Inhumanity

Chapter 23

I've never felt so bored as I have at this very moment, at least in the labs I didn't have to put up with Wilford 24/7.

He's standing on a podium, having his measurements taken for yet another suit. If I were the crazed dictator, of the only civilisation left on a frozen planet be concerned with a lot more than how I dressed. Delilah and I are seated at one of the first class tables forced to endure each other's company. It's not that I hate her. She's my sister, but we've never gotten close, and now, after being stuck with Wilford for 7 years, it's made her even more unlikable. He's not even pretending that having Delilah with me and all times isn't him watching me. The partner system is a way for him to ensure loyalty among us.

How could you step out of line if there's someone there waiting to report you for even the smallest infractions. And you would probably do the same to them. You would justify it to yourself when you left them alone with him while you escaped unharmed. Why should one of you suffer for another one's misdeeds. And if you didn't report anything... we'll he doesn't trust us enough to believe that lie.

"How are the evening's festivities coming on?" He asks Ruth, taking a sip of champagne. He hands her the empty glass which she holds tightly. "Right on schedule, sir." She says quickly. He has her wasting time with some demented feats. "Might I ask... Is there a guest list?" Ruth asks curiously. She is really wing kept out of things, unsure if motivations or even a bloody guest list. He hums, stepping down his measurements taken and recorded. "Ah, yes. Random winners, that's Kevin's domain.He's in charge of a special surprise today." Kevin smirks. Ruth mocks a look of surprise. "Oh, what kind of surprise?" She inquires. Kevin folds up a jacket in his arm. "One for the whole train to celebrate rightful leadership." His loyalty to Wilford is really not appealing in the slightest. Whilst Ruth can sound like she's caring and just wants the best, his sounds dull and uninspired. Like s robot just repeating the actions over and over and over again. I smirk at the irony. Wilford scoops up some breakfast. "Take some time off, Ruth, so you can enjoy some of it too," he says, but there's a threat behind the tone. He turns to the "but first I have a job for the both of you." I roll my eyes and inspect my nails as if I would rather be anywhere else. Which is true. Ruth glances at Kevin apprehensively. "Both of us, sir, together?" Glad I'm not the only one who finds it uncomfortable to be around him. Wilford finished his food. "Snowpiercer's getting muddy, all the classes mixed up and down." My eyes snap up from the floors. I have a bad feeling about this "What a mess," Kevin tuts in agreement. Wilford rests his hands in his hips , you ought to begin a full census. I want the passengers organized like in the old days. I want to know who is where doing what." He gestures for me and Delilah to stand. We rise in sync. "Yes, sir." Kevin says enthusiastically, Ruth eyes me nervously."Yes, sir."

We follow Wilford to a junction. He points to a few crates, "carry those would you dears, I need to redecorate the halls of first class with some new more tasteful are. I grab one crate, and Delilah takes other. I grunt as we follow him, luging the heavy boxes. "So is this it? Me following you around like... some kind of jester, " I ask. He stops and spins round "got a problem you wish to voice?" He asks, but there's an undertone of warning in his voice. Don't cross the line, or you'll regret it. "I'd rather be back and the engine with Ben and Javi. I'd serve snowpiercer better than just trialling around after you, " I offer. He shakes his head. "I would appreciate it if you were by my side. We need to be united against snowpiercer, and I can't exactly display authority with you running rampant around the he train. The passengers need to see there are consequences to the other side." He explains. He pays my shoulder, "and as for Ben and Javier, don't worry, you're pretty head. I've decided to have them separated. Don't fret they won't get too lonely. Your siblings will be taking care of the engines to assist them. Adam with Javier and Luke with Ben. " Never mind twisting the knife. He plugged the knife in and then poured acid into the wound. He chuckles and continues on.