The Trials

Designations // Chapter 17

The sound of the door closing woke me up subtly, and the thought of going back to sleep sounded amazing, but then the nightmare of yesterday's catastrophes came back to me, and I remembered today's meeting. I look over at the other bed, and Avalon isn't there. I must not be late or he would have woken me up. I roll out of bed and glance at the clock. I still have 30 minutes before meeting with Cameo, so I decided to take a shower. 

I turn the knob to warm, and step into the shower. I linger in the warmth for a few moments before I turn the knob to cold water and let the frigid water wash over me. It was uncomfortable, but helped to distract me a bit from yesterday, and wake up easier. The memory of Clint's death came to me, and I had this feeling of regret inside me. It wasn't my fault, I tried everything I could to help the situation, and even helped Miles and Cameo in their fight with the unexpected visitors, but still, I wish I could do more. Before I can think anymore on the situation, I decide to get out and get dressed. 

I decide to wear more of a casual outfit, with skinny blue jeans, and a white t-shirt, with my ring. I rub my fingers over the ring once more, remembering the simpler times at home with my family, but proceed to leave the room before I can reminisce anymore. I follow the hallway and head down towards the cafeteria to see Cameo, Miles and Avalon chatting. I approach them and take a seat at Avalon's side. 

"Good morning Orion" Cameo says with a fake smile. I can tell he's trying to organize and process everything that happened yesterday, it clearly is still bothering him. 

"Good morning" I reply back, and pour myself a cup of coffee from the pitcher that sits in front of me. "Where is everyone else?"

"They should be here shortly" Miles responds as he writes something in his notebook. "Once everyone is here, then we'll continue with the meeting" 

Avalon sketches something in a small book he has next to him, looking very focused. I lean over shortly to try and look at what he's writing, but he shuts the book jokingly as he sees I'm lurking. 

"Hey hey Frosty, being nosy isn't a good characteristic" He says with a playful smirk. "You could just ask me what I'm doing" 

I roll my eyes but play along. "What are you drawing?" He pulls the book back open and he pushes it towards me. It's a city skyline, which looks sort of familiar. It's very well drawn, which impresses me. "Woah, that's really cool!" I tell him and I see him smile. "You've got a gift"

"Nah, it's nothing much, but thank you" He says and continues. "It's the area of the city that we are in right now, after the Trials"

"So that's why I recognized it! Anyways, it's really cool" I say and he closes his book as he sees others walking in. 

Once everyone is seated and had a little bit of breakfast, Cameo and Miles begin to present. 

"I'm sorry about the crazy circumstances that happened yesterday" Cameo begins. "After review, and discussion, I will be the new leader of the Corp 4, and Miles will be my right hand man. We both are doing this in part with each other, so I hope you all understand"

"Cameo, we trust you, you don't have to win us over" Reyna says, with a tone of confidence in her voice. 

"Yeah, I do agree. We understand you, and I believe we are still wanting to stay in Corp 4, and help protect whatever is out there" Evan says and we all nod in agreement. 

"Thank you guys" Cameo says and gestures over to Miles. "Now, based on yesterday's unexpected events, we have decided to divide you into smaller groups, each focusing on certain areas of expertise. In situations and 'missions', we can't send all 8 of you out into the field. So, there will be 4 of you in the field itself, 2 of you in the field but longer range, and 2 of you at headquarters giving orders through microphones and scanning the area."

"We honestly took very careful consideration when deciding where to place you. If you think that you for sure do not fit into the certain place we located you, let us know immediately" Miles says and we all agree. I hope there isn't some sort of argument with everyone on where they are placed, I'm sure it's perfectly placed. 

"In the main field itself, we have Orion, Evan, Reyna, and Amalia. You four have the skills and appropriate weapons to be fighting things face to face." Miles says, and I feel very nervous. I didn't think I was going to be placed into the field like that, am I really that strong for that? "Next, Avalon and Maia are going to be in the field as well, but higher up and a little farther back, acting as snipers and you can get good overviews of the area."

"Finally, Jack and Arin are going to stay here, working at the Intel computer center. There, you can scan information, give orders and helping everyone work through the task" He finishes and Arin groans. 

"But I want to be in the field, I'm strong enough for that, not sitting at a pathetic desk" She says bluntly. 

"Yeah, I figured you would say that. You need to be here to help protect the people here as well, and act as another force field. Jack is gifted in computers and tech stuff, and so he'll probably handle a lot of that. He told us he wants to help, but isn't much of a fighter. These missions are going to be brutal sometimes, and if something goes wrong and the base gets attacked, you're gonna have to fight and protect the people here" He says, as though speaking on a personal level. 

"Hey, fair enough" Arin says and leans back in her chair. "So, what's next?"

"Tomorrow, we will start doing some training, and work with you on individual levels. As Miles and I work on preparations, you guys can rest up. Get to know each other and relax, or at least try to" Cameo says and we all give him the signal of approval. He exits with Miles, and I stand up as the others begin to get up and Avalon speaks.

"Do you all wanna go hang at the end of the tunnel, the abandoned station area?" 

"Absolutely!" Amalia says, with her cheery voice. 

"Yeah, let's go! Perfect place to hang" Evan says

Avalon leads the way as the eight of begin to walk down the tunnel and towards the abandoned station area. I was ready to get to know everyone better, and was happy we had the day off.