Version two.
Time was always running out. Soon the next group would come. They’d keep coming and coming and coming. Coming and going and dying. Did it matter if the world was dying anyway? Was this a merciful end, or a horrible twist of fate? Did these people deserve what was coming to them?
She didn’t know. Xytrine always acted like she knew but she
never did. Life wasn’t fair. But hell if she couldn’t try to even the playing field.
Treading down the dark halls, the click of her boots echoing in the distance, Xytrine knew her mission. The smell of burnt flesh and rotten decay.. she had gotten used to it. Was she even human anymore? Was anyone? With their machines and their implants and their hover cars and holo comms. Humanity didn’t exist. Especially not here.
She dragged a gloved hand along the control panel, smearing every button. The urge to smash it into smithereens was tempting, but likely too much of an unsubtle touch. There was a hiss, a releasing of compressed air as a horrid stench filtered out, putrid and nauseating. Xytrine gagged. But this was what had to be done. Regardless of Matrikt’s wishes…
Moans and groans filtered. The shuffling of bodies commenced, decaying limbs growing accustomed to their new way of living. Or dying. Or living in between the lines of death. There was no longer a need to puzzle over such intricacies, as the capacity had been stripped from them. They only knew the scent of flesh and blood, and how much they
longed to feel the warmth of it on their cold, cold, skin, and then to let it travel down their gullets and into their bellies.
Xytrine was already gone, heels clacking towards the exit. And she left the door wide open.
♟♟♟
The ride to Sanctuary was smooth. Not a single hitch or bump. The occupants of the Skytrain enjoyed an interruption free ride, where the pile of delicacies never seemed to diminish despite being picked at, especially by an impossibly hungry little kitten.
“I would rather y-” Lin’s attempt to ward Sugar off did nothing, and an exasperated huff escaped him as she sat down. And not only did she invade his space of brooding, she called over another. Linreyus’ features twisted in disgust as he folded into himself further, not saying another word as he focused intently on the window.
Warning lights flashed to let the passengers know that they would be arriving soon, but as Matrikt’s Skytrain was the best one available, there was not even a mere bump that accompanied the landing. Once the train came to a halt, another light blinked, accompanied with a satisfying
ding, as the front doors opened.
The invitees were not in what appeared to be Sanctuary just yet. Or perhaps it was, but not quite what was expected. There was no lush greenery, no open blue sky. The Skytrain has opened its doors to a metallic dome, cold and pristine. The only thing warm about it was the smiling young woman, prepared to greet them.
“Welcome to Sanctuary!” She exclaimed, clapping her hands together. Her movements were sharp, but the broad grin plastered on her face seemed to lessen the stiffness of the movement. “Well, you’re not quite there yet! As you filter off the train we will begin a minor decontamination process just to ensure everything is running smoothly. My name is Amina, and I’ll be guiding you through the tour!”
Amina was a pleasurable sight. Dark, perfectly symmetrical hair framed her face, with dark brown eyes. She wore large, sparkly earrings, and a modern white dress, complete with accenting frills and plumes. “First up I’d like you all to follow me to the decontamination chambers. Your luggage and personal belongings, if not stored on the skytrain, are all being delivered shortly and checked over, and will be returned to you as soon as possible. As we walk, please feel free to ask me any questions, as I am here and happy to assist!”