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  He reached behind a table and pulled out a folder that seemed filled with papers. He handed it to me and pointed me in the direction. I was speechless. I would finally leave this godforsaken planet.

  “Wait,” he said, then removed his omniwatch. I always wanted an omniwatch, but they were only for the top lieutenants. They’re supposed to do everything: contact people on it, store all your data and money, and even access the Cosmic Net. A web that connects all the worlds of the kingdom.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “You’ll probably need your own omniwatch. Here. I’m getting a new one today anyway. I’ve reset it.”

  “Thank you!” I said, then my feet stopped. I glanced back at him. “Why are you doing this? Just be straight with me.” These types of deeds usually led to some kind of twisted favor. He must have wanted something vile, but he didn’t seem like the type. And I knew the type too well...

  He massaged his temple. “Redemption awaits the living. I know a tortured soul when I see one. You want to pay me back? Redeem yourself.”

  I was swept off my feet with that statement. The whole world stopped as I digested his words. That was the first time in my life I met someone who believed in me. Yeahrs of abuse, neglect, and shame made a stranger’s act of faith break me. I clenched my jaw and steel my heart to stop tears that threatened to fall from my eyes. It wouldn’t be later until I realized that’s this stranger’s act of kindness would set me on a path of monumental proportions. He shooed me away without answering any more questions, and I was escorted through the camp by nearby troopers. They led me to a truck that drove us to the metamorphosis center.

  Inside I was given a tablet to fill out my form for what I wanted to be done. The metamorphosis process. One of the many remarkable technologies that the First queen had invented before her death. A technology that can fix many flaws with the body down to the genetic level beautifies your form, strengthens bones, and extends the lifespan to up to five centuries.

  The best thing about this process is that it’s all free. It’s considered a public service like healthcare and education. All one would have to do is be eighteen plus, but I never imagined I’d live to what the kingdom considered an adult―most raised in gangs don’t live to adulthood.

  My name was called, and I was ushered into a changing room to remove my clothes. I left the changing room and trudged to the facility room naked. The girl who was aiding me blushed.

  “Just lay down inside here,” she said, pointing to a capsule. I was nervous and also curious.

  “What exactly will happen to me here?” I asked. Her eyes widened.

  “Well, that would take hours to explain. The metamorphosis process fixes so many things about the human body. Like it removes all DNA base illnesses, increases your lifespan, strengthens your immune systems, muscle fibers, organ efficiency, and so much more. It basically improves your entire being. Some neurological changes happened. Urgh, I could talk all day about this.”

  “That’s okay, I got the gist of it. Will I be awake during it?”

  “No. The process will put you in a hibernated sleep while your body is gradually worked on. You have bad eyesight and no sense of smell?” she asked while reading my file on her datapad.

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. Any other major issues with your body you would like us to focus on?”

  “I have weak ankles. Can you do anything to that?”

  “Ah, yes. The process strengthens your bones to be several times tougher. I think that may fix your problem,” she said with a smile. I didn’t bother asking more questions because I was starting to shiver from being cold.

  I stepped into the capsule module. My breathing grew heavy as I allowed myself to be in the hands of someones else. I would be left in a vulnerable state where anybody could take me out. My body tensed up as liquids filled the chamber. The fluids made my body numb and remove any ability to escape—several small robotic arms sprawl out the chamber's inner walls. I surrendered to my fate as one stabbed me in the neck and my vision faded.

  When I awoke, I could barely move my body. I pried my way out of the tube, and for the first time in my life, my blurry vision was clear. I smelled something for the first time in years that made me feel relaxed. The aches all through my body seem like a distant memory. I checked the monitor next to the capsule, and my high blood pressure was no longer high. My heart rate was around forty beats per minute. I crawled to a nearby mirror. The girl welcomed me back, but I ignored her.

  I studied my face in the mirror and smiled. No more acne, no more marks, my ruined teeth were straightened like those people in movies. My eyes were silver like I desired. The mutilation and scars caused by the years of whipping and other physical abuse while serving the gang were gone.

  Tears welled in my eyes, which I quickly wiped away. Memories of being punched repeatedly in the lip by my old lieutenant crying still burned in my mind. He used to say crying was for bitches, and bitches were only useful for breeding. Not only were my physical deformities gone, but my insecurities and shame that had accompanied them melted away.

  “I look good,” I said as I continued to catalog the changes done to me by the metamorphosis. I always saw myself as ugly. None in my gang argued it. The only females I have ever been with were the breeders in my gang. They were just as broken as me, so their opinion never had an impact.

  “That’s the best thing about the metamorphosis process. It makes everyone as pretty as possible,” she said. “And you are gorgeous.” I could feel her eyes drinking in the sight of my naked backside, and I suddenly felt self-conscious.

  “But in a world where everyone pretty, no one is,” I said, remembering a book criticizing this process. One good thing that came out of the alien invasion was that I was free to read whatever book I could find. It was so strange how such a violent change could open me up to so many opportunities.

  “I wouldn’t say that. No matter what you do, some people will always be born with better facial structure, better bodies, and just all-around better faces. However, my mother said thanks to the metamorphosis chamber―people will judge you solely on who you are and not your looks. Thanks to this, in our kingdom, character is what matters most.”

  I found her words satisfying. I’ve never heard anything so positive in my life. I quickly grabbed my clothes and noticed they no longer fit just right. I was never fat, maybe a little beef here and there, but I dropped two waist sizes.

  “Sorry,” she added. “The process takes nine months. You lost a bit of weight. I’ll go fetch you something to wear and eat.”

  Nine months of my life were gone, but it was worth it. Now I was ready. I was confident in myself. I felt like a man. After my body healed, I’d join the military and follow my dream to become a Vindicator. I’d be a hero.

  Entry 3

  Phoenician Date: September 23, 1025AR(Age of Rebirth)

  Military Time: 07:45

  World Type: Fortress

  I had only left my world for training a week ago, and already I was experiencing new wonders I never imagined. For the time being, my new home was a Fortress World: a world forged to train armies. The difference from my homeworld was quite noticeable. Most people walked around without weapons as if they couldn’t be robbed at any second. They all had a carefree sense about them, but they were no pushovers. Many drove nice cars, and the stone and metal buildings were free of graffiti and other impurities. Companies of trainees were seen jogging on every block with their drill sergeant pushing them along.

  I found myself in a place called a library. The library was filled with long cherry wood tables and ten feet tall bookshelves, sitting on shiny maroon marble floors. A place filled with every book imaginable―well, at least more than I’d ever seen. Dispensers kept the area smelling like Lavander. Many people sat quietly around at tables, booths, and lounge chairs. My classes wouldn’t start until tomorrow. I signed up to be an officer, not just a foot soldier.

  Whatever that man put on
my papers must have been enough to allow me to try out for Commander, the officers' entry rank. I passed my psychology testing with flying colors, even though I don’t remember taking it. They explained that the testing needed to be kept secret to prevent cheating, and everyone loses their memory of it.

  My eyes skimmed every inch of the library. I noticed so many hardcover books. I only ever read books on tablets or paperback. Hardcover books were rare and expensive. The gang never allowed us to read books because they didn’t want any outside influences. Monopoly of information was power. Many people grabbed books from their shelves and read them without asking anybody.

  I crept by the bookshelves and watched. After watching several people simply take books, I grabbed a fantasy book and trudged to the librarian’s counter. My legs grew weak, and my words got caught in my throat. I needed to wear a translator due to my inability to speak common or the world language. I hoped she wouldn’t judge me for being an offworlder.

  “Uh, excuse me. Can I read this?” I asked. She gave me a droll stare that made my chest tighten. I must have asked something stupid, or my translator didn’t work well. Growing up in a gang left me with many gaps in essential social skills and knowledge.

  “You can read anything here as long as you don’t leave with them. You can read on with any of these stories on your omniwatch outside this facility.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” I exclaimed.

  “No,” she said before continuing her own reading. I didn’t believe her. I could read as many books as I wanted with no punishment? So many books lined the shelves that one could read until their last days. I ran back to the bookshelves and returned to her with a dozen books stack so high I had to guess my heading. As my arms grew tired, I dropped them on the counter, drawing many people's attention.

  “You mean I can read all this?” I asked, a little louder than desirable. She stared at me oddly.

  “Yes. You can read the entire library as long as you leave the books here. In today's world, hardcover books are a novelty. You can finish your book on any D-pad.” she repeated. I paused for a moment.

  I knew I was freaking her out, but it was overwhelming. This was my first taste of true freedom. I grabbed as many as I could carry and ran to an empty table. Reading glasses given to me by my superiors would translate the world language to me. I picked a table that kept my back to the wall so no one could sneak up on me.

  For hours, I immersed myself in reading stories about warriors and wars. Many of the conflicts felt familiar to me but also foreign. So many fought for valiant reasons, while I only fought for my gang leaders. A new feeling started dwelling in me: guilt. Growing up, they worked hard to erode everyone’s emotional core so they could kill without thought. With my masters gone, what I thought dead slowly crawled out from the dark corners of my mind. I stared absently as the memory of blood shriek screams, buzzblade rending through flesh, and blood rush through my mind.

  So much blood.

  I banged my head and grunted. My mood for reading had faded, so I left the library toward the cafeteria.

  Here I could eat as much as I wanted and taste so many different foods. Hamburgers, chicken, steak, barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, corn, yams, macaroni and cheese, and cookies. All they gave us growing up were beans and some pieces of meat from unknown origins. Occasionally if I killed someone important or held the line, my masters would allow me to eat finer food but nothing like cafeteria food. The first time I got cafeteria food, I cried tears of joy while eating, which freaked out many people around me. I often sat alone because I would grow awkward speaking to people. Anytime I shared a bit of my past, I was met with harsh judgments.

  At night, I found bliss. I had my own room, a quaint 150 square foot room, equipped with a TV and a bed! I fell on my bed and rolled in it, dragging the covers with me. Joy bursts through me so hard I couldn’t stay in my bed. How many times did I dream about sleeping on a comfy bed? How many times did I wish for a TV to watch Virtual Sports? I explored every nook and cranny of the room. In the closet, I found a Lovebot. She looked just like the mega R&B artist Fianna, just as I asked. All military personnel was given Lovebots to share, but Officers had their own personal ones. It was another luxury preserved for my gang life. I was thankful for this because I lacked the experiences and social skills to start dating just yet. I turned her on, and even her smile looked real. I grazed my finger across her soft brown skin to her forehead to press the activation button. Her veins and eyes glowed blue.

  “Hello master, how may I be at your service?”

  “Can you just watch TV with me? Maybe hold me a little while I go to sleep?” I asked. The Lovebot smiled wider.

  “That is within my programming! Let’s cuddle!” She said with an odd lifelike expression. We lay in my bed and cuddled. It was funny how something so small turned out to be so desired. Never have I been held before like this, and it felt good. It was a long cry from the cold lonely bunkers that used to be my den. I didn’t have to sleep with a weapon under my pillow or set up traps. I knew it wasn’t real, but I just wanted something. I imagine myself as a little boy again, this time with a mother protecting me from all the terrors of the gang.

  “It’s okay. I have you.” She said, rubbing my head. Tears broke from my eyes, and my tensed body settled. Sleeping became a chore since I wasn’t malnourished and worked to the bone like I was in my gang days. Full bellies every day met my body had plenty of energy. In her arms, I could relax. I could feel at home.

  In the morning, I had to train to become a Commander. Physical training for officers' positions was seven hours long. This was just Tuesday for me. Not only did I undergo similar physical hurdles growing up in the gang, but I did so with weak ankles and barely any food in my belly. Sometimes with arrows flying at me. Luckily for me, no one in the kingdom who wasn’t part of the military could gain access to guns or the knowledge to craft them. That didn’t stop them from making bows and arrows, though.

  It was funny because most people did physical training just to pass. I did the physical exercise, so I could hurry up and read more books. The brutal obstacle courses only proved to be bumps in the road to my desire to enjoy the everyday things I never had growing up. Most of the time, I was first, but my ranking alienated me even more from the rest of my class—along with other traits.

  Educational lessons followed after, which was about five hours long per session across all courses. I actually started learning Common.

  “Good morning.” My instructor said in common. I knew some common but not much. He introduced himself, and my translator translated everything he said to me. Soon I won’t need the thing.

  “There are three types of languages: World Language, Common, and High Yoruba. World language is the native language of one world. It became traditional for every core world founded to revive an old earth language and used it for their own. Pretty simple. Common is the language spoken across the entire kingdom. Back in the old world, it was called American English. This is because the king and the primals are from America. Then there’s High Yoruba; there’s actually a funny story about the creation of this language.” He said, giggling to himself a bit. The rest of the class peered inward

  “The king, back in the infancy of this kingdom, started adding African words to his language. Africa was a continent in the old world with hundreds of different languages. The king used a few words in his everyday convo, and then petty Highborn started learning these words and forming an entire language out of it. The language is exquisite and, at the same time, complicated. The elite probably speaks High Yoruba better than the king. It just goes to show you how far the rich would go to show how clever and talented they are from the rest of us normies.” People giggled. “Now, let’s get started.”

  The story interested me. I had no idea every world had its own native language and a language for the elite. As I pondered my thoughts, a white mug of red liquid popped up through my desk as it did for everyone in the class.

&nb
sp; “First, pop your brain-blast booze.” He said. I felt uncomfortable because I didn’t know this drink’s purpose. Would it blast my brain? Would I survive it? Did they find out all my papers are fake and were about to take me out? The instructor noticed my and other’s confusion. “For those of you who have never taken Crimson Ginger, it’s a concoction that amplifies your brain learning potential. I’m not a scientist, so I don't know the details of how it works. Essentially, it makes your brain as susceptible to information as you were when you were a toddler. Think about when you were a child. You picked up everything quickly, including language. Same here. Your brain uses nothing but long term memory while on this drink.”

  “Sweet, I’m going to use this for all my classes.” Someone said a few rows ahead of me. Many chuckled, but the instructor remained stoic.

  “I wouldn’t If I was you. Overindulgence of this drug will hinder your motor control, unable to stay awake for longer than six hours a day, and you will have zero sex drive.” He said. The funny guy grew quiet. “This drink is a cheat code to learning Common quickly. Long term memory takes a lot of processing power for our dear brains. 1 drink a day until this class is over.” He said. I followed his advice. So far, he seemed nicer and more patient than anyone else who had ever attempted to teach me anything.

  Once I learned Common after eight weeks, a new window of classes were opened to me. I learned so many subjects: basic level software and hardware engineering, vocabulary, kingdom History, Virtual Reality, calculus, and many other topics I didn’t know existed. Old Earth history was my favorite.

  “Humans of old earth were mighty.” My instructor's first words in class. “They battled cold, sickness, wild animals, changing weathers, and their own inner demons to dominate the world that birthed them. We are the sons and daughters of that humanity!”