“So, what’s different? Well, the one big thing that has changed is that we discovered magic. And that is, in fact, all thanks to you.” She pauses, looking around at us encouragingly, “When we started cutting down the Forest, we started finding you, and we realised that there was more to that place than plants and animals. And since then, we’ve been investigating other strange areas around the world. We haven’t figured out how to use the magic yet, but rest assured it will be used for the betterment of mankind as a whole.”
Across from me, the birdlike humanoid snaps their beak. My ears twitch in agreement. If the magic did this to us, how can they use it to help people? What good can such a wild and dangerous power be? Though, I guess, if it’s being researched by experts, they can find a way to make it safe. Right?
Beats me how you can have an expert in a field that’s only just been discovered.
“Now, of course,” Jodie continues, oblivious to our discomfort, “you all have the option to return to your homes, friends and families, once you’ve been rehabilitated. Though I must warn you, due to the time that has elapsed, you may find things not quite as you left them. Houses repossessed, belongings sold, and so on. If you remain here, we can find you places to live, and support you for as long as it takes for you to get back on your feet, as well as monitor your progress once you’ve left our facility.
“We’ll cover the things you need to know should you decide to remain here, and retrain you all to complete normal human activities in your…altered states. Now, however, is simply a time for you to all meet and get to know each other.” She finishes with another encouraging smile, spinning a ring around her finger.
We sit in silence, looking around at each other. I’ve not found silences awkward since the Forest, but others are clearly uncomfortable. Soon, they start turning to the person beside them, tentatively introducing themselves and sparking up stilted conversations. Very few require technology to speak.
Everyone ignores me and the ever-staring humanoid opposite me. That is, until Cellum leans forward.
“Hi! I’m Cellum. My pronouns are they/them. What’s your name?”
The birdlike humanoid blinks, once, twice. Then they turn their head to the human beside them, who is holding a tablet much like mine. They stare at the screen, and just as Cellum opens their mouth to speak again, the robotic voice speaks.
“I am Equinox. My pronouns are she/they. Pleased to meet you.”
I unzip my tablet case, carefully turning it on and picking up the stylus, as Equinox’ human introduces herself as Natalie.
“I’m Ben. My pronouns are he/him.” I pause to think. “Do you have a family?”
“Yes. I lived with my parents and sister before. What about you?”
“I used to. My parents died years ago. My wife and child more recently, about two years ago.”
Equinox blinked, giving a low hoot.
“Car crash.”
“I am sorry.”
“It’s ok. I’ve come to terms with it now. Still miss them every day. I went to the Forest to get away from it all. It worked a little too well I think.” I wrinkle my nose, trying to indicate it was a joke. “I used to be an explorer and cartographer before I settled down. I mapped unmapped places. My daughter inherited my wanderlust. She would have loved the Forest. If it wasn’t cursed that is.”
Equinox nods. “We were on holiday. I was curious. My parents told me not to, but I snuck out one morning. My sister had begged to come but I left too early, before she was awake. Luckily they knew the danger, and never came in to look for me.”
I nod, looking around the room. “What do you think of this place?”
“They have been great. They seem to know what they are doing, to help us.”
“I’m not sure about what Jodie said. About learning to use magic.”
“I know. It seems too dangerous. Look at what it did to us. Still, I am sure they can figure out how to do it safely.”
“Then all we have to hope is that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.”
“Yes, I suppose so. It seems to be giving them difficulty though. I think it will take them a while to figure it out. And who knows, maybe when they do they will be able to reverse our transformation.”
“That would be nice. I don’t know if they’ll be able to though.”
As Equinox composes her reply, Jodie calls from the front of the room that the meeting is over. Everyone starts to stand and say their goodbyes.
“We shall see. It was nice meeting you Ben, I hope we can speak again soon.”
“Yes. See you at the next meeting.”
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