Gene. Sys. by Aaron Denius (best ereader for comics txt) 📕

vegetables reminds me of the chicken that 80 gave me. My mouth waters thinking about it. This has been one of my favorite classes, and I hope we get more chances to try more food. The protein pouches seem so bland to me now.

At the end of the class, Dr. Cicca walks up to me. “So I hear you guys are playing Breekbal against the drones.”

I’m caught off guard by the question. “How did you know that?”

“The scientists have been talking about it. I’m pretty sure there is going to be a crowd there to watch you.” She smiles.

“Watch us what?” Hydro asks as she and K join us.

A sudden surge of nerves rushes through my body. I was not expecting there to be people watching us. I look at K and Hydro. “We are playing a game against the drones.”

“A dangerous game,” Dr. Cicca adds.

I shoot her a look to let her know that she’s not helping. She steps away.

“I’ll explain it as we walk. We need to get there,” I tell K and Hydro.

“Good luck,” Dr. Cicca says as she turns to head back to the compound.

As Hydro, K, and I walk around the outside of the library, I fill them in on what we will be doing. “So our training today is actually going to be a game that we will be playing against the drones. There is really only one rule: get the ball into the other team’s pit.”

“Is it really that dangerous?” Hydro asks, concerned. K’s face tells me that she was thinking the same thing.

“It can be.” I know I have to tell them the truth. “It is very likely that someone will get hurt.”

“Do we have to do it?” K pleads.

“Yes,” I state.

We walk in complete silence the rest of the way. When we get to the outskirts of the drone part of the compound, I see the other Genesys gathered in a group. They are all paying attention to Ev. To my left, a steady stream of scientists make their way to the field. I actually spot Rene among them.

To my right, an equal amount of drones are moving to the field as well. I need to get better at not calling them drones. 80 was right. It makes them sound like they don’t have minds of their own.

When Hydro, K, and I approach the group, they all turn their attention to me. Ev steps up to stand next to me, but she doesn’t make eye contact.

“I told them what you told me,” she says out of the corner of her mouth.

“Thanks,” I tell her, and then turn my attention to the group. “The game is pretty simple. We have to get the ball into their pit by any means necessary. They will have a clear advantage since they have all played before and have most likely formed strategies, so we have to play smart and play as a team.”

“Can we hurt them?” Titan blurts out.

I look at him and see a hunger in both his and Sil’s eyes. I sigh. “If you must. Realize, though, they can and will try to hurt us. So be quick, be strong, and trust the person next to you.”

They all look around at each other. I see some eager faces and some concerned faces.

“I don’t want to do this.” Mag’s small voice breaks the moment of silence. I can see tears on her cheeks and fear in her eyes.

“You have to,” I say apologetically. “Listen, we are all going to have to face things we fear and don’t want to do, but it’s important that we conquer those fears. We have a lot resting on our shoulders.”

Mag bows her head and slinks back behind Ox. I look around the building we are standing next to, and I see a crowd gathered around the field.

“Alright everyone, let’s go win this!” I try my best to get them pumped up, but I don’t get much of a reaction. I start to walk toward the field, and they all follow behind me.

Cal catches up to me. “Nice pep talk, buddy.”

“Thanks,” I throw out.

“I was being sarcastic.” He punches my shoulder and smiles.

I force a smile and walk on. As we get to the crowd, the group of scientists and drones move aside to let us in. When we reach the field, I see the opposing team, including 80 and 13.

When 80 sees me, he gets his team to walk over and meet us in the middle of the field. The first thing that pops into my mind is that they all have different haircuts. Some even have facial hair. I find it funny that this surprises me, but I guess it’s because not more than a month ago, all the drones looked the same with the same haircut.

“You sure you want to do this?” 80 says, snapping me away from my thought.

“Yeah, we are!” Cal shouts. Most of the other Genesys shout ‘yeah’ after him.

I smile at 80. “You better believe it.”

“Very well.” He looks at all of us. “The rules are simple. First to three scores wins. Get the ball completely into the other person’s pit by any means necessary, and we don’t stop for injuries.”

I look back at the Genesys. They all have their game faces on, even Mag. I turn back to 80. “We’re ready!”

“Suit yourself,” he says, winking at me. He tosses the ball at me and smiles. “You guys can start.”

The ball feels slightly heavy and rough in my hands. It reminds me of the rubber that laces the floor of the simulation room. I throw the ball to the ground, and it bounces right back up at me.

I return my gaze to 80 and the drones. “When do we start?”

“Now!” 80 shouts and then charges right at me. His shoulder bores right into my stomach, and I lose my handle on the ball. I fall hard to the ground, and he kneels over me, pinning my shoulders to the ground. “You okay