the game

amy

last level i wasn't able to figure out how to crack the system which means this level is the one. i spend all of my time after school searching for ways of decoding. inside of one of the textbooks it had mentioned unifying the language the technology is speaking in, which would be a great way to start. if i can understand the language then understand how to crack any code i will be unstoppable. i just have to get there. the only question is how?

one day after class i finallly decide to head to the principal's office. he sits in the chair with a broad smile on his face.

"good afternoon, how can i help you?" the principal doesn't even seem bothered by my sudden appearance. i smile.

"who do i go to so i can decode any language?" i state. he chuckles.

"i'll talk to the department and see what i can do," he smiles even broader. he has a warm personality. an almost trusting look about him. and then it hits me where i've seen his face.

"sir, do you know about the security detail on the border right now? i wanted to check the cabin but last time i tried it was surrounded," from terrence's account it was at least. the man looks at me slightly taken aback but then sighs.

"you're just like your father, has he told you that?" there's a warm chuckle in his voice like melting chocolate.

i beam at him.

"it's an honor sir," and i bow.

"now get along," he chuckles and shews me away. i gulp and turn. there's something else i wanted to ask but for the life of me i can't think of what it was. i guess i'll have to wait until later.

i break out of the building and onto the lawn. all around me are buildings. they rise high above the artificial nature surrounding the school like sore thumbs scraping at the sky. up above, high up above, is the dome and in the distance i can see the shuttle pierce it on its way through the world. i take a deep breath. everything here is set against the starry night sky. it's almost perfection, a peaceful place. that is until i near the dorm.

everyone is bickering inside. it doesn't improve when i sneak into the fray on my way back to my room. i don't have time for this.

"i'll be a traitor if i let her be my boss," i hear as i keep running.

"she's a monster, and they want us to take orders from her?" a voice snarls.

"she's nothing but trouble. mark my words," another voice joins the fray. i stop dead in my tracks.

i never get this upset about being a loser. people talking about me being a loser so why am i so upset now? now when it's someone else?

"you don't even know her and you're calling her a traitor. what on earth could make you think she'd do anything to harm you? all she's ever done is look out for everyone's well being and here you are—"

"that's enough amy," it's katie's voice. a silence clings to my ears. she steps out from a corner of the room. apparently no one had noticed her there. she looks hurt. i wonder how long she's been hearing them talk about her? how long has she just taken this and not complained. how long does she have to take this for?

there's a collective shame in the room as she passes the groups of talkers, yet she doesn't look bitter. much more than that, she looks more determined than ever.