The Locket

I stare at it as I sat in the back of the truck with my squad waiting for our arrival. I rub my fingers over the smooth, heart shaped surface and wonder why I held on to the damned thing. It was a simple necklace, the silver paint was chipping off from wear and the locket that hung off it was empty, it was nothing special. A cheap gift from my ex, which they obviously didn’t put any effort into. In fact, they gave it to me unwrapped and tossed it instead of handing it to me…the ass. Not even an hour later I caught them in the act with my best friend.

My world seemed to shake with that betrayal, at least, until I noticed that the world was, in fact, shaking. An earthquake had ripped open a chasm underneath the house and swallowed them both with it. I barely managed to escape with my life and I didn’t find out until later that it wasn’t a natural earthquake. We were attacked by Them with a weapon that caused catastrophic earthquakes and it wasn’t long before every able-bodied human was conscripted to fight in the War. That was over ninety years ago and there doesn’t seem to be an end coming any time soon.

This locket had been with me every step of the way. From my time in ROTC during which my hometown was annihilated and most of my family had died. It was with me when I was raped, and I got to watched my rapist be executed for their crimes. I wore it the day the World United Government announced that all citizens of Earth would be providing DNA at a mandatory annual medical exam that would be used to manufacture new generations of soldiers to bolster Earth’s military. I wore it around my neck during my time on the frontlines fighting for the lives of my teammates’ and they fought for mine. It was there when I lost my first squad of fifteen years, the love of my life included among their numbers, in a blitz attack.

It’s been with me through all my failures and victories, my ups and downs. In this world of endless war and loss, it has been my only constant. Even my own body has been changed by this world throughout the years. I have undergone mandatory augmentation to make me a ‘better soldier’. I’ve had entire limbs replaced and now, I am more machine than human. I am not the first, nor will I be the last. This locket has become my reminder of who I am and where I’ve come from and for what I’m fighting for, it has now become a necessity.

I jolt in surprise as one of my youngest squad members nudges my shoulders with theirs to get my attention. They are staring at my hands in curiosity and ask, “What are you staring so hard at? You’re frowning like it hurts to look at it.”

“It’s just a small trinket that I’ve had since before the war. I got it from my ex, and it’s been with me ever since. We’ve both been through a lot.” I smile bitterly and tuck it away under my vest. I take a deep breath and focus my attention on B1006 and give a tired smile, “So, did you need something?”

They start smiling in excitement and fidgeting their hands with nervous energy. “We’re almost at the outpost!” They’re practically wiggling, they’re so happy. I can’t help but smile a bit more fondly and ask teasingly, “Happy to be back?”

“Yes! This is my first leave since I was sent to the front. Almost two years ago, I think. Aren’t you?” They ask as they lean towards me in curiosity.

“Not really” I shrug negligently, “I have nothing and no one waiting for me. Besides, being as old as I am, I don’t get as much freedom as the newer generations. In fact, this is not my leave, I’m going in for my final debriefing and evaluation before my termination.” Honestly, I’m ready to finally be put to rest.

I hum thoughtfully as I turn to look over at my teammate and pause as their excitement is all at once gone. They stare at me in shock and horrification. I quickly try to reassure them, “It’s ok! I’ve been fighting for well over ninety years. I’ve been alive for way to long, and I’m ready. Besides, I’m so outdated that I’m surprised they let me run for this long.”

They do not look any better, “But…that’s not fair to you. They’re killing you because they think you’ve lost your usefulness. Where’s the dignity in that?!” they are shouting towards the end.

“Shh! Not so loud! I shouldn’t have taught you about old-world dignity and honor.” I sigh in exasperation. “Anyways, there is no such thing as dignity in today’s world. All that matters is the survival of humanity. May be one day that won’t be the case and we can go back to how it used to be, but that is not today. So, instead of being angry for me, I’d rather you see me off with a smile. Hmm?” I prompt as I rest my hand on their shoulder with a tentative smile which they shakily return.

Before anything more can be said our vehicle arrives at the drop off point. They sort us for our new assignments but, before we separate, I turn and call, “B1006!” Before they even manage to turn all the way around, I toss them my locket. I smirk in amusement as they fumble and almost drop it.

“Hold on to that for me!” I say and then get into the truck I was slated for with the others like me and tune out the rest of the drive until our arrival.

The final debriefing and evaluation didn’t take long, and I’m sent for decommissioning and recycling. The room has one operating table and is cold and sterile. I lay back on the metal table as they start my shutdown sequence.

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10

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I hope that kid is ok and doesn’t let this get them down.

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8

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I’ve lived for too long and seen too much to really have that much hope, will, or vision to change the world for the better. I’ll leave that for the younger generation.

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5

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I’m ready to finally rest. I want to be with all my loved ones that have left me behind.

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3

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That damned locket has managed to outlast me. I thought I would be buried with it. I’m happy that I won’t be.

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1

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I’m so tired…I’ll just close my eyes and rest.

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SHUTDOWN COMPLETE

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