Creation

The Homogenous Trial

This chapter is an entry for Day #24 [(no)Diversity] of Aim to Engage II.

*
—ALIEN CITY—

Day 260 out of 360.

It's been months since the 'law-enforcers' invented this single-cultured world, where everyone's tan-skinned—though none of us originated as such—and speaks English.

All of us here coexist for a reason—trials after our hate campaign and cultural-phobias.

"Good afternoon, ladies, I'm back with the latest breaking news from the borders."

Commander Aq and I stare at the flat-screened television installed on the ceiling, halting from arranging the weapons on their belts for a while.

Unusual. The last was eight months ago—during our arrivals.

"Two infiltrators were caught. They're from Brom, which is in a natural disaster. And representing Cacti as well. They're here to restock food for both cities—illegally."

They're blonde and light-skinned, kneeling with tied wrists.

"We're anticipating the second wave of infiltrators since Alien is the only city in the trials with abundant resources."

Blip, blip.

How timely the call is.

"Commander Aq." Aq taps her aquamarine soft lens and earpieces. Her cheekbones drop hollow as she zeroes on me. "I don't see why I should be at the Headquarter now."

Despite my dedication to my current tasks, I still focus on the ongoing conversation between our leader—Captain Aver—and her stubborn commander.

Alas, the connection was soon severed. Aq stomps her feet with a huff, packs her belongings, and barely acknowledges my existence.

Later, after tending four containers, I head to the underground canteen and secure a bench on the secluded section.

"Good afternoon, ladies, I'm back with the latest breaking news from the Headquarter. The 'law-enforcers' negotiated the duration of our trials with Captain Aver."

Sharp gasps arise like a provoked mechanism.

"The neighboring cities are chaotic, and their effects will soon dawn on us."

Some's hysteria levels are rising.

"They'll return us before our trials end if we can face the upcoming war without violence on the raiders."

See, the sickening requirement is still an obstacle.

I've adapted with everyone, since we're all tan-skinned girls, A-named, under 30, unable to fight, and always agree on one's proposal.

But I can't treat those from Brom—the light-skinned and aggressive ones, or Cacti—the disabled and deceiving ones, in the same way.

"We've entered the final phase of our trial."

*
—M.E.G.A CENTER—

"It's impossible to prevent the war! You've wiped their combat abilities!"

"I told Aver to not involve violence. It has been planned carefully."

"You told Brom to scavenge other cities, Cacti to waste their food... What's going on in your plankton-sized brain? You deliberately caused this war!"

"Though it's the severest part of their trials, the impact's what they need. They must stop the raid with peace."

"They'll end up traumatized!"

"Alien, Brom, and Cacti will remain under surveillance 24/7. Those progress best will return first, before the end."

"And what if some remains until the end?"

"We'll have fewer racists and supremacists." I grinned. "The world may be a better place."