Coal

Day 1

Amidst the clamor, steam descends. Arms and legs are restrained; there's no chance of movement. A lamp illuminates, resembling a round, yellow globe suspended from a black coal rod. The room is small, its light reflecting off black walls, bi-folding black doors, and a central black table. In one corner, a black box. Black arms, black legs, and a dark figure with a shining light on his chest. Overwhelming anxiety takes hold; movement remains impossible.

From the black box, a droning, weary voice emerges: "Resident, welcome to our world! We understand your anxiety, but it is baseless. Soon your limbs will be released, granting you the freedom to move. Once released, approach this box and insert your dominant hand to receive your resident number. Afterward, go to the table where you'll find a slate engraved with the 'Life Statutes.' You must etch your assigned code - which I reiterate will be given by the box - and leave your fingerprint imprint. While you may read the Statutes, for the sake of time, I advise you to simply sign."

After a heavy exhale, the restraints are released, causing the individual to collapse. He rises, circles the table with its slates, and approaches the corner box. There's a hole, perfectly fitting a hand. Anxiety surges. Fear of the unknown grips him, but he follows the instructions. Upon inserting, his hand is suddenly gripped and branded, causing excruciating pain. Upon release, the number #4895 is visible on his wrist. Approaching the table, he delicately etches #4895 on the slate's surface and leaves a fingerprint.

"Thank you, resident, for fulfilling your first duty. The pain in your hand will subside shortly. Your next task is to exit through the door that will open shortly. The Coal City President will address you. Maintain order and listen closely. Further instructions will be given post-speech."

Moments later, the door opens, revealing several yellow luminaries like those inside. Black pathways are flanked by endless lines of identical-looking individuals, each with a glowing chest. One nearby has the number #4894. Above, below, and across, three tiers of people stand, all with radiant chests. However, the most luminous figure stands on a podium in the center, wearing a silver coal pin, and announces, "Please, everyone, gather around. Our President will address us shortly."

Emerging onto the stage is a man identical to the others, except for the brilliant white light emanating from his chest and the golden coal pin he sports. "Esteemed new generation, welcome! It's truly a joy to address you today. I'm thrilled by the vibrancy of your essence. Never let it dim! Whether you become builders or doctors, gardeners or overseers, you'll all be integral to our harmonious society. The world is in your hands. Perhaps one of you will even become the next president," he says with a smile, "Always remember, society's needs outweigh individual desires. Addressing issues collectively, rather than individually, is the key to resolution. Abide by the Life Statutes, heed the wise, and you will achieve everything you need. Good luck, and may we cooperate seamlessly. Neither coal nor smoke!"

As the President descends, a silver-pinned man energetically applauds, urging everyone to join. The room is soon filled with applause. Once settled, the silver-pinned man explains the next steps: Everyone should exit the building and will be assigned a partner and parents. These groups of four will live together until further notice. Today is a free day; acquaint yourselves with your new family and explore the city, but don't disturb working individuals. Tomorrow, you and your partner must attend district school to understand societal roles and responsibilities.

Exiting through black corridors intermittently lit by yellow lamps, the vast crowd splits into four separate lines. Each culminates at a desk manned by two individuals. One, with an unusual ear growth and a gray-covered mouth, notes the number on the wrist of each individual, while the other assigns a slate - the 'passport' which must always be kept. #4896 is paired with #4895, and #1288 and #1289 are designated as their parents. They're instructed to meet outside.