Planet X Pandora

The Awakening

It was a strange feeling. Almost like you're falling through an empty abyss, but there is solid ground touching your feet as you fall. It was dark, and the air was still. Then in a sudden rush, blinding lights. Beeps echoed dimly through her ears. Distinct voices, talking. She slowly opened her eyes. Everything was white. White walls, people milling around her in white clothes, bright fluorescent lights. Her head ached. Her temples hurt. But she couldn't move. She was shackled down to the bed. A thin metal frame, with a white cloth, draping down. Not very comfortable. There were machines everywhere. Beeping. The noise was too much. She shut her eyes. It's just a dream, its just a dream. You're gonna wake up and everything will be fine. She kept telling herself. But even she knew, it wasn't a dream. It felt too real. Some people stood next to the bed, observing her, jotting down notes. They all had masks, as if the room smelled bad. There were more of them at the machines, pressing buttons and typing things in. Some were near her arm, poking needles in. She was too tired to resist. Her body was literally wired to the machines, hundreds of wires and patches of cold metal running around her like veins. The cold shackles were chaining her down. Why do I even need these? Then, suddenly, she heard the door open. I didn't even see that door. A heavy grinding echoed throughout the room. All the people in the room walked out. Once everyone was out, someone stepped in. There was a squeaking noise, soft but crisp. What in the world is happening? The man, dressed in a brown suit, seemed around 50 years of age and was in a wheelchair. He rolled up to the side of the bed. He had slick black hair, neatly combed back, with white hairs clearly visible. There were wrinkles on his face, but other than that, he looked fit enough to run a marathon. If not for his legs, she thought. "Welcome. I know you're very confused, but, do not worry, everything will make sense in a few days. I won't take the time to explain now. I have a busy schedule. So be it. You shall rest in the Care Center, until your doctor deems you fit to move into your dorm. My name is Commander. That is what everyone calls me. Now rest, child. I trust you'll begin to see the way things work here." he said, and rolled out. He closed the door, and she was left alone. A million questions raced through her mind. What is this place? What am I doing here? What is he talking about? It all didn't make sense. A sense of fear and panic started rising up. It was threatening to choke her. Her heart was beating too fast. She took deep breaths, and she slowly calmed down. But the fear didn't leave her. She got drowsy, and slowly closed her eyes. It's all just a dream. She fell asleep.