by Paris Singer
As we traveled through the shifting landscape, I saw gigantic canons spread throughout, all tilted at angles pointed at the sky.
“What are those canons for?”
“The fight against the Morex has been a long one, Seven. Simia is constantly at risk of another attack. Perhaps now you are no longer under their control, they won’t dare make any more attempts. At least for a while.”
A pang of guilt hit me. I wondered how many people I had made to suffer from the strategies I’d given the Morex. My head hurt. I walked back, and lay beside Alana, propping up my head on some harnesses. I hadn’t slept in what felt like an age, and just couldn’t stay awake any longer.
Just before I drifted off, Alana said, “Seven, I don’t know what will happen when we get to the city, nor what the council will decide on how best to go forward. I can only tell you that, whatever happens, you can always rely on me. You are not alone here. And never will be.”
I smiled and fell into a deep sleep.
CHAPTER SEVEN
“Seven. Seven.”
I blinked my eyes open. Alana was standing by the window.
“Come see,” she said. I stood up and walked over to her. “Look.” She nodded to somewhere outside. My eyes followed the direction in which she gestured. In the distance, high, rounded structures and spires dominated the landscape. Their many-colored lights reached up to the skies like a light show, as ships overhead flew back and forth in a constant stream.
“The city,” I breathed.
“It’s much bigger than I’d have thought,” said Alana, gazing at it.
The land ship approached at great speed. The closer we got, the greater and more impressive the city became until it seemed to swallow us whole, leaving nothing else to see. Tanhers stopped the ship just outside its border.
The door to the carriage creaked briefly, then swooshed open. I heard footsteps approaching.
“This is as far as I go—the alloys ain’t goin’ collect themselves,” Tanhers chuckled, stopping in front of us. We jumped off and thanked him for his trouble. A moment later, he was gone, and we were walking toward the enormous city.
***
“Do you know where we’re going?” I asked, rushing to keep up with Alana down a wide, busy road filled with pedestrians. The neon lights that illuminated shops, bars, eateries and billboards above shone brighter than the moon and stars did on the landscape beyond the city. The roar of vehicles whizzing and whooshing past matched the level of chatter that filled the air.
“I have a fair idea from the coordinates they gave me,” replied Alana.
“Coordinates? Who from?” I asked.
“The Council. They sent them a while ago and I memorized them, more or less.”
“More or less? I’d have thought you would’ve memorized them completely.”
“I did,” she replied, “but we landed further from where I had intended us to. The coordinates only became detailed closer to the city. I got us here, didn’t I?” She had a point.
Alana took us through shadowy side alleys, little empty parks and anywhere that seemed devoid of people until we reached yet another long, wide street. Unlike the one we’d first walked along, this one was far emptier. Most of the high surrounding buildings were covered in reflective windows with gold or silver walls.
“This is it,” said Alana, stopping in front of the largest of them. More like a tower, the building’s walls spiraled upward with an interlacing design of silver and violet gems, so closely pressed together they seemed to form one long stone. Ahead, a wide staircase led up to a set of gold-tinted double doors, outside of which stood two bulky Torus guards.
We walked up the stairs toward the doors, only to be stopped by them.
“What do you want?” growled one in a deep voice.
“The Council has sent us,” replied Alana. “It is a matter of urgency.”
“Wait here,” snarled the other who shifted his gaze to somewhere ahead of him. The Torus’ yellow eyes suddenly glowed an intense blue for a moment, before reverting to what they’d been. He looked back down at us both, and said, “The Council is expecting you. In you go.” Both Torus stepped aside, and the wide double doors silently opened.
“I told you they were,” said Alana under her breath as we walked past them.
Inside was a simple square hall with long vertical lights that started at the base of the walls and went all the way up across the ceiling, to the other side. On the wall opposite where we stood were two silver doors. We stepped up to one of them and Alana placed her hand in front of a small, square protrusion next to it, making it glow. The door swooshed open, and we stepped into a small silver elevator.
“Meeting room,” said Alana when it closed. No sooner had she spoken those words than the door opened again.
We stepped out into a large oval room. Plants and flowers of all colors and sizes stood in the center, dividing the room into two paths. The walls were lined with high floor-to-ceiling windows. We had to be on the top floor as all I could see was the night sky with vehicles whizzing past from time to time.
We walked around and I leaned forward to peer out the window. The whole cityscape spread out below, like a million little lights in a galaxy.
“Seven,” Alana whispered looking annoyed. “Come on.”
At the back of the room was a platform where three figures sat next to each other on high, plush seats. Silver and violet draperies hung on the ceiling above them. On either side of the platform, ten Torus—five on each side—stood to attention looking menacing, as Torus do. As we approached them, I saw the seated figures were Simian, like me. I wasn’t used to seeing any as all my life I had been surrounded by several other races except my own. It was a strange yet exciting experience to see them, and for the first time I felt like the planet we were on was the place of my birth.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Happy to meet you finally, Alana,” said the figure in the middle. He was wearing a long, thin silver and purple coat, buttoned to the waist, revealing dark purple pants and high silver boots beneath. Over his shoulder and across his chest was a golden sash. He was an older man with long silver hair and soft facial features.
“I trust our coordinates served you well?” he continued.
“They did,” replied Alana. “Thank you.”
“So this is young Seven,” spoke a woman who sat on the right. “Or is it One? Were there not two of them?” She wore the same attire as the man and had long brown hair tied loosely behind her head.
“We lost him during the escape,” said Alana, in a grave tone.
The man and woman looked at each other, frowning, then turned back to us. “I am very sorry to hear that,” continued the woman. “Welcome,” she said. “We have heard much of you. Congratulations on your successful escape. The Morex are not known for their compassion as many of our own have had the unfortunate misfortune to experience.” Hard as it was I shook away the image of One from my mind. “I am Valeta, this is Fhior,” she said, referring to the male with gray hair, “and this is Rhyfel.”
“What do you think of our city? Of Simia?” asked Rhyfel. He was a round-faced, pot-bellied elderly man with a balding head and white hair at the sides. His round nose was bloodshot, and it looked as if he was struggling to focus on me. “You’re a Simian, yes? You must think it’s wonderful,” he exclaimed, hiccuping. The other two turned to look at him. They didn’t appear happy.
“I haven’t seen much of it, yet,” I said, “But I like it so far, thanks.” I thought about mentioning my dislike of the Garlex that had chased us but didn’t think it was the best time to do so.
“Good, good,” replied Rhyfel, hiccuping again.
Fhior turned to me. “You are here because we believe you are of importance to us,” he said, dropping the tone of his voice. “Our good-to-do spy Alana here communicated with us at great risk to herself to relay information that the Morex had been using you to gather intelligence on Simian habits and tactical prowess, for wh
ich we are known.”
“Luckily, their efforts were largely unsuccessful, but did result in casualties to the north and west continents of Simia.” Fhior seemed to scowl briefly at me.
“To be honest,” he continued, “I find the idea of utilizing a young teen hoping to bring down an entire civilization utterly ridiculous. That said, it is through fortuitous means that a son of Simia has been returned to us, for which we are grateful to Alana,” he said, with a slow nod of his head.
“You must become acquainted and integrated into our civilization, Seven,” spoke Valeta, with a much softer tone. “As much as a son of Simia as you may be, you have spent your life aboard a simulation run by our enemies and must be re-educated. As such, we have arranged for your attendance to one of the finest academies in the city. We have provided the accommodation for you there, the expenses of which will be charged to the Council.”
My stomach churned, and my mind spun. Everything was happening too fast. From the moment I’d been freed from the Sky Drifter simulation, I’d discovered I’d had a brother, only to watch him die, I’d had to escape huge beast things, crossed a desert—almost dying in the process—traveled to a city to meet councilmen, only to learn I’d have to just get over it all and go to some academy to be “re-educated”. It was too much.
“I learned everything I need to know aboard that ship,” I said. “I don’t need to go to another academy.”
“Seven,” began the female councilman, “the teachings you gained are outdated, by around twenty years, I believe. There is much for you to learn. You will go to Laurea Academy—it shall serve you well.”
It felt as if there was nothing I could say that could change the outcome. My future had been officially decided for me. “I don’t want to stay there, though,” I replied, hoping they’d at least grant that. “I want to stay with Alana.” From the corner of my eye, I saw her turn to me, but she said nothing.
“We have much to discuss with Alana,” said Fhior, directing his attention to her. “For now, your request is impossible, but we may discuss it in the future.” My heart sank.
I turned to face Alana who was still looking at me. She smiled sadly. I wasn’t sure why, but it was as if she was saying ‘goodbye’. I fought back the building tears.
The man and the woman stood, with the eldest fast asleep in his seat. “Seven, you will be escorted to the academy by our VAIAs.” From behind their seats, two semi-holographic shimmering blue androids walked into view. I’d later learn VAIAs, which stood for Virtual Artificial Intelligence Assistants, were created with the same technology as AVAs, though more advanced and without the same attitude as the one I’d had.
“Everything has been arranged, and is ready for you to arrive tonight,” said Valeta, as the VAIAs walked toward me.
“Seven, listen,” said Alana, placing her hand on my shoulder. “Things may become a little difficult for a while, but you must be strong. If you give up, you’ve lost the battle. No matter what, remember that you are never alone. Wherever you may be, whatever you may do, I will always be with you.” I didn’t like that she was saying those things as if it was goodbye.
“But I’ll see you soon, won’t I? You won’t be gone long, will you?” I glanced over to the Council who watched us and smiled softly.
“No, of course I won’t. In the meantime, be strong, Seven. Everything will probably be different from what you are used to.” She smiled one last time but could not hide the sadness in her eyes.
“Come, Alana,” said Valeta. “It is time.”
The VAIAs positioned themselves on either side of me, facing away from the Council.
“Seven,” said Fhior, “It is important that you not speak of what has happened to you. While we understand you were not aware of what you were doing, the Morex attacks caused much damage. There may be some that could blame you for what happened and may seek retribution. You never know who may be listening. Please follow the VAIAs. You will be in good hands.”
His words hit me like a hammer. If I hadn’t felt guilty about having given attack strategies to the Morex before, I did now.
Alana walked over to the Council, and I followed the VAIAs as they made their way to the exit. I glanced back to see her and the man and woman speaking together in a serious manner. I turned away, feeling more alone than ever before as I headed toward an uncertain future, anxious about what was to come.
CHAPTER NINE
“This way, Mr. Seven,” said one of the VAIAs, as we stepped off the small elevator, out into a large area, its walls a shiny silver with glowing yellow trim crisscrossing through them.
Parked in rows on a glistening black floor were vehicles. The VAIAs led the way along one of the many isles and stopped in front of a slim white one. Along either side of its slender frame were two long stabilizers that curved downward at the front and toward the back. The middle of the roof was covered in black glass, which ran down the front part of the vehicle to a point. Two other thin windows stretched the length of the upper half of each side, curving down toward the bottom at the front.
“Please wait a moment, Mr. Seven,” the VAIAs said in unison, and one of them stepped up to the back of the vehicle and pressed its semi-holographic head to an oval indentation in the center. As soon as its chrome cranium slotted in, the VAIA’s body dematerialized. A moment later the stabilizers shone a bright neon white, and part of the frame vanished on one side of the vehicle, leaving a large opening.
“Please enter, Mr. Seven,” said the VAIA standing next to me. I walked to the entrance and eased my way inside, sitting on the soft, black seat. No sooner had I sat down than the side of the frame re-materialized, sealing me in. I stretched my legs and rested my forearms on the armrests on either side. I felt comfortable but there wasn’t much room to move around.
“Please make yourself comfortable, Mr. Seven,” came a VAIA’s voice, startling me. “The journey will not be long.” The black window glass became transparent, allowing me to see outside. Without a sound, the vehicle lifted a little off the ground and glided toward a large, rectangular door. It slid open from top to bottom, and the vehicle sped forward into the night.
***
A sheet of rain distorted the view outside. Blurry neon lights merged like blotches of paint.
“Hello?” I said, wondering if the VAIA could hear me.
“Yes, Mr. Seven,” it answered. “How may I be of service?”
“Where are you?”
“I have integrated my systems into the vehicle’s mainframe, Mr. Seven; I am everywhere around you.”
“So, you’re the ship?”
“In a manner of speaking, I am.”
“Where’s this academy you’re taking me to?”
“Laurea Academy is situated at the heart of the city, in the center of Valen lake, and is accessible in a variety of ways including a series of bridges connecting the surrounding parkland to the circumference of the island, and through interconnecting tunnels and pathways underground. Founded by the scholarly Council one thousand four hundred and fifty-seven years ago, it boasts some of the greatest academic minds in the galaxy, departments, exclusive grounds, and facilities.
“Laurea Academy has five hundred and six classrooms, forty-three laboratories, twenty-eight gymnasiums, fifteen canteens, twelve leisure simulation rooms, ten bathing domes, nine digital libraries with over a trillion volumes and two conservatories housing an amalgamation of flora from all over the universe.”
An echo of the Sky Drifter stung.
“Uh, thanks,” I said, sinking into the seat.
“You are very welcome, Mr. Seven. If there is anything else you would like information on please do not hesitate to let me know.”
“Yeah, okay. Thanks.”
The heavy rained became a drizzle. The lights outside had become more sparse, with only the narrow road underneath the car lighting up bright neon blue as the VAIA flew over it. I got a vague impression we were passing through a dense garden, where multicolored flowers
and crystalline bushes with wide petals, sharp thorns or vibrating stems showed on either side.
Soon, the garden gave way to a long, straight bridge surrounded by an expansive lake, lit by the moons and stars. On the other side, a cluster of bright lights towered up to a horizontal line. As the vehicle flew over the bridge, I saw the academy that was to be my home.
The academy’s enormous circular base split into two towers that snaked up, crisscrossing in the center, to a flat platform at their peak which was covered by a dome. Between these, a long white tower with many doors and windows reached up, merging into the platform above. A walkway joined each door with an adjacent section of the two spiraling towers, both of which had a clear dome at the first of their curving points. The base and the two towers were covered in reflective blue windows, some of which seemed to have bright white lights all along them, illuminating most of the academy.
As the vehicle approached, the adjoining section of the bridge became almost as wide as the base itself.
“We have arrived, Mr. Seven,” said the VAIA, landing. A large gap in the side appeared, and I stepped outside for the first time.
CHAPTER TEN
I looked up at the impressive building, as the VAIA disconnected itself from the vehicle, and walked up with its re-materialized body.
“I can’t tell where it ends,” I said, squinting.
“It certainly is a veritable feat of vertical engineering, Mr. Seven.”
“You Seven, then?” came a high, tinny voice from somewhere near the entrance to the academy. I could just make out two blue orbs in the shadows.
Before I could answer, the VAIA walked toward the orbs and said, “You must be Mial. You have been expecting us.”
“I know that,” the voice replied. “Why do you think I’m here? Fun?”
Either choosing to ignore the comment, or because it wasn’t programmed to respond to sarcasm, the VAIA turned and said, “Please, Mr. Seven, this is Mial: Laurea Academy’s caretaker. He will show you to your quarters.”
