Silence the Hunger

Alphonse peeled open his eyes. The first thing that grabbed his attention was the window by his bedside. It had pure white curtains on either side and it was displaying a gorgeous woodland area. The smell of pine and the slight, calming breeze entered the room. Alphonse took a deep breath. Something that should make him smile just felt so… empty.

“I need strength…” Alphonse lay his scar covered wrist over his head, he muttered under his breath.

He thought back to before the officer had knocked him unconscious. Those woman’s eyes. It was like looking in a mirror.

“How are you feeling, Alphonse? My name is Angella, but you can just call me Nurse Ange, just like everyone else here, sweetie.” A middle-aged woman walked into the room with a gentle smile and a soothing voice. She held a computer tablet in her hands. Her white uniform was immaculate and a small white hat finished the nurse's uniform.

“I’m fine, thank you.” Alphonse smiled. The sombre look had disappeared from his face.

“Who was that woman back in the hall?” Alphonse’s thoughts went back to that woman he had seen before. It had imprinted her domineering and beautiful figure in his mind.

“You must mean Lady Esdeath?” The nurse had an excited expression as she thought of Esdeath as she continued. “She is one of the Figure of Seven, the seven that helped us during the Great Migration. However, despite being a hero, she can be ruthless, so it’s best to be careful around her.” Nurse Ange stopped as she seemed to think of something but then shook her head and continued. “But she is kind deep down.”

“Great Migration? Figure of Seven? What do those mean?” Alphonse fleetingly asked.

“Those are something you will learn about in your up-and-coming classes. After all, I don’t want to bore you half to death having just woken up.” Nurse Ange placed a cup of water on his bedside table.

“A guide will come to pick you up shortly. Although it’s not much coming from an old lady like me, welcome to the Garden of Eden, Alphonse.” The nurse bowed and left the room.

Alphonse fell backwards into the soft pillows of his bed. Most of his injuries seemed to have been miraculously healed, only a few bruises remained from the beating he had endured.

His tongue searched around his mouth as he felt two of his teeth still missing.

‘Dammit.’ Alphonse pouted at the thought of his missing teeth.

Soon a man in a green uniform entered, adorned with a simple singular yellow arrow as a badge.

“Alphonse Khastal. Class E. I will be your guide. I am Lance Corporal Alex Bennet.” Alex placed his feet together and placed his fist into his heart, saluting.

When Alex saw Alphonse wasn’t reciprocating the salute, he took a breath and shook his head, his lips forming into a slight smile.

“I know what happened before, and I don’t blame you for standing up to Lance Corporal Dean. His poor attitude is known throughout the barracks and it wasn’t his place to punish you like that. For that, I apologise on his behalf.”

Alphonse looked at Lance Corporal Bennet and seemed like he was being genuine.

“I have no qualms with following orders. However, I will not be berated and treated like shit. Sir.”

Alex smiled. He puffed out air and shook his head. “Well, I guess it’s a start, recruit.”

“I’ll show you to the class E barracks.” Alex left with Alphonse following an arm's distance behind.

“Garden of Eden is a mother ship, although it might confuse you given the size of this thing. You can find everything from a regular town here. Parks, malls, streets, houses. You get the point.” Alex laughed as he looked at Alphonse’s surprised face as they walked down the many hallways. On each side of the hallway, strip lights illuminated the floors while large panels shone down from the ceiling. They walked by a large flat screen that seemed to play some sort of news channel.

“This is your designated smart device, D.S.D for short.” Alex handed over a device that looked just like a smartphone.

“Inside, you will find any information you want. It’s also connected to the library, so read to your heart's content in your free time. I also highly advise you to read the rulebook. Following military protocol is essential here, and you will face the consequences if you break them.” Alex peered his eyes into Alphonse as he tried to remind him.

“The key feature for you in the first few days will be the map. It will help you get around the ship and it also acts as your keycard to enter areas you may or may not enter.”

Alphonse opened up the map as they continued to walk. The map was huge and comprised many floors. He couldn't imagine how long it would take to walk from one side of the ship to the other.

His eyes then moved towards Alex as he thought of something. “Are you like me or are you like Nurse Ange?”

Alex gimaced, as the question surprised him. “Like you, they teleported me here from my home planet.”

Alphonse could see that it was a taboo subject for him, so left it there. Alphonse's hands itched at the thought of being dragged along by a stranger he had never met before. If like me, he was from earth, could he be trusted? Alphonse thought to himself before shaking his head. Before knowing more, he simply couldn't trust them. Especially anyone in a position of power over him.

They entered an elevator and soon made it to the barracks of Class E, inside was filled with people and simple one person bunk beds. Next to the beds was a simple metal wardrobe for uniforms and that was it.

The people turned their heads to see the newcomer. As their eyes lay on Alphonse, they looked at him in shock. The scene back in the hangar was clear in their minds. How he put his neck on the chopping block and attempted to fight, even knowing what the consequences may be.

“Pick an empty bed. Dinner is at 5pm. It’s all you can eat in a buffet style. Oh and Alphonse, keep your head down and follow orders. There are other soldiers worse than Lance Corporal Dean, especially officers.” Alex’s face turned quite grim at the mention of the officers.

“Of course, Lance Corporal Bennet.” Alphonse nodded with a smile, taking the caution to heart. He had already had a run in with one officer, best to avoid them. Alphonse was interrupted by his thoughts as his stomach continued to rumble. Dinner time couldn’t come quick enough.

Alex nodded and left.