The System (The Bubo Series Book 1) Read online

  School teaches us to aim for the top. Everyone wants to be in Medical and Science quadrant. To contribute to society and to try and be the one who cracks the problem in eradicating the plague.

  That person would be a hero among humanity. To be the one who was able to let everybody leave and re-enter the outside again. What an honour that would be. To re-enter the outside and re-build life as it was and find any survivors is the ultimate goal.

  Failing Medical and Science, Politics is a top aspiration as well.

  In school, we got taught of the consequences of outside life when the outbreak first began. Shops and workplaces seized to continue and mandatory house confinement began throughout the country. It failed. Looting then hit a dangerous level within two months of the outbreak, with desperate attempts at finding enough food and water to wait out the disease.

  Of course, this was a wasted effort with so many other looters around, and waiting out the disease didn’t work.

  Statistically, in a group of five looters, at least one was infected. In turn, the other four had a chance of becoming infected from being in close proximity.

  The only hope for them really was not to get too close to anyone and hope that you were extremely lucky. This is how the world as we knew it broke down. Death took over. Millions of people died. It's unknown to us how many people survived and made it into the Safe Zones worldwide.

  It is also unknown whether there are any survivors still living outside at the moment, however, we are told that it is impossible that there would be.

  Do I believe that?

  No. I don’t.

  The Safe Zones were made large enough to house ten-thousand people with extra space for five-thousand to allow for population growth.

  That's space for sixty-thousand people in Britain alone.

  Before the outbreak, there was just over seventy million people in Britain. Sixty-thousand is nothing compared to the amount who have presumably died, and it is unknown whether all the Safe Zones even filled up.

  Our Safe Zone three, which is in the London region, only had seven-thousand before the gates got permanently shut, due to the amount of infected who kept turning up.

  The crowds grew, the infected turned up, and they infected others, and so on.

  It was eventually deemed too risky to the staff who ran the admission and scanners, and too risky for the people already inside. The risk of becoming overrun was increasing.

  Many of them did die during the process despite the protective suits they wore. They had to be scanned and have blood tests at the end of every shift.

  If they became infected, they were left out there.

  That was seven months after the outbreak began. I assume the other Safe Zones had similar occurrences.

  We are taught that the national grid stopped working outside. No more electricity, no more power and no running water.

  I was there though with mum and dad. We experienced it, though I don’t remember.

  People started entering the Safe Zone’s as soon as it was completed, six months after the outbreak.

  The lack of power cut off all communication off with the outside. Luckily for us, the Safe Zone was built with its own self-sustaining generator, which was high-end technology. It didn’t run on fuel like those on the outside. Over the years, it has been improved further.

  We have power with it.

  It was another nasty job the Engineering quadrant has to do, to keep the generator going at all costs. Everyone within will all die without it going due to the place being airtight. The generator keeps the air flowing in here. It keeps life going.

  More importantly, Politics quadrant would never allow the Medical and Science quadrants delicate and imperative duty to be compromised.

  This all started back in the year 2045. Eight years after this all began, and I am ready to begin my testing in The System.

  Today I will leave my home with my parents to move into The Systems wing in the Safe Zone.

  After my training, I will enter the arena at the end of the building and in The Systems wing, to compete for my work placement. Today I will receive my band which will dictate my life for the foreseeable future. Today my life in the Safe Zone will truly begin.

  Two.

  The bright LED lights were as bright as a new penny, blinding my eyes. I glanced at my clock beside my bed, praying that my eyes adjust to the glare in the room sooner rather than later. It's about seven-ten in the morning now which means we need to get down to breakfast as they stop serving at eight. It may seem like I have a while to get ready, however, my registration begins at the same time, so we don't really have that much time left, by the time we actually get to breakfast, eat and get to The System wing.

  My parents both got sorted into the Greenery quadrant which means rations are served in one large communal canteen. I got out of bed, threw on some clothes and then walked out of my small box bedroom into the tiny sitting area. The room just about fits the one sofa we own.

  We are lucky to get our own private living compartments. This is only because my dad is a section leader in the animal breeding program.

  Across from the sofa is a small bookcase containing various books. They are mostly about growing crops, breeding, cooking and caring for and butchering animals since that's what our quadrant does, however, there are three old-world novels amongst them.

  Dad brought them along when we first came here. We couldn’t bring much, but what we did manage, we got to keep. He said that they were his favourites and that he just couldn't leave them behind. They are Stephen Kings, IT, Charles Dickins, A Tale of Two Cities and George Orwell’s, Nineteen Eighty-Four.

  I find them great to read in bed at night, far better than reading about how to breed the perfect cow. There are a few different novels scattered around the building, owned by different families who brought them along in the beginning. You can trade books and so, get to read different stories. We've never traded though due to dad refusing to lose these three novels.

  There wasn't much opportunity to bring many personal belongings with you at the beginning when you first turned up at the Safe Zone hoping for entry. Most people were too concerned about their lives to worry about trivial things like that. I know my mum and dad just grabbed what they could. The books, a few clothes for us all, some sentimental belongings and some photos.

  There were items provided to us such as hygiene equipment as well as a small amount of clothing. There was a stock stored within the Safe Zone whilst they were building it to keep everyone going. The availability increased over the years as people began to make their own.

  Clothing is mostly made by those who run stalls and markets or as hobbies.

  Everyone knew soaps, shampoo, toothpaste and clothing could be sold on the black market for a fine price in points. All used and unwearable clothing was recycled and so, was re-made and used again. It was the same for the containers of items. Waste was limited as much as possible.

  Specialists in certain skills such as science, medics, animal programs and breeding, horticulture, Engineering and Politics were given an invite for entry into the Safe Zone during the mandatory house confinement. They were picked up and brought in.

  Entry was granted once you passed the normal scans and tests for infection.

  They needed people to run the quadrants and the different sections within them. That turned out to be only three and a half thousand people for this Safe Zone. The remaining three and a half thousand people who entered the Safe Zone, entered by merely showing up before others did.

  There were no prizes for second place.

  First Although by the time the outbreak started to spread, the vast majority of people had heard of the Safe Zones and the entrance terms. Travelling throughout the country had become difficult. The house confinement didn’t even officially end. It just kind of broke down when the officials delivering supplied eventually stopped showing up.

  With that, the general population who was turning up to these Safe Zo
ne buildings got in providing they were clear. It was the same in all of them throughout the country.

  I don’t really remember much about the outbreak, but we are taught about it all in school during our history lessons.

  I really hope I'm not given Greenery as a work quadrant. Sure, I'd still get to stay at home, but I aspire to be more than a just gardener. Yeah, ok, my dad is an animal breeder, but that is still pretty boring. I want to contribute to humanity, not just to our society.

  Across the way, dad rushes out of the other tiny bedroom. The only difference from my own is that theirs can fit a double bed compared to my own single.

  "Daniel, you ready? We need to get to breakfast now otherwise you'll be going to The System without any rations"

  Rations. That what we called our food here. That’s what it is. We didn't have the luxury of having a big, tasty breakfast or dinner. It was the bare minimum to survive on.

  "Yes, I'm ready dad, and all packed before you ask."

  My dad was never one to be unpunctual for anything. He was a tall handsome man. Mum says I’m taking after him with my black sleek hair and green eyes. I have definitely inherited my height from my mum though as I’m short compared to others my age.

  We're only allowed to pack a small duffle bag. It’s to include items such as nightwear, clothes for our free time, underwear and hygiene items such as toothpaste. Everything else is provided, such as the uniforms which we will wear whilst we compete in The System.

  "Martha, come on. We don't want Daniel missing his morning rations, "

  "I’m ready now Eric, chill out. The canteen is only a two-minute walk away. We have plenty of time!"

  We're ushered out of the door and down the hallway swiftly by my dad, entering straight into the large open canteen.

  Every room looks similar in this damned building, white walls, white flooring and bright LED lights. Everything is so clean and sterilised. Clean is good, however, the constant white is too much and the building lacks personality.

  I made my way towards the band scanners to wait for dad to come over and verify my rations since I don't actually have my own band yet.

  Whilst I waited, I found myself looking around taking in all the little details I could see.

  The room looks like an old-style prison canteen if I'm honest. Benches are lined up in rows across the room and there's a small serving desk next to the kitchen. That's pretty much all there is, everything is plain and basic.

  Dad came over to me and scans his band, then clicked on the child button, and then scans it again to verify himself. Next, to the scanners, the serving desk receives the information transmitted and then they put together our rations.

  Under seventeens receive a standard meal formulated to keep children and teenagers at optimum health. They don't get any restrictions unless they commit a crime, which is almost unheard of.

  Normally breakfast consists of porridge or cereal. A type of breaded rolls such as a teacake or fruit pancake could be served, though these are quite rare and normally saved for special days of the year such as if it is your birthday or on Christmas morning. That is this quadrants idea of special treatment. I'm pretty sure these are normal breakfast items in the upper quadrants. Cooked breakfast items like bacon or eggs are unheard of down here.

  Adults meals are portioned based on their bands colour and health of the occupant. Luckily mum and dad have always managed to stay green.

  They are so committed to what society and The System are trying to do. They believe humanity has a chance. I, however, struggle to believe in it.

  I fail to understand how a society who turned away so many healthy uninfected people in the beginning, can be all about saving humanity. They effectively murdered thousands of people. I still aspire to do my part, don't get me wrong, but I don't want to do it for society.

  I believe there are still survivors outside. Out of the billions of people on earth, surely someone is still alive out there. Maybe the plague slowed down and stopped killing like it did last time. Maybe some people are immune? Nobody knows because we're trapped and closed off inside this building.

  "Are you nervous Daniel?" dad asked me as we took a seat on one of the empty benches.

  "Not really. It can't be too hard can it..." I replied as I shovelled a slice of fruit pancake into my mouth.

  Fruit pancakes on the day I enter The System. They know it's a big day. It's the day we leave our homes and old lifestyles to start new ones. To start doing our bit for society. That’s what they say anyway.

  I glanced at mum and dad and felt the emotion building up within me. It was a big step in my life to undertake and it could be my last day sitting in this canteen with them.

  They had their normal porridge as it was the most common breakfast item here. Those who had green bands, such as my mum and dad, get the chance to add honey or jam on top of it.

  "You'd be surprised at how hard it can be, son" my mum responded. "I heard from others that it's quite full-on and challenging. Mental tests as well and physical ones."

  A lot of adults when they first entered the Safe Zone didn't have to go through The System if they already had skill sets from previous jobs which fitted the quadrant criteria. They were automatically put into the relevant quadrant. Politics went by the logic that their bands would soon dictate if entering The System was necessary if they dropped to red.

  There were plenty of people who lied about their skills in order to get placed in the top quadrants. They soon worked out that you can’t fake the jobs you were given, and their bands picked up on it.

  Mum and dad both had experience in working with plants and animals. Mum worked in a garden centre whereas dad grew up on a farm. Probably another reason why they both have stayed in Greenery all these years.

  They actually enjoy their jobs unlike the majority of people down here. Those who didn't have any experience in any of the quadrants had to go through The System.

  The only exception was to those who wanted to go into the Medical and Science quadrant, which was a lot of people at the start. So many of them claimed to be good at science and to have medical knowledge because everyone wanted to be the one who cracked the code to saving humanity.

  Those people had to go through The System to prove that they had a medical or science background and that they were actually smart enough for that quadrant. Medical and Science quadrant is taken very seriously, and they didn’t take any risks when it came to taking on people to work there. It's our lifeline in returning to the outside world once more.

  "I'm smart and I go to the gym once a week. I have been preparing for this ever since I was taught about it in school all those years ago when we first entered."

  Why couldn't they just believe in me? I know why really. It's not that they don't believe in me, but rather that they don't want me moving out. Can I really blame them? Seventeen years we have been together.

  Most people moved onto their quadrant floors after The System. The only exception is married couples who are placed in different quadrants who get to pick which quadrant floor they wish to live in, as long as one of them is actually assigned to that quadrant. Most people tend to meet people in their own quadrant these days, however, there was a lot of married couples at the start who were split into different work quadrants.

  "It's not that we don't think you can do it honey, but I guess we just don't want to lose you"

  And there it is. I knew it was that.

  "I know dad. You wouldn't be losing me though as I can still visit you. Surely knowing I'm contributing to saving humanity is something to be proud of?"

  "You're right. We will be proud of you no matter where you're placed. Let's hope you make it to the top. Hell knows you've studied for it.” He tried to look happy at the prospect, but I could see right through him. He looked at my mum with a sorrowful expression.

  “Now finish up. You must be there in fifteen minutes. Registration is at Eight."

  "Yeah, I'm near enough done mum. Just have t
o grab my bag on the way there."

  We got up and made our way along the long white corridors, on my way to The System. On my way to prove myself and become a man.

  After getting to the large staircase which connected all the floors to The System, and made our way up to the middle floor, we stood outside the doors to The System, mum and dad looking at me with tears welling up and the light gleaming in their eyes.

  "I'm going to miss you, Daniel," my mum said.

  "We'll see you soon though when you are finished and assigned a quadrant," my dad responded after. "I really hope you get where you want. Remember, we will be proud of you no matter what, as long as you try your best. Love you son."

  "Thanks, dad. I love you both. See you soon,” I replied as I gave them one last smile and turned to walk towards the doors.

  "No hug?" I heard from my mum say.

  "Sorry," I said as I turned back towards them. I threw my arms around them both and then soon found myself walking towards the door.

  The big oak wood door. Behind them laid my future.

  I walked through the doors and saw a young woman in front of me.

  "Hello there, welcome to The System, can I please have your name and quadrant in which you came?" She was short, had blonde hair and was dressed in the generic uniform for The System staff. She was either part of the Teaching quadrant or from Politics.

  She was sat behind a desk in front of the doors of which I had just entered.

  "Hi, it's Daniel Clarance and from Greenery quadrant."

  "Thank you," She replied as she typed at the computer in front of her. "You're all booked in and just need to go down the corridor to your left, go up the stairs at the end, and then you'll see some double doors to your right on the first floor. That's the sleeping quarters. More information will be given to you when you get over there. There's a lobby area where someone will be waiting."

  "Okay, cheers," I responded.

  The corridor looked the same as every other corridor inside this building. White.

  I expected The System to be a little bit more glamorous since they make it out to be the sole reason that humanity will survive. That's still to be seen, however.