Stargazer (Write Awards 2013)

Chapter 3 (Write Awards 2012)

“Good morning,” said Mrs. Potts as she stood up the front, holding a microphone to her mouth.

“Good morning,” we all said back in union. Mrs. Potts smiled before addressing two soldiers who had walked on.

“These fine young men have something to say to you all,” she handed the microphone to a soldier before stepping back. The soldier pressed a button on his helmet and took it off. Underneath the helmet was a man with short brown hair and a sly smile.

“Welcome,” He said and his voice boomed through the silent audience. Everyone watched in fear.

“Now we have some concerns regarding the Inspection this month. There were twelve children who performed less than expected. That’s five more than the last one. We all know you’re expected to do the absolute best and nothing less. And you all know the consequences regarding if you don’t.” His eyes swept over the class as we all held our breath.

“But, due to the misunderstood of the southern border, a lot of resources have been compromised. Due to this we have expanded our search for better resources from the outside world and found the perfect environment.” His smile seemed genuine as a picture of another planet beamed onto the gym wall. I saw the familiar green landmark on the blue background and had to bite down on my lip to stop making a sound.

“Earth will be our next home. Departing tomorrow at twelve thirty we will make contact. Thank you for your time,” he commented before walking of stage and leaving the picture of Earth on the far side of the wall. Everyone stood at once and we began walking out. I never took my eyes from Earth as I was shoved into the hallway.

Stumbling, I quickly regained composure and a few students watched me from the corner of their eyes. A girl quickly mouthed "You alright?" and I nodded slightly. We all looked out for each other here. We made our way back to class and I caught a glimpse of Rune sitting in her class. She was as white as a sheet of paper and was staring wide eyed at the teacher who seemed to be yelling at the class. Or her.

“Move it!” the robotic voice echoed through the hallway and I was pushed forwards again. Keeping my mouth shut I branched off to my classroom and waited for class to be over.

“What do you need to ask me?” Carmen commented as we walked over to Rune who was sitting over on the grass at lunch.

“Rune never did her homework,”  I whispered. Carmen’s eye widened as we took a seat on the damp grass. Rune was still as white as anything but this time she was managing to eat something.

“So, what happened?” I softly asked her, polishing an apple in my hands. Rune kept quiet and continued to play with her food.

“Rune,” I said as I placed a hand on her arm. She was acting very differently than usual and I was going to find out what. “What happened?”

“I told her I was going to hand it in tomorrow so she yelled at me,” I looked at Carmen who was looking at the prison in the distance. Large grey walls that were surrounded by maximum security were visible along the horizon line. No one wanted to end up there. We all sat in silence before the bell rang.

“Don’t worry about it. Tomorrow will come soon enough then this will all blow over. You’ll see.”

Oh how right I wished Carmen will be about tomorrow. Hope was the only thing we had left.

Once we had gotten home, I told Rune to go and do her homework. Running up the stairs I went and got a bottle of water from the fridge before making my way to the couch. Rune came down the stairs holding a folder and her laptop was under her arm. After loading up her laptop she started writing down her homework.