Day 7

PROMPT: Think of a memorable quote from a book, show or movie, remove it entirely from its original context, streamline/improve it, and then write a story around it using a completely different plot, completely different characters, and even a completely different world!

Terre held a flame over her ring for a few seconds and lifted it to her face. She inhaled the fumes and held breath. Minton walked in just as she was starting to exhale. “We’re only supposed to do that twice a day Terre.” Busted. “Shut up, Minton.” She said, brushing him off. There was no use in denying it. There wasn’t anyone alive who could get out of bed in the morning without a hit of Plex. And it was just as implausible to say that it was her second hit of the day than her first. It was only three units past rise.

“It’s not a joke, Terre. Too much can mess with your head out in the field.” His voice was calm and robotic, as usual. She smirked. “Yes, I attended the lecture thank you.” Everyone attended the lecture once they were appropriated their Plex ring. Until they were of age, it was applied topically by a guardian, but the application was unpleasant and imperfect. The ring was far more efficient, but it was easier to abuse it. So everyone was required to take a course.  “Consider me scared straight,” she said passing him to get out of the room. “I’ve seen it happen, Terre. It costs lives out there.”

She turned to face him, but his back was still to her. “It saves lives, Minton.” He angled his head toward her. “There’s a fine line between those.”

“Well,” she shrugged, “You get busy living or you get busy dying.”

He turned to her. “What does that mean?”

“It means there are more fine lines in this world than just the ones provided to us.”

“Be careful what you say—“

“Or what? I’ll be sent straight to the front lines?”

He was silent.

“Well, it was my turn anyway I guess.”