Equilibrium

Chapter Two

Chapter 2

"Your brain makes the decision; not the heart."

"Daryl, this is Mr. Marcus. Marcus, Officer Daryl," Robert introduces us when I enter the school lobby. Daryl has a huge body with a towering height. He looks intimidating, especially with his emotionless face on. His black hair is so short that I can almost see his scalp. With scars covering his face and attire that shows off his barcode tattoo, Daryl looks like he is in his forties.

"Pleasure to meet you, Daryl," I say, looking straight into his deadly eyes.

"Likewise, Marcus," Daryl replies, sizing up my average body size and height with his eyes. "The rest of your team is already at Camp Gloom. Do you have all you need? You will never return."

"Yes. However, I wasn't informed that I will not be returning. What of Decision Day?"

"We'll discuss that later," Daryl says. To Robert, he says, "We should take our leave now."

Robert leads Daryl and I out of the school building where a limousine awaits us. I have never ridden or drive a vehicle before. I have always been comfortable with walking. It helps me think easily and is a good form of exercise.

Daryl offers to put my luggage in the boot so I'm left alone with Robert. I turn to see Robert staring at the darkening sky above us. Despite the fact that it is still noon, it is never sunny here in Darkness. We obtain little sunlight because of the heavy grey clouds loomed in the skies of Darkness. This is one reason why the people of Darkness are pale; we never get tan.

"Farewell, Robert," I say.

He looks at me. "Goodbye, Marcus. I wish you best of luck."

Without further ado, Daryl and I are in the limousine on our way to the edge of the Gloom district. I place my sling bag on my lap and look out of the window to see grey buildings and people wearing clothes of black, grey or white.

Those three colours are a trend of fashion in Darkness. Colours have so many significance which depends on how people see it the way they do. There are no right or wrong answers. The answer to your favourite colour must have a special connection to you.

It is a vogue because of how Dark sees the colour. I once read that white shows purity and perfection. White coloured clothes are usually worn by women of Dark. Grey shows maturity and responsibility that are commonly a favourite among leaders. Black implies self-control, determination and independence.

I stare at the people we drive by. All the Dark I see are older than twenty. Those below the age of twenty are, no doubt, in school just like I was supposed to. Everyone in Darkness have blank faces which is a corresponding trait shared by every Dark. The only differences between us are the genes, sex, blood type and slight difference of perspective in minor issues.

"Did Robert fill you in about the purpose of Project Benjamin?" Daryl asks me. I tear my gaze from the scenery to the man beside me.

"Yes. The purpose of this is to serve justice for the victims who were once civilians and members of the Dark community," I answer, earning a nod of approval from him.

"The government had sent two groups before this. Unfortunately, they are unable to perform their tasks in the given time. Project Benjamin has given us a different approach though. Your team are going to have to pretend to be in a family, which will lower the risks of getting suspicion from Light."

"How many are there in my team?" I ask.

"Three including you."

That ends the conversation. Daryl keeps his eyes in front, maybe at the driver's bald head. I look outside again.