Judgement

“APPROACH JUDGE.” The voice burned with metallic hatred.
She obeyed. As Judge’s crystal eyes opened, she wondered what this child would become. There were two choices for a boy child. Labour, slaved until death – or cattle.
She didn't like to think about cattle.
The eyes scanned the child for potential. Then Judge’s heavy black metal mouth opened.
“LABOUR,” he intoned. His eyes closed.
BIRTHER-1089 shivered with relief. Labour meant mining work, tearing the foul black metal of creation from the earth. It was a life of pain and unending toil.
But it was still better than cattle.
Just.