Different

~Chapter 5~

We reached the large metal building which served as the main headquarters. It's where everyone in the Camdis Force and anyone important stay. The architecture was amazing! It must have taken a pure genius to build this place.

Anne explained there are only eight main members of the Force so they each get their own penthouse in the building. It takes up a whole floor, sometimes two depending on the style, which is why there are only twelve. If Kam and I chose to stay in Camdis and join them, we'd get our own. Anne explains that the Camdis Force is basically the police of Camdis and constantly go up to surface to spy, for their main goal is to take down the Starni and bring peace and equality. For their hard work, they get to live in the Headquarters as well as train here. But they are free to go anywhere in Camdis.

"And the lesser members?" Kam asks with curiosity.

"They have their own homes in Camdis. They don't go up to the surface and spy so their lives aren't in too much danger. All their spots are taken up so if you choose to join, you'll have to join the Majors. That's us. I know it's a lot to think about. You do put your life in great danger. But please consider it. You can come to tomorrow's meeting if you want." Anne tells us. I run my hand over the smooth leather seat's arm rest, thinking about my options.

"I'll be there." I say to Anne. Kam nods in agreement.

"Great! Okay I will see you both tomorrow then!" Anne walks off to her room and I take a better look around. I had expected very few windows from what I had seen from the outside but in her room Anne had at least three large windows on each wall. Her furniture was mostly all dark colors, with few bright decorations on the walls. I stand and walk to her kitchen. Once again, the room had a dark theme. Cabinets were dark oak and the countertops and bar table were black marble. Above her bar table were several multicolored lights. I run my hand along the smooth marble. On the far edge of the counter, I notice a small black box.

"What's this?" I say to no one in particular as I pick up the box. I take off the top and pick up a ring. Turning it over and over in my hand, I see a shiny red gem and the word Ironis engraved on the inside. This must have been her Sector Ring. I place Anne's ring back in the box and close it back up before placing it back on the table.

"You doing okay?" Kam asks, having walked in behind me.

"I'm fine. Just worried." I say, turning to look at him.

"There's nothing to worry about. At least not here. I find this place amazing! A sector full of people like us!"

"But we have families, Kam. Families up on the surface that have no clue where we are." I try to walk past him but he steps in my way and puts both hands on my shoulders. I look him in the eyes.

"Emmy, I know things aren't perfect right now. But trust me, everything will get better. Just don't worry about it so much." Kam smiles sincerely. I sigh. Why bother arguing?

"Okay, Kam. You're right. Thanks." Kam nods and let's go of my shoulders and I walk back to the living room.

~*~

The small girl opened her eyes and looked up at the picture of her father that hung on the wall. People dressed in black swarmed around her, looking for open seats. She looked down at her own black dress.

"Emeline. Come up here please." Her mother said to her. The girl walked up and stood next to her mother. One by one, people stepped up and would say something to her mother before handing her a single red rose. The girl would take the rose and add it to the vase on the table behind her.

Finally it was time for the goodbye. The small child took her mother's hand and together they walked to the coffin. Her father lay there, dressed nicely and cleaned up for this day. Her mother placed a single red rose just above his heart. The girl took out a lily out of the hidden pocket in her dress and held it carefully in her hand. Her mother turned away to address the crowd. But instead of doing the same like she was supposed to do, the child took the lily and placed it in her father's hand.