In the Name of Order

Prologue

David stands near the wooden planks thrown to the ground by guards who are, unlike other days, casually strolling across the width of this field. Usually, the guards don't dare to be so carefree around the exiles, but lately, all exiles have been on their best behavior. They don't want to ruin their chance to get out of here.

Over the next few days, all exiles should be escorted to the newly built prisons. These prisons will be like those used throughout most parts of the world; inmates will be separated according to gender and age, and they'll have actual showers and mattresses supported by a bed base. Medical care will also be provided to all inmates without them having to request for payments or costly medication from their family members who, sometimes, want nothing to do with them.

However, the Foster government makes it clear that this new system is being used on a trial basis. With one wrong move, the country will return to its use of an exile system for all persons who commit a crime. This is why no one wants to cause any trouble. Everyone here almost set aside their dreams of, frankly, humane treatment. However, the Foster government gives them hope.

Despite this hope, David is one of the few who doesn't entirely like the Foster government. While most people are grateful for a new way to live, David can't help but feel bitter at the fact they all had to live in such a humiliating manner in the first place. He refuses to praise the Fosters for doing what's right.

The Fosters are the family currently governing Geode, and at first, they began passing laws to reduce the corruption increasing in their beloved country. However, David feels that they now pass laws promoting corruption as long as it increases their wealth.

"David," Ruth calls out, walking towards him as she speaks, "we need to think of names."

Once she reaches him, she intertwines her hand with his and stares into his hazel eyes.

David, although knowing it's too early to feel anything, gently places one hand on Ruth's stomach.

He's still surprised that he'll be a father. He hasn't even got word to his family about this and doesn't plan on doing so. It's unlikely that they'll approve of a relationship that began with two exiles, and Ruth's crime is sure to worry them.

"I told you the only option."

"Lapis? Really, David?"

David glances to the left of him just in time to catch the smirk showcased by a plump, pale guard. One of their jobs is to ensure safety throughout this place, but they only ever focus on their duty to ensure that no exiles return to the main cities in Geode.

The guards don't care about the daily fights that often result in death nor the lack of resources available that the exiles desperately needed to live. He'd beat them all if he could. However, given his drastic weight loss, which is partly due to him giving Ruth some of his food portions, he'd be beaten up in an instant.

"David." Ruth pulls him out of his thoughts that will surely cause trouble for everyone.

David chuckles and places a kiss on her cheek. He loves Ruth, and he loves his unborn child. This is why he doesn't plan to become a resident in the new prisons. He, lacking faith in the new prisons, doesn't want Ruth to live in any more terrible conditions, and he can't stand the idea of a random couple raising his child while he and Ruth serve time behind bars.

Today, David, Ruth and their unborn child will try to escape the hands of those who hold them down. Today, they run away; away from the laws that are Geode's savior. At least, that's what the Foster government says. It says these laws and the Gifted children, an anomaly originating from Geode, will ensure greatness.