Breaking the Chains

Chapter One

Friday June, 30 2035 

      Friday is officially medication day. Everyone lines up in the great hall and receives two, white pills. They must be taken in front of the guards. I’m next in line and deceptively lodge the pills behind my tongue and gulp some water. I’m dismissed and taken back to my room where I spit the pills out into a pile I’ve hidden carefully near the wall. I refuse to take pills that affect my memory, when I have no idea why they want my memory altered. I pull out my crimson journal and plot my rebellion. I need an accomplice but everyone admitted here is too fragile to help out.

      I pull out a steel box from under my cot. I insert the key into and peer at its contents:

-One black vest with matching fitted trousers

-a pocket knife

-a knapsack filled with food and necessities

     All of these items were stolen of course. I pilfered them from a “patient” who used to reside here but hung herself. I ran my fingers through my black hair that was in a desperate need of a cut. I stared at the ceiling, thinking about the state of America when I was born. 2019 was turning point in U.S history. World War 3 had just ended after six years. North Korea and China had collectively taken over the globe. The fear of communism and dictatorship drove many to disobdencice. Global warming had also, negatively changed the world. Biodiversity decreased and climates changed. I was born in a time of great turmoil. My parents had vanished around the time I was twelve. I say vanished because I have no recollection of what happened to them.

    My memories of the country are based off a history I read in here. As of now, Genesis Zed is President. She was the first woman to become president and has been in office for two years. The climate is finally back on track and things are working out. But the same can’t be said for other nations. They are at war constantly and in great debt. America is no longer aiding their allies either.  “What are you doing Dervile?”The guard asked as he passed my room. I sat up fast and looked out the window.

       “Sil, come on arrival day is here” Maddox, a fellow “patient” informed me. I got off my cot and the guards escorted me to the greeting area. Arrival day was when new “patients” were brought in and introduced to everyone. I was never excited because many of them would be gone in a few weeks. They were always a reminder of why I hated this place. Hundreds of teens admitted here with no explanation why. It is unfathomable as to why teen’s memories and skills need to be altered. Madame Kripke walked into the hall to begin the proceedings. “Patients once again, it is Happy Arrival Day!! This year we only three new admitted but I know they will fit right in. I shall introduce them to you all now.” She enthusiastically said adjusting her crisp, white suit.  

        “Here are Phoenix Marigal, Quest Talon and …………. Jax Vertigo.” Kripke recited fixing her glasses. Phoenix a blonde, girl looked very frightened. Quest appeared weary of the place and Jax, well he was staring right at me. He was tall, medium build, olive complexion with black hair perfectly coifed. A sun tattoo was visible on his right bicep and I estimated that he was at least seventeen. His mouth was shaped in a perfect smirk. I had no idea why his presence affected me the way it did. I reckoned these three new “patients” were just right in executing my plan I just needed them on board.