New Age

Assignment Day

This is my first piece of writing and I'm hoping it'll go better than planned. I'm really excited, I hope you all enjoy! 

...

Today was the day I picked my assignment. Everyone waits for this day. It's the one day that you get to choose. It's the day that defines you. It's the day that can make your life, or end it.

As I took a deep breath and looked in the mirror, it seemed as though everything was out of order. My family and friends were helping me look perfect, flawless even. I can't help spotting flyaway hairs and loose pins. They all keep telling me that it's just nerves that'll settle in a few hours. I know better than that. I'm terrified out of my mind.

I take one last look at myself before walking towards the transporter. Everyone has already left before me, they're all on their way to the ceremony. The ceremony itself doesn't frighten me, it's the council that has me scared. Even though I'm the one picking my assignment, it has to be approved before the eyes of everyone in the courtroom. The council will scrutinize every part of me to decide whether or not I'm suitable enough to carry out my assignment. No one has any idea what I'm about to do. I'm choosing the most elite, dangerous, exclusive assignment offered. I hope to, anyway.

"Are you sure you can't tell us what you're picking? Not even a hint?" complained Belle. She was very loudly expressing her distaste of my choice to keep my assignment private.

"The ceremony starts in an hour, you'll find out before you know it."

"I bet you'll pick something really cool. Like, an archivist or a scribe."I look at June, knowing she couldn't possibly be serious. That's a safe choice. Predictable even. A smart job. Easy to get assigned to. Everyone smiles and laughs a little.

I look at each of my friends. They all seem to know I'm up to something. They're acting differently; almost wary of me. Like I'm a ticking bomb.

The brief ride to the courtroom ended, and before I know it I'm in my seat waiting to be called. Everything seemed to be moving in fast motion. I watched as twenty other people get their assignments. Only one other person chose my choice, a boy named Max. I think his last name was Jackson. After he chose I had a bit of time to take a better look at him before my name would be called. He seemed completely calm, but there was something in his eyes. Like he wasn't even in the room.

"Lyla Watson."

I jumped. That was me. It was time to approach the council. I walked slowly up to the podiums, trying to calm myself.

"Lyla Watson, 16 years of age, daughter of Samantha and Darren Watson, younger sister of Jennifer Watson?" 

"Yes, sir." He looked strange. The councilman was very intimidating.

"What is your chosen assignment?"

This was it. He was either going to reject and laugh at me, or assign me to a specialty. My heart was beating out of my chest. I look at the boy's table, the boy who chose my assignment. I notice his table is completely empty besides one other boy. He also has gray eyes. No one in our state has gray eyes anymore. They've all been killed by the government.

I lift my head back to the podium and clear my throat. "I want to be a Tracker."

The courtroom falls completely silent.

....