The Release
Copyright 2014 Tenielle Fernando
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Short Story
About Tenielle Fernando
Connect with Tenielle Fernando
Acknowledgments
A big thank you to my fellow peers who provided feedback on my short story. Your comments were invaluable and much appreciated.
The Released
An alarm echoed throughout the room and Aniya woke up with a start. She hit the button to turn off the wretched sound before covering her face with her hands in dismay.
Today was the day. The one she’d dreaded for so long.
She slid out of bed slowly, her bare feet touching the cold marble floor. The room was simple and sterile, like a hospital room. Everything was white, clean and practical, identical to every other room in the compound.
The bed made itself as she crossed the room to the small sink. She didn't need to look to know that it would be perfectly tucked in, with the pillow neatly fluffed.
Aniya brushed her teeth with shaking hands, avoiding her reflection. She didn't want to see her dishevelled brown hair, or her green eyes that must be red and puffy from her fretful sleep. She didn't want to see the fear that was surely evident in them.
She moved over to the showering cube. She pressed her hands against the wall in front of her, causing water to jet out automatically. Once she was drenched, she was sprayed with foaming soap. She quickly rubbed it over her body, the movements all routine. Water again, to rinse her off. It stopped before she was ready, as always.
The whole showering process took two minutes, if that.
She dressed quickly, eager to step out of her confined room but nervous to face her family. Both of her brothers had been Advanced and she was sure her parents expected her to be as well. What if she wasn't? What if she was Released? Would her family be sad? Or would they just be embarrassed that their daughter wasn't bright enough to past the Centre's tests?
As she walked out and saw the worry on their faces, she felt stupid for doubting their love for her. They would be devastated if she was Released.
"How're you feeling?" her father asked, his eyebrows drawn.
Aniya attempted to give him a reassuring smile. "I'm okay."
"Come and have some breakfast, Annie," her mother said, her eyes suspiciously misty.
Aniya sat at the table and poked the food around with her fork absent-mindedly. Her stomach was fluttering not with butterflies, but full grown dragons. She'd never felt so nervous in her life.
"No matter what happens," her father said, “we will always be proud of you."
Tears escaped her eyes, but she gave him a real smile. "I know, dad. It's just scary."
"But honey, you really have nothing to worry about. You're clever, kind and fit. You can't be Released." Aniya wasn't sure if her mother believed what she'd just said, or if she was merely trying to convince herself that it was true.
"If I am Released, will it hurt?" Aniya asked. That was her biggest fear. She could deal with death. After all, once you're dead, there is nothing left to worry about.
It was the process that she dreaded. The ceremony. The airtight containers.
"No, it won't," her father insisted. "The gas they pump numbs pain completely."
Aniya nodded in relief, although she was far from comforted. "Will Erik and Keiran be there?"
"No," her mother admitted. "Only parents of the children are permitted to take the day off to watch the ceremony."
Aniya nodded in understanding. She would have liked to have her brothers there, but she knew there was nothing that could be done. She took a deep breath and did her best to gather her courage.
"Alright, I'm ready."
***
Aniya entered the assembly area with her parents and dozens of other candidates. Most wore a mask of fear and worry, but there were some who looked confident, even cocky. Aniya envied them.
She saw Sota on the other side of the room, sitting in one of the many chairs lined before the podium. Her hands were in her lap, her legs shook. Her long, blonde hair was tied in a neat bun on the top of her head and her eyes were closed, hiding her bright blue eyes from sight.
As if she could sense Aniya, Sota opened her eyes and looked in her direction. She gave a crooked smile that didn’t touch her eyes.
Aniya quickly said bye to her parents who would have to sit in the balcony area. She made her way over to Sota and gave her a hug. Aniya sat down next to her and clasped her hand. They said nothing, knowing that this was the only comfort they could give one another.
After all, one of them may die today.
The Centre’s spokeswoman, Estelle Robinson, approached the podium and the whispering stopped. Everyone’s attention turned to the stern woman before them.
“Today you shall undertake an evaluation to determine whether or not you shall be Released or Advanced. Your emotional, intellectual and physical capabilities shall be tested and an overall score will be generated. If you do not get at least sixty points out of one hundred, you will be Released,” Estelle finished.
Her voice was detached, completely unaffected by the fact she had just told sixteen year olds that they would die if they didn’t pass the test.
“As you all know, this custom has been in operation for over fifty years now. Our ancestors did not control population growth and as a result resources depleted exponentially and our lands were overrun by people. Measures had to be introduced to control our numbers.” She stopped and looked around before continuing. “Our system ensures that only those who can provide a valuable contribution to society will be permitted to be Advanced. The rest of you shall be Released. The process will be quick and painless.” Many candidates looked at each other nervously. “Dr Anderson will discuss the test with you now.”
A short bald man approached the podium as Estelle took a seat to the left of it.
“Hello, candidates and parents,” he began. “I’m sure you’re anxious to do the test, so I will make this short. The test is designed to test you emotionally, physically and intellectually. You will be hooked into a simulation program inside your own individual room. You will have full range of motion to complete the physical aspects of the test and your emotions and thoughts will be recorded through sensory monitors. Your responses to the challenges will be analysed by experts who will give you a total score. If you pass, you will be given a list of occupations determined to be appropriate for someone of your capabilities. You may choose from that list. If you do not pass, you will be escorted to the chambers and Released. There will be no time to say goodbye to your family or friends, so please do that now. Thank you and good luck.”
Aniya turned to Sota. “Well that doesn’t make this any less scary.”
“Nope,” she said before she looked her in the eye. “Good luck in there, Aniya. Look, just in case…”
“Don’t even say it,” Aniya interrupted. “We’re both going to pass the test and get a job in the nursery. Just like we always said.”
Sota smiled. “Of course.”
They filed out of the room in lines with the other candidates, eager to make their way back to their parents. Aniya’s parents were waiting for her, next to Sota’s. They hugged her eagerly, knowing that they didn’t have much time until the candidates would be taken to the simulation rooms.
“Stay calm and do your best, Aniya,” her father said, frown lines revealing his concern.
“We love you, Aniya. We love you so much,” her mother told her, kissing her forehead.
“I love you guys, too,” Aniya told them, tears running down her face. “See you tonight, huh?” She wiped her tears and did her best to muster up a smile.
&
nbsp; “Candidates, make your way through the gate and then please enter your designated simulation room,” a voice said, came from the loud-speakers above. With one last look at her parents, she took Sota by the hand and walked through the gate, her stomach filled with dread.
***
Aniya stepped into the simulation room, her body dotted with sensory pads. The room was dark and quiet, the only sound coming from her pounding heartbeat.
“Your test will commence in ten seconds,” a computer-generated voice said.
“Ten.” Aniya took a deep breath.
“Nine, eight, seven.” She started jumping up and down, loosening up her body in preparation for whatever was to come.
‘Six, five, four, three.” She looked around to ensure she didn’t miss anything.
“Two, one.” A beep echoed throughout the room and the simulation came alive.
***
Aniya’s heart was beating out of her chest when the simulation finally faded around her. She was wet with sweat and her head ached with pain. She took deep breaths, trying to slow her heart rate and calm down. The simulation had been so realistic that it took her a moment to get a grasp on her surroundings. The room was dark and silent once more, for which she was glad.
The simulation had been terrifying.
“Aniya Pearce, you may exit the simulation room. Please make your way back to the assembly area.”
Reality set in and Aniya realised that she would now find out whether or not she would be Advanced. She had done her best in the simulation. She just hoped that was enough.
All the candidates were exiting their rooms, their faces filled with emotion. Some were smiling, but they were few; most looked like they were shaking with fear.
It was impossible for Aniya to figure out whether or not she scored well. The tasks had been challenging and her responses to them were open to interpretation. If she died to save a baby, was it good because she was compassionate and selfless, or unwise because she sacrificed herself? If she found shelter on the floor was that clever because it’s simple, or did it suggest she wasn’t fit enough to climb a tree? If she fought and won against someone, did that demonstrate her physical prowess, or show that she was violent and hot-tempered?
For the first time she felt sorry for the experts who had to analyse their tests.
Aniya pushed her way towards Sota, who she sighted across the room, eager to ask how her test had gone.
"Aniya!" Sota called as she saw her coming towards her. She ran forward to meet her. "How'd it go?"
Aniya shrugged. "I have no idea, but I did my best."
"It was bizarre, right? The simulation was so realistic," Sota said. She looked surprisingly calm. Excited even.
"It was definitely weird. I just hope I passed, Sota," Aniya admitted.
Sota nodded in understanding. "Me too, but I feel good about it. I'm sure neither of us have anything to worry about."
Aniya returned Sota's smile, but she wasn't quite so sure.
They filed back into the lines of seats in the assembly area. The parents were still seated in the balcony area, most of them craning their necks to find their child, probably to find comfort in their expression. Aniya did her best to look indifferent, but her lips were in a tight line and her eyebrows seemed to be stuck together.
After what seemed like days but was probably an hour, Estelle Robinson approached the podium once more.
"The tests are complete and the experts are finalising the results. When your name is called, you will be told your score. If you have received the minimum of sixty points, remain in your seats. A list of careers will be handed to you for your perusal. You will have seven days to decide which you will choose. If you have not received a score of sixty points, you must come up to the podium, where you will be escorted into an individual containment cell and Released," Estelle looked around as she talked but made little eye contact.
Aniya thought she seemed a little disinterested.
"The results are in," Estelle announced. "We shall begin."
She was handed several pieces of paper. She scanned the top of the first one.
"Edward Anderson, a total of sixty-seven points. Remain in your seat." A boy a few seats to the left of Aniya let out a sigh of relief and dropped his head to his knees. A shout echoed from the balcony, his parents clearly celebrating. Everyone clapped politely.
"Kya Adams, a total of fifty-eight points. Please approach the stadium." A scream echoed from the balcony and Aniya saw a blonde woman and her husband being escorted from the room, the woman practically being dragged as she tried to claw her way to her daughter. Kya walked up to the podium.
She was tiny, her long, blonde hair, in a neat plait, hung down her back. Tears were running down her face as she sobbed, but still she walked. Once on the podium, a Guardian showed her towards the cell. As soon as the door slid shut, she crumpled to the floor. The cell shot upwards through the tube. The gas would not be released until she was out of view.
Estelle continued to call out names. Shouts of relief were followed by cries of despair. Some of the Released walked up to the podium stoically, while others had to be forcibly carried.
Aniya's whole body shook, her breathing laboured. She thought she was going to pass out. Sota held her hand.
"Aniya Pearce," Estelle called. Aniya's stomach tightened in fear. "A total of seventy-eight points. Remain seated." She let out a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding.
Sota squeezed her hand while she heard her mother sob with happiness. Aniya smiled and it finally touched her eyes.
"Told you you'd be fine," Sota said with a wink.
"So will you!" Aniya said, the tension in her body slowly seeping out of her. It'll all be fine, she thought.
"Sotana Rivers," Estelle read out. "A total score of fifty-two points." Aniya's mouth fell open in shock. "Up to the podium please." Aniya's hand clasped Sota's tighter.
Sota was stiff with shock, as though she couldn't believe what was happening. Aniya hoped this wasn't right, that it was a mix up, but she knew the Centre didn't make mistakes. Sota was to be Released.
"No," Aniya said quietly. Sota still hadn't moved, so Guardians were making their way over to escort her.
"NO!" Aniya said again, yelling this time. "No, no, no, no!"
She gripped Sota's hand, refusing to let go.
"Aniya," Sota said, looking at her with sad eyes. "You have to let me go."
"No, I can't," Aniya said, tears streaming down her face. "You can't go, you can't leave me."
The Guardians approached. "Come peacefully or we will have to use force."
Aniya grabbed Sota's arm and faced the Guardian. "You aren't taking her. This is a mistake! Sota is brilliant, she can't have failed the test!" Aniya looked up to Estelle, who watched the commotion with disapproving eyes. "Let her take it again," Aniya begged.
"All results are final, as you were told," Estelle said dispassionately. "Bring the girl to the podium."
Sota brought her free hand, the one that was not in Aniya's strong clutch, to Aniya's face. "You will be fine. Aniya. Let me go."
Aniya slowly let go of Sota's hand, their eyes locked. Tears flowed down Sota's face, but she ignored them. One of the Guardians took Sota by the upper arm and guided her towards the podium. Aniya's sobs became louder. Soon they racked her body so hard that she had to hold her stomach.
Sota stepped into her cell. She blew two kisses. The first to her parents, who embraced one another as tears flew from their eyes. The second was for Aniya, who could barely stand to look as her best friend shot up through the tube, soon to die.
The rest of the names fell on deaf ears. She held herself, hoping that would keep the broken pieces of her heart together.
She snapped back into reality when someone shook her shoulder. She looked up and saw a Guardian handing her a piece of paper. Her career list.
She looked at it and knew what she would choose.
The nursery.
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***
About the Author
Tenielle Fernando is a student at Edith Cowan University, completing a double degree in Law and Arts. She lives in Albany, Western Australia and spends her free time traveling the world, reading piles of books and tripping over things.
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