Banal hallways stretched into the ends of time, illuminated only by monotonous artificial light. Though the time was vespertine and the weather was clear for once, Mia would never see it. The child had been born five years before in the eventide shroud of darkness. Doomed because of her gender, she would walk the underground labyrinth of The Compound for the rest of her life. Given that she would be judged worthy by the Lord Commander.
Her father held the small hand as they walked through the seemingly endless doors and presented their information to guards. Each one gave the banal advice to her, "Don't be nervous. No one ever fails." People did though. Just the week before, her friend's twin brother had never come back from the Messenger's chambers.
At long last, they reached the diamond doors of those chambers. Before she could go inside, her father wished her a final good luck. Mia smiled and pushed away the barriers. The room beyond was flooded with light, almost blinding her. Everything came into focus in due time though. With renewed clarity, Mia approached the Messenger. It recognized the human face and began the programmed diegesis.
"Greeting young one." A cobbled-together voice told her. Mia barely paid attention though, as she was fascinated by the sliver of light coming from the ceiling. It was coming from Upstairs.
"I am the Messenger. Are you ready for your aptitude test?"
"Yes sir."
"Please present your arms so you may receive faith insurance." Mia yelped as a needle stabbed her arm. It pushed forward some small device before pulling back out. A rouge droplet of blood trickled down and onto the floor.
"Are you aware of what the Lord Commander is?"
"The Compound's leader?"
"Yes. He remains in a realm beyond this planet, and watches over you. He keeps you safe. Are you ready to accept his protection."
"Where is he?" The machine was unprepared for a question. Everyone had always said yes or no; questioning was nonexistent.
"Please remain still." The voice cut out, and silence filled the room for a minute. Mia skulked to its edge and rubbed her throbbing arm. Finally a new voice came from Messenger.
"Why did you question me?" The Lord Commander asked.
"Where are you?" Mia repeated. Another minute passed between the reply.
"Above you. In the stars, I exist."
"What's a star?" The time between replies began to shorten with each one.
"The most beautiful thing. That's why if you serve me, you will live among them too. Do you accept me protection?"
"Why should I?"
Mia's arm began to throb with more than ever. Unbeknownst to her, it was beginning to release its fatal toxin.
"I am no charlatan. I will protect and you will serve. If you don't you will die like you are now. Only I can save you, open up your mind. Do you want my protection?"
A wave of nausea forced her to the ground. "Why?"
"This is extremely aberrant." The Lord Commander mused. "So the others won't kill you. I am the micapowder that destroys their walls, that keeps us together. It seems you don't understand." Mia now began to feel lucid, and imagined seeing through the steel walls and rocks, to these stars the Lord Commander had promised. She tried to defenestrate herself and join them as her brain shut down.
"Do you accept my protection?"
"Yes," She tried to croak out but the muscles in her mouth refused to move. As she collapsed, the stars crowded around her and carried her upwards, heading for the Lord Commander.
