"Well, you all got here earlier than expected," the man said with a smile in his voice. My heart begins to swell and tears fill my eyes as the familiar voice that brought me so much comfort becomes a reality as I turn around to face Owen, standing before us with a large smile on his face looking right at me. I feel the tears in my eyes begin to leak as Owen becomes more and more real and tangible when I run to him, arms wide, and tackle him in an enormous hug.
A few moments later we let go of our tight grip on one another and Owen addresses the group.
"Attention trainees... Welcome to the Syndicate. I'm sure Tristan has given you some info about what we do here but I would like to introduce to you the head of our revolutionary organization, Michelle Sterling." A tall, lean, sharp-looking woman with stone gray eyes and partially buzzed hair walks forward toward us. An immediate feeling of respect and intimidation washes over me. She has seen things or done things, and they haunt her. I can see it in her cold eyes. "She is the founder of the Syndicate so I suggest you give her your full attention." Owen finishes, seriousness lacing his tone.
"Welcome trainees... although, I'm not sure you should be called that anymore. You have just entered the fight of and for your life." She begins to walk as a military leader in front of us, back and forth with purpose and sternness. "For too long my people have suffered the consequences of the Legion's ignorance and fear. No more will I allow us to be pushed aside, discarded, and forced into hiding. No more. You all have been brought here to help with this fight. We believe that you have the qualities and abilities to help us to achieve our goal and bring down the unjust ruling of the Legion.
"However, if you do not see yourself as fit for the cause or that you cannot handle the pressure of the gravity of our purpose, leave now. We will not force you to stay, but I suggest you do. For your friends, your family... your freedom. But it is your choice to make." She pauses to allow us a moment to think. "Anyone wishing to leave now, please step forward and you will be escorted out." No one moves. Not one of us. I am hesitant but I know this if I don't fight for myself, nothing will change. I won't change. I will forever cower in fear and hiding and I refuse to allow ignorant assholes to take away my freedom. My life. I stay. And no one else leaves either. We all want to fight this, either for ourselves or others - and I am convinced, that is what'll make us stronger.
"Good choice," Michelle says, her stern voice turning proud for just half a second. She seems as though she was expecting someone to leave but when no one did, I could see the slightest hint of pride and hope that we could actually make a difference. That hope however quickly snaps back to being hidden away, hiding her vulnerability. She's human, just like the rest of us, but she forces herself to become cold. "You will now be shown where you all will be sleeping and living and given a tour of the base. The fight may be outside of these walls but we will ensure that you all have a safe place to live for the time being until you can return to your homes. Everyone, please follow Tristan and Lieutenant James." She says, motioning towards Tristan and another tall, muscular yet thin man that stands on the side in black pants, a black tight-fit t-shirt, and black boots. "Everyone... except for Raven Hartly... if you please." I freeze in my tracks at the sound of my name and turn to Hadley.
"Why is it always me that gets pulled aside?" I whisper to her, discreetly rolling my eyes and Hadley stifles a laugh. I turn back to see Michelle staring me down and I go to follow her to a secluded room off the side of the large opening center of the base. When we enter the room, tense suffocation fills my chest, feeling the distinct change in gravity within the room alone. Mrs. Sterling clearly has the power to change the mood within a room in a matter of milliseconds, and she did so in here as well. Whether this was her powers or just her personality, I'm not sure if I'll ever know.
YOU ARE READING
the Rarity
Genel Kurgu"I've chosen my side, now you must choose yours." Raven Hartly's 17th birthday, the most important day of her life... and also quite possibly the most risky. Everyone strives to live in harmony between the four genetically altered ability groups. B...
