People in the Cipher main hall gather up after an announcement made by Rocky – one of the instructors for artillery and logistics. The population of their base is not really as hefty as what the Utopians have but they surely have big advantages for the reason that the majority of them are experts to various extents. Evidently, the faction is always equipped for possible cataleptic upheavals.
Zhackary walks in from the cellar doors; it took him awhile for him to stand on the elevated ground where everyone can see him and hear him. As soon as he is noticed standing in front of everyone, multiple mouths gradually hush until everything is settled for a mass conference.
“Good day to everyone who attends this emergency summit of Cipher. You’ll be given a chance to ask a question regarding our talk right after my discussion. For now, I must need all of your ears. Is everything clear?” Said the commanding leader as his tone lowers down.
“Crystal, sir Veras, sir!” said everyone from the crowd.
An image of the Cipher map flashes in front of everybody’s eyes by a projector operated by Verid, who is also in charge for the production of the faction’s weaponry. Small murmuring fills the sanctuary, the time when the map is colour coded. Everyone is silenced right after Zhackary’s tapping of his truncheon against a table gets their attention.
“As you can see, there will be specific assignments for all of us. This is due to the possible wager with the Utopians. As expected, they might be attacking tonight or something later than that. As I always tell everyone, working together is the key for us to stay alive” He said as he walks towards the other side of the stage as he takes a pause from his lecture. Abruptly raised his baton in the air to point at everyone, breathes to utter another word. “There’ll be NO ONE dying during or after the raid, understand? We are all in this together. We’ll help everyone to stand up from their fall… We need not to win here. We are the victory, ourselves.”
Voices of approval seals the entire room as their great leader speaks his words of encouragement to everyone. It is indeed the right decision of the NJG (New Juvenile Governance) to assign Zhackary to lead this pack of outstanding crowds. Ever since the faction is established, none is either assassinated or tortured within his dominion.
“You already know who your trainers are. Right now is the time to undergo hardships but I assure you all that we’ll relax our asses after this. Instructors, please do step up on stage and introduce yourselves especially to our new folks.” Said he and signaled for everyone to come out on this little stage.
The crowd applauded as the professionals stepped up on stage to again formally present themselves. With all confidence, they stand and smile to everyone who respects them from the start. Their outstanding guidance keeps them doing things for the common good. They give equal love and support to those people who adore them.
“Good day to everyone! I am Rhianna Eleazer Nipa from the archery team. Nice meeting you all and I hope to give warm regards to our newbies. Please welcome them and be friendly. Thank you!” greeted the young woman in glasses as she bows.
“Hello everyone! I’m Eli Jaden Vista. I might be one of the new people standing on this very platform and obviously, I am younger than many of you, but I’ll do my best to share my knowledge in biotechnology.” Welcomed the young cheerful boy and searched for her big sister from the crowd. “Ate! I’m a coach now!”
Keisha from the mass smiles at his beloved brother as she claps proudly with everyone. She got their attention after Jaden’s greeting that makes her a bit uneasy. A sharp voice from a metafemale comes filling everyone’s ears after seconds of applause.
“I’m here again, welp! Gina Tenon everyone, in charge of the boom booms and fun.” Gina said and points out to everyone and winked in a cool way
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“Shino Crace Bulyaw’s my name. I know that most of you know me as the strictest instructor in the Medicine Department. But don’t worry, I’m still a friendly fella, though just during recess.” The young scientist said and smiles innocently that awes the audiences.
Zhackary again breaks the silence after another important announcement to one and all. He points and signals his baton to the specific woman offstage; inviting her to step up as well. “Most of you might not have seen this prodigy before but let me tell y’all that she’s one of the best.”
Keisha hesitates to climb up, so she points herself with a questioning face that Zhackary quickly noticed. He raises his eyebrows then nods at her to confirm that she’s the person he’s pertaining to. Keisha takes her deepest sigh as she finally takes the courage to show her face to every person in the gathering.
“Let’s give our warmest welcome to my new assistant, Keisha Canna Vista!” said Zhackary while everyone is staring at the girl. Keisha apparently gives a shocked reaction after hearing her soulmate’s sudden declaration. She pokes Zhackary’s shoulder then whispers at his ear to ask what is happening.
“Assistant? What’s the fuss about, Veras?” complained Keisha, trying to smile at everyone.
“I’ll explain everything to you later. For now, you need to please our spectators.” Said Zhackary as he emits the aura like he was sorry.
“You better be, because I’m totally clueless.” Said Keisha as she emits the aura like she was going to smack the pretty looking guy beside him.
The crowd is filled with awe after Zhackary’s showtime on wrapping his arm on Keisha’s shoulder. She does not feel any awe at all but rage against the person beside her. Questions plug into her mind throughout the summit. Questions about Zhackary’s true intentions and Iyaz’s future plans with her.
After that exhausting gathering, the morning training begins with every person’s respective sectors; all to get ready for the possible bloodbath led by Iyaz and his comrades.
Keisha, on the other hand, bursts out in fury as she approaches the young lad holding a baton a while ago. She drags him to the nearest blind spot and slams him on the wall. Her eyes lit up in vibrant red as she gives him a glare that makes Zhackary alarmed.
“Keisha, calm down! You can talk to me properly without dragging me forcefully.” Zhackary said and was shocked.
“Listen to me, Veras. Just because my mind’s all susceptible latterly, does not mean you should make decisions for myself.” Said the girl and was really mad.
“I just made you my assistant, is there anything wrong with that?” asked Zhackary while he stuttered and knees shook.
“No, nothing’s in the wrong at all. But what’s that saccharine thing you did in front of everyone’s eyes a while ago? Now, all of them think that I’m some sort of your whore”, shouted Keisha as she slammed him on the wall.
“Who said that? Bring them to me.”
“Don’t alter the subject here, Veras. What are your intentions?” Keisha’s eyes are turning bright red as she stares at the poor guy’s face.
“Hey, I was the one who saved you from that goddamn lunatic. Now, you’re mad at me?” he said and tried to struggle his way out of her hands “I did that to give you the privilege to access every facility here for you to check on Jaden.”
Slowly, Keisha lets him go from her hands. Ironic for a petite teener like her who perfectly slams a huge person with her own strength. It is likely that the effects of the Seditio Syndrome work impeccably on her body. She is finally weakened after hearing her sibling’s name; her irises normalize back to its natural colour.
“’m sorry about a while ago. If I hadn’t done that, they may feel total unfairness for not getting the position you’re into right now.” He apologized as his shaking slowly faded away.
“But is not that the same mindset that they have acquired throughout the summit? I just got here and claimed that scrumptious rank that everyone wants to have. Those women who admire you a lot sees me as a threat after subtly publicizing to everyone that I’m your lover now.”
“I know how I fucked up, and I’m really sorry about that. But… Isn’t that the answer you wanted years ago?”
“Is it really?”, asked Keisha to what Zhackary had said. She let out a sigh in despair. “You know Veras how numb I am feeling right now. I do not sense any affection nor any sign of pleasure within me.”
Gradually, she walks away to finally end the conversation between them to focus on her recent tasks. She pauses for another set of phrases she wants to tell the lad behind her.
“If so, can you help me retrieve all those joyful memories I had with you?”