A/n-this chapter is really short
Zim's group moved to the front after the midday group. They were arranged by number. Zim was Nineteen and Keef was Four. The Chief Elder moved ahead in her speech. "This is the time," she began looking directly at them, "when we acknowledge differences. You Elevens have spent all your years till now learning to fit in, to standardize your behavior, to curb any impulse that might set you apart from the group. But today we honor your differences. They have determined your future..." after the speech she began assigning starting at number one-her name was Madeline- was assigned Fish Hatchery Attendant. then there was number two Inger, received birthmother. robomom said it was a job with no honor but Zim thought the committee choose well Inger was a some what a lazy girl with a strong body. She would enjoy three years of being pampered and brief training and the task as a laborer that came after. Next number three Isaac was given an Assignment as instructor of Sixes
Now it was Keef's turn. Zim tried to pay attention as it was Keef's turn. Keef went on to the stage. "All of us in the community know and enjoy Keef," the Chief Elder began. Keef grinned and scratched one leg with the other foot. The audience chuckled softly. "When the committee began to consider Keef's assignment," she went on, "there were some possibilities that were immediately discarded. some clearly would not have been right for Keef. For example we did not consider for an instant designating Keef as an instructor of Threes." The audience howled with laughter. Keef laughed, too, looking sheepish but pleased at the special attention.
"In fact," the chief continued, chuckling a little herself, we even gave a little thought to some retroactive chastisement for the one who had been Keef's instructor of Threes so long age. At the meeting where Keef was discussed, we retold many stories that we remembered of language acquisition. Especially..."
"Keef." she lifted her voice to make the official announcement. "We have given you the Assignment of Assistant Director of Recreation." She turned and gave him a badge the ceremony continued Zim sat and waited. Number eighteen was called. I'm next Zim thought "Twenty," he heard her say clearly. She skipped me he thought. This situation is starting to become familiar. A group of special people getting assignments. The leader not including me. next twenty-one, twenty-two. The numbers continued in order. Zim bowed his head and searched his mind What did I do wrong?