the Whipelli are called grazers. They like to eat a little here and a little there. Besides he has had little to eat on the ship this morning as the Whipelli are always requested to eat with the humans since they eat the same food. He chuckles to himself and walks over to a large table. Just as he reaches for one of the small sandwiches Daniel walks up and gives him a wide smile.
"I am really sorry about the scientists and what they are doing, but it does give me a chance to show you what I can do for you." It is if Daniel remembers this is serious and loses the smile. With that he turns to return to his target practice.
Brian stares trying to decide what to say. Finally with Daniel turning away he says, "Daniel I believe that there will be more coming to you. That is if you always remember to apply yourself, and remember who will always be here to ensure you get just what you need."
Daniel turns around quickly the gun pointing directly at Brian. "Oh, sorry," He lowers the weapon. "I swear, I will not only apply myself, but will be the best you have ever seen. I know it sounds weird, but you coming here has been what I needed to show, to prove exactly who and what I can be."
"I know that you will more than live up to your potential. I think we can setup goals for you to. . ." He is interrupted as one of the Youth Corp members whose name is Joe comes up to him. Brian turns, "Yes?"
Joe points up, and Brian watches as a shuttle lands. "You are requested to return to the ship."
"You mean with Gordon?" Brian asks as he watches the shuttle land, and the door open.
"No, only you have been requested." Joe shrugs, "I am supposed to take your place today."
Brian looks at his device, and finds there is now a message stating just that. He is to return to the ship immediately. He and Joe walk over to Gordon who is with a few of the humans with a 2 displayed on their chest. "I will be leaving you with Joe for now who is quite knowledgeable. I am also, sure that by the end of the day you shall all be experts, and ready to pursue your next goal."
He turns, and begins to walk hesitantly to the shuttle. Gordon catches up to him and asks, "Bri what is happening?" His voice shows his concern.
Brian turns looks around warily, "I am afraid that one of my many little mistakes has caught up with me." He does not look at Gordon, "If I don't see you again. You have always been my closes friend."
"I know that. Now don't talk like that. Also, remember they are bumping up our Bonding. Maybe that is all." Then he smiles, "They are likely giving you a huge promotion. That's why you are getting brought up like this. Besides if you don't take a chance, you can't succeed." Gordon smiles, but his tone betrays his concern as well.
When they reach the shuttle a shock trooper points to the door not saying a word.
"Sure." Then Brian simply walks up the ramp into the empty shuttle. He can feel his heart racing.
He can't see the face of the shock trooper, but he feels uneasy. It is just him and the trooper in the back of the shuttle. He asks softly, "Ah, well; ah do you know what is happening?"
The shock trooper simply sits and for a long moment says nothing. "Your a Youth Leader. You know everything do you not."
"No, I do not know everything. I know very little."
The shock trooper says nothing more.
Brian, tries to tell himself this really can't be anything. He's being an idiot once again. He takes a few long breaths and seeks calm within himself. When it does not work he just gives up trying to calm himself. The journey feels like a blur to him. A very long dark blurred ride with his imagination racing to dark thoughts, to happy ones, and back to the darkness.
When they arrive, and the ramp lowers all he can do is walk down it. When reaching the bottom he turns to the shock trooper who has followed him. "What is your name?" However, the trooper says nothing and continues walking away. However, he sure he can hear some mumbled comment in Dahax, 'Nothing like children acting like know it alls.'
He really wanted to go after the trooper and question him, but a security officer steps forward greeting him. "Brian I don't want you to fret. This is something we will be doing with all Youth Leaders." He gestures to the stairs, and Brian follows him. There is nothing said the entire time until they reach the Youth Corp counselor's office.
The security officer gestures for Brian to enter. The counselor Don smiles reassuringly as he enters. "I am not the counselor you normally see, but Arthur is coordinating sessions for all of you. I assure you that I have your best interests in all of this. I just need for you to sit in the chair and relax. You are not a stranger to this." He gestures to the reclining chair, and stands aside so that Brian can sit.
Brian numbly walks to the chair and Don lowers the chair into position. "Sir, why are we doing this? Is there something I am not aware of? It is not time for my regular counseling session. Can you tell me why the session has been moved up."
Don gives a comforting smile. "I have been asked to do a session. Do not worry. Now this is just standard so let's begin." Don places a headset on Brian and begins attaching cords.
Brian swallows hard and fidgets in the chair he is sure that this is to test him to see if he is lying, or having some anxiety issue. Why? He remains quiet except to answer all the questions that Don gives him.
Don smiles, "One piece of information that I must give you before you answer any further questions. I want to ensure that you understand that we know you are devoted to our cause."
Brian's eyes grow wide as fear begins to settle on him once again. He raises his head as best he can to look directly at the counselor. "Of course, I am devoted. Somebody believes otherwise?"
Don places his hand on Brian's for a moment. "Be strong, and understand we want the best for you. However, the news is not good."
Brian finds he is holding his breath, and is visibly shaking. He takes a deep almost hesitant breath. "What has happened?"
"I am sorry for having deceived you. It was for your own good." Don rests his hand on Brian's shoulder. "Your father has been arrested for treason."
Brian tries to get out of the chair, but has forgotten about the restraint on his chest. He frantically reaches to try and undo it.
Don places a reassuring hand and quietly says. "Please, don't struggle Brian. We are done." He raises the chair, and removes the attachments from Brian's head and the restraint from his chest. "Later we will discuss your feelings on this, but for now this gentleman is going to take you to the bonding chamber."
"Again, I am not scheduled for bonding," Brian says his voice taking on an icy tone as he struggles to understand what has been said about his father. "You know that is not true; my father is as devoted as I am to the Regime."
There are two shock troopers, and the security officer who had brought him to the office standing at the door watching him carefully. "Please come with us," The security officer walks forward and offers a hand to help Brian from the chair, but he slaps the man's hand away. "Very well," the security officer says.
As soon as Brian is standing he is forced to begin walking to the bonding room. It is only a short distance from the counseling room, but for Brian it feels like forever. Once he enters he can't make his feet move any further. "Why am I doing this?"
A woman with very dark eyes greets him. Her name is Eileen, and he knows that she is actually more associated with conversion. Fear feels like it is enveloping him and, there is nothing he can do. He moves his feet again towards the bonding chair, and with a deep breath sits.
Very quickly another woman places the bonding mask over his eyes, and places the restraints on his chest and wrists. Thoughts of his father return to him as he awaits the bonding to begin. His mind is racing. His father arrested for treason? This can't be true. Then another thought comes to him. They must think he has committed treason or may. It is taking everything he has to stay calm.
Brian listens for a moment as the preparations for bonding are made ready, but he can't make out what they are saying as someone places audio devices in his ears. He jerks a bit, it feels like he was just given a shot. It must be his imagination, they don't give shots with bonding. Also, he feels dizzy, very dizzy; not something he normally feels with bonding. Also, why does he have some odd floating feeling? Bonding has not even begun, or has it?
A blackness comes over him as he remembers the last day he was home before leaving for Earth. They were to have three weeks until they left for this world so they could be with their family, but the shuttles came unannounced. He and his friends were busy planting the small chaffee seeding's in the muddy planting area. His cousin Shy was at home preparing to go to the temple. Gordon; Gor'Lar was to go with his mother later to the temple, but was still helping with the planting. It had been fun, and something he knew would be a long time before he could do it again.
Gor'Lar was teasing him, and when he went to give him a piece of his mind he was not watching where he stepped. He had immediately tripped over a box of seedlings. Down the small muddy incline he went. He did however, reach out and grab George; Goen'Lar by the leg. Both he and Goen tumbled down until they were covered with mud.
They got up, and just smiled at each other. He and Goen acted like they were just picking up the seedlings, but as soon as Gor'Lar looked away they pushed him into a muddy puddle. It all seemed funny and innocent, never suspecting this was the last day they would be home for some time.
Suddenly they looked up, and shuttles were overhead. They all froze in disbelief. Three landed, and shock troopers came out as well as an officer for each shuttle. The devices they were forced to wear suddenly went off, and they were told to gather at the designated shuttle on their device.
He remembered Gor'Lar at first sucking in air slowly and then grinning . With a wink to him and Goen he said, "That sure was a great warning that they were coming. Guess we better let them know we need to clean up first. Oh, and our bags."
However, when Goen signaled to one of the officers that they were going to cleanup first the reaction was unexpected; at least to them. One of the shock troopers grabbed Goen by the arm, and pointed to the shuttles. They would not be going anywhere, no matter how they were dressed or how filthy they were.
Brian saw his sisters. Most were not allowed a third child. However, if you were a Clan Leader or Council member you were allowed to have a third child. His parent's third child, were twin daughters. However, with his brothers death his father truly only had three. His sisters names were MiRae and Dolave. Dolave was his favorite. Maybe he wasn't supposed to have a favorite, but he and Dolave knew how to get into trouble together or how to really get on each other's nerves.
Standing there covered in mud he called out to his sisters to get his bag. As he and his friends stood there more and more Youth Corp members came to stand in front of their designated shuttle. Eventually even Shy showed up. He was dressed all in white for the temple with multicolored blue beads around his neck. His mother was pleading with the officer that his father was not there. They cared not, they made them stand in formation until all those who had received notice were there and signed in.
Parents to those working the farm came with their bags, and hugged their children. For himself Dolave came with his bag. He hugged both of his sisters before the shock troopers forced them away.
It was not much longer after he got his bag that they were told to enter the shuttle. He remembered turning and searching the crowd for his father. It was not to be.
Suddenly his thoughts of his last day home is interrupted as someone comes up to him and removes one of the audio devices from him and asks him if he is comfortable. He says yes, and for a moment he wonders why the bonding has not begun. He tries to listen, but the audio device is put back and all is quiet once again. He can only wonder why it is taking so long for the bonding, it does not take the amount of time it is taking now. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. How could his father ever thought to have committed treason?
Brian swallows hard, he feels like someone is whispering, but he can't make it out. His thoughts go back to the last day at him home and when they reached the landing bay they were once again told to stand in formation. Names were called, and they were told to step forward and they were given a new handset device and told to give up all other handsets, even the ones given to them by the Regime.
Bri's name was called, and he was officially entered in the military. His rank as Youth Leader was also marked and that he accepted the new position. Then they were sworn in as now officially serving in the military. He remembered not being able to really understand everything it all moved so quickly before he could grasp what was happening. However, his devotion to The Great One was then as now very important to him. He would do anything that he was asked to do. To serve to his very last breath would never die in him, of that he is as sure now, as it was then.
Then they were told their rooms were assigned, and that their uniforms were there and they should cleanup and dress promptly. With a deep sigh he began to move out. He had not been paying attention to the coming and going of the shuttles and the different groups descending from the ships. Then he heard his name, and there was his father running down the ramp of one of the shuttles.
The shock troopers tried to stop him, but his father showed his device to one of the security officers, and he was allowed through. His father put his hand on his shoulder. "You remember what your mother taught you in regards to living your life even in times of deep misery?"
He remembers as it was some of the last words his mother had shared with him before she died. They were words he cherished and held close. He had nodded to his father, "Always move forward, look ahead and not back. Embrace life as best you can."
He remembered his father's smile seemed sad, and he had suddenly hugged him so hard he felt like he could not breathe for a moment. Before his father released him he whispered in his ear. "Bri home is not always the place you were born and raised. It can be the place where you begin a new life, and form a new family. Remember you are always loved. Remember Avena. Avena."
Then his father backed away, and he found himself forced to join the rank and file, and began the walk up the stairs. He turned, and waved to his father. He could only move forward, and he turned his device on asking for directions to his room. Yes, this memory of his last day at home was important. It is like a whisper; my father would not commit treason. One word won't leave his mind. Avena, Avena, Avena.
The audio device is again removed from one of his ears and the mask removed as well. Someone shines a bright light into his eyes. "I don't see a problem. Lets try again. How about his stats?" There is some response from someone. Then the unknown individual says, "Please give me your name."
Brian had already given his name and military number, but he quickly says his name, "Brian."
"No, your true name."
He turns his head and can see someone watching a monitor, "Bri T'Shema Keithis Misty Lar." He winces as Misty is a Earth word as well.
"Your clan name is Lar?" The man is not looking at him, but to an individual behind the monitor.
He forces himself to relax. "Yes."
The man returns to him after the person behind the monitor nods. "Brian I want you to try and clear your thoughts. Relax." Then the mask and the audio device are once again in place.
Lights seemed to shine in his head as images began to flash. Words seemed to be there, but he could not seem to understand them. At one point an image of an Earth sunflower appears. Then a blue planet, but not Earth. However, this time he can plainly make out the word, Avena over and over. Avena. More images and words he did not understand begin again. One thing he knows he must remember...AVENA. Avena the colony planet. Avena is important, it matters not why. Only remember Avena.
He can feel the smirk crossing his face, now this is the bonding procedure he knows. He relaxes and his mind opens fully to the procedure.
When the bonding ends, he finds himself so weak he cannot stand. Two shock troopers come and help him up. For some reason he tries to struggle from their grip on him, there is a sudden fear in him. Uncertainty as to what had just happened. His footsteps are weak, and he cannot seem to understand where he is and where he is going. As things became clear he finds himself with Don again and he tries to rise. Also, the attachments from the first procedure are already placed on his head once more by the time he realized where he is. What is happening, something seems wrong.
"Brian are you okay? Wait drink this." Don holds up a small container of what he thought was water, but it has an aftertaste he can't make out. Don smiles down at him, "Better?"
Brian nods, but finds he is confused. His head his throbbing a little more gently now making it easier to put his words together. "What has happened?" He looks around slowly.
Don is carefully observing Brian as he speaks to him. "Your father was arrested for treason. He was tortured and executed. He and others were destroying the mountains. They were not obeying Our Great Leader and his directives. How do you feel about this? Are you okay with this?"
At first all he wants to do is scream not his father, but when he tries to speak he can't. He takes a deep breath and then it comes to him. His father is a traitor, and he finds his anger against his father riling inside of him. In a passionate tone he says, "My father got what he deserved. Our Great Leader is a god. He is a savior that is here to ensure that our people survive. I hope my father's torture was long, and he was awake when executed."
Don looks at a screen, and smiles. The tone of his voice is gentle and reassuring. "You are a devoted individual. I always knew you were. Now there is an appointment to have your pseudo skin repaired. It is not really damaged just needs a touch up. Once finished you will be given some medication. Take it, and go to your room and sleep you have had a long day. There will be no morning meetings for the next few days. Your schedule will be cleared for tomorrow. Enjoy a bit of relaxation."
Once the attachments are completely removed he rises from the chair. His smile is genuine. He thanks Don and leaves. There is a bounce to his step that he has not felt in a very long time. He has the small repairs done to the pseudo skin, and takes the medication that is given to him. Sleep, he doesn't need sleep he has never felt so good.
For a moment he almost changes his mind about going to his room, but it was a directive, and he should always follow all directives. Once he is in his room he takes his clothes off, and notices his socks. They are inside out. That is not proper, why does he always do that. He will be sure to never do that again. With a large happy smile on his face he wraps his naked body in his blanket. It is not long before he is asleep.
Images flash in his head. First Polly who is Robin's sister. She goes from girl, young woman, and then lastly older woman. This happens with Ethan, Nicks little brother. Then Nick and Katie who he knows is Robin's little sister. Images of people growing older and older. George, Shy, Kelly and even Alex; and so many others. There is also flashing images of a young blonde girl, he has no idea who she is. Her flashing images are the last he sees when he wakes up screaming. Once he stops he notices his blanket on the floor.
"Brian are you okay?" Kelly asks with a worried tone.
"No, why are those stupid animals making all of that noise? Why do you have to eat living food? Can't you find something quieter to eat?"
Kelly says nothing for a moment, but when he does he is angry. "Oh, I forgot Whipelli are perfect. Insects, rotting meat, and who knows what other disgusting things you call food. Not disgusting, I forgot quiet, and perfect food. Oh, just as long as you can chew it until it turns to pulp."
Suddenly Brian jumps out of bed, and races for the bathroom. He barely makes it. Over and over he vomits. Finally, it ends and he washes the foul taste away in his mouth. Also he cleans the toilet seat that he managed to vomit on. When he comes out Kelly is standing at the mouse enclosure.
"Look Kelly, I had a bad day. I am sorry. I should never have yelled at you. That was wrong of me."
Kelly turns, his face is still angry. "Either go to bed, or put something on so you don't have everything dangling about. You never know when a mouse might want to take a nibble. Or maybe you just like showing off, because you are mountain. You know better, more perfect than stupid me." He turns his back to Brian. With a sharp edge to his tone he says, "By the way you were out in the hall walking around naked. I guided you back in here before anyone saw you."
Brian knows it would be better to leave Kelly alone, so he just goes to bed. However, he is afraid to close his eyes as he is fearful those strange images will return. There has to be a reason, why friends and even people he has met on Earth would start flashing in his head, showing them aging from now to elderly. Then again why Polly, the younger sister. Where was Robin in all of this weird young to old trip, after all if there is an Earth girl he is interested in or was, it was Robin.
The only thing he is sorry about, is that he cared and trusted his father. He will always hate him. How little his father cared about his people. How thankful he is for the Great One for being there to guide his people. It does not take long and he is asleep again. His last thought is, 'Thank you Great One for always being there for me. I will serve you faithfully for as long as I live.'