Revolution: The New World

6 Years Later

Present Day

June 21, 2075

0640 CDT

Downtown Olympia, Kansas

Veronica Shinka's Establishment; Luke Miller's Room

Luke Miller's Point of View

Sigh. We have to wear our urban camouflage-colored uniforms for the first mission. Lightweight, long-sleeve, nametags on the right shirt pocket, and has the insignia of Olympus, a tiny picture of a mountain on the right shoulder, right shirt pocket, and back, and light-brown combat boots for our feet.

*

“About time,” Sonya says in disapproval.

“You ok, Luke?” Veronica asks in worry.

Another busy day for you, huh, Veronica? You’re wearing your work clothes consisting of a white blouse, a long black skirt, black pantyhose, and a white lab coat tied around your waist. And no, I’m not ok! Draft Day is bullshit, and we all know it! But there’s nothing anybody can do about it, so what’s the point of getting upset?

“I’m fine,” I say.

Oh. You look so sad, Veronica.

“Sonya you’re a terrifying, but caring young woman. I think of you as a close friend, and I enjoyed spending time with you these past six years. And Olympus is lucky to have you as an ally,” Veronica unveils in honesty. “Luke, you’re a brilliant young man, capable of accomplishing anything you wish. Your potential and intelligence are endless, and you have a hell of a best friend to watch your back. In the uh, Old World, as your generation likes to call it, people your age just graduated high school. Their only worries were college or whatever career path they chose. You don’t know how much I wish for your generation and the next to be able to experience normal lives,” she explains as tears fall out of her eyes. “I’m god awful at goodbyes,” she says with a soft chuckle. “Just take care of each other and your friends!”

“Thank you, Veronica, for everything,” Sonya praises as they exchange a hug.

Damn, I can’t think of anything to say! Why? There’s so much I want to say! Speak!

“I-I’ll miss you, Veronica,” I say as I give her a big hug.

Please don’t send us back out there.

“I’ll miss you too, Luke. I love you and I know Zoe would be crying tears of joy if she could see how much you’ve grown up,” Veronica cries in pain as she squeezes me tight. “You have a heart of gold, Luke! Don’t let this world corrupt you!”

I have to let go. It’s time for me to leave.

“I’m- I’m ready when you are, Sonya,” I say.

Gotta grab my bag on the counter. Hurry!

“Goodbye, Veronica,” Sonya says as she waves goodbye with me.

Safety is an illusion. These past six years have only delayed the inevitable! Life is heartless, and there’s nothing I can do about it except fulfill my role.

“Have a happy birthday, Veronica,” I say.

“You’re making me feel old, but thank you, Luke,” she chuckles with a happy smile.