Palinoia

Chapter 6

"Let's join the TSN force!"

I nearly choked on my drink as I stared at my friend in disbelief. I couldn't believe the question he had just asked.

I stared at him, hoping he wasn't serious but the determined look in his eyes and that smile of determination told me otherwise.

"You're kidding right?" I asked just to confirm.

Peter sent me a confused expression. "Why would I be joking about something like that?"

I frowned. "Okay then. So why do you suddenly want to join the force?"

Peter stared ahead at the almost isolated. Only a few people stepped outside their houses after the event that happened yesterday. I presumed it was out of fear that there was more Demolishers out there that made them stay back inside.

"After what happened yesterday, it dawned on me that the city is not as safe as I thought it'd be," he began. "While I was home and heard the sounds of piercing screams, it also dawned on me that I could actually do something. Think about it. Not many people are willing to join the TSN force because they're scared but those who do are one of the boldest people in Tekuni and I want to be like them."

My mind actually blanked out once Peter said he heard piercing screams which meant a Demolisher was nearby to where he was. That didn't even dawn on him.

I scratched the back of my head, not really sure what to say or do. "So you're going to sign up?"

He gave me a nod. "Exactly. And I want you to come with me. You've always had faith in the force so why not be a part of it?"

"About that..." I muttered. Peter, on the other hand, had already started to venture off and dragged me along with him. I pulled my arm away and gave him a look. He still had that look of determination with excitement now in his blue eyes.

I was dragged to an outdoor field that was noticeably guarded by four men who were heavily armed. Peter stood in front of them and they gave each one of us a look.

"Where are we?" I asked Peter. "And how do you know this place?"

Peter grinned. "This is the Military office where any inquiries can be made and I just used maps," he answered.

I nodded and turned back to face the guards. "Well you heard him. Just here to make inquiries," I informed them.

"Inquiries about what?" One of them asked. He was huge. I was definitely naming him Big Rookie.

"Joining the TSN force sir," Peter explained.

I internally groaned but forced myself to nod in agreement.

"First I need to check that you boys don't have anything suspicious," Big Rookie informed. I didn't like the way he called us boys but the sooner he finished the checks, the faster I'd get this done and over with.

After doing the necessary scans, the four guards moved away so that we could pass and we began walking down the field to a small building.

"Why's it so far away?" I thought aloud.

"The field's actually used for some testing. Nothing major. Usually stuff like drug tests, weaponry, all that stuff," Peter answered.

"Someone's been doing their researching," I noted.

Stepping inside, we were met by a woman who was busy doing some paperwork to our right. She stared up at us with a reasonably calm expression. "How may I assist?" She asked in a polite tone.

Peter placed his hands on the counter. "Do you have any application forms to join TSN?" was his question.

She gave him a nod. "I'll get that for you right away sir." She then glanced over at me. "And what about you, sir?"

She sure liked to use the word sir. I looked over at Peter who gave me an encourage smile before facing the woman again. "Um...I'd also like to have an application form," I mumbled. I was answered with a nod and I was shocked she actually heard what I said.

We watched as she pulled out two application forms and handed them to us. "I'm surprised. Not many people are willing to join the military force," she commented.

Duh.

Peter had already began filling the details with a convenient pen he carried along with him. The woman offered me a pen and I politely accepted it much to my dismay. I stared at the piece of paper with deep thought until something suddenly struck inside of me.

Not only was I following in my father's footsteps but without realising, I was choosing my fate. I didn't even give this a day to think about this properly. Everything felt so rushed. Joining the force meant that I was finished with University. Which meant that I wouldn't have to do the course I was never that eager to do. It also meant that the way I lived my life would change. I would no longer be a watcher but a doer. I would aid the country I lived in, gaining respect I never asked for. In result, this could also challenge my beliefs...

But...would this help?

I've always wanted to change my life and do something new. Add meaning. This could supposedly help with the feelings I battled within my mind but was this a safe bet? I mean, my dad died because of these people so how could I really trust that this would benefit me in any shape or form?

On the other hand, I could learn more about those creatures whom I believed was responsible for his death and from what I've seen; dealing with them was something that was definitely not boring. And boy, did I hate being bored.

Although, at the back of my mind there was something that bothered me. It felt like a hammer was banging against it. And what that hammer was doing was whispering strange words to me. Strange words I didn't think would be appropriate to even say out loud. I wondered why that even occurred but I didn't like it.

Maybe this COULD benefit me after all. It meant no more Economics, a change of my boring lifestyle and I could actually do something with the fool that got me into this mess.

Peter.

He had already finished filling his form and was handing it back to the woman. I looked back at my sheet and immediately began filling in the details.

What made you want to be a part of the team?

To change my faith.