The Originators

CHAPTER 19: A TOAST TO DISAPPOINTMENT... WHERE'S THE REVOLUTION? (ANA)

I.

"So, we have arrived. Thrilling. I never thought we would get here," Minnie gushes, drifting across the white cement floor to land in front of me. I want to swat her.

"Yes, of course Minnie; we 'have arrived'. We are now in the 'shelter', as Poll refers to it. This is not what we are accustomed to at all." I'm not necessarily grateful, I find I smirk and randomly points at nothing and everything.

"We are alive, girl. Ana, we're alive. That counts for something." Od, actually persevered. His will to live was greater than his desire to go out as a revered Originator. I can't judge Od. He is just a little problematic with his medical needs. Since we're here, we'll have to figure out how best to accommodate him.

"This place is so new-age, fresh, it's what we needed. We get to figure who we are down here. Who are we, really?" Tara imparts, as she tries her spin. She goes wildly out of control; bouncing off a wall and tumbles down.

"Aren't I hysterical. This place, this planet, a joy. We get to start out with no preconceptions. This is such a good thing," Tara spins off pointing to a corner, "I see my potter's wheel over there."

The space is pristine, bleached. Poll left a message for us indicating there is food, water; all the basics are here for us. Computers, far less sophisticated versions of what we are used to, are available throughout the entire compound. I decide upon the word, "Compound" right then and there. I can't reconcile my entire existence being confined to a place called "a shelter."

"Compound. We will now refer to this place as the Compound. In starting our realignment, our reclaiming of the planet, we are beginning with this simple step. We are in an exceptional space." I've made up my mind.

I start to walk around; it's large, spacious, bright. We can see trees out of the slim, rectangular crank windows set almost six feet up from the floor. There is only one entrance. We all feel better with that configuration.

"This is our space. We will find freedom here. I know it," I proclaim.

They all have laid claim to various rooms, corridors in this strange place. Ori, Od, Minnie, Tara, Tem, and Neth.

"Should we venture out?" I motion to them; we gradually, shuffle to the door.

"How can we open the door? This can't be that complicated?" Neth bellows. He's been such a bully, a large, swaddled child, during the entire planning and arrival process.

"I'm sure it's around Neth. Would you calm down?" I examine the door, looking for something, anything to open it.

We know when a new presence arrives.

I look around, after my body resettles the electrical shocks, moving my eyes upward I exclaim, "Poll, thank you so much for the welcome here."

Surprised at my declaration; I have to accept I mean it. Slowly optimism is crowding out pessimism.

"Of course, Ana. Welcome Moon Unies! First order of the day: none of you will be going out dressed as you are. Won't work here. Your first day trip out is a visit to the library, just up the road." Poll grins down at us.

"What do you mean? I absolutely adore this tunic Poll. How could it not be acceptable down here?" Minnie whines; my ears shut down with her high pitch.

"All of you had plenty of time to view the live video feeds; studying your new home. Supposedly, that was part of the plan prior to arrival, correct. Minnie, surely you can't tell me you have absolutely no clue what they wear down here?"