The crowded cafeteria blared noisily around me. I waited for a server to slop some colorless mush on my filthy tray before I moved on. The food was probably crawling with all types of unknown things, but I didn’t care. Food, even rotten and disgusting, was a rare luxury here. You took it when it came.

I sat down at one of the individual tables, and a guard came and loomed over me. It was the same with everyone. Every table was only big enough for one, and every person would be treated with a close-up of a completely human guard who would stare you down while you ate.

Mine seemed to be very interested in my mouth. It was still tender from the “procedure” two days ago, and I had to gingerly pour the mush down my throat.

Suddenly, I propelled the slop from my mouth into the guard’s face. He cried out and reached for his gun, but I had already disappeared, weaving in between the other tables. “Come on!” I shouted to the others, but they sat there motionless, watching my progress. Still, I ran.