Burn Bright (Sequel To Bare Hands)

Genetically-Damaged: Part One

The first week of our stay at the Bureau goes by very slowly.

It is clear that the other inhabitants wish we'd make more of a contribution to the  organization, but they hold their tongues.

I believe that David is waiting for us to get settled before giving us jobs. And I can't lie - I'm thankful for the extra time.

In it, I take walks contemplating what the marks of our wrists mean.

I also spend every second that I can with Tris, which isn't alot of seconds considering the fact that David is summoning her almost 24/7.

The second week is when everyone starts "cracking down", so to speak.

We get assigned jobs:

I'm in the field where people go to the Fringe - a place full of impoverished people we have to save by bringing back here, Peter and Caleb got assigned to cervaillance, Christina is with me, and Tris is just asked to meet with David everyday, sometimes multiple times each day.  Every time I inquire about what they're doing she beats around the bush and doesn't reveal anything.

I've grown very suspicious of David, discarding the fact that he hasn't actually done anything to my knowledge. Each time Tris comes back from their meetings, she looks fine, if not a bit dazzled.

If only I knew what they discussed.

It's about ten in the morning according to my last glance at my watch, which means I start training for my job today.

I can't say that I'm dreading it - because I'm not; it feels good to know I won't be sitting around all day anymore and that I'll actually be able to hopefully make somewhat of a difference - but I'm not necessarily happy about it either.

Tris has already left for her morning meeting, so I'm alone. I must admit, I've missed waking up next to her.

I throw on my generic black outfit identical to everyone else's, - except Tris, of course: hers are white - lace my boots, and head out.

On my way to the training room, I begin to recall my first few days of Dauntless training.

+++

I walk through the Dauntless Compound trying to get a feel for my environment.

Everything's very different here. The walls are stone - all jagged edges - so different from the smooth grey walls of my childhood Abnegation house.

The people are unfamiliar, too; with their wild natures and heavy drinking.

Nevertheless, I feel like I can make a new life for myself in this place.

A new place, a new name - I can be remade here.

+++

I was a lost, naive, broken boy back then, and even though I'm much more than that now, I still feel like I'm lost 

Like I'm back at the starting point.