Unraveling the Alt Code

Chapter One: Homestead 42B

I am awoken by a bright flicker of light as the long fluorescent bulbs on the ceiling splutter into life. They swing on their metal chains- blinking their clean white glow onto the clean white walls and whiring- just like they have every morning for as long as I can remember. In quick succession, the entire floor kicks into action. The vents rumble, alarm clocks beep and I hear the muffled voices of those who have woken in the cubes next to mine. I sigh. Another day in Homestead 42B.

This is the third Alt facility I've lived in. Been here four years: since I was 13. They are all quite similar but 42 is probably the nicest so far. It's made up a dozen or so large square building with a sort of field/wooded area to the north. Everywhere you look it's white walls, white floors, crisp white sheets and glass doors. Coordinated. Even our clothes are limited to neutral tones to match. It has a sterile smell, like bleach and rubbing alcohol. And everywhere you go in the maze of winding corridors is lit by bright fluorescent bars. Roughly 200 other Alts live here with me. I know a handful. Mostly I keep my head down; get on with things. Work towards graduating. There's only a few months to go now and any drama is the last thing I need.

Glancing to my watch I read 7am, surprised that I expected anything else. It's always a 7am wake-up. I know this, but still, every day I check anyway. Quickly, I throw a hoodie over my white sleep suit and lace up a grey pair trainers ready to stumble down the long corridors for breakfast. No time for a shower now. I learned the hard way you've got to be fast if you want actual food and not just the gross luke-warm leftovers. The rubber soles of my shoes squeak on the polished plastic floors as I drag them along, still half asleep with my hand over my eyes to shield them from the abrasive lights.

When I arrive The dining hall is practically empty so I'm one of the first ones. Even the guardians seem a little late today. Perfect! No queues. Nice and quiet. Just how I like it.
"Score!" I think internally as I pile my plate with bacon, toast and fried tomatoes from the hot plates. I'm fully aware of the fact I look like a rat that's been dragged through a hedge backwards, but as there are only a couple of strangers here to see it, I decide it is worth the sacrifice of my pride. There is time to fix my hair later. Pulling my hood a little tighter around my face to hide my shame, I quickly scan for a familiar face. Fin is sitting on the floor with his back against the far wall. We make brief eye contact and he waves me over with a smile. I dodge the long empty tables and sink down next to him. The bags under his dark eyes that tell me he hasn't been sleeping again.
"Well then how's your morning been Kit?" He asks mouth half full of cereal.
"Same as ever." I reply with a poorly held back laugh. There is milk running down his chin that I can't ignore. It makes me realise how hungry I am and I dig my plastic fork into a steaming tomato, my mouth watering as I watch the red juice leaking out. Fin goes to speak but then notices I'm eating and so closes his mouth again. He instead runs his hands through his cropped black hair and waits. I swallow quickly. "Were you gonna say something?"
He nods. "Only that if you were in icso today could I possibly come with you. Now that Zed's graduated and all."
At the mention of his departed friend he stutters a little; his face falls for a moment. Suddenly he catches himself.
"I've got no one to train with that's all."
He says this to the floor with his hands in his white tracksuit pockets. I give him a small pat on the back and nod understandingly. I know he's been down ever since Zed left. I never knew him that well, but he seemed nice and him and Fin were inseparable.
I look up and realise the hall is now slowly filling with people. I turn to Fin.
"I better get going now if I wanna beat the crowds and shower in time for count so I guess I'll see ya in icso?"
He smiles and replies with a simple "yeah."
Pushing off the wall and to my feet, I return my plate and slip neatly through the entering crowds. Back into the corridors, back to my cube.