Invincible.

Chapter X: A Warm Welcome...

Hi!! Sorry for the wait! I hope you guys are also in enjoying "Oneirology". If you haven't read it, please check it out! Hope yal enjoy!

Chapter X: A Warm Welcome.

"Aymie!" Groaning, I rolled over and covered my face with my hands.

"Aymie! You need to get up!" I had never been a morning person, and it had been quite a while since I had gotten a good night's rest.

I groaned once more, "Mom, just a few more minutes..." I swatted my hand in the air.

"No! We need to get off the plane soon!" Did she just say plane? My eyes instantly opened. I had completely forgotten where I was. I thought it was all a dream. I thought I was still at home, snuggled in my bed, sleeping like a baby.

I sat up faster than a lightning bolt. Jodi jumped back in surprise.

"Well, good morning to you too." I said sarcastically. "Please, don't shake me next time."

"Sorry," Jodi apologized, "I tried not to, but you wouldn't wake up."

"I would've woken up, if I hadn't thought I was at home." The thought made me choke up at little. I made a deal with myself that I was going to try my best not to think about anything back at home.

"Yeah, I was a little shocked when I woke up too." Jodi tried her best not to smile. "How did you sleep through the landing? It was so loud. Everything was shaking and the engine below us was roaring louder than before."

"I'm a heavy sleeper." I stood up beside her. "Plus, I haven't slept that much lately."

"You're crazy!"

"You just figured that out?" I forced a smile and began combing strands of hair with my fingers. Wincing, I yanked hard through a huge knot. Jodi watched me closely, and suddenly everything was quiet. The fake smile drooped. I think my cheeks were sore from all those things.

Brooomm! Broooom!! The plane's giant back metal door was opening. It looked like a giant garage door, slowly bringing out the morning light. A few groans were giving out from the other teenagers aboard, for the light was blinding. I squinted trying to make out the image of the outside world.

I could feel the anxiety floating in the air. 'Where are we?' was the question running through all of our minds.

My eyes adjusted to the brightness, and the door was now over half way open. It was a ramp, leading us down to our fates. Lines of our country's soldiers (Ukanee) were alongside edges of the slope acting like a fence. A fence, that if I bumped into, I would likely be shoved. Or worse, I could be shot. But you would live, remember?

The rising door reached its highest height, and again there was silence. All I could hear was the sounds of our breath. I think my heart was about to explode.

"Alright, listen up! I want to make this easy!" The closest soldier spoke. "Now I want you all to just get in a single file line. Single file! No no, I did not say double. Or triple. I said single!"

Ugh, I don't like people who repeat themselves. The man shot me a glare as if he had read my thoughts. His narrowing eyes seemed as if they were digging for my soul. Note to self: watch out for that guy. He combed back his greasy shaggy hair which I could see was beginning to turn gray. Man, does he need a haircut!

We obeyed almost instantly as the words left his mouth. This was the most perfect single file line I've ever seen. Our heads were perfectly aligned, and our arms were plastered straight down our sides.

The soldiers led us into a dark dark room. Nothing was visible until what looked to be a spotlight shined on a middle aged woman on what looked to be some sort of stage. If you haven't noticed, I was very befuddled.

She held a microphone up to her face and began to speak, " Umm... welcome! My name is Ms. Hagors. I am head here at The Ukanee Outsider Camp. TUOC for short. We are located on a beautiful tropical island filled with many riches."

Oh, how I hated her tone. She was talking as if we were going to a new school, summer camp, or resort. The

only word I can come to describe: ridiculous. This was absolutely ridiculous.

"I understand most of you could not make the deadline for the ceremony. You were unable to find your gift in time. Now you are classified with the term outsider. You may recognize it as a word you were forbidden to use back on the mainland. It was considered a disgrace. Well, do not you think your life is going to go to waste. Here at TUOC we put you to work. Here at TUOC you can stay young and strong forever."

Young and strong forever? What was she talking about?

"Who knows? You may find that not finding your gift or being fired was the best thing that ever happened to you. Every Recreationday is a break off for your hard work. You may not realize it now, but the work of the Outsiders is what keeps this country alive and strong. Every day you must know that you may not be earning personal profit, but you are helping millions and millions of others."

This was weird. I was feeling very queasy and dizzy.

"Now, new Outsiders of year 2110, I'm going to pass out your small handbooks of ground rules here at TUOC. After you receive your book, a soldier will escort you to your new dorm. Your assignment is to read through the handbook, tomorrow you will be introduced to new jobs and opportunities of a lifetime."

Finally, she shut up!

~~~~~~~~~

The soldier turned the metal door knob or the metal door, revealing my new 'home'. A bunk bed was directly to my right, and a single cot was directly to my left. The mattresses were thinner than a table top, and the pillows (one on each bed) didn't look the softest. The walls were painted a dull gray. The floor was cement. One single window let in the bright sunshine and underneath it was a desk and sofa.

Two other girls who looked my age were sitting there with forced smiles on their faces. They both were wearing uniforms.

"Just like home..." I mumbled as the soldier closed the door behind us.

Did you like?? I think this will be one of my favorite chapters! It took me a while because I really wanted to get it right! Vote? Comment?

Here's my comment question(s):

1) I need two girl names for Aymie's roomates! Do you have any?

2) What do you think the work camp will REALLY be like? A tropical paradise like Ms. Hagors said?

Thanks!

~Audrey