When Challenging Perceptions

Log #7

Attention listeners: For listening convenience, given that both parties partook in the festivities of Our Day together, we thought it best to have both accounts of the obstacle course play out concurrently.

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August 7, 2105, 9:30 AM

I rise before the alarm rings. I slept well the night before, so I'm feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes my way. The first thing I see is an announcement that because of yesterday's events being canceled, both sexes will be outside today—an event aptly referred to as "Our Day". This is nothing new to me, of course. These happen every so often when there is inclement weather. One day during the spring a few years ago, a surprise snowstorm kept us in the Facility for at least three days. The next thing we knew, we were outside the next day having a massive snowball fight—men vs women.

While showering, I try to imagine what today's event will be and what Jenna will wear. Perhaps something sporty, if I assume it will be another "battle of the sexes". If not, and if it is something more akin to Free Day, will she wear something similar to that sundress she wore? Before I can visualize further, the water cuts off. That has to be the first time I ever went over the allotted shower time.

Cycling through the dress options, I put on a T-shirt and some black and green shorts. I thought about the first time I went through His Day at 14. It was warm and sunny, and hellish. 10 Pushups and Situps, 15 jumping jacks, and a 100m sprint. I had not gotten used to it and you better believe I went back to my room aching all over. Ah, memories.

I go to the cafeteria for breakfast, where the rest of our Brethren are seated. Among them are Jason and Brian, who are eating freshly baked strudel with blueberries. "Good morning, guys," I say.

"Hey, what's up?" Brian says, "Someone's well-rested today. I take it that your conversation with your lady friend went well yesterday."

"Yeah," I sit down next to them and start tapping on the screen.

"Well?" Jason says, "Don't keep us in suspense, man!"

Admittedly, I hesitated at this point, not out of embarrassment, but because I was sure Jenna would not be too pleased about me sharing the details of our conversation with others. "Well, we talked mostly about what each other was up to. Then we discussed what our glorious Collective higher-ups have planned for us today."

"That's it? Man, that's rather dull; no confessions or anything?"

"In their defense, they have just met. I know seeing the opposite gender nowadays is a bit of a rarity, but this is how the system works. Right now, we should probably make sure to stay focused for today's exercises.

Somehow, I feel like that statement was more directed at me than Jason. In any case, whatever today's events would be, "Battle of the Sexes", co-ed exercising, or whatever else, I am just happy I could see Jenna again.

Once the clock struck eleven, we all line up at the door and wait for our instructor. Sure enough, #1000 makes his appearance. He is wearing camo shorts and a matching shirt. "Alright, men," he announces, "Let's get to work."

When the double doors open, we all make our way to the field. We see that the obstacle course from His Day is still there. Much of the area seems to have had time to dry out, but there are so puddles of water here and there.

Just then, we hear a whistle, bringing us to attention; however, it was not from #1000. Instead, a female instructor, tall with dark hair walks up to a line across from us. It takes me a moment to realize we are standing on a similarly placed line. Then, we see an army of women line up across from us. I count somewhere between 20 and 30. Jenna doesn't seem to be in the lineup. But why? Where is she?