Part I: Veritas

I thought I'd post the first part of the collaborative story as soon as possible so you guys could have more time to brainstorm!

PART ONE: Veritas

I leaned back in the chair before sliding my ID through a slot in the armrest. The chair made a whirring sound, then slowly the whole room – the walls, the floor, the ceiling – lit up, thousands of glass monitors blinking to life. Images flickered in and out of the screens, changing to something new every few seconds.

“Society Member 82965 to the Veritas Class,” an automated voice announced from above. “Approval for conditioning into the Veritas Class pending…”

A small mirror attached to the chair swiveled around to face me. I took a long look. This would be the last time I'd see this face.

“Conditioning approved,” the voice said. “While waiting for surgeons to begin procedure, please enter new name.

I heard the soft tapping of shoes sound in synchronized steps. I could feel their presence, even if I couldn’t see them. Those of the Salus class always had a distinct scent to them; cold, sharp, and somewhat synthetic.

Their tools made small clinking sounds as they set up the table. Needles, injections, and circuit chips – everything they needed in order to rewire me.

“Please enter new identification,” the machine prompted. I reached forward and slowly typed in my name, letter by letter.

The machine glowed green as I finished.

“Name approved. Welcoming new society member, Villette Saunders. New society member, number 82965, Villette Saunders. Surgery may now proceed."

There was a loud beep, then the room fell to darkness.


Next chapter.