Uncovered Project: When Splendor Falls: Part Two

I wanted to cover a lot of topics in this story back int he day. I may have had too many ideas for it, too many characters. But I did have a very visual and specific ending in mind I really hate I never got to write.

Chapter Five: Quarters

There were eight young goddesses touring the grounds. It was all any of the boys could talk about. All of them had prepped and polished themselves in anticipation of it. And as the girls walked across the grounds in their bright dresses and smiles the campus erupted in life, fervor, and passion. 

Oz, of course, was no exception. He had been looking forward to this for a long time. He wanted to see not only his sister but the other beautiful girls who lived in the tower. He had worn his best uniform and had it pressed. He styled his hair and wore his favorite cologne. The shame in this though was that Zoe would notice instantly and she would tease him endlessly there afterwards. But it was all worth it to see those lovely gems sparkling as they walked into the cafeteria.

Everyone stood and bowed as the girls walked in. Boys offered up their places in line. And everyone would of gladly given their left eye to help one of the girls carry their tray to the table reserved for them.

Oz noticed Zoe who was being escorted by Milo. Zoe certainly looked charming with her hair styled against the back of her head. And she was wearing a sapphire blue dress that looked wonderful on her. But more than that Oz noticed was that Zoe looked happy.

Oz had thought about her and what she might do today. He had pictured her running away from the group never to be seen again except in a crowd of Clones half-way across the world. He had pictured her escape plan which included stealing a uniform, undressing and changing in the lavatory and shearing her long hair and flushing it down a toilet. She’d go unnoticed off school grounds and fade away. She’d become legend and rumor. To Oz’s surprise and disappointment it didn’t seem like Zoe had even thought about it. She was walking arm in arm with Alleluia Simler and Milo holding his hand awkwardly as if trying to hold her hand but was too afraid to.

Oz sat back down at his table and felt lonely. He wanted to tell his sister all about Christmas Cutler, sister of Atlas Cutler. He wanted to tell her about the tiny little book and all the things he had read so far. He wanted to tell her about the birth of the Tower and the sequestering of all the women inside. But at the moment he wouldn’t be able to get close.

After lunch Oz reported to his job in the Hall of Records where he was to catalog the H section in its entirety by Friday. Instead he sat at the very top of the ladder and continued reading through the book Christmas had given him.

Since it was a copy a lot of the book had rewritten sections alongside the originals and notes  peppered everywhere. It was remarkable. It talked of the birth of the first Clone and how a certain process kept the DNA from degenerating with each new copy. But what Oz found the most remarkable was the sudden and almost instant isolation of the women. It seemed like to Oz that they would of wanted to keep the women out longer in hopes of quicker reproduction rather than using a few select studs at a time. It would of nipped the problem in the bud had they chosen the latter.

“Psst, Oz.”

Oz looked down from his high perch to see Milo standing at the bottom. “Oz, get down here.”

Oz slid down the length of the ladder, stopping just before he got the floor. “What is it, Milo?” He said, trying to sound irritated. “I’m really busy here and I don’t have time to gossip or ditch work like you.”

Milo looked a little hurt but he shrugged it off well. “Zoe had something for me to give you.”

Oz felt bad now he was trying scare off Milo. “Sorry. Cataloging these things is making me forget my manners.” He took the neatly folded piece of paper from Milo. But before he opened it he stopped and looked over Milo’s uniform. Something was amiss. Milo was well known for keeping his uniforms as crisp and clean as the day they were made. But the uniform Milo had on now looked as if it had been worn the day before and laid over the back of a chair for a while. There was a button missing. His pens and lapels were crooked. This wasn’t Milo’s normal stature.

Oz huffed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I knew it.”

Milo jumped. “What?”

“Where is she?” Oz snapped. “Look at yourself. You’re a horrible mess considering its you!”

Milo ran his hands down the front of his uniform. “I didn’t have a chance to-”

Oz waved his hand for Milo to be silent. “Where is she?” He barked.

“Don’t be mad.” A voice whispered from behind him.

Oz whipped around and fixed himself upon his sister ill-fitted in Milo’s too tall uniform. Her hair was stuffed up inside the cap and she had washed all traces of make-up from her face. Despite the uniform she actually looked normal.

“Are you crazy?” Oz hissed.

Zoe shrugged. “The car is already gone. Alleluia covered for me.”

“Do you know what will happen when they realize you’ve turned up missing?” Oz grabbed at Zoe’s arm. “I know you aren’t happy, sis. But you have to go back.”

Zoe pulled back. “No way! You get to sneak out and party. Why can’t I?”

Oz groaned. “Milo told you?”

“Milo tells me everything.” Zoe sniffed. “Now are you going to help me or what?”

Oz couldn’t say no. He couldn’t do anything but laugh at himself for giving up so soon on the fantasy of his sister escaping. But at least she hadn’t cut her hair and flushed it down the toilet.

“Lets go out,” she insisted. “Lets have some fun. Please. For my sake.”

“We’ll have to get you some better clothes first.” Oz said taking out his phone and dialing.

“Who are you calling?” Milo asked.

“A Clone I met. She has some clothes that should fit Zoe better.”

Milo arched his brow. “Will she help us?”

Oz chuckled. “I think so.”

“This is all so cool!” Zoe cheered. “Clone clothes and everything.”

Oz jumped when Christmas answered the phone with as much exuberance she could muster. “Um, yeah, Christmas it’s me. Oz. Um, listen I have a pretty odd request. I need you to bring one of your t-shirts and pair of jeans to the Messenger Bag. I’ll explain when you get there.” He hesitated while Christmas laughed and agreed. “Thanks. I’ll see you in a few.” Oz hung up and pulled Zoe after him out of the Hall of Records and safely off campus.

Once they were out of sight they went into the small diner outside of Hannes called the Messenger Bag. It was a diner that was catered mainly to the students of Hannes and the girls that wanted to date them. Oz shooed Zoe off into the bathroom to hide until Christmas arrived with a change of clothes.

“How could you let her talk you into this?” Oz complained as he as Milo got a table.

“You couldn’t say no to her either.” Milo huffed.

Oz rolled his eyes and opened up a menu. “This is going to wind up being a disaster.”

Milo sighed and removed his cap. “I just wanted to see her happy. And as strange as it sounds Zoe is very important to me.”

Oz furrowed his brow. “Milo?”

“I have feelings for her. So excuse me if-” He trailed off and looked up. “Zoe.”

Oz followed Milo’s gaze, first looking at Christmas and then at his sister, nearly unrecognizable in normal garb. Christmas had dressed Zoe in bright green quarter sleeved shirt that buttoned up the front. Zoe also wore a pair of skinny jeans that accentuated her long, thin legs. Not only that, but her long hair was braided up against the back of her head then tightened into a bun behind her left ear and flourished with a flower.

“Surprise, surprise.” Christmas chuckled as she and Zoe sat down at the table with the boys. “Who would of thought I’d be tangled in such intrigue this week.” 

“Thanks Christmas for doing this.” Oz sighed.

Christmas reached over and patted Zoe’s arm. “I think it’s sweet you wanna help your sister out.” She then smirked. “Better yet it sounds like a whole lotta fun to be smuggling a refugee like this.”

“Lot-uh.” Zoe mouthed.

Oz was becoming flustered now. “I was hoping to talk to someone with some sense. Someone who would talk Zoe out of it.” His arms crossed tightly across his chest.

“Are you kidding?” Zoe gasped. “I’m not going back till they take me back kicking and screaming.” She then got a look over her face of utter horror. “Oh gosh, Ma!” She scrambled then looked to Milo. “Let me borrow your phone!” 

Milo fumbled with his pockets before he shrugged, revealing he had no idea where his phone was. Zoe held her hand out to Oz who shook his head defiantly. Zoe frowned at him them looked to Christmas who shook her head as well but with an apologetic smile.

Zoe’s frown deepened and she looked around the diner as if expecting someone to come from the crowd and offer it to her. She then spotted a payphone and her eyes brightened. She tugged on Oz’s sleeve. “Give me some quarters?”

“What?” Oz snapped.

“Here,” Christmas was already placing the quarters in Zoe’s hand.

Oz lurched. “Wait!”

“Oh thank you!” Zoe rushed off to the little booth and shut herself inside.

Oz grunted and glared at Christmas. “Why?”

Christmas smiled. “Look at her. Look how excited she is. I’ve never seen someone so happy to use one of those things in forever.” She patted Oz’s hand. “What has you so worried anyways?”

Oz snapped. “Isn’t it obvious?” He slammed his finger onto the table. “Don’t you realize how much trouble we are in for aiding her in this little whimsy of hers?”

“Well,” Milo stretched. “Exactly how much trouble could we get into? A slap on the wrist? Suspension? Extra hours? Nothing awful at all if you think about it sanely.”

Oz laughed. “Sanely!”

Zoe came back out of the booth. “I called Ma and let her know what was up. She’s going to cover for me.”

“Seriously?” Oz scoffed.

Zoe nodded. “She said that when I was ready to come home to call her.”

“See?” Christmas elbowed Oz in the side. “Everything will turn out alright. Loosen up a little bit and show your sister a good time.”

“First,” Oz snapped at Zoe. “How long do you plan to stay out here?”

Zoe shrugged. “A while.”

“Then where do you plan on staying?”

Zoe’s mouth opened then closed. “I…I don’t know.”

“Exactly so if you plan on this little farce-”

“She can stay with me.” Christmas replied brightly. 

Oz looked at Christmas like she was crazy. “What? Are you going to hide her under your bed or in your closest like a pet? Did you forget who your brother is?”

“Who?” Zoe asked.

“Atlas Cutler!” Oz snapped, feeling he had finally won something.

I terrified look washed over Zoe’s face and she reached out, taking Milo’s hand in hers. “R-really?”

Christmas smiled. “Nah. Atlas will be cool with it.”

“Pardon me?” Milo coughed.

Christmas waved her hand in the air. “He knows things. He knows Zoe won’t be in any real danger, especially if she’ with us.”

Oz threw his hands in the air. “This is crazy!”

“Is it?” Christmas was beginning to stand. “Because I think it is perfectly sane.” She reached out and grabbed Zoe’s hand, making her drop the quarters she was still holding. “Lets go!” Zoe didn’t have a chance to argue before Christmas had her running from their table and out the doors with Oz and Milo chasing closely behind them.

Christmas had a taxi waved down and Zoe stuffed inside. She closed the door just in the nick of time as Oz and Milo flanked the car and try to grab on as it pulled away. Milo and Oz stared flabbergasted on the sidewalk as the car drove away. Then Oz took off running behind it on the sidewalk.

“Oz!” Milo shouted out. 

“I know where she lives!” Oz called over his shoulder. “Try to keep up!”

Chapter Six: Carrots

The house was oddly quiet. Cutler noticed this as soon as he came home. Normally his sister would have music on or at the television. He then found her note posted to the fridge explaining that she was to be out with friends for a while. Cutler sat down his bag, kicked off his shoes and fetched himself a beer from the fridge. Working at the school was becoming more and more irritating. If it weren’t for his connections he’d consider quitting. Then there was Zoe Highcourt that afternoon. He knew who she was, he was no fool. He could read plainly on her face how afraid of him she was.

“Sad,” Cutler mumbled to himself as he slouched against the counter and opened his beer. More than anyone Cutler wanted to end the hierarchy of the Naturals. The goddesses especially. Them and their forced imprisonment. That’s what he was working so hard for. And if he was right Zoe Highcourt could be the key to it. Her and her eye for detecting the abnormality in cells that even stumped trained professionals. With Zoe Highcourt Cutler knew he could have a fighting chance to find a cure for the female Clone’s infertility.

Cutler moved through the house until he was in the living room where he unbuttoned his starched shirt and tossed it over a chair. He then reached down to pick up the shirt he had discarded that morning and slid it on. This was the main reason he chose not to live with the other teachers and the Naturals. What a shocker it would be for everyone to learn the prestigious and highly exalted Dr. Atlas Cutler was a slob!

Cutler laid back on the couch with the beer resting against his belly. He took a deep breath and savored the silence. Then there was the loud screeching of tires. Squealing breaks.  A door slammed once, twice. He heard loud shouting and giggling and Cutler exhaled his silence as Christmas stormed and trampled her way into the house, howling with laughter all the while.

“What a riot!” Christmas giggled. Kicking off her shoes. “Did you see their faces? No! Yours! You should of seen your face.”

“You did give me an awful fright, Ms. Christmas.” 

“I told you, call me Christmas. Forget all those royal thee’s and thou’s they taught you. Here you don’t need ‘em.”

“’Em,” the guest repeated.

“Christmas,” Cutler grunted as he sat back up.

Christmas jumped them smiled. “Oh! You’re home. Great.”

Cutler propped himself up and looked over to see Christmas’ guest ducking meekly behind his sister. He pointed. “Who did you bring with you?”

“Don’t be shy,” Christmas said, trying to pry her friend out from behind her. She touched the girl’s hand and smiled. “I told you it’s alright.”

Zoe stepped out, avoiding Cutler’s eyes like she had all day. “G-good afternoon, Dr. Cutler.” She murmured.

Cutler arched his brows. “Zoe.” He stood up, glanced at his beer and ducked it behind his back. He placed his free hand against his chest, hiding a nasty grease stain on his shirt. “Um, welcome to our home. Uh…” He extended his hand tentatively towards her. Keeping his arm close to his chest to hide the stain still. “Make yourself comfortable.”

Zoe furrowed her brow and hesitantly took Cutler’s hand. “Thank you?”

“Told you he’d be cool.” Christmas giggled.

“With her,” Cutler said sternly. “But you have some explaining to do, Christmas Alexander Cutler.”

Christmas froze up. “Oh well. It wasn’t even me it was well-” There was pounding at the door and she exhaled. “Oh thank goodness! Right on time.” She moved to the door and opened it to have Oz spill inside. “It’s his fault.”

Oz tripped over the rug and fell onto the floor. Zoe covered her mouth to keep from laughing. Her eyes greeted Milo as he came in.

“Uh, excuse us, Sir, for disturbing you.” Milo murmured, quickly removing his cap.

Cutler waved him in. “Come in. Come in, Milo. Welcome to my home.”

Milo stared in hardened disbelief as he stepped through the doors. “Thank you, Sir.” He moved to Zoe’s side and blushed.

“You’re so dead,” Oz heaved, catching his breath, “Zoe!”

Zoe ducked behind Milo. “No I’m not.”

“Oz Highcourt, explain yourself.” Cutler said with a stern voice.

Oz snapped a dirty look up at Cutler that quickly melted as he saw Cutler without his pristine suit and tie on. Gone were the airs and graces. Cutler looked like any normal cluck. His shirt was dirty. He was standing before a couch that was being held together in places by tape. He was drinking a beer. Oz started laughing.

Cutler sighed. “Christmas, offer them drinks or something.” His slung back his beer and moved sluggishly out of the living room. “I’ll start dinner.” He said, tossing his now empty beer can into the trash can as he walked by.

Cutler was actually pleased with the selection of guests who had somehow wandered into his life. He liked Milo Hammstock. Despite all his awkward graces and somewhat ham-fisted with his vocabulary Milo had the makings of a great thinker. Cutler would even go as far as to consider Milo a genius. 

Oz was also an interesting boy. Unlike most of the other Naturals Oz was trying to take hold of his life and drive it in the direction he wanted. Oz was defiant and head-strong. Constantly undermining everything Cutler or any teacher said to him. Oz reminded Cutler of a lot of himself when he was younger. With proper guidance Oz would make a great leader, Cutler thought. He was smart like Milo but he was thoughtful and kind. From what Christmas had revealed about Oz from when he had visited the previous night he was protective of his sister and cared for her. It showed Oz had no mind for the current system like Cutler. Probably even less so because of his sister.

Then there was the sister. Zoe with all her elegance and genteelness had that naïve and sheltered outlook on life like most goddesses did. But Zoe was fighting it. She was trying like her brother to take hold and drive for herself. He stance on breeding was infamous, especially when it was revealed she could possibly become the next Stella Simler. But there was something new about Zoe, the recent discovery of her special eye. 

“Bro,” Christmas said, reaching for Cutler’s wallet laying on the table. “I’m gonna go down to the store to get some soda. Zoe has never had any before.”

Cutler gave Christmas a warning look. “Ten dollars. That’s it.”

Christmas pouted and slammed the wallet back down on the table. “Fine. Whatever.” She scoffed, slipped on a jacket and went out the back door.

“Hey, what did you-” Cutler cut off his question when he saw Zoe, Milo and Oz watching him from the living room. “Some hostess she is.” He muttered under his breath.

Zoe got up from the sofa and stood in the entrance to the kitchen. “Um, do you need some help, Dr. Cutler?” She folded her hands in front of her. 

Cutler chuckled. “No, honey. You just relax. This must have been a busy day for you.” He said, reaching for a carrot.

Zoe watched in utter amazement. “Do you mind if I watch?”

Cutler shrugged. “Go ahead.”

Zoe inched closer and watched as he started chopping the carrot into chips. Her mouth hung open as she watched him chop then use the knife to push the carrots into a pot. 

“What?” Cutler asked. “Have you never seen anyone cook before?”

Zoe shook her head. “We always have our meals delivered to us in the apartment or served in the dining hall. We aren’t allowed to go into the service quarters.”

Cutler waved her forward. “Come here. I’ll show you some things.”

Zoe’s eyes lit up as she got closer and stood beside Cutler at the counter. Cutler handed her the knife and placed another carrot before her. “Cut slanted and away from you hands. Make a fist so that your knuckles are facing the blade.”

Zoe fumbled for a moment and held the knife in one hand and held down the carrot with the other. “Okay.” Zoe nodded.

“Chop slowly but use force. And try to make the slices thick enough so they aren’t flimsy.”

Zoe took her first chop then her second and continued on down until she had chopped the whole thing. “I did it!” She cheered herself. She then blushed. “Oh, I’m sorry. This must be an awful thing to brag about.”

“First time for everything, Zoe.” Cutler said, chucking her slices into the pot with the others.

“So you aren’t mad I’m here instead of in the Tower?” Zoe asked.

Cutler shrugged. “Worried at most. But why would I be mad? You’re certainly not the first goddess to make a break for it and you won’t be the last.” Cutler placed the pot of carrots on the oven. “I remember when I was little and stories of your mother-” He stopped when he saw Zoe’s face expand in shock. “Oh. I probably shouldn’t-”

“My mother played the hooky?” Zoe gasped excitedly.

Cutler chuckled. “It’s just hooky. She played hooky. And yes, quite a lot as I remember. She was very infamous for it. In fact, she attracted a lot of attention from Captain Armeris when he came visiting.”

Zoe stared. Her eyes hard and her mouth slightly open as she tried to put her words into a proper order. “You mean that pirate? The one we made the treaty with back during the Wars of 35?”

Cutler scratched the back of his head. “Well, yes. Back in your mothers day when we were in the middle of wars 33 through 35 it was common to call upon pirate ships as allies. They’d trade us cargo and needed supplies and we would provide them clemency. It was also common that when we made one of these pacts we would offer upon them one of our women so that they may…consummate and-”

Zoe covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh wow.”

“Something wrong?”

Zoe chuckled. “It’s just that, well, Oz was raised by Milo’s father, Mr. Clock. And I have never heard tell of who this man might be from Ma. She’s very secretive about it. Would that be common practice for children formed in this unions?”

Cutler shrugged. “I’m not sure. But I believe that would be right on the money Zoe.”

“Bless my buttons,” Zoe exhaled and she collapsed into a chair. “If that is true then Oz and I are children of this Captain Armeris. This is big.”

“I wonder whatever happened to him,” Cutler murmured to himself as he turned on the oven with a click. “It was as if after the war he disappeared.”

Zoe rubbed her forehead. “Captain Armeris was native to our planet correct? So was he Clone or Natural?”

“Natural. Debunked the system completely.”

Zoe covered her mouth with her hand. “Then why consummate with my mother?” She mumbled to herself.

Cutler sighed. “Probably because she felt the same way he did. Why he called upon her and her wild infamy.”

“But my mother?” Zoe was flabbergasted. “She’s so…so timid!”

Cutler covered his mouth with his hand and laughed. “Having kids probably calmed her down. She was famous for that too.”

“What?”

“For having twins.” Cutler crossed his arms. “You and are Oz are one set of only a few to be born since women started dying out.”

“Then how come that isn’t common knowledge?” Zoe said with a shrug.

Cutler shrugged back. “Things like that can be seen as bad omens in some sects. Personally I think it’s to keep hope low.”

Zoe furrowed her brow. “But why?”

Cutler ran his fingers through his hair. “Actually. I have a book I’d like you to read. Christmas actually gave a copy to Oz too. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

Zoe nodded then her eyes faded to behind Cutler and she pointed. “The carrots are boiling over.”

Chapter Seven: Dress

Christmas had to search her closet for a dress small enough to fit Zoe. Zoe was built like a young boy while Christmas had a very prominent hour-glass shape. But when Christmas did eventually find one of her old dresses from high school it slipped onto Zoe like a glove. It was silver with a big red rose on the only shoulder of the dress. It was a little out of date but when Zoe wore it she made it look trendy.

Together the four went out to hit a dance club. Zoe either clung to Oz or Christmas. She marveled at the lights and all the people but was still to shy to go out on her own.

Christmas looked over at Milo, somewhat sulking at the bar with a glass of wine in his hand. “Dude, ask her to dance.” She said elbowing him.

“Pardon?” Milo asked.

Christmas motioned to Oz and Zoe standing in the corner with the jukebox. “Go ask Zoe to dance.”

“Wh-why, um, why would I do that?” Milo cleared his throat.

Christmas scoffed. “You are so obviously into her. Go ask her to dance!” She shoved Milo in their direction and positioned herself behind him. Ready to manipulate Milo like a puppet when she needed to.

“Zoe, dear,” Milo said as strong as he could muster. Zoe looked up at him with a surprised smile and he melted. “You look absolutely stunning tonight. Would you like to dance with me?”

Zoe‘s eyes lit up and her cheeks flushed. “Why, I’d love to!” Zoe took his hand gently and then two of them walked out onto the dance floor. Zoe stood somewhat catatonic on the floor as she watched people dance and writhe around her.

“Uh, Milo…” She murmured, her head hung. “I don’t know how. I’m sorry.” 

Milo smiled. “It’s okay.” He took her hands, placing his hand around her waist. Her hand went to his shoulder. “Dance like you were taught. That’s fine.”

“You sure?” Zoe asked looking around. “That doesn’t seem the style here.”

“It’ll be fine. Honest.”

Zoe met his eyes and nodded. “Okay. I just don’t want to embarrass you.”

“You could never embarrass me.” Milo said softly.

Zoe laughed. “Thank you Milo.” She looked down at her feet. “You always say things like that. I can’t tell if you’re joking like always or if you’re serious.”

Milo removed his hand and put them on Zoe’s face and brought her eyes back to meet his. “I’m always serious with you.”

Zoe held her breath. “Oh.” Her cheeks grew warm under Milo’s hands. She placed her palms against the back of his hands and smiled. “This is nice.” Milo wrapped his arms around Zoe and pressed his cheek to the top of her head as she leaned against his shoulder. 

Across the room Oz and Christmas watched. Oz turned away and folded his arms atop the bar.

Christmas kept her eyes fixed. “Bittersweet isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Oz sighed and laid his forehead against his arm.

“Have you been reading that book I gave you?”

“Yeah.” He lifted his head back up and looked at Christmas’ profile. “We’re all just puppets to them.”

Christmas smiled. “To who?”

Oz furrowed his brow. “The Officials. Colonel Lutz, Stella Simler, Prince Myratie and all of the others. I’m surprised they haven’t tried genocide.”

Christmas chuckled and turned to face Oz. “What makes you think they are controlling us?”

“In the beginning, when the women were dying, they could of nipped it in the bud had they just let the ones left go free. It was like they imprisoned the women so they could regulate who had children and who didn’t. Only the best could breed. Like dogs or horses or something. It‘s like all they want are purebreds.”

“Then why bring in Clones to the mixture if all they want are purebreds?”

“Drones. Worker ants.” Oz shook his head. “I guess I don’t mean-”

Christmas chuckled. “You’re pretty smart for a purebred.”

Oz frowned. “C’mon now. Be serious with me, Christmas.”

“I am!” Christmas laughed. “What do you think this shipment full of women and children onboard means to them?”

Oz shook his head side to side slowly. “If they are human, if we can breed with them-”

“Clones become useless. The purebreds are invalid. Their whole world comes tumbling down like so much humpty dumpty.”

Oz‘s brow lowered and he leaned forward intensely. “Are you saying they’re going to kill them?”

Christmas shook her head. “I don’t think they’ll go that far. They can’t make it look like an accident now so they have no choice but to let it come. But they will find a way to control them like they control us.”

“I’m confused.” Oz huffed, laying his head back down. “I was much happier before you gave me that book.”

“But would you have wanted to live without it now?”

Oz shook his head silently.

“Thought so.” Christmas pulled on his elbow. “Dance with me.”

Oz sighed and stood up then held his hand out to Christmas. “Sure.”

Christmas leapt up and pulled Oz out onto the dance floor and whipped him around. “Own the night, Oz.”

“What does that mean?” Oz stiffened as Christmas came close to him and rubbed herself against his chest.

“Whatever you want.” She whispered.

Oz blushed. “Should of known you were trouble from the moment I laid eyes on you.” He huffed.

Christmas laughed and whipped her hair so she could look across the room as Zoe and Milo moved off the dance floor and outside.

“It’s kind of cold out,” Milo said and he removed his jacket to drape over Zoe’s bare shoulders.

“Thank you,” Zoe said with a smile. Her eyes trailed upwards to the stars. “It’s all so vast.”

Milo followed her gaze and smiled. “You have no idea.”

“Do you like astronomy?” Zoe asked.

“Very much,” Milo went to put his arm around Zoe’s shoulder but hesitated and awkwardly stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “That’s why I’d like to teach it.”

“It’s amazing to think that there are parts we don’t even know about. Like that shipload of refugees.” She looked over at Milo. “You don’t even know where they came from right?”

Milo shook his head. “No clue at all.” He then jumped as Zoe wrapped her arms around his and clung close to him. “Um, uh well…we don’t know exactly what lies outside our galaxy. So this could be a great discovery for us, um, in terms of uh…”

Zoe squeezed. “You had your hand stuffed in your pockets so I thought you were cold. Go on.”

“Um well uh…we are uh, having a hard time calculating the ships trajectory. We don’t know where it’s going to land or even when it’ll get here.” He swallowed. “It could get here at the end of the month, end of the year, even the end of the day.”

“The sooner the better.” Zoe breathed.

Milo pulled his arm away and put it around Zoe’s shoulder. Zoe put her arms around his waist then buried her face into his chest and began sobbing.

“Zoe, what’s wrong?” Milo gasped.

“This is so cruel,” Zoe cried. “I’m being so cruel to you, Milo. I’m so sorry.”

Milo smiled. “Are you kidding me? This has been the best day of my life.”

Zoe shook her head. “Me as well. But soon I’m going to have to go back and this could be the last time we can even stand like this.” She rubbed at her eyes. “What is there left for us Milo? A chance encounter or two? Love letters? The possibility you could be chosen to breed with me?” She put her hands on Milo’s face. “I’m being so cruel now making you think it’ll last.”

Milo dipped his head to kiss Zoe’s forehead. “You’re not cruel in the least.” he took her hands in his. “You’ve made me so happy. I always thought my feelings for you were silly.”

Zoe shook her head. “I’m so glad you have them.” She managed a crooked smile and she laughed. “And it is you of all people.”

Milo leaned down closer, closing his eyes and moving to kiss her. Zoe smiled, ready to receive his lips. But as she went to close her eyes she glanced up for one last look at the sky. Her eyes grew wide and she screamed.

Milo’s eyes snapped open and he turned quickly to follow Zoe’s out stretched hand. He gasped. “Oh my God.”

“Milo?” Zoe clung to him.

In the sky, brighter than the moon and the stars was what looked like a huge ball of fire falling towards them. Even now Zoe and Milo could feel the heat. If the thing got any closer it would feel like summer out. 

“What is it?” Zoe screamed over the roar.

Milo took Zoe’s hand and squeezed. “It’s…I don’t believe it but…it’s the ship.”

Zoe froze and stared up into the sky. Like a giant phoenix it came falling from the splendor of the star. In flames. In fury. 

Chapter Seven: Fence

The ship had landed five minuets after midnight outside the city and in the ocean. The ship caught in the swells and the tide but it was safe to unload. Immediately people began to gather to watch. But for hours the ship remained silent. And no sign of life was given until early that morning when finally the doors opened.

The doors slid open and into themselves and a set of stairs extended outwards. People moved back as police and officials forced them. In the crowd, Zoe, Oz, Milo, Christmas and Cutler watched. Cutler stood with the officials. Milo and Oz were with some of the other young cadets of Hannes. And Zoe and Christmas watched from the crowd, clutching each other in anticipation.

Light came from inside of the ship next followed by soft whispering. Then someone came out. As it came from the light and stood at the precipice everyone became every still and very quiet. It looked human. More than that it looked like a human woman.

Zoe squeezed tightly on Christmas’ arms and held in her breath.

“Hello,” the woman said with a booming voice. She was tall and with a strong frame. Her hair was dark and cut short, making her look very professional. Her eyes were dark brown and thin. Her skin was olive and healthy looking. She looked like she could beat any man in a fight and then some. “My name is Mara Harmen and I am Captain of this vessel.”

Christmas gripped down on Zoe’s arm. “Look,” she pointed. “Atlas is going to greet her with the Prince and Stella Simler.”

“What’s going to happen now?” Zoe asked.

Christmas shook her head. “Anything. But oh isn’t the anticipation delicious?”

Zoe smiled nervously. “It is.” She then gasped and bounced excitedly. “They’re going inside the ship!”

Milo and Oz were making their way up the sandy bank, causing just as much excitement for the masses as the ship and Captain Mara Harmen. Oz lifted up the boundary tape and motioned for Christmas and Zoe to follow him.

“Where are we going?” Christmas asked as she ducked underneath.

“They want a few civilians to greet the refugees when they come out.” Oz explained. “Luckily you have an in.”

Zoe kissed her brother on the cheek. “Oh thank you, Oz! You really are the best brother a girl can have.” She giggled excitedly as she raced down the beach, escorted on Milo’s arm.

Zoe and Christmas were then placed in a lineup, flanked by Milo and Oz. Several other civilians were making their way into the line as well with other soldiers and Hannes cadets. Zoe was gripping tightly onto Milo’s hand. She bounced in anticipation as she watched the entrance to the ship.

First came Prince Myratie with Colonel Lutz and Stella Simler. Then Cutler walked out with Captain Mara. Zoe held her breath as the first of the refugees in the ship came out into the sunlight.

The first was an extremely tall and slender woman with long silver hair and tan skin. She looked like something from mythology strong and beautiful all at the same time. Her bright green eyes were almost catlike when she looked in the direction of the greeting procession. This woman was Merripen Glasgow and Captain Mara’s First-Mate. 

She came down along the procession smiling warmly and shaking hands. Her grip was strong and sure and Zoe wanted their handshake to last much longer than a moment.

Behind Merripen a small group of young girls followed. These girls were what were left of the royal family lineage on their planet and one was Captain Mara’s own daughter, Vesta.

All the girls seemed chipper and healthy. They giggled when the boys and men bowed and greeted them. And they giggled excitedly when at the women and girls. Surprised just as much as everyone that they all were extremely similar aesthetically. Internally could be a different story.  

Captain Mara’s daughter had left the lineup of girls to stand beside her mother. She looked like her mother, dark hair, eyes and skin. But unlike her mother she was tall and extremely thin. She was looked around, her cropped black hair fanning diagonally from the top left of her head and down the right side of her face. She was smiling brightly but her arms were crossed tightly over her chest in an uncomfortable way.

“Vesta,” Captain Mara whispered up to her daughter. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t like the men.” Vesta whispered.

“Well you are going to have to get over that, Vesta.” Mara huffed, looking back over the crowd. “We are hopefully going to be here for a while. Provided we can breed with this species.”

Vesta sighed exasperatedly. “Speaking of that what are we going to do?”

“The officials of this planet and ours will be discussing this very soon. More than likely we will select a few volunteers from each side and see if we can…cross pollinate as it were.”

Vesta giggled. “Way to put it Mom.”

Mara looked up at the sky and sighed contentedly. “I think that Captain Armeris was right. I already feel like I’m at home.”

Vesta frowned and turned her head away so her mother couldn’t see it. She didn’t like it when her mother talked about the man who was supposedly her father.

“He used to tell me stories about this planet.” Mara continued, unaware of the bitter taste growing in her child’s mouth. “This was back before you were born mind you.” She said with a nostalgic chuckle.

“Yes.” Vesta snapped then gathered herself. “I have heard your stories, Mom.” She faked a smile. “I have heard them many, many times mind you.”

“Of course.” Mara answered and looked back over the crowd. “But all we have now is stories, Vesta. I am sorry you will not have anything to pass one once we are gone.” Mara squeezed her daughter’s shoulder. “This planet may be our saving grace for you to start anew. Or it very well may be our grave.”

Vesta sighed. “Don’t talk like that, Mom.”

“I am afraid these days.” Mara whispered. “I see my people dying without hope of being succeeded in the future. I am afraid for you because at this point your future is so dark.”

“Mom.” Vesta broke away. “Look around you. All these people here have familiar faces. I am sure our loins are not different.”

Mara laughed forcefully then put her hand over her stomach. “But it’s what inside of us all that I’m worried about. It might not work, Vesta. Then again I don’t see why it couldn’t.”

“Exactly.” Vesta huffed. “Now stop talking like the old women and get excited about this new adventure again.”

Mara nodded. “You’re right. Thank you darling.” She walked forward and Vesta watched with an overly serious expression as her broke into the line and began shaking the hands of the locals. Then to Vesta’s shock Mara took a few young people from the lineup and brought them over. 

“Vesta, I’d like you to meet Oz and his sister Zoe. And this is Christmas and this tall lad is-” she stalled. “I am sorry son, but what was your name again?”

“Milo.” He chirped. “Milo Hammstock.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Mara chuckled. “Vesta, how about you get some of your friends and all of you can get to know one another. Start building up some relationships and all that.”

“Mom.” Vesta hissed.

Mara grinned. “It’s settled then.” She walked around the group of children and grabbed Vesta by the arm and pulled her aside. “Just do this for me, please.”

Vetsa glanced back over at the small group and sighed. “Fine.”

Mara kissed Vesta on the forehead then left her. Vesta sighed and turned back to them. Looking at each one she made a snap ruling on each of them. Zoe was a waif. Christmas a slut. Oz looked too uptight. And Milo was… Well whatever Milo was had Vesta vexed. She licked her lips despite herself and found herself lingering on the uncomfortable Milo.

“Hello,” Vesta said finally, taking her normal rigid posture before them. “Um,” she slacked a little. “I honestly have no idea what to say.”

“That’s okay,” Christmas bounced in. “Neither do we.”

Vesta noticed Zoe looking over her. Zoe had the look in her eyes like she had never seen another woman before despite the fact she was one herself. Vesta also noticed how Zoe and Milo were holding hands. And this lightened something under her.

“So you don’t have men on your planet?” Zoe asked suddenly.

Vesta looked away from her hand and into Zoe’s eyes. “Uh, well a few. Which seems to be the quite opposite here.” She said, waving her hand out across the scenery.

“Actually, most of us are clones.” Christmas said. “But you’re very lucky to be in the presence of naturals.”

Vesta arched her brow. “Really? All of you?”

“No!” Milo suddenly yelped but restrained himself and quietly answered. “No, ma’am.”

Vesta chuckled. “We don’t have clones so I’m afraid I don’t know how you differentiate.”

“You can’t really. The only difference really is that female clones can’t have children.” Oz answered. “Aside from that you can’t really tell a natural from a clone.”

Vesta laughed despite herself. “So what you’re saying is this planet has a lot of sperm with no place to go?” 

Christmas let out a laugh while Zoe’s face got bright red and both Oz and Milo took on a disgruntled and displeased look.

Vesta continued snickering. “It was only a joke. Chill.” She covered her smirking mouth.