Token (Token Chronicles)

by Ryan Gressett

  Not wanting to leave tomorrow without sharing my knowledge with someone of the most beautiful place on the Island, I ask her to lean in closer. I whisper to her the precise location of Hadley’s and my porch describing every vibrant detail. She is the first person I have ever told besides Hadley. I see her eyes light up at the thought of getting the opportunity to visit such a dazzling place. I know she is someone who will truly appreciate its beauty. I hope she gets the chance to enjoy it.

  Just then, a loud knock raps at the door followed by a stern yell, “10 minutes.”

  We are both dragged back down to reality instantly, and she walks away and returns with a set of folded pants and shoes clasped tightly in between her palms. She hands them over and instructs me to change quickly.

  I don the black and uncomfortably tight pants and slip the shoes on in seconds, and I find it peculiar they have not provided a shirt for the occasion. I guess we have not worked on our physiques for eleven years to hide them now. Before I exit the room, she gives me a hug and quick peck on the cheek and says, “Thank you, for sharing that with me. You didn’t have to.” She stops to wipe a tear away. “I know you will do great. I wish you luck, for the glory of Grodar,” she mechanically chants.

  We all gather together in the end room outside our doors as I go stand next to Nayze. I can see his transformation is similar to mine. A Grod begins to order, “When you enter the auctioning ring, you will each proceed to a circular platform with your assigned number inscribed on the center. When your number is called, you will walk up the stairs to the center stage, and you will not move once you are there. You will do exactly as you are told by any of the Elitists. As I call out your name, remember your corresponding number and follow each other down the stairwell.” He pulls out a remote and presses a button. One section of the wall begins to waver until a stairwell appears out of thin air.

  “Number 1, Trainee 14973,” he says.

  The first one of us is Isamar. I remember her distinctly because she was the first girl I had ever talked to on our Island. When we were younger, she used to help me whenever we were assigned to weaving the cottons to make the fabrics for our clothes. I was never very good at it, but she was a natural. I have always been protective of her. She has been more like a sister to me than anyone else here on the Island. He continues down his list until everyone is called. We all begin to disappear down the stairs one after the other. First, Benja is called, followed by Yency, and finally Nayze. I am once again the last one standing in the end room, when he looks directly at me and says, “You are Number 40, 15892. Good luck.”

  I proceed down the stairs as they spiral downward towards the bottom. When I reach the final step, I am staggered by what I see. Or what I don’t see. I guess I was expecting a large crowd of enthused Elitists talking loudly to each other over who they wanted to buy and who they were going to pass on. But instead we are in an enormous ring shaped room without an audience. I look to my left and see my fellow Trainees have taken their places on their assigned platforms. I see mine just ahead of me illuminated by a white light with the number 40 floating in the air above it. As I step on the platform, the number quickly vanishes, and I hear a faint wump. I reach my hands forward to find I am now encased inside of my platform, but I can still hear everything outside.

  In the center of the ring, a large central platform is elevated about seventy feet into the air. I have to lean my neck back just to see where the platform ends. Just as tall as the waterfall I estimate. There are four sets of stairs leading up to the stage from every direction. At the top, silver guardrails protecting the sides other than the entry points surround the platform. Judging by the distance the stairs are apart from each other, the circumference of the platform is quite massive.

  A robotic womanly voice begins to emanate throughout the ring. “Welcome ladies and gentleman to Island 3’s auction. We will begin momentarily.”

  I am confused. I begin to look around frantically trying to discover who the voice could be talking to, but I find nothing. I look to my left and the only one of us still in my sight is Nayze who is about five platforms down. He appears to be just as baffled as I am.

  The voice begins to boom again from the speakers I cannot locate. “Number 1, Trainee 14973.” Isamar steps off of her platform with an unsure look as she begins to proceed up the steep and intimidating staircase. As she begins to walk up, she shoots someone a fleeting look. When her eyes finally meet mine, I want to help her be strong so I nod my head up towards the stage to let her know she will be okay once she gets up there. It seems to help as she climbs faster. Once she reaches the pinnacle, I lose sight when a clear shield envelops her. I am worried as she has been in there in what seems like forever, but the shield comes down and a number flashes at the top. $50,000 currens-Silon Elite.

  She walks down the steps slowly, and I can spot the relieved expression on her face. She is directed back to her platform to view the rest of the auction. We all begin to make the trip up and quickly trickle back down. The process seems to be speeding up as we move through the stages. The numbers and names I do not recognize keep flashing.

  $60,000- Ridian Elite, $50,000- Halpa Elite $75,000- Aut Elite, $40,000- Agemo Elite.

  When they reach the nineteenth platform, there is no number that flashes when the shields come down. It is Miles. They have passed on him. Yency and Benja go back to back, and they both fetch identical numbers. $80,000 both to Silon Elite. I am relieved knowing they will go to their new home together. As they continue down the line, there is one more person who is passed on. Little Penelope. She has always been so frail and fragile that no amount of training ever seemed to strengthen her body. I hope she will be picked up at the next auction. As much as I found respect for Aaliyah, I do not want that life for her. When Nayze is called at 35, I see him approach the platform. He exits minutes later as the numbers flash $90,000-Ridian Elite. I wish he could have gone to Silon with Benja and Yency.

  As I am left as the last potential Token standing, my number is finally called. “Number 40, Trainee 15892,” the voice booms. I begin to make my way slowly towards stairs, and I nervously climb them attempting to put on a fearless expression. I have to let them know I am worth bidding on. To let Hadley’s Elitist know I am worth the investment. As I step through the entrance onto the summit platform, the clear shield wraps around me.

  I begin to look all around. Depicted on the shield are images of my life playing out in live video format. From my five-year-old self first learning how to work and run fast-forwarding all the way to present day. I see footage of me from my training sessions, my days working hard out in the field, and then…no. I see me jumping off of the lagoon’s waterfall plunging into the water headfirst. I see me emerging on the other side with Hadley already there waiting. I am devastated. They knew the whole time. They were peeking in on our most private moments and conversations and were now displaying them to all these people we don’t even know. I clench my fists tightly, but I try desperately to show no visible expression of emotion.

  The voice informs, “Elitists, please submit your initial offers so we may begin the bidding.”

  Now displayed in front of me are the images of all the Elitists who are bidding on us. There are about 15 different images of their faces. Most of them wrinkled and old, but some are fresh new faces. I have only heard about 10 different Elite names called so far. Either there are some of them who are not interested or who are constantly being outbid.

  The voice speaks again, “The bidding has started at $100,000. The clock is set for 300 seconds. Begin.”

  At the top of the screen, the number $100,000 is displayed, but it is rapidly changing. Bright numbers keep flickering and changing. 150, 200, 400. This can’t be right. Before I know it, the final seconds are ticking away and a buzzer rings loudly. “This concludes Island 3’s auction. Thank you for coming.”

  I see the number flashing in front of me, but I am still having a difficult time wrapping my mind around the conce
pt. $500,000 currens. This can’t be right. But who made the final bid?

  I step outside of the platform and begin to make my way down. I look up at the flashing number behind and see it. $500,000-Ridian Elite. Everyone’s eyes are fixated onto me just as astounded as I am at the substantial bid. As I make my way down to the final step, I see Emissary Quinn is there waiting for me. Our eyes lock, and she must know what I am silently asking her. Was this the same Elitist who purchased Hadley? Surely, she will give me some sort of sign. Just when I think I am going to be disappointed, she gives me a smile and winks when she says, “I think you will find everything to your liking with Ridian.” I feel as if I am able to exhale for the first time in months. Hadley and I will be reunited.

  Chapter 6

  The exquisite food at the Retreat Feast tonight was overshadowed by my mixed emotions. On the one hand, I am sad to leave the Island behind and all my friends I have known my entire life. Yency and Benja will be heading to Silon Elite while Nayze and I head to Ridian Elite. We may never all see each other again. Although I will be departing from the only home I have never known, it will be as if I am not really leaving, but instead returning back to where I belong with Hadley. Unless I have mistaken Emissary Quinn’s words, but no, I couldn’t have. I am certain. The tone in which she spoke to me, the way her eyes met mine screaming the truth. Telling me I will find what I am looking for there. After all, she owed me, right? I have fetched the highest price ever paid for a Token in the history of the Hawk Island program. The least she could give me in return was the answer I have been so desperately searching for the moment I found out Hadley was auctioned. I have decided to put all of my faith in her words. She has come across as many things, but dishonesty has not been a quality I have detected.

  As we all begin to make our way back to our shacks for the night, Yency walks up behind me and lightly taps me on the shoulder.

  “You looked awfully chipper at the Feast tonight. I was surprised. Is there something you aren’t telling us?”

  “Well, yeah,” I say cautiously. I have been avoiding telling anyone as I have this irrational fear saying the words out loud will somehow make them less true.

  “I think the Emissary tipped me to the fact Hadley was purchased by the same Elitist as I was. It means I am going to see her again,” I cry out no longer trying to hide my ecstasy.

  Nayze comes running up and adds, “Oh, no. Does this mean I am going to have to constantly deal with you two by myself now?”

  Benja has now closed in on us all and Nayze looks at them and playfully falls to the ground and sarcastically begs, “Please, take me with you guys to Silon. Anything but this.”

  I cannot help but laugh. I am glad I will have another close friend with me in Ridian, as well.

  Our lives will never again maintain a resemblance of this moment. Walking down the familiar dusty path to our shack, ribbing each other. I know this may be the last moment we all spend together uninterrupted. None of us know what to expect to happen tomorrow morning, how long we will have left together before we are separated to head for our different Elite camps. This may be our last chance to say goodbye to each other.

  I stop a few feet away from our shack and halt everyone right outside the door.

  “Is something wrong?” Benja asks.

  “Well, we may never all see each other again and before we get separated tomorrow, I wanted to tell you guys how much you mean to me. That no matter where we are, I will always have your backs. I wanted to let you guys know you aren’t just my friends. You are my brothers, my family,” I say with a degree of difficulty.

  We have always had an unspoken bond between us all. Nothing has ever needed to be said between us. We all know any one of us would do anything to protect the others. A series of hard one-armed hugs take place between the groups who will be splitting tomorrow.

  Before we enter our shack for the night, Yency pulls me aside privately.

  “Listen, Kincaid. I know how excited you are to see Hadley again, and it has luckily gotten you back on track. But, you do also need to face the possibility Hadley may not be where you are heading.”

  “But, the Emissary,” I say defensively.

  “I know. She hinted to you Hadley would be there, but she could also just be pacifying you. Placating to your blind desire. Telling what you want to hear so you will behave. After all, whoever paid that much money for you will not want a disobedient and love sick Token.”

  He optimistically adds, “I am not trying to dash your hopes. She could be there. I just think you should be ready for both possibilities. We have all seen what happens when you are without her. Just keep your head up and stay out of trouble. Don’t lose yourself again.”

  What Yency says begins to resonate through my mind while I toss and turn in my bed. What if she isn’t there? I have put so much hope into this possibility. I suppose I should be thankful for Yency at least bringing me back down to Earth. To at least prepare for this possibility so I am not completely crushed. I need to be strong. If she is not there, I need to ensure I am the best Token in Camp. I will need to do whatever is asked of me to make sure I am worth their investment. I will have to find a way to earn my freedom.

  As my eyes finally give in to their heavy weight, there is a loud knocking at our door. Since I am already awake, I get up and turn the bamboo knob. Zeke is standing outside.

  “Come on. You are all scheduled to leave for processing in 30 minutes. You don’t need to bring any of your possessions with you, they are not allowed. All of you, let’s go.”

  Benja, Nayze, and Yency are all slowly moving about, and we head out the door following Zeke. We march down the trail through the cold morning sand to the edge of the beach. The salty smell begins to pierce our nostrils. Floating out in the waters are our ship transports. There are five lined up across the shoreline with some of the Tokens who have already been purchased boarding.

  Zeke looks down at his schedule and directs, “There. Ship 5,” as his finger points to our assigned ship. Before we begin to make our way through the calm waves, Zeke gives us all a firm handshake and wishes us good luck. As the others begin to head into the water, Zeke grabs my shoulder and says one more thing.

  “Until we see each other again, Kincaid.”

  He gives me another shake of the hand and leaves before I can question him. Why would he think we would ever see each other again? I will be a Token of Ridian, and he will live out his life as Hold on Island 3. Maybe he is just an optimist who hates goodbyes. I shrug it off and begin to follow my friends towards the ship transport.

  As I make my way through the waters, I mimic Nayze diving through the oncoming waves. When we reach the edge of the ship, the ocean waters are now chest deep. The craft is a long slender gray-bodied ship with two identical turbine engines that extend upward and flare out from the back of the ship.

  We are pulled in by Grods waiting in the boats. There are six others already waiting on the boat. I can make out Isamar and Benoit, but the others at the back are difficult to see because the sun has not yet come up.

  One particularly irritable Grod hoarsely grunts, “Sit down and shut up. I don’t want to hear a peep out of any of you.”

  He proceeds to go behind the wheel and starts the engine. A loud boom fires, and the engines begin to emit bright blue waves of light while the ship hums softly in idle. He roughly pushes the throttle forward, and we are all nearly whipped out of our seats. Our wet bodies are completely dry in a matter of seconds as the winds fiercely swirl around us. As the sun begins to emerge from the horizon, I spot our destination as one of the Islands becomes visible as the ship approaches closer. Island 1. This will be the first time I actually remember ever being anywhere but Island 3.

  Unlike when we boarded the ships on our Island, Island 1 has a dock that extends out into the ocean so we won’t have to make another swim in the cold waters. The Grod whips the ship around to the side of the dock with a profound expertise. Ours is the last ship to dock whi
le the other four have already begun to unload.

  “Single file! Get off the docks. Let’s go, move it!” one of the Grods yells.

  I fall in line behind Benja, and we march down to the end of the docks. There are Grods standing there with scanning devices in their hands. They are shoving them in between our shoulder blades. They are scanning to get a reading for which Elite camp we have been sold to. They must have already programmed the information into our trackers. Benja goes just before me.

  The Grod barks, “Silon Elite. Go to Port 2.” He jams the device in my back to read my tracker and yells, “Ridian Elite. Go to Port 4.”

  There are several breezeways with the corresponding numbers inscribed onto the overhangs. I head towards the 4 with Nayze following behind me. I quickly look to my left to see Yency and Benja heading towards 2. I am glad we took the time last night to say goodbye because it seems as if this will be the last time we see each other. Possibly for the rest of our lives. We give each other nods of encouragement before we enter our designated ports.

  As Nayze and I cross the sill of Port 4, we are immediately roughly scanned again by a Grod to confirm we are in the right location. Directly in front of us is a hovercraft. But I don’t think it belongs to Grodar because I do not spot their seal. Then, I make out the words at the top of the tail, RIDIAN 001. This is one of Ridian’s hovercrafts. The pewter ship is gigantic, several stories high at least. The massive engines are attached to the sides of the ship with the thrusters directed towards the ground to allow for vertical take offs and landings.

  A man and woman dressed in identical blue jumpsuits immediately escort us onto the ship. There are three Tokens already waiting on the ship. The hatch clicks shut behind us. I guess this is it. So there were five of us purchased by Ridian. I recognize them. Rogan, Cydnee, and Butler. Rogan and Butler could be brothers. They have the same brown cropped hair with short and stocky builds. Cydnee is probably the tallest Token from Island 3. A woman who has been towering over me for as long as I can remember, but despite her lofty height, she has always been one of the kindest and most caring individuals I have ever met. If anyone can sympathize with me, it is Cydnee. She and Miles had started a relationship almost a year ago, but Miles was one of the Tokens who was passed on. He is still on Island 3 while she is on her way to Ridian with us. It will be nice to have someone who at least understands.