MOTH MOUND

CHAPTER 1

VIRUS

DEFINITION

A harmful or corrupting influence.

"The virus of cruelty that is latent in all human beings."

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DATE - JULY 1ST 2015

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'Hello, my name is Alvis. I am a fellow Virus; what is your name? I apologize for the note, but I am mute, as you can tell by my lack of a mouth. My disease is Third-Person, I can see through your eyes once we make eye-contact with my millions of eyes, I am seventeen. You are fourteen, and it is a pleasure to meet you. I cannot wait to become your second best friend, next to my lovely sister, only friend, and accomplice Tabby.'

This note is what I received from Tabby, a 4'3 silicone child with a pink TV for her head. All of my seventeen eyes fix at her at once. She shrugged and made an electronic sound as she marched around the room, "Pretty legit, right?" She chirped, voice unmistakably electric, it was akin to a child vocalizing through a mediocre microphone, "I came up with the idea when I was writin' notes for my very-own welcome to the mound speech, wanna hear it?" She plucked up a paper, and I watched her before shrugged in compliance.

She pretended to clear her throat, which sounded wretched through her speakers. She jutted out her chest, her pinkie held to her screen, the cap of plastic skin split to show her built-in microphone, "Virus, and Virus. I present to you, me, Tabby Vonelché!" She then bowed, it went still for an uncomfortable time before she whispered, "Then you clap." I went along with it and applauded a few times.

"I am no typical Virus, in-fact, no Virus at all," She flamboyantly shifted with each tone she took on, "I am a supercomputer designed to zap yer asses if you step outta line," That was a lie for the most part, "Also, I can play you any of fifteen Bratz movies, including any episode," Only the second part had been genuine. Still, I clap anyway, "No, Alvis. you don't clap until I am done now." I lowered my hands and listened to her spiel advance.

"I am obviously equipped in VHS tapes, a camera, surveillance, email, and the sorts," She spun on her heel, "My hobbies include long walks around the Mound, and keepin' cozy while I watch a Bratz film." She finished up with a bow. Thankfully, I was right to clap this time.

"So, how was that?" She sang, thrilled about her self-indulgent speech. I give her a thumbs up. Tabby's enthusiasm over the past few days had festered. Her company had only included soldiers, scientists, myself, and the Warden who would refuse to give her the time of day. Since she is, of course, a computer and tells the time herself. She doesn't see it as much of an excuse, even though it's blatant the Warden is busy and should not have to be burdened with us.

She's what the soldiers called a 'social butterfly,' and so someone around our age with the capacity to speak is a luxury she has longed for. She does get frustrated with my slowness and lack of response. I know I was never in any way perfect company.

The moment had come. Tabby's screen went yellow, a reminder notification on her face. Our shared compartment had lit up with the bright display, a cause for me to cringe and flicker my eyes. Tabby removed the reminder and faked an inhale to calm herself, as well as stamping her feet. Both were habits she manifested years ago.

Once she had pacified herself, and I had stood up, her screen met my eyes again. With her nervous voice, she asked, "Ready, Alvi?"

I nod.