»Act I - 'Girl'

»Chapter II-I 'Infrahumanae non Grata'

12E/Y381/M8/D5

New La'Rivera, Tierra de la Angeles (Reah)

Iryna woke to a quiet conversation. Laelynn and a young man sat beside her. The bright evening sun glared above her, and as she rose she was attacked by Laelynn.

"You're okay…" She pulled Iryna into an almost painful embrace.

"Until you break my ribs, that is." Iryna groaned.

"Sorry, sorry…" Laelynn loosened her grip a bit. "How're you feeling?"

Iryna shook her head. "Sore for one. Still a bit groggy, I guess…"

Astoshan raised a brow, "A bit exhausted bot' physically an' mentally, I'd reckon."

Iryna squinted as she parsed the unfamiliar accent, "Something like that." She gave him a curious look.

He grinned, "Astoshan. An ol' friend o' yer' fiancé here. Issa' pleasure."

Iryna nodded slowly, "As to you," she said warily.

Laelynn clasped Iryna's hand, "You're okay to head home?" She took a glance at the sun drifting over the horizon.

"I'll be fine, promise."

With a bit of help home, Iryna lazily found her way upstairs, the energy in her body still drained. She sat on her bed and after briefly considering the pros and cons of locking the door, she shook her head and collapsed, falling asleep once more.

The following dream was hazy; uncomfortable. Her breath was stifled by the weight on her chest, and she was sweating near uncontrollably. Her senses were dulled, and thinking was difficult. Her sense of touch felt distant but she could feel a faint tingling coming through. There was someone yelling, but the words were lost over the constant roar that was dominating everything. The pounding in her head only served to worsen the experience

The void around her began to melt, and her vision was soon filled with dim light and the numbers 6:52 in green.

I need to be in at nine…

After a quick shower, and getting dressed she laced her work boots, and began out the door.

She grimaced at the red omen sitting in the driveway. She shook her head, One thing at a time… she thought to herself. Plugging in her earbuds, she did her best to keep her mind blank as she walked. Humming the lyrics did a good enough job of distraction.

The streets of New La'Rivera were always warm. The sun did a good job of baking in heat, regardless of the season. Though, to Iryna they were cold. The glares doubly so. Hands in her pockets, and head down she did her best to not attract attention. Though, unwanted or not she always got it. The atmosphere was heavy, if only to her.

Her brisk pace didn't falter, though. As the residential area became Main street, the houses replaced by shops, she grit her teeth as she pushed open a heavy glass door.

This place in particular was a large library. The only one in New La'Rivera. An older lady sat at the main desk.

Iryna quickly jotted her name down as the lady greeted her, "'Morning Iro. How was the trip?"

"Fine." Iryna said, deadpan.

"Anything exciting?" The lady raised a brow.

"No." She continued.

"Sounds boring…"

"It was." Her expression was rather stoic, "If you'll excuse me Miss Cheryl, I need to get to work."

She frowned, disappointedly, "By all means Mister Exuranna."

Iryna nodded. The desk to her back, she unlocked the door to the storage room. The lights in there flickered on as she scanned her card over the knob, and it opened by itself.

A few boxes were piled, stacked neatly. A sticky note on the top read 'Get these shelved and meet me in my office - Mrs. Smith'.

Iryna gave the note a confused look before just folding it and stuffing it in her pocket.

Only three boxes? I guess today will be a short day.

She picked one up and hefted it onto the small, black tray nested nearby. She started pulling the books out and sorting them.

One by one, until the cart was full and the boxes empty.

She rolled it out, pushing the door open with her back, and pulling the cart through the frame.

Without a word, she pushed the cart along, putting the books back where they belonged. Tedious, but quiet.

"Ahem, Mister Exuranna?" A voice from behind her caused her to jump a little.

"Yes?" She asked, startled.

"You mind me taking this?" The man before her pointed to one of the bigger novels on the tray.

"Certainly," she picked it up and handed it to him.

"Thanks," he said, face betraying nothing. He looked Iryna up and down, sizing her up, "May I ask something?"

She nodded.

"Never quite understood why a man would want to do all that to himself," he looked between the book and Iryna, "If you're not gay there ain't no point is there?"

Iryna shrugged, offering no response.

"Why would you then? I was quite surprised hearing about you and Laelynn. I fully expected something else."

"I don't know Mister Ames," she responded plainly, returning books to their spots on the shelves.

Ames raised a brow, "If that's the case why would you or anyone ever choose to do so?"

"Again, Mister Ames, I don't know." She tensed a little, "I have a job to be doing. Apologies." Without waiting for a response, she took her cart and rolled it away.

The rest of her work passed in silence. As she returned the final few books, and put the cart back, she was intercepted by another elderly woman, the owner.

"Mrs. Smith." Iryna greeted her.

"Good afternoon, Iro. I do hope you saw my note?"

Iryna took the note out of her pocket, "I was making my way."

"Lovely." She smiled, "Follow me, please."

Iryna nodded.

Mrs. Smith's office was rather plain. Simple, and not very well decorated as one might expect. Iryna took a seat across from her boss.

"So, you've been here a month or two, and you've gotten a good grasp on things." Mrs. Smith spoke as she read through a few papers on her desk.

"If that's your own choice of words, certainly."

Smith nodded, "However we've noticed a distinct issue. Rather reoccurring, it seems our visitors and other employees alike are rather displeased with your disposition. 'Disrespectful' and 'uncomfortable' are used a lot in these complaints."

Iryna frowned, gritting her teeth.

After a moment's silence, "Have you no words on the matter?"

Tensing her shoulders and digging her nails into her lap she shook her head, "No ma'am."

"Then on that note I'm afraid I'm going to have to let you go. Your last cheque will be sent to you within a week or two." She held her hand out, "Your employee, card, please?"

Iryna sighed, taking the card and placing it in her palm.

"Thank you. Please return your uniform by tomorrow evening." Mrs. Smith finally looked up from her papers and gave Iryna a warm smile.

"Of course," Iryna said quietly and left without another word.