The Human Zoo (1)

Chapter 12 - Jax

"THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! If I wanted a group of people not to do their jobs, the animals would be in your place. Make sure by the end of the day everything is finalized, or you'll find yourself without a job." My father's bellows left the deepest part of his stomach as he berated his employees through their communication devices.

Since all zoos across the world were upgraded with a full proof security system, there had never been an account of any animals escaping, until now. It could have been worse, so they say. Luckily no one—well, no New Worlder's—was injured, and thanks to the chips implanted in all the animals, none escaped. The ones who surrendered, the Guardian's placed back in their pens. The rest, they terminated on the spot.

An additional 2,000 Guardians circle through the zoo now as an attempt to regain the trust of the public, and Matías is offering free admittance every Saturday for the next month as a form of benevolence. There is now a short-term, two weeks kill order in effect for any future escape attempts. Despite this disturbance, my scheduled implantation remains. My father insists we need to move on with our lives and on with the business.

"I apologize for my outburst. Where were we?" Matías asks, quickly changing his aggressive tone to a more social business-like one.

"It's fine," I snort, "Your irritation is justified don't you think?"

"Yes, but I'm known for being a calm, rational man. Not an angry one."

"Whatever you say."

"So, Jax, as you know, the zoo is organized a little chaotically. Race plays a crucial part in the categorical placement. However, we also consider the geographical location of the Old World, climate, topography, et cetera. With that in mind and based on your demographics, you would have been placed in the Caucasian sector, Europe continent sub-sector, specifically western Europe. However, since we've had to move some animals due to the escape and behavior issues, I've decided to instead place you in the Caucasian Sector, Asia continent sub-sector, exact location south-central or north."

"Why?" I question.

"Because I know where animals belong."

***

Dr. Jenkins straps me down to the cold, metal table as dirt covers my body. The only article of clothing on me is this half-assed attempt at shorts: they're barely held together by seeing that so much of the fabric torn. My heart races—yet, my body lays still—and I am void of emotions.

My father taught me at a young age that only the strongest live in fear. When you're aware of fear, it can never surprise you; and if it doesn't surprise you, you can harness it into strength. That lesson helps me now.

"I'm sorry we have to do this to you, Jax, but your father decided it'd be best to keep your identity a secret during your stay. Only your family, employer, and I know that you are in here. The public won't recognize you because people like "us" don't live in a place like "this." There might be a few murmurs, but due to the recent escape, the heat will not focus on your appearance. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to tranquilize you as well. It would raise suspicion if you didn't receive one since it's the only way, we transport the animals," Jenkins tells me.

"Don't apologize. Might as well do it right. Can I ask why the restraints, though? You know I'm not going to fight you but being tied down like this makes me feel the need to retaliate."

Dr. Jenkins laughs heartily. "You know; I would have to agree with you. Most people don't feel the need to be aggressive unless provoked. However, in this case, since you're the son of the owner of the zoo, extra precautions are being taken. Sometimes people experience side effects such as seizures the first time they receive tranquilizers. Straps will hold you down. You should be fine, though, I'm not worried."