Chapter 16
Sixteen
Jada
Iaccepted a position with the Kosmos as the “Scriptor of the Spheres”.
A very fancy title for an ordinary position—a scribe to note all official meetings of the Kosmos.
An easy enough task for me, but one that will appease my insatiable curiosity about this new world.
No more assignments or stations on Lunara.
Goodbye, dreadful Labs, hello City of Wonder.
The decision was an easy one to make, given my position.
I either waste my days away plucking dust out of comets and washing windows, or I can work with the Order responsible for overseeing all the galaxies.
Faye’s going to have a fit—quite possibly worse than Zellie.
But why would I refuse them? These are the Kosmos we are talking about.
I know Zell thinks they’re scheming, undermining, pretentious individuals whose sole purpose in life is to prosperously reign.
But I see a higher order that recognizes their wrongdoings and is working to make amends.
Whatever happened between them in the Games really affected Zellie, but every fiber of my being is screaming at me to find a middle ground, and I’m trying, I really am.
I hate that Zellie’s mad at me; I do. But I love it here.
And if securing an occupation with the Kosmos is my way to ensure I can keep coming back day after day?
Then so be it. I can’t recall a day in my life that I’ve ever been selfish, choosing something for me rather than what appeases others.
What would she have me do? Stay on Lunara?
She preaches that humans are mistreated and that we are more deserving than what the Kosmos has provided for us on Lunara—so why wouldn’t she want me here?
I’ve pored over our conversations in my head while aimlessly walking the streets of Astralis.
I’m not used to this much free time to myself; it’s rather jarring.
I suppose I'd better get used to it—the Kosmos have started me on a three-day per cycle schedule, allowing the remaining days off so that I can adjust to life in the city. It is odd that they didn’t offer for me to live here, though.
Maybe they will in the future, once they see that I’m a good investment.
Pluto said he’s had an eye on me—me! Of all people!
That he saw how kindhearted I am and how good I am at diffusing situations.
“A golden sun in a darkened sky”, he called me.
I can’t help but eat the praise up. All I know is the liveliness here sings to me, calling me home.
I’ve mindlessly stopped in front of a bakery, and stars above, the drifting smells are intoxicating.
Something buttery mixed with lavender, and—is that a hint of cinnamon?
My mouth waters, and I’m pushing the door open without a second thought.
Lavish decor in rose and golden hues accents mauve walls, complete with sophisticated furnishings and gleaming marble countertops.
There’s so much pink mixed in with all the rich details.
Now this is my style. It’s late morning, and the morning rush seems to be over.
The atmosphere is quiet with only a few lingering customers scattered throughout.
The barista behind the counter flicks a light purple strand of hair out of her face—I’m not sure I’ll ever be used to the unusual hues, but maybe they think the same about the humans now invading their space.
She runs a cloth across a counter. “Hey hun, what can I get you?”
“Oh, no, that’s alright. I don’t have a way to pay.”
The barista straightens, eyeing me as if she were considering her response. “It’s on the house—no offense, but you look like you could use a pick-me-up.”
“Are you sure?” These people are so nice—I can’t picture anyone on Lunara willingly giving a ration up for free.
“Of course. What do you like, sweet or savory?”
“Sweet, for sure!” My stomach rumbles at the possibility of something delicious coming its way.
“I have just the thing.” She moves away from the counter, returning with a plate covered by a strawberry turnover. The preserves ooze out of the folded corners, promising bites filled with flavor. The top is dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate.
“Wow,” I breathe, “this is a work of art.”
The barista laughs heartily. “Thank you! It’s fresh.” She slides the plate across the counter towards me. “How are you finding it here?”
“It’s beyond my wildest imagination. I think I’m in love.”
She laughs again, her eyes twinkling. “You’re welcome here anytime—free of charge.”
“You’re too kind. I should be a paying customer soon enough. I actually was offered a job here.”
Her eyebrows raise with genuine curiosity. “Really? Where?”
Shit, I wonder if I wasn’t supposed to say anything. The Kosmos never said I couldn’t share—and I’m sure other humans will be offered positions soon enough. Still, just to be safe, I lower my voice. “It’s with the Kosmos, actually.”
Her grin turns into a glower as she nods in response. “You’re from Lunara, right? I assume because of the silver.” She gestures towards my hair.
“I am! You’ve picked up on our colors quickly.
” The Kosmos has only been allowing visitors from multiple planets for a few days.
Maybe she attended the Gemini Games, though.
Zellie told me there were humans from different planets competing.
If it weren’t for her, I’d be lost as to which colors indicated what planets we were all from.
The kindness has returned to her features. “My friend is from Lunara, actually.”
Does she mean Zellie? I shouldn’t be surprised, Zellie’s social and so easily likeable.
Perhaps it’s the thought that she’s created a life here, without me.
She’s built friendships beyond our little unit.
Up until recently, I didn’t even know if she was even alive, but I’m thankful she hasn’t been alone. “Zellie?”
“Yes! Do you know her?”
“You could say that. What’s your name? She’s mentioned a few different people when she filled me in on her time here.”
“Brinn.”
I’m face-to-face with one of the leaders of the Children of the Constellation.