The God Codex

2. Article 34

BOOK OF MIA: 2081

Chapter 2: Article 34

Fudggity, fudge, fudge! First, what the fudge is Article 34? Second, why the hell couldn't they be normal and say things like 'bring an umbrella cause it's raining out'? And third, I'm not about to admit to the hulk, reeking of sweat and whiskey, that I don't know what Article 34 is. No way in hell.

So in short, I reply, "I couldn't find it in the dark."

"Sentry 176, what is the holdup with this recruit?" Another guard appears by the exit, and yet another flashlight beam hits my eyes.

By now, the announcement and the sirens are silent, and the new guy's voice booms too loud.

"The recruit doesn't have her Article 34 on her, sir," Sentry 176 replies behind me and I understand the new man is his superior. "What do you want me to do, sir?"

The 'boss man' stares at me for a moment. His flashlight continues to shine on my face. I shield my eyes and look down at his shoes.

Nice shoes, asshole! I can't help but look at his polished business shoes. One could probably see their reflection off it. He is a rich Hiver, no doubt. Lighten up, will you? It's only a school graduation camp, I'm tempted to say, but a searing pain rips across my back. My body crumples from it, and I collapse hard on my knees to the cold floor. It's freezing tonight, and I hadn't even noticed until now. My cheek welcomes the cool of the concrete and I hear myself scream.

"That's enough, Sentry 176," the boss-man's voice echoes above me, muffled by my ringing ear. Ow, motherfu... Ow, my mind reels. "You don't want to short out her system before the ceremony."

"Yes, sir!"

The pain stops and Sentry 176 hovers over me, recovering the prongs of his Taser from my back to my horror. What the hell did I get tased for? But honestly, I can't even blabber like a baby.

"Take her to the hall," the man in charge barks and I feel Sentry 176 throw me over his shoulder like a rag doll. "The Ceremony will begin momentarily. We can't have her miss it."

"Yes, sir." Sentry 176 follows his boss out the exit with me slung over his shoulder. I keep coming in and out of consciousness, in time to catch him asking, "What about her Article 34, sir?"

Yeah, what about my Article 34? But it's not like I'm in any shape or position to go fetch the darn thing myself.

I hear a distinct 'ha, ha' laugh of the boss man. Dry and sarcastic. "She may as well be dead then."

"She is unarmed, sir," Sentry 176 states. Is that a hint of concern in his voice?

The man ahead of us stops. Behind him, so does the hulk carrying me, and I can confirm that indeed, one can see their pathetic reflection of those super glossy shoes. The leather seems to be some sort of scale pattern. He's wearing snakes!

"Clearly, her system is faulty, Sentry 176. Otherwise, she would not proceed without arming herself, would she? Perhaps it's for the best. Quick and easy way to weed out the faulty stock. Now go, before the gates seal."

"Yes, sir!" Sentry 176 salutes the man and quickens his pace beneath me. I feel like I'm floating for a moment.

I know I only have moments before I'm dumped inside the Cafeteria hall. Moments. What the hell is going on? And what are they talking about, weapons and Article 34, and arming myself? Whatever it is, I have moments to secure a weapon. Apparently, my life depends on it according to the boss man.