One Long Day

"Welcome, one and all," President Lewis's voice resonated through the microphone, commanding attention from the modest gathering. She stood tall upon the platform, a striking figure draped in an elegant ebony dress, her presence exuding both power and grace. "I'm delighted to see so many aspiring Guards gathered here today, and I must say, the quality far exceeds the quantity," she continued, a knowing glint in her eye.

Despite the conspicuous scarcity – only seven had emerged victorious from this particular training cohort – President Lewis wore her enthusiasm like an unyielding mantle. It was a peculiar sight, Tasha thought, that such a meagre number would be hailed as a triumph. But this, Tasha knew, was a game of politics and perception.

In keeping with tradition, the new Guards would partake in a passing-out parade, an ostentatious display of commitment to Ravencroft and its people. The old ways of pledging allegiance to a monarch had crumbled, replaced by an overt loyalty to the regime. The shadow of a once-revered monarchy now cast a stark contrast to the reality of what many believed to be an incipient dictatorship.

As President Lewis continued her address, Tasha couldn't help but ponder the deeper currents of their society, where appearances and propaganda often overshadowed the unspoken truths. In a world where allegiances were shifting like quicksand, she wondered what lay beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed.

"In a moment," President Lewis declared, her voice charged with gravity, "you will all take your oaths. But before that, allow me to share the pledge I made when I took the reins as your President, many years ago."

She paused for effect, producing a weathered piece of paper from her pocket, a relic of her solemn commitment. "I, Deanna Lewis," she recited, her words carrying the weight of history, "pledge to serve this nation with a fervour unsurpassed. I vow to champion the laws and rights of every citizen, to forge a path towards a more compassionate and dignified existence for all. My heart is bound to the Office of President, and I pledge to wield its power to ensure my people lead lives of fulfilment. Above all, I shall tirelessly strive for one united nation, where liberty and justice shall reign for every soul."

As President Lewis concluded her oath, Tasha clenched her teeth, the words echoing through her mind. The dissonance between the lofty ideals professed and the stark reality of their world grated on her nerves. It was a reminder of the intricate web of deception that enshrouded their society, and a vow that she, too, would seek to unravel.

"Undoubtedly, our journey to foster a more compassionate and dignified way of life has faced its share of challenges," President Lewis acknowledged, her voice resonating with the complexities of their world. "However, your role as a Guard carries a profound responsibility. It grants you the authority, guided by the law, to safeguard those under your care, ensuring their safety, protection, and the pursuit of their best lives. This is the entrusted power within you. Now, step forth and give it your utmost. Welcome to the Guards."

The response was a feeble, scattered applause from the petite assembly, a stark reminder that not all placed unwavering trust in the President to safeguard their civil liberties. Her six decades in office had cast a shadow of suspicion, leaving some to wonder about her true motivations. Her personal life, shrouded in mystery, only fuelled the skepticism, as rumours and speculations swirled.

Tasha couldn't help but recall her mother's irreverent jests about the President's supposed lack of a family. It was a cynical view that painted a bleak picture of an individual consumed by her own ego, a figure who had long forsaken any semblance of humanity. The portrait painted in whispers was that of a dark, twisted, and sinister figure, devoid of a legitimate mandate to lead. In this world of shadows and secrets, nothing was ever as it seemed.

While Guards were bound by silence when it came to voicing dissent against the President, Tasha couldn't help but harbour a quiet agreement with her mother's sentiments. Hours passed like fleeting shadows, and Tasha found herself lying in bed at home, waiting impatiently for the dawn that would herald the beginning of her first shift.

Morning eventually arrived, with her mother gently rousing her from slumber. As Tasha made her way onto the bustling streets, she couldn't help but admire the vibrant tapestry that was Ravencroft. Despite its myriad flaws and complexities, the city was a thriving hub of life.

One particular source of pride for Tasha was the ancient marketplace, a bustling nexus of human activity where livelihoods were crafted from dreams. Artisans and vendors peddled their wares, from intricate creations to secondhand treasures, and an assortment of delectable food and drinks tantalised the senses.

Amidst this lively symphony, as Tasha navigated the market, she was met with contented smiles from the people she passed. There was a palpable sense of community here, a reminder that despite the shadows of doubt that loomed, the heart of Ravencroft still beats strong.

Approaching a familiar stand, "Margot's Coffee," Tasha couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the day ahead.

"Morning, Margot," Tasha greeted with a warm smile.

"Good morning, my love. The usual?" Margot, a plump woman in her late forties, inquired.

Tasha nodded slightly. "Yes, please."

As Margot prepared the steaming cup of coffee, Tasha couldn't help but delve into the plight of the marketplace. "How's business?" she inquired, concern etching across her features.

Margot's eyes rolled slightly, and the exasperation was writ large upon her face. "This ridiculous curfew is driving me insane," she lamented. "It's absurd, you know, to impose a two-hour curfew during the busiest time of the day. It boggles the mind. Is there anything your lot can do to overturn it or something?" Her tone carried a hint of desperation, a plea for respite from the oppressive restrictions.

Tasha's features contorted slightly, a subtle hint of vexation in her voice as she responded, "I'm afraid not. My role is to uphold the rules, not create them."

She reached out to claim the steaming coffee Margot had prepared for her, but Margot waved away payment with a knowing gesture. "How's your mother?" Margot inquired, her curiosity genuine.

Tasha sighed, her concern evident. "She's well, but incredibly busy. It's reached a point where she's in court constantly. Have you heard they've resorted to holding trials late into the night just to manage the overwhelming demand? It's nothing short of outrageous," she added, a touch of indignation in her voice.

Margot nodded, her expression mirroring Tasha's frustration. "I remember when Janelle first qualified. Your grandmother was bursting with pride. Of course, your father was a bit less thrilled," Margot remarked, a wistful smile on her lips. "Must be maddening, dealing with those petty crimes," she added.

Tasha chuckled lightly. "It has its moments," she conceded. "Anyway, I won't keep you. Take care, my dear."

With a parting smile, Tasha continued on her way, sipping her coffee. It might not have looked entirely professional, but she knew the importance of community engagement. Preventing crime was just as crucial as responding to it, and Tasha had made it her personal mission to be a visible presence in the bustling marketplace.

To her irritation, it quickly became apparent that her plan for a peaceful morning wouldn't materialise. Tasha's ears caught the raucous commotion emanating from the next row of stalls, prompting her to deposit her half-finished coffee cup into a nearby bin. With determined strides, she hastened toward the clamour, determined to quell the disturbance.

As she arrived on the scene, she was met with the sight of two young women locked in a heated argument. One of them, with a smirk that oozed smugness, taunted, "It's hardly my fault if your garden isn't as lush as mine."

Tasha's discerning eye quickly recognised the women; they were part of the city's cadre of working women, and public spats were, unfortunately, not uncommon. Especially when someone neared what they ruefully referred to as their "sell-by date," or when newcomers encroached on their turf. But in this particular instance, Tasha recognised the louder, more contentious woman in the mix.

"Lucille," Tasha called out, her voice cutting through the fracas, though the women continued to fling oddly humorous insults at each other, oblivious to her presence. Only when they caught sight of her uniform did their bickering gradually subside.

"Police!" Lucille shrieked, her initial instinct to flee, but Tasha's firm grip on her arm promptly halted any escape attempt. "Lucille, it's me. There's no need to run," Tasha assured her, her voice level and composed.

With a grin that seemed to stretch from ear to ear, Lucille greeted Tasha, "Oh, hello."

Tasha couldn't help but roll her eyes slightly, her patience wearing thin. "What's going on?" she inquired, her tone sharp.

Lucille's smile persisted as she quipped, "Oh, you know, just a bit of inventory cleanup. Out-of-date products being sold. It should practically be a crime."

Tasha released her hold on Lucille's arm, her response crisp and stern. "While soliciting may not be a crime in today's world, it hardly makes it acceptable behaviour. You've surely heard the phrase 'do no harm,' I assume? What has become of you?" Her disappointment was palpable.

Lucille's grin faded, replaced by irritation as she retorted, "Can I go?"

"Lucille," Tasha began, her voice softened with a mix of concern and familiarity, "we used to be friends, remember? What brought you to this?"

Lucille's shoulders slumped, and for a fleeting moment, her carefree facade faltered. "Times change, Tasha. Life hasn't been kind, and I had to adapt."

Tasha sighed, her gaze fixed on her old friend. "Adapt? Selling yourself and resorting to these... confrontations? There must be other ways."

Lucille hesitated, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. "You don't understand, Tasha. It's kill, or be killed out here. Not all of us have the luxury of putting on an expensive uniform each morning."

Tasha's tone softened further. "I want to help you, Lucille. There are support programs, places you can go to turn your life around."

Lucille let out a bitter chuckle. "You think I haven't given those programs a shot? They're a complete joke. I had to endure a six-hour lecture from some pompous man, preaching about how 'life has more to offer.' Maybe that resonates with a few, but it's nothing more than empty words for someone like me."

Tasha's expression remained unwavering. "You can't give up, Lucille. There's always hope, a chance for change."

Lucille's gaze finally met Tasha's, a glimmer of vulnerability in her eyes. "I appreciate your concern, Tasha, I do. But it's not that simple. Life's not black and white, you know?"

Tasha nodded, a solemn understanding passing between them. "I get it. It's complicated. But remember, I'm here to uphold the law and protect the people, even if that means holding friends accountable."

Lucille's gaze fell to the ground, her voice barely a whisper. "We haven't been friends for years, Tasha. We are from different worlds. Just please leave me alone."

As Tasha turned to leave, she couldn't help but carry the weight of the conversation with her. It was a stark reminder that in the city's shadows, even the closest of friendships could become casualties of circumstance.

With a dismissive wave of her hand, Tasha declared, "Show's over!" to the gathering crowd. She turned away from the chaos of the marketplace, stepping out onto the bustling street, leaving behind the remnants of the commotion as she made her exit.

A solitary raindrop fell onto her despondent face, its arrival marking the onset of an intensifying deluge that sent the street into madness. People scurried for shelter as the heavens unleashed their torrential downpour. For a moment, Tasha remained motionless, a silent witness to the chaos that mirrored the tempest within her own mind.

The rhythmic patter of raindrops drummed against her senses, jolting her from her trance-like state. She swiftly sought refuge under a nearby canopy, her thoughts still turbulent as the rain cascaded around her.

As the day drew to a close, Tasha retraced her steps through the town, heading towards the Guard House where she could finally unburden herself and discuss the day's tumultuous events with her colleagues. Samuel Kingsley, another Guard, entered the building alongside her, his uniform soaked just like Tasha's. Samuel stood tall, with a slightly muscular build and a mane of dark hair that framed his conventionally attractive features. He was part of the Armed Response Unit, a select group of Guards entrusted with powerful firearms, a distinction that set him apart from the rest.

"Quiet day," Samuel remarked to Tasha, who raised her eyebrows ever so slightly and let out a soft chuckle. "Anything interesting?" she inquired.

Samuel shook his head, a hint of frustration in his voice. "Just a small disturbance down near the Palace, the usual protestors," he sighed. "Honestly, I just wish she would listen," he added, referring to President Lewis.

"That'll be the day," Tasha quipped, her laughter echoing their shared sentiment about the seemingly impenetrable corridors of power.

"Are you clocking off?" he asked, handing his firearm over to the armorer and beginning to unbutton his uniform.

"Yep. First day, done and dusted," Tasha affirmed, a sense of weariness beginning to settle in.

Samuel then leaned in a bit closer, his voice lowered, "How about a drink? Us armed officers tend to head down to the Old Ken Inn after a shift for a drink or two. You're more than welcome to join."

Tasha paused, considering the invitation for a moment before offering a small, appreciative smile. "No, thank you," she replied. "It's been a tiring day, and I need to get back. But perhaps another time."

Samuel's smile remained warm and understanding as he closed his locker. "Sure," he agreed. "Maybe another time."

The closing chapter of Tasha's first day as a Guard marked a significant milestone in her journey. As the sun dipped below the horizon, she began her homeward trek, her steps weighted with a mingling of fatigue and accomplishment.

Each footfall echoed with the experiences of the day – the heated confrontation in the marketplace, the brief but poignant encounter with her old friend Lucille, the camaraderie and conversation with Samuel, and the relentless rain that had drenched her uniform. It had been a day of challenges, revelations, and a stark reminder of the intricacies of life in Ravencroft.

The city's bustling streets, now shrouded in the soft embrace of twilight, held their own secrets, their stories intertwined with the tapestry of Tasha's life. She knew that tomorrow would be no different, with new trials awaiting her, new mysteries to unravel, and new faces to encounter.

With every step, she contemplated the weight of her responsibility as a Guard – to protect, to serve, and to uphold the law in a world where right and wrong often blurred into shades of grey. It was a journey she had embarked upon with determination, fully aware that the path ahead would demand resilience and unwavering dedication.

Arriving home, she finally allowed herself to exhale, the burdens of the day momentarily lifted. The familiar comforts of her abode embraced her, and as she prepared for a well-deserved rest, she reflected on the lessons of her first day – a day that had marked not only the beginning of her career but the start of a journey that would shape her destiny in ways she could scarcely imagine.