Underneath The Hidden Stars

Chapter VI

Mira stepped out of the cable car and was immediately assaulted by a swarm of flashes from all four sides. People with microphones and cameras started pushing the newly arrived teenagers into a small space. The reporters started asking everyone loads of extremely personal and rather vague questions, hoping to get any and all answers that could give them a brilliant news cover article. Confused by what was happening, the passengers of the trolley could not provide any answers, but the journalists did not fall back. What they did do, was get more creative so they started asking questions that could push anyone over the edge. One of the reporters even stuffed a microphone into Thomas' face but quickly lowered it down after he glanced at her with clear malicious intent.

This situation went on for a good 5 minutes when people with bright blue uniforms started heading their way. The horde of reporters was pushed back and the officers surrounded the arrivers. In only the span of around 10 seconds, everyone was safely moved out of the station and to the Level Hall, where they were greeted by a woman with short, neatly cut platinum blonde hair.

"Hello and welcome everyone to Level 8! I am Leah Hardstark, the governor of this level, so during the first couple of weeks you will have meetings with me so you're able to adapt better." She smiled and started pacing around. "As some of you may have heard, Level 8 is famous for our electronics and fashion, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to work in one of those industries, as we're very keen on adapting to a person's skill level. Some of you may be good at teaching children, so you'll do just that. Some might be very skilled lumbers, so you might get sent to Level 5 daily as your job. So what I'm trying to say is - the first few weeks will be solely for realizing your skills and finding out what you're best at, so we could help you find a profession that suits your skillset most. Do we have a deal?" She inquired and everyone responded in barely noticeable nods. Leah let out a fake laugh and continued. "Okay, so during that period you won't have your personal appartments yet. You will live in a dormitory that was built for the sole purpose of new people adapting better. Once you get a job assigned, it will come with a place to live, so don't worry about it too much. Okay, I'm blabbering, let's just go to the dormitory and we'll take it from there, okay?" She laughed again and headed out the door with everyone following her like baby ducks would follow their mother.

As soon as she went through the door, Mira was awestruck. The streets were filled buildings that had tens of floors and most importantly, everything was properly lit up. She instinctively looked at the ceiling and she noticed it was covered in giant screens that mimicked the sky.

"They definitely do specialize in electronics..." she whispered in awe as she continued following her new friends. She noticed there were tonnes of people on the streets, just minding their own business and running their errands while they looked like a bunch of tourists.

A few moments later they stopped in front of a small, contemporary looking two story building and the governor jumped back in front of them and put on the same fake smile she had before.

"Okay, here we are!" She exclaimed. "This-" she gestured at the house, "is your dormitory! Now we don't want any scandals, so boys stay on the first floor while girls, you stay on the second, okay?" after getting a few quiet 'yes' answers, she looked more happy than ever. "Now, each room already has the name of its inhabitants on it, so make sure you find yours, and there's some pocket money left for you there, so feel free to explore our level to your heart's content." She looked at everyone and noticed they were all eager to get inside. "Now, now, there's one last thing I have to say. The evening announcement here is at 8:30pm, and the curfew starts at 9pm, so make sure you get back home by then, okay? Well, now I'm off. I'll see you later!" She exclaimed and strode back to the Level Hall.

As soon as the governor left, everyone ran into the dorm. All of them, Mira included, started frantically looking for their room, which didn't take long. Moments after getting to the second floor, Mira saw her name on a door on the other side of the hallway. She strode through the rather short corridor and was about to open her door when she saw a weird device on the handle. She touched the screen out of curiosity and as the door opened, she heard a voice from across the hallway exclaiming the obvious: