Chapter Thirteen

"The world was on the brink of destruction, what with global warming, pollution, and endless wars. We covered the reasons behind those wars in last weeks lesson. Please revisit those notes on your own time" Teacher Addison said, pushing her frameless glasses back. She was tall, her dark hair sleeked back, with a permanent dour look on her aging face. She was the oldest looking Addison on the base. The Martinets had known her since their instruction had begun.

Unit sixty six, and Unit eighty eight were having their lesson together. Their lessons were about the world, its history, and a little about language. Other subjects included mathematics, science, technology, and geography.

"It was thanks to our Father, Argon Wells that the world did not implode, and that the human race did not ruin itself to extinction. He brought together the brightest minds, and the most brilliant scientists and built this new world that we live in. This world that has order, freedom, and most important of all, safety. Safety, in terms of jobs, shelter, food… If you review the work, you'll see that this was not not available to everyone" she continued, pointing out graphics on a screen.

Images flashed as she spoke. Images of towers emitting clouds of black smoke. Of people walking around as though lost, their hair disheveled and dirty. Children crying, their bodies gaunt, their bones visible. Trees being felled one after the other. A seal crying out, fighting its way out of a plastic bag. A field full of sheep and cows dead on the ground. Each person in the class had their eyes fixed on the screen.

The moment it blipped out, Khaleel's hand shot up.

"What is it Khaleel?" the teacher asked, pulling her glasses off.

"I want to study more science, maybe go to the University in New Alexandria" he announced with his usual confidence. Teacher Addison squinted at him, cleaned the lens of her glasses with her frilled sleeve.

"What for?" she asked, a little surprised.

"I want to become a scientist. And I want to help prevent things like that ever happening again" Khaleel explained. He stood, moving his arms expressively as he spoke. Conviction sparkled in his dark blue eyes. Teacher Addison smirked, turning to hide her obvious contempt but most of the class had seen the look.

"You don't have the aptitude Khaleel" she dismissed, turning her cold gaze back to him. A few of the kids snickered, the others shifted uncomfortably. Petra, who'd been more interested in nothing outside the window, sat up as if woken from a stupor. Both Ezra and Layla stiffened at the teacher's remark. A dark cloud encompassed Khaleel's ever bright face.

"You won't give me a chance?" he challenged. Teacher Addison was not about to be instructed by one of her students.

"No, I've taught you all your life, and being a Martinet is what you're good at. It would be a waste of time to TRY to teach you advanced sciences" she gave a knowing nod, followed by a satisfied, patronising smile. She'd won.

"It's best if we all stick to what we're good at" she added, her skirt twirling as she turned back to her notes.

"How can you know I won't be good unless you give me a chance?" Khaleel debated, not letting go just yet. No one laughed now. The air prickled with tension. Every face concentrated on the teacher's. This time Teacher Addison laughed, or rather cackled loudly, throwing her head back.

"My dear Khaleel, like I said, you lack the aptitude. Now enough with this nonsense. You excel as a Martinet, that is all that's required of you." She admonished, her tone unmistakably condescending.

"Now please sit down" an edge of annoyance in her voice.

Khaleel's golden skin flushed at this dismissal.

"I'm smarter than you think" he mumbled, shoulders slumped.

Petra found herself sorry for Khaleel. She loved being a Martinet, but there were other things that interested her too. She never thought that this was the same for the others, especially Khaleel. He always had a ready smile and a bad joke. More than any of the others, he seemed to enjoy taking out bots the most. At least a close second to her. But seeing him like this was unusual and a little upsetting.

Petra didn't know what to make of the discomfort she felt. When the teacher turned away from them, Layla put a hand on Khaleel's shoulder, and gave a gentle squeeze. He looked back at her, defeat in his eyes but a bright smile plastered on his face.