Chosen.

Chosen. Chapter 32

Chapter THIRTY-TWO

Autumn

The Trials: Round 4

"Hello and good morning, Chosen."

The now-familiar woman's face appears front and center on the hologram screen of our portal. She is in her usual white lab attire, and her hair is pulled back in a no-nonsense bun.

I find myself leaning in closer from my sitting position waiting for her to continue, curious -- as always – what details she is about to tell us concerning the next Trial that's about to begin.

On the positive, I feel pretty rested this morning...even though it's crazy early. I really thought I wouldn't be able to sleep a wink last night with all the jumpy nerves running through my body. But the second my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. I'm sure my body was in shock to be sleeping in an actual bed after the past two and half weeks in the elements. It just literally shut down in the unfamiliar coziness, KO'ed!

"DOOOT, DOOOT, DOO, DOO!!!!" A trumpet gives off a festive tune and lights sparkle in the background making beautiful color combinations. 

The lady scientist's monotone voice continues, "Congratulations to all of you on successfully completing the Shipwrecked Trial. It was a long, strenuous test of physical endurance and willpower, with limited resources, and our Scientists are very happy with the outcome thus far." She gives a small clap along with a nod in approval, almost like she is a proud parent or something.

To this, Kyle stands up and dramatically bows to the portal. (He is so freaking obnoxious!) It's like he is taking all the credit for our family getting through the last 3 Trials. 'Uhhh, yeah, right, Bro!' I think to myself as I unconsciously rub my hand along my left arm, touching my new scar of claw impressions from the Lyger. I mean, some of us toughed it out in other ways.

The celebration music abruptly stops in the background, and the lights go slightly dimmer before she goes on, "You will need everything you learned in Trial 3 -- and more -- for what you will endure next. Trial 4 will push you to the limit and beyond, unlike any challenge you have faced yet on these isles. So far, your ability to plan, execute, collaborate, endure and your resilience have been tested, but all in the physical sense. This next challenge will take it one step further, and your families' mental fortitude will now be assessed."

Mental fortitude? Hmmm, I wonder if we'll be locked in a room and forced to complete a bunch of puzzles or something before they let us out. I smile to myself, thinking maybe this next challenge won't be so bad after all.

The sudden sharpness in her voice interrupts my thoughts and tunes me back into the announcement, "-- and keeping a level head will be the name of the game in this Trial. The scientists want to make it very clear: If anyone in your family begins to hallucinate, lose touch with reality or mentally breaks down, you are strongly encouraged to terminate immediately. It is hoped by doing this that we can avoid any serious, long-term mental injuries."

Uhhh, I'm sorry, what? Hallucinate? Mental injury? Is she serious?? Hannah instantly turns to me with an open-mouthed expression. 'Yeah, same, little Sis,' I nod in silent agreement. What the heck are we about to get ourselves into??

"This process will be the same as the previous Trial, in that pushing the buttons on one of your family members' wrist links to signal a Termination will be acknowledged. But due to your location and the duration it will take for a rescue team to retrieve you, I warn you time is crucial when making the decision to no longer continue. Families, let this be a factor in your decision-making, time is off the essence in this Trial."