Project Powers

Chapter Six

I awoke with a gasp, flailing in an attempt to make sense of the situation. I looked around in confusion, blinking as the drugs were still in my system. I lay on a cot in a small rectangular room. The walls and floor were white and there was nothing else in the blank room. I wore a hospital gown and had a paper tag on my right wrist. A speaker was fixed on the wall near a door that looked wooden, but also painted white. I yawned as I sat up, rubbing my arms. What the heck had happened? 

It scared me to think of what those evil doctors could have done to me, but at the same time I was relieved to have a bed and room, if that's what you could call it. I pushed myself off the caught and frowned at my vision faded in and out, I felt dizzy and the urge to fall over, however I kept myself upright. Regaining my sight, I made my way to the door, grabbing the handle and turning it. Locked. 

I wasn't surprised though, these people had already put me in a cage and tied me up on several occasions, so it wasn't new to be trapped somewhere else. However in this small room, I felt claustrophobic, which didn't help my nerves. Deciding to be brave, I went back to my cot and lay down, staring at the blank ceiling. It all was a confusing mess, and all I could think about was Avery. What happened to her? 

"All Subjects please make your way to the Cafeteria for breakfast. Disruption of any sorts will result in isolation." A cold female voice filled the room, seeming to come from the speakers. The doors suddenly clicked, and I could only guess they were unlocked. Having no other choice, I made my way back to the door and tried the handle. The door swung open and a chill went through me as I stepped into the hall. 

The floor, walls and ceiling were white as well, fluorescent lights lighting the long hall. Doors lined the hall as well, confused looking teenagers stepping out. They were all around my age, no young kids or adults. Strange. I noticed plagues on each door, mine reading 9700. 

"Where's the Cafeteria?" Questions began ringing out, others asking where we were and such. Slowly the crowd began shifting down the hall in one direction. My eyes furiously scanned for Avery, Aaron or Miles, however none came up. Frustration and anger filled me, however my growling stomach ruled them over and I followed the crowd of scared teenagers to the Cafeteria.

Men in black could be seen scattered among the moving crowd, their eyes searching for trouble makers. I kept my head down, watching my bare feet slap against the cold floor. We slowed down and I looked up to see two metal double doors opening to reveal a large room with tables already set with plastic platters and food decorating them.

I found an empty table and sat by myself, staring at the food. There was two small pancakes, toast, two bacon strips and orange juice. A plastic spork and straw accompanied the platter and I picked up the spork and poked at the mashed potatoes, hungry but at the same time not. 

The others sat quickly, as if playing a huge game of Musical Chairs. Most dug in, eating sloppily, while others stared at it like me. There was a lot of us. Probably in the hundreds. I still had no idea where I was, and desperately wanted answers, but instead grabbed the turkey leg and began eating.

"Uh, is anyone sitting here?" A small voice asked. I looked up to see a girl around my age pointing to the platter across from me. I shook my head, swallowing the bite I had took. She seated herself, looking at the platter curiously. She had a pixie cut, her hair dyed blue. Her eyes were a deep set of hazel and she had freckles on her nose and cheeks. She also wore a hospital gown, like everyone else in the room.

"Er, why are you staring at me?" She asked, and I looked away, "Sorry! Sorry, I just like taking in the details of people... I don't know..."

"Hey, it's okay man. No hard feelings." She gave a smile and I smiled back. It felt good to smile, for a bit at least.