Insurrection on New Planet

by Elsie Charlotte

  I didn’t know what to tell Sirus. He shouldn’t fight his own boss just to prove a point. But knowing that he’s this confused makes me want to fix the problem.

  This was the first impulse I had to go meet him. I uncrossed my arms and walked forward, determined to not be drawn back by my sudden ability to want to not care. I could hear Sirus following behind me as well. Maybe if I assert myself, I can figure out what this guy is really like. Then again, I don’t want to say anything about me having that job before him. He probably doesn’t even know me. And if he does, he probably doesn’t care.

  If the others were really telling the truth then maybe I might get the same vibe.

  I stopped next to Taurus, a bit stunned by how tall he actually was. Now I know I’m not short but this man gave me a bit of chills just by looking up at him. He also did have an intimidating vibe. His grey eyes were piercing cold, even as he looked down at me. Taurus stopped her sentence as she glanced over my way; she was sure that I wasn’t going to join her but I had a change of heart.

  “Commander, this is one of the engineers that has been working on the prototypes.” Taurus said.

  “Janus.” he introduced himself and held out his hand for me to shake.

  “Aurora.” I noticed his strong grip quickly. I thought he was about to break my hand off my wrist.

  He paused for a second, letting go of my hand slowly, and this time he was really glaring at me. I couldn’t tell if it was because of his face or if he already hated me right off the bat. I noticed the other five putting distance between themselves and that wasn’t a good sign either.

  “So you’re the previous commander everyone talks about.” he said, and it wasn’t a nice tone. I chose to ignore it. “You’ve set quite a path for yourself.”

  And by that he means what?

  “Now I know who everyone is so loyal to.” he commented.

  I wanted to apologize for that since that kind of behavior isn’t something I corrected. I glanced to the five that were trying to hide. To think that I don’t even work with them anymore but they’re still getting me in trouble.

  Everyone is getting me in trouble.

  If Janus didn’t hate me before, he does now.

  “You can just call it a habit from working in the defense force for so long.” I still had to be polite no matter what.

  I had a strong feeling he wasn’t a Coordinator or Flyer. He probably worked on the civilian deck while in space. But where was he during that first year? I would recognize a piercing glare like his if I’ve seen it multiple times. How did he even move up in the ranks?

  “Well I’m glad that you’ve found your way around. It must’ve been tough with all the pressure you’ve had to deal with.”

  He’s passive aggressive, probably only with me too.

  I could say something back, but my energy has run out. I can only tolerate so much attitude at once. If he wants to be mean, I won’t say anything. It’s none of my business.

  “Aurora is someone a lot of people rely on.” Taurus said for me. “It wouldn’t matter where he went, he’d be incredibly dependable.” She’s not wrong.

  I just smiled kindly at Janus. He can hear more from other people but he can just let what Taurus said sink in.

  “It was nice working with you, Taurus.”

  That was an abrupt end to the conversation. He turned around to walk away, passing by the scattered five that barely moved. I glanced at Taurus, my fake smile fading away as I stared at her in terror. Janus is something else. I don’t think I got the world domination vibe from him, I just didn’t like him at all. And it may be because he already doesn’t like me. I don’t know what else to say.

  “Taurus...”

  “He’s very aggressive with his vision.” She said slowly. “I don’t think he’s violent but there’s something...off.” she looked up and thought.

  “Those idiots were warning me about him.” I gestured to the five that were standing around.

  Technically complaining. Sirus was the one warning me.

  “I don’t know what to say now.”

  “All we can really do is roll with it.” I said.

  There’s nothing else. We both knew that. I bet anyone that knows Janus won’t do anything. We can’t say he gives off a weird vibe. We have no proof of anything he’s done. For all we know, there might be an explanation for why we think all this. Who knows what his life is like or what he does or anything.

  But that vibe was still there.

  “Anyway,” Taurus sighed. “We should probably finish the prototypes before Hariette kills me.”

  We stared at each other for a moment. Then we looked to the five that were just about to leave. They looked back at us too, a few glances but I could tell they wanted me to do something about this.

  It’s already been a year.

  There’s not much I can do.

  When this is the only thing I can think about for my entire day, there’s something wrong. I shouldn’t have gotten involved. I shouldn’t have gotten curious either. This is such a bad problem to have in my mind. I am in no position to make any more assumptions, no matter how much I think I know everything about the situation.

  It’s not my problem.

  It shouldn’t be my problem.

  For a few seconds, I forgot to breathe. I forgot that I was in control of how I was supposed to feel. The reason why I gave up everything I had before was so I didn’t feel like this. The sudden anxiety was building up and I...

  I needed to breathe.

  Everything is not as big of a deal as I’m making it seem. It’s not that serious.

  And it’s not my problem.

  Chapter 2

  I woke up in the middle of the night in Sirus’ bed. It’s been two weeks since I was here, yet it didn’t feel like that. I stared up into the darkness and it was a good sign that I wasn’t getting scared. I was still breathing too.

  I got out of bed and felt around for my uniform; I don’t remember where i tossed anything so now I’m aimlessly searching in the dark. Strangely enough, my body felt incredibly sore and that was no thanks to Sirus. This is all my fault anyway, I give in too easily, and I shouldn’t. The first thing I felt was my pants; I was quick to yank them on and feel around for my shirt and badge. The throbbing pain in my body just got worse, and I had to pause for second to let it settle away.

  I hate when this happens.

  Then again, it’s not as bad as I made it seem a while ago.

  I sat down on the floor for a moment, running my hands through my hair to push my bangs back out of my face. I knew where every bruise was, where every mark was, and I didn’t have to see it directly. Years ago, I would become so self conscious but now I just let it go. My hands pressed down on the floor and I picked up my shirt that was underneath my fingers, putting it on as quietly as I could. My badge was nearby as well. Now all I needed were my shoes. I got up and left the room, finding my way around in the dark.

  The only reason I had to get dressed to leave was because I’m supposed to be test running the bikes at one in the morning. And I know it wasn’t Hariette’s idea but whoever’s idea it was, they’re stupid. If I could, I would actually stay in bed where it’s warm and comfortable.

  I couldn’t say anything at this hour. I was so tired, and sure that I would blow something up on accident.

  There were ten of us that were going on with a few of these bikes. Because they are prototypes, there’s a chance some of them might blow up. I am hoping I am on one that will not blow up.

  “This should be fun.” Taurus yawned beside me as she put on her leather jacket. “Who doesn’t like being awake at one in the morning?”

  “If I hit a tree, put out the fire.” I told her.

  “I would apologize for the inconvenience...” Hariette walked by but didn’t finish her statement, unless that actually was the end.

  She’s like this so I don’t care. I will never complain just because she’s done so much for me. Taurus looked
sad enough that she had to be here so early but all this shouldn’t take more than an hour.

  Hopefully.

  I don’t see why Hariette won’t get some of Janus’ sectors to test run the bikes. As reckless as they might be, I’m sure they aren’t going to destroy the things we put so much effort into.

  “All you really have to test for is the speed and how long the machine lasts while running.” Hariette told the rest of us. “If your motorcycle malfunctions, I’ll know about it, so don’t worry.” She waved her tablet.

  I got on the fourth prototype and put my helmet on. The lights on the platform dimmed and the bikes began to glow blue. The new prototype engines are practically silent. I could feel the low humming though and that just made me think this was going to be a very smooth ride.

  Hariette walked off the platform to let us go.

  My hands gripped tightly on the handles, my fingers being able to easily have a place to hold on. The lights on my helmet screen showed me the specific path I was taking for the test run.

  Going out of the city should be fun.

  I bet it would be quiet and peaceful. Plus the bike would be able to glow at full potential in complete darkness. Its the perfect time to go out.

  Maybe test running the bikes at one in the morning isn’t such a bad idea.

  However, with everything being so clear and empty I had more time to think. It was more like a rush of thoughts I shouldn’t have unless I’m having an existential crisis.

  It happens.

  I try to ignore it.

  But then I think about things like what am I doing, am I okay, am I really getting better with my anxiety. And it’s okay to doubt myself, at least I’ve had to force myself to believe it’s okay because I’m not always going to be right at the time. The thoughts didn’t change my mood.

  I just paid attention to everything that was in front of me.

  The surroundings were quiet and peaceful. The glow lights on the road was a faded white that glowed brighter once I got closer.

  I hadn’t realized how far I had gone out until I realized its been longer than forty-five minutes. I was so wrapped up in everything that I just didn’t even realize where I was. By now I should definitely be outside the city.

  For a second, I thought I saw someone. In fact, I saw two people. And they were just sitting in the grass on the side of the road. I would have thought it was none of my business but people don’t just leave the city to sit in the grass. That’s not something that happens. So for a second, I was a bit confused.

  Should I mind my own business or should I ask? It’s not like it really is my problem but I physically can’t just not do anything when I think someone is in trouble. Even the slightest chance could mean something.

  I stopped a distance away from them and got off my bike; I took off my helmet and set it down on the seat before slowly making my way towards the person that was sitting in the grass with someone else.

  As I got closer, I saw that it was a woman and she had a child with her.

  There was no way she didn’t have a place to go. Everyone has a place to go.

  “...Are you okay?” I asked quietly, still keeping my distance because I don’t know their situation.

  She looked up slowly then back to the child.

  “I...we...” She struggled but I could hear a thick accent. Maybe she wasn’t used to speaking English yet.

  But we have translators for that.

  Why wouldn’t she...?

  She went in her jacket pocket and pulled out her phone. Usually there was a red line that would glow near the start button, that just meant it was on and fully functioning. The red light on hers was not glowing but I clearly saw the screen turn on.

  I wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean. A glitch? But this system does not glitch. And if it does, it finds a way to fix itself.

  Another thing that struck me as odd was that no one ever deactivates any tech unless a person is dead. The absence led me to believe that it was deactivated and a glitch that bad is serious.

  I walked closer and she handed it to me.

  This is supposed to have everything on it; identification, family information, job information, everything. Without this working, she practically can’t do anything or go anywhere. It’s like not being a real person at all. We need this for everything.

  So how come hers hasn’t reset yet?

  I turned the screen on, seeing her picture and name, but none of her statistics showed up. Nothing for the child either. All it said was that she doesn’t exist. Usually, things like this doesn’t glitch, there shouldn’t be any problems, mistakes like this doesn’t happen.

  “Are you from here?” I asked.

  “We just moved...from another country.” She said.

  That’s still no excuse.

  If I had the equipment to, I would reset it. Instead, I took out my tablet from inside my jacket pocket. I’m extremely lucky that I upgraded this myself weeks ago. I held my tablet up and set the phone face down on my screen. A diagnostic test could help me try to figure out what’s wrong with it and try to fix it.

  But when I linked the two devices together, something else began to happen.

  A blue hologram came up that said loading. Not a second later did all of her information begin to load again with the help of my device. I don’t know when and how I configured that but it ended up being a big help.

  Her name is Magnolia. The child with her is her son, Tobias. Her husband is deceased. Her family still lives in her native country. She moved here a month ago. She works for the Department of Health as a nurse. The system recognizes her as a healthy contributor to society.

  But why did the glitch happen?

  The line near the start button began to glow red as all the information restored onto her device.

  “It should work now.” I told her as the hologram closed. “If it glitches again, you can call me and I’ll fix it for you.” I made sure to leave my information just in case something else happens again.

  She should be able to go to work, or go home and take care of her son. Who knows how many hours they’ve been out here without being able to call for help. At least now that her phone is working, she and her son can be identified.

  “Thank you.” She got up from the grass and hugged me rather tightly.

  I wanted to tell her it was no big deal but she just seemed so happy. I’m glad I could help but really, a mistake like this shouldn’t ever happen.

  To be honest, I was a little worried.

  After she let me go, I helped her find her way back to the city. I called her a cab too and told her where I worked so she could come find me if something like this happened to her again. I have a feeling it might. If the glitch wasn’t caught the first time, how is going to be caught the second time? I looked at my tablet to see if there was a diagnosis for the problem but all it said was error. I wonder if all her technology is acting up like this just because everything is synced together.

  Before I could do anything else, I remembered that I actually had to be back at NASA. In fact, I was incredible late. I know I’m probably the last one Hariette is waiting on. Hariette is going to yell at me for stopping but maybe she might know what’s going on.

  The first thing I did when I got back was went over to Hariette. She was waiting for me still and she didn’t seem too happy that I was there wasting her time but there’s a good reason for it.

  She stared down at me when I walked up to her. And she didn’t speak either. I know she’s mad that I kept her waiting but she’s not going to believe what just happened to me.

  “Hey...” I didn’t want her to yell at me. I played with my fingers as I looked around. “I had a question.” I started.

  “For me? That doesn’t usually happen.” She said and got up from her seat at the front desk.

  “Do tablets and phones malfunction?”

  She didn’t take a step forward when she heard my question. She just turned slowly towards me and n
arrowed her eyes. “If that were to happen to someone, their life would be extremely fucked.” She said.

  “Well, I found a woman and her phone showed that she wasn’t a real person...”

  “That’s not supposed to happen.” She began walking and I followed behind her. “She has to get that fixed or she’ll be stranded.”

  I can’t tell her that I was the one that fixed it. I’ve been messing with my own stuff for months now and it’s not technically legal. I’ve reset so much of the functioning settings and altered with everything that tracks what I do that I can practically do anything I want; it’s not like I will but I want to hide some of my information.

  I tampered with what I’m not supposed to.

  And it came in handy.

  “You don’t think there’s more out there, do you?” I asked as I followed her.

  That’s not a question I should be asking. This problem should not be my problem. Just asking it shows that I care and I’m not supposed to. I’m supposed to worry about myself. I’m supposed to think about myself only. I just...I physically can’t let someone suffer for reasons that aren’t their own. If someone needs help, I feel like I have to help them. I want to.

  Asking that question was my mistake. But Hariette was going to answer anyway.

  “There shouldn’t be. And if there is, there’s not anyone to discuss this issue with.”

  No one ever assumed we would have a problem like this.

  “Who knows, it might even reset on its own.” Hariette shrugged and walked on.

  I stayed behind and thought to myself. I’m sure if it was going to reset, it would’ve done it the second the glitch happened.

  This is weird.

  This is really weird.

  I left when I put all my stuff away and planned to head home where my family was. But I didn’t go that way. Instead, I found myself walking inside Sirus’ place like I truly did live here.