The Batches - Part 1: Digital Art - WORLD OF XPILAR (Competition 72)

No evidence of the usual activity of the busy neighborhood could be seen. The streets were empty. As the object with an array of flashing lights finally arrived at the 7th Street Station, it slowed to a halt as if searching for something, then became stationary before it turned solid cyan color. Within minutes, a voice emitted from within the object and addressed the residents.

Approach all Beings assigned Batch No. 1.
Display you ID Badge in front of your forehead.
Maintain a distance of two feet.
Once tagged and identified, proceed to Sector 1A to the left.
Transport will arrive in 15 minutes.
Delivery to Safe Haven will commence.

The monotone Voice was clear in it's demands.

No response.

The Voice repeated the statement.

Again, no response.

"Wait, don't go yet. It's not your turn," Warren whispered to Phoebe as she turned, heading towards the front door.

"Does it matter in what order we go?" she said, sobbing through her words, then continued, "I want to be with you when whatever happens. Not alone. We might end up in different Sectors or something. I don't know. I only know I'm terribly afraid. This scene is playing out from my dreams. Why is this happening? Where is everyone?"

"Look at my ID card. If I don't go out, they will send them looking for me the next round. I know I'm not in the first Batch, but I just want to get it over with. Maybe I'll get to see my family again," she sighed.

"I"m afraid that might not happen, Phoebe. Don't get your hopes up. Batches! as if we're animals categorized for some purpose," Warren yelled again, this time out of frustration and anger. He clinched his fist, then beat them against the wall. "What and where is this Safe Haven we're supposedly being taking to? Something is not right. I can feel it, can't you?" he remarked, as he shook his head vehemently and pointed toward the window overlooking the empty street.

Just as Phoebe was about to answer, the Voice could be heard again.

This is the final call for Batch No. 1.

Warren and Phoebe looked out the window. A stream of people entered the street. Some weren't fully dressed. They huddled together and lined up according to the instructions given by the Voice.

Phoebe reached for the knob when suddenly Warren pulled her hand back and opened the door. Grabbing her shoulders, he gentle positioned her behind him. Both made their way down the second-story apartment stairs and stepped onto the sidewalk to join the rest of Batch No. 1.