In the After

wanted to be a Guardian. You get special treatment, you’re exempt, and everyone in New Hope treats you like you’re royalty. Personally I think they’re just glorified couriers.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “The Guardians’ main mandate is to get supplies from the outside world. There’s a lot of stuff left out there, canned goods are just now starting to expire and clothing and supplies stored in plastics are as good as new. If New Hope needs new computers, or more solar panels, the Guardians go out and fetch them. It’s dangerous and necessary, but they act like they’re war heroes every time they come back.”
    “I thought they were like the police,” I said. “I thought the Guardians protected New Hope.”
    Rice laughed. “The sonic emitters protect New Hope. The Guardians act as our police force. . . . We have some rooms we’ve converted to holding cells, but we hardly ever use them. Mostly everyone here follows the rules. Almost all the adults were Hutsen-Prime staff. They screened their employees thoroughly, and the children . . .”
    “Are indoctrinated.”
    He looked at me sharply. “Not exactly the word I would use.”
    “So, what happened? Why don’t people want to join the Guardians anymore?”
    “There were too many deaths, too many training accidents. That’s why they don’t even train Guardians until they’re adults. We can’t have our children getting injured in the hopes they’ll make good Guardians.”
    “So how would I actually become a Guardian?” I was tired of him avoiding the question.
    “You have to class out and take the tests. If you do well, they train you until you’re ready for the final test. If you pass that, you’re in.” Rice smiled kindly. “Look, if you’re serious about becoming a Guardian, why don’t you go talk to Kay? She’s the one who knows everything.”
    I nodded and searched the room for Kay again and saw her slipping out a side door. I didn’t want to miss my chance. I turned to go but felt Rice’s hand on my shoulder. “I was serious about not wanting anything to happen to you. Be careful what you’re asking for.”
    I nodded again and smiled grimly. Then I hurried to where Kay had disappeared and pushed open the door, stepping into the hot, late spring air.
    Kay had vanished, but I didn’t want to go back inside just yet. I closed my eyes and breathed, tuning out the noise of the party, the noise of New Hope. To my left I heard a sharp inhalation, then a long, satisfied exhale. I peeked around the corner.
    “Hello, Kay.”
    She looked at me, slightly startled. “Amy.” She took another drag on her cigarette.
    “Where did you get those? I didn’t think cigarettes would be allowed,” I said.
    She shrugged. “They’re frowned upon, but what isn’t here?”
    “Procreation, apparently,” I said.
    She smirked. “Enjoying your party?” she asked.
    “No, not really.”
    “You’ll be happy to know that attendance was mandatory, for those special few invited, that is.”
    “Few? It seems like half of New Hope is packed in there.”
    We stood in silence for a moment. “Did you want a cigarette or something?” Kay asked.
    I took a deep breath, building up my courage. “Actually, I want to be a Guardian,” I blurted.
    She studied me. “And . . .?”
    “I have to learn how to pass the tests. I want you to teach me.”
    Kay scowled. “And what does Director Mommy think about this idea?” she asked. She finished her cigarette and squashed it underfoot. She then picked up the butt and put it in her pocket.
    “She doesn’t know, exactly.”
    “Why should I help you?” Kay asked. “You got me in trouble when you pulled your little stunt on Rice.” There wasn’t even a hint of amusement in her voice. “I wouldn’t have guessed you girls were packing two guns, although you did seem like trouble.”
    “That was unintentional,” I apologized. I still couldn’t read Kay. I didn’t know if she was considering helping me or just toying with me.
    “What about shooting me? I’m pretty sure that was intentional.”
    “You were wearing a synth-suit, and you seem fine now.” I’d hoped she’d forgiven me for that, under the circumstances.
    “It still hurts.” She rubbed her side. “I’ll have bruises for weeks. You could have broken one of my ribs.”
    “Well, I thought you were a Florae at the time, if that makes any difference.”
    To my surprise, Kay nodded. “The people here, they don’t really get it.