The Vorkian [a dystopian novella]: The 2250 Saga by Nirina Stone

Author:Nirina Stone [Stone, Nirina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: dystopian genes metaphysical apocalypse post apocalyptic humour humor science fiction sci fi free kindle short read noir kindle short reads literature fiction mystery thriller grim reaper death end of days end of world best sellers suzanne collins veronica roth hunger games divergent nirina stone 2250 saga romy short story novella
Published: 2016-07-29T22:00:00+00:00

A couple of weeks later, in one of our meeting rooms, Celeste says, “You’re nearly ready.”

We’ve been here what, two months? And we’re nearly ready. I wonder what’s left to learn.

“Next step,” she says, “is your final exam. Then you’re ready for licensing. Then, off you go to work and make commissions!”

This time, her smile does reach her eyes—they crinkle at the corners as she watches us, and she has us follow her to another part of the facility.

I just hope our final isn’t a written exam. I’d do better if it was an interview instead. I never did do too well in school and if it’s written, well it’s a guaranteed fail.

When she splits us up again, I realize I’m in a room with Shen. Great. Well, rooming with him hasn’t been too bad after all. Either he’s calmed down with his Smartass ways or I got used to it.

We sit across from each other in a room that’s empty, but for the table between us.

“So,” he says, “I wonder how the final will go.”

Then Celeste struts in and places a small object on the table. “You may begin,” she says, and walks away.

I look down at the object, a slim black rectangle. Its edges seem grey from afar. When you inspect up close though, they’re a silvery-blue. I remember thinking the first time I held one that it doesn’t seem impressive if you didn’t know what it’s for.

But I know by now—the smallest, most unassuming things in the world can cause the most damage.

Such as this ROSiE, which now sits between me and my roommate.

“What—” I say, turning to Celeste. My question dies on my lips when I see her slip out the door.

When I turn back around, the ROSiE is in Shen’s hands. He turns it over once and snickers at me.

“Huh,” he says. “This is the final exam, then.” He chuckles as he charges up the weapon.

Am I about to die? Is that the final exam—whoever was faster in picking up the weapon and discharging it gets the job? What a crock.

“Do you believe in heaven?” he jokes, as one finger strokes a silver side of the ROSiE. My eyes dart from his hands to his eyes.

It’s a question I’d dealt with for months after my girls died.

“No.” I say, keeping my voice steady though I’m secretly terrified that this is it.

He raises an eyebrow at me. “Really? What happens after death, mate?”

“Nothing,” I say. I’m certain of it. Despite what they say is written in the Omega Book, there’s a whole lotta nothing at the other end of death. Just a dead body to be incinerated, the ashes scattered in the wind.

Here, we’ve learnt it’s also the Vorkian’s job to dispose of the remains as he sees fit, if the client doesn’t specify what they want. Most choose to burn their clients and scatter their ashes—wherever.

A few have been at this for so long, they start to lose their humanity and eat parts of the dead before they send money to the families.

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