Generation Z

Chapter 1: Candy and Kiara

They are in the Underground, there are hundreds of new recruits ready to be assigned a role. The Zs from years before watch the newbies and there is a tense but excited atmosphere. This is the day they would find their new purpose. First timers would be getting their first role, people here for the second time around would either keep their old role or be given a new one, anyone on their third time would be keeping the role best suited to them.

A woman walks up to the podium and the new recruits shift uncomfortably as whispers circle the room 'she isn't one of us.' The woman has sleek grey hair paired with kind, amber eyes. She is in her mid-40s. Candy is a little intimidated yet intrigued, Kiara is petrified. The woman begins her speech; 'I realise some of you have never met me and do not know why I am here. My name is Casey Green, and this is my husband, Rory Green.' At the mention of his name a small mousey man stands and gives an awkward half wave to the crowd. Candy smirks as she meets the man's grey eyes, he looks more fearful than half the room. The woman pauses as he reclaims his place then continues, 'as you can see, I am not a gen Z, however Rory and I are here to help you. Our purpose is to give you new recruits your new roles.'

Candy winces at the mention of the roles they must be given thinking please don't be files over and over. Kiara also winces and Candy knows that she is thinking the opposite to her please be files, please be files. 'We also provide our home as a haven in The City where you can stay as long as you need.' At the mention of The City several faces pale including her sisters, she reaches over and squeezes Kiara's hand gently. 'we are aware that what has happened to you is wrong and we do not share the views of our generation. We stand with you.' The woman gives a solemn not at the crowd and there are a few scattered cheers, however, most are still uncertain of the millennials standing before them. Why would they want to help when they are the ones who caused devastation? She isn't certain of the answer but let's herself believe it. The man now stands once again and gives a warm smile to those standing before them. He is in his late 30s and this hair is beginning to thin. 'Hello everyone, as my wife previously mentioned we are here to help you not hurt you. Today I am here to assign your new jobs within this community.' The crowd wait expectantly.

Candy shifts in her seat, anxious to get to her name. Candy is number 365 and Kiara is number 401. Last year she had to watch as many others got her dream job of collecting supplies from The City, while she got stuck in files of all places. This year will be different she just knows it. They have been calling numbers for what feels like an eternity when, finally, she hears '365. Candy. You are a collector.' Rory continues calling roles as Candy freezes. Did she hear that right? She suppresses a scream and opts for a (much less insane) grin instead. She then catches a glimpse of Kiara; her emerald eyes are filled with hear and the guilt rises. 'Don't worry Kiara, I'm sure you'll just get files again...' Candy knows this isn't true. She knows Casey would never separate the twins. Kiara gives an unconvincing half smile 'yeah. Sure.' After 5 minutes of waiting they hear it '401. Kiara. You're with Candy.' Candy feels Kiara's heart sink.

They are eventually able to leave the main hall to celebrate for the remainder of the day, the work begins tomorrow. Candy grabs two beers and a large tub of ice cream from the fridge freezer and takes two spoons from the kitchens before going back to their room. She walks quietly into the room as she softly knocks, 'disappointment package for Kiara?' Kiara slowly wipes her tears and the corner of her mouth twitches as if she is going to smile. 'I think we'll need a lot more ice- cream than that' she says sarcastically as she lets out a soft laugh. 'How did you even get this, the kitchen staff is going to kill us' Candy pulls her sister in for a comforting hug 'me, not us. And you deserve every bite of this.' They drink their beer and eat their ice cream, then they drift off as Candy thinks tomorrow is a new day... maybe she'll be ok with it by then. Tomorrow is a new day.