What Belongs to Me
Kanetika had known Nari for almost twenty years. They met when they were both five years old, and since then, they had been quite close friends. And throughout all those years, Tika knew one thing perfectly well - Nari never disappeared without warning. It didn't matter if it was patrols or a commission in the ghetto. She always gave notice. At least with a short message on the communicator, but she would let Tika know that she would be gone for a while.
But now Nari hadn’t been in touch for four months. She had vanished from all radars on the very day Sigma attacked the Arena for the second time. On that day, about a dozen omegas and three beta-guards went missing from the Arena. Alphas from all of Katoria were on high alert, not just in Elestri. The ruling clans sent their people to various divisions of the control service. To search for the runaway, to protect the Arena from any new potential Sigma attacks, to shield the ghetto and prevent omegas from escaping. The security around each ghetto was tightened, the movement of omegas around the city was even more restricted than before. Now they could only go out in groups and with a watcher, otherwise, there was no way.
Sigma caused an uproar, and the organization did not stop there. Since that day, they began attacking more frequently. Warehouses, supply offices, and Favorite's bases. Everywhere they appeared, they spoke of equality and freedom for omegas. Soon rumors began to spread in Elestria. People whispered among themselves, starting to seriously discuss the possibility that Sigma was indeed charitable, not terrorists. After all, why did the strongest Alphas never share their energy with the tree, while they forced weak omegas without even asking? Why are omegas considered weak at all? Why are they isolated and treated like second-class citizens? After all, they are the ones who can give life; Alphas are not capable of that. When did this start?
The chaos in people's minds bred chaos on the streets. Small groups of betas appeared, advocating for the abolition of forced performances at the Arena, for the demolition of the walls of the ghetto, for the independence of omegas and equal rights for all. Each new round at the Arena attracted fewer and fewer spectators, while more and more people began to gather for rallies at the walls of the Arena. And in this chaos, Kanetika desperately continued to search for Nari. Any mention of her, any hint that she was alive. But it was in vain. Nari seemed to have dissolved into the air, as if she had never existed. And so summer nearly passed.
Kanetika sat in a café scrolling through the news feed on her communicator. In the background, a large holographic screen showed musical abstractions, then it flickered and switched to news.
- And once again, Sigma struck a blow on the supply warehouse of the security department. The president of the corporation, Mr. Cypher Adelson, commented…
Tika turned away from the screen. "Nothing new," flashed through her mind.
- Mr. Adelson, this is not Sigma’s first attack! What will your next steps be?
- We are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of our employees. We will strengthen security.
- They say Sigma mostly consists of omegas and betas who do not support the current regime. How is it that they can stand up against armed Alpha units? Are the rumors true that there are Alphas among them?
- Sigma is a terrorist organization. And they have been preparing for years. Unfortunately, Alphas are not omnipotent. Sigma has had spies in almost every strategic unit of Favorite, as well as recruiters in every ghetto, who have lured naïve omegas to their side.
- What do you say about the rhetoric of Sigma’s leader? Regarding equal rights and freedom for omegas? More and more people lean towards the idea that there is some truth to this. What do you say?
- Our world is a dangerous place. The Mist is approaching the center of Katoria each year; the camellia disease affects even the young. We already have cases in the center of Elestri. Only the World Tree can protect us. And the World Tree needs omegas. Unfortunately, no one else can provide the energy of life. We, Alphas, are deprived of this gift. We are working on a new energy generator for the Tree, but for that, we need the help of omegas. And we pay! Omegas have everything necessary for living. We provide for every ghetto.
- But they are deprived of freedom. Still, our society treats omegas… differently. They die in the Arena.
- I understand what you’re hinting at, - Adelson's voice became predatory, - but I assure you, it’s not what it may seem at first glance. The Favorite Corporation guarantees omegas safety and prosperity. As soon as the generator creation is completed, the need for the Arena will disappear. Omegas will receive decent payments, housing, and the right to work. This is a guarantee. This is our policy. We will reward everyone! As for Sigma, the only thing this terrorist organization can guarantee is chaos. Omegas who have followed them will most likely not live long. Look at what’s happening! Attacks, explosions, casualties among civilians are increasing every day! For what? Right now they have nothing. What awaits them? Persecution? Trial? By remaining under the watch of Favorite, omegas are guaranteed a future!
- Mr. Adelson, we are currently receiving many comments from those who disagree with you. Will you hold a press conference soon to convince the people?
- We will prepare a press conference as soon as we catch the main combat group of Sigma. We need a little more time.
- The commission and control service squads have not been able to cope with this task for more than four months. What has changed?
- We have finally received a video recording that confirmed our suspicions. Four months ago, Sigma kidnapped a premium Omega, a favorite. Her call is considered special, rare. Now that we are sure she is alive…
Tika turned towards the screen so sharply that she knocked her coffee cup off the table, drawing too much attention to herself. On the screen, it was blurry, but it was still possible to see the pink hair, resembling sweet cotton candy.