Transform Me (A "Shatter Me" Trilogy Fanfiction)

SEVEN: PANIC ATTACK

7: Panic Attack

"Souseiki Dousa is located right beneath Sector 21, which used to be called Japan.  This underground headquarters is home to close to three hundred and fifty people."  Devin tells Juliette and her companions.  "Each one of us has a responsibility here and we coexist symbiotically.  Roughly forty percent of us have special gifts, and in the days that follow, you will be acquainted with the rest of us.  But as for the moment, you can start by getting to know the rest of us in this room."

           "Feels like déjà vu," I hear Juliette whisper to Kenji with a knowing smile.

             Devin gestures to the medics in one corner of the clinic.  "These are our medics.  That's Hamid and he's the head of this clinic.  He's our resident healer."

             "Like the girls."  Juliette says to Kenji again, smiling.

             Hamid looks up at her in surprise and tries not to show that her statement has offended him.  Juliette, however, is thankfully perceptive enough to notice his change in expression and quickly goes on to explain.

             "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that, Hamid.  You see, back home, we have two friends who are healers as well.  Sonya and Sara are sisters."  She says.  "Twins, in fact."

             Hamid relaxes and nods in understanding.

             "Hamid is originally from Sector 27, which used to be called Kyrgyzstan.  That's Alana."  Devin continues, then points to the plump, homely woman next to Hamid.  Alana gives them a tentative wave and a small smile.  Only Juliette returns the wave.  "She has an innate and extensive cognizance of all the medicinal properties of different plants.  She makes all the medicines and vitamins and ointments we need.  She's originally from Sector 28, which was once known as Laos."

             Kishimoto's curious gaze pans the room.  "I thought you said Sector 21 used to be Japan?  None of you here are Japanese...well, maybe except for her."  He nods in my direction and I keep my face carefully devoid of any emotion.  "In the three hours I've been awake, I haven't met anyone else who might be Japanese."

 "In order to explain all this displacement, I'll have to tell you a bit about our history first."  Devin tells him.  "Asia was the last continent that the Reestablishment was able to control.  Although they had different cultures and beliefs, which would have made them easier to conquer, the Reestablishment found it difficult to do so. 

"They didn't want countries to have identities anymore, so they scattered the people around like misplaced puzzle pieces.  They also divided the forty-five countries into fifty-five sectors.  Even though Sector 21 used to be called Japan, the majority of our current population is anything but Japanese.  You'll find just about every national from every country in Asia right here in Souseiki Dousa.  Take me, for instance.  I'm a long way from home. 

             "They did the same thing in Europe, and perhaps in all other continents.  The Reestablishment figured that if they could take us away from our loved ones and leave us in foreign countries, we wouldn't be so united anymore."

            "Divide and conquer."  Warner murmurs.

            "Aye.  And it worked."  Devin lets out a grieved sigh.  "The people were so terrified, it was easier for the Reestablishment to brainwash us and control us like mindless sheep."  There's a sudden look of conviction in her eyes as she says the next words.  "But it won't stay like that for long."

            The room is silent for a moment.

            "I remember growing up in Japan."  Kishimoto suddenly says, his dark, almond eyes looking distant.  "I remember the day we suddenly moved to America.  I didn't understand why back then.  I was angry at my mother for taking me away from my father, brother, and my home.  Now, I realize she didn't have a choice in the matter."