Terra Novus

Chapter Five

 That morning, I chose to skip breakfast. I honestly wanted to avoid any interactions with people. This morning, I woke up feeling annoyed at the world and not in the mood for some bland banter and forced conversations. We were all putting in our effort for a weak attempt at acting hopeful and strong for one another. How could I be someone to be looked up to and a strong leader when I couldn't be strong for myself? This morning I was more in the mood for a sad pity party as I pondered over this way too much while writing my report from the last trip 

"Calliope?" Jade called.

"In here." I mumbled, saving the file. 

"Eat." She said, shoving an energy bar into my hands.

"Thanks." I smiled softly. Though it felt more like a grimace than a smile.

Evan stood behind Jade at the door.

"Leader's meeting is in half an hour." I waved lamely at him as if swatting away a fly. I stood, grabbing my tattered, leather jacket. I rushed past Evan and to the stairway.

"Are we walking or did you bring an entourage?" Evan shook his head.

"Walking. It'll save you gas."

"Right." I sighed, jogging down the stairs.

The last late stragglers were just now pulling away in a packed truck. I put my whole body weight against the heavy doors, looking behind me to be sure Evan was still there. He now wore a mask from his own belongings as a way to help filter out the chemicals and dust in the air.

"Welcome... Evan Adlawan." the robotic voice chirped. "Please retrieve tag. Have a day."

"Thank you, I will." Evan murmured back.

I stepped up, entering my name into the pad. I grabbed my lanyard hanging on the wall and ran after Evan. The seats were already filled to the max inside the cramped auditorium, So Evan and I took our place leaning against the back wall. Iana Kurtzman, the leader of our advocates branch was already on stage, fiddling with the microphone. She lifted it to her mouth to speak but was greeted with a screeching feedback.

"Whoa." She laughed nervously.

Clearing her throat she smiled out at small crowd of team leaders.

"Hello, everyone, and welcome. I am so happy to see our team grow each time I come up onto this stage."

Silence responded.

"I want to start out by congratulating all of you for meeting your team goals. We have reached more cities than we could've if we didn't have you. Your perseverance astounds me as we grow closer to launching our Relocation program. Thank you for that."

Scattered clapping grew into a polite applause. I felt disappointment sink in as I realized everyone seemed to have lost their passion.