»» BOOK #3 of the X-MARKS: Shadows Series «« Valen and her friends have ended their long journey but all isn't as it seems.
In the care of their new hosts they find riches, fame and the watchful eye of Genevieve Vossler, the beautiful and mysteri...
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"Follow me closely," Gen said from ahead of us as she walked through walls of people that scurried across the white tiled room.
It was the first day of our occupations. We didn't know what we were assigned to do. I guess that's why we were here at the terminals with Gen.
The ceilings of the terminal reached far above my eyes reach. Nothing but glass doors with clocks and numbers outlined the perimeter. Outside each door, lines of people waited for an elevator to their assigned floor.
The hordes of people in the terminal were like the ants I used to play with as a kid. No matter how many times they got shoved out of place, they would keep moving to wherever they were supposed to be. They each wore the same uniforms that we were also given. A stark white coat over blue button-up shirts and gray pants. The only thing they seemed to care for was their hair. Heads of green, pinks and blues. Heads with silver stripes streaks like skunks. Some with heads shaven into curly sculptures. And a few wore all three styles.
"For once, I feel like I have boring hair," I said and looked around at all the strange hairstyles.
"Not even close," Mat said and tousled my tangled scalp of curls.
"Stop it!" I said and pushed his hand away.
Gen looked back at us through blunt white bangs and wearing a sleek lilac dress. Without her eyebrows, in view, she seemed grumpy. Though she always seemed grumpy to me. I didn't know what her deal was. I straightened my white coat and followed her before she stopped in the chaos of bodies.
"After careful review, your occupation was chosen with not only the needs of the community in mind but the abilities each of you has demonstrated since your arrival," Gen said as she looked down at her glass slate.
I tilted closer and tried to read from her slate. Gen guarded her hand over the device before I could see anything.
"Now, to start," she said, slowing her words, "Matias, you will be assisting the maintenance workers during their inspections. It will be labor that requires many hours and your full attention, but you will learn a lot about the technology that keeps our Union in top shape."
Mat paced side to side, his cocky smile beamed as Gen leaned her body close to his and pinned a badge to the breast pocket of his coat.
"Valen and Evee," Gen continued and handed each of us a badge, "You will each assist a technician within the genetics labs. It was clear during our dinner you both are very close. It would be a disservice to see you split apart."
She said the last with a smile that could rot an apple. I looked at Valen who seemed pleased with the outcome and even squeezed my hand in excitement. I faked my own half-titled smile and felt like I fit in already.
"Last but not forgotten," Gen said, and tucked her slate at her side, "Nate, you will be assisting our maintenance workers with their janitorial duties."
