When Challenging Perceptions

Log #5

August 5, 2105, 10 AM

The alarm wakes me up. I didn't exactly sleep soundly due to what happened with Jason. I figured I would have been okay after a good night's sleep, but I am worried about him more than I should have been.

"Excuse me, Number Two-Two-Four-Five," AI announces.

The sudden address makes me jump. "Yes, AI, what is it?" I say rather anxiously.

"You seem to be very anxious today; also, it seems that you did not log an audio entry last night. Might I suggest setting a reminder to log one for later?"

"Yes, that is fine. Thank you, AI."

"My pleasure, Number Two-Two-Four-Five. In addition, I wanted to remind you that His Day is today, so I would encourage you to be ready."

"Yes, I will do just that. Thank you, AI."

I will admit, I wasn't exactly proud of my actions yesterday, keeping my log from The Collective. It is the first time I think I've ever broken my usual pattern. I feel dirty, like I've committed some grave sin that even a hot shower can't wash away.

I decide to wear today's clothing suggestion, knowing today is supposed to be a scorcher. Afterward, it is down to the cafeteria for breakfast. In the cafeteria, Brian and Jason are in their usual spot. Unsurprisingly, Jason is still wearing his Watch—almost as if The Collective is saying: We see everything; we KNOW everything!

Brian and Jason smile when I walk up to them. "Hey there, brother," the former says.

"Good morning," I say, a little too formally.

Today's breakfast special is fish, grits, and eggs. There are plenty of other options, thankfully. Not feeling very hungry, I reach for one of the bowls of fruit. I'm not even thinking about what's waiting for us outside with #1000. I'm too busy staring at Jason's Watch on his wrist. I can't help imagining the embarrassment and the ramifications he had to face stepping out of line. If he got in trouble for simply asking about a fellow Citizen, what sort of hell awaits someone who really decides to piss off The Collective?

At five minutes to 11, we stand at the double doors. Once they open, #1000 is standing tall with a strange elegance to him. "Alright, men, let's hurry and get to it. It is a hot day, and rather than having to deal with heatstroke, The Collective had the brilliant suggestion to introduce some fun to our training regime.

#1000 stands to the side, leaving us all staring in awe. Before us is a huge obstacle course. Starting with a tire run, then a crawl section with what looks like mud. Of course, there has to be a rock-climbing wall. Along the track are several hurdles we also have to jump. The whole thing looks like something straight out of a military drill from a movie.

 "This is new," one person says. "I don't think we've had to do something like this at all since we've been here."

"Yes, well, let's just say it is a special occasion."

This time, Jason steps forward. "With all due respect, sir, how is this supposed to help us stay cool?"

"You will see." #1000 says, "Let's get to it."

At first, I thought that our instructor would merely spectate us navigating this hellscape. However, he started leading us through the tires, traveling at impressive speeds.

It seems easy enough; however, several small gray cylinders emerge from the ground and spray #1000 with water. We fear that he might misstep and hurt himself. However, he keeps moving as quickly as he can. It appears like the water is rejuvenating him, rather than slowing him down. "Come on, let's go!" He yells.