The Runaway

Chapter 2

After a few minutes the lights dimmed and there was sound as the last wall turned on - a screen wall - just what she had expected. A figure appeared onscreen, a professional looking woman in the standard mercenaries uniform sat at a table with a tablet. The woman gave Valerie a tight smile.

"103 I will just be asking you a number of simple standardised questions - nothing too difficult. We will process your application shortly. Note that this conversation will be recorded for future reference so it is advisable to tell the truth."

Valerie nodded curtly, sitting up straighter. Her stomach had just twisted into a knot - she was a notorious liar, it was a habit that she hadn't been able to shake off. The interview might not turn out as easy as she thought it would be.

"Full given name?"

"Valerie Marie Porter."

"Age?"

"Eighteen and two months."

"How long have you been with us here at the Institution?"

"Nearly twelve eleven, ma'am. I'm practically a veteran."

"No need to add comments. Just the information. Precisely how long?"

"Ten years, six month."

The questions continued on and Valerie ended up getting more and more uncomfortable as the questions got more personal. The woman enquired everything about her schedule, people she associated with and political views until the point where Valerie felt as if she was being subjected to interrogation.

She even went as far as bringing up a photo of her.

“103. Can you confirm that this is you?” Where they had gotten the picture from, she had no clue. It was her and her friends laughing, a rare snapshot.

“Yes. That’s me. I have no twin that I am aware of.”

“No snark, please. Who is the younger, Caucasian blonde to your left?”

“Mabel. 476.”

“And the young woman, - the African-American to your right?\

“Robyn. 324.”

And who is the young man standing behind-“

"Ma'am? If I could ask one question?" She said, swallowing with difficulty.

"Just one."

"Are these questions relevant to the position I'm applying for?"

The woman glared at her and put down the tablet, closing the image and clasping her hands on the table.

"103 are you questioning the authority of the board members of the Institute? The very people that are giving you opportunities that you could have never hoped for?"

Valerie shook her head quickly, sitting on the edge of her seat. The woman returned to her questions.

By the end of the inquiries Valerie was wiping her sweaty and trembling hands on her pants. Nothing was going to plan so far and the voice in her head was starting to act up, whispering fragmented lines from a song she had loved as a child. The woman frowned down at her notes, deliberating.

When she next looked up she gave Valerie the same stiff smile. "103 the board has kindly gifted you with a coveted position."

Valerie managed a smile despite her queasiness.

"Starting next week after initial training you will be positioned in the nursery school that facilitates for the gifted. I am sure you will appreciate all the work the Board has done to get you this position."