Chapter 34
Thirty-four
Jada
I’m standing before a small group of individuals in the Commons, twisting my hands as I consider what I’m about to do.
It is not lost on me that I’m standing on the edge of a hypothetical cliff, debating to jump.
The choice I make will either let me fall and set me free, or have me retreating within the boundaries of the safety I’ve known.
Why is it that our bravest moments occur when we stand on these mental precipices?
Likely because of the weight each decision carries.
I rock onto the balls of my feet, knowing that if I’ve made it this far, I’m capable of going all the way.
Can I do this? Can I choose myself? Is it really choosing myself when it’s the righteousness of the situation and the fairness to the people I am concerned about?
This is about balance, not about me. There I go again, trying to justify the decision within my mind.
Don’t be a fucking coward, Jada. Right. Nothing like a mental slap to the face inflicted by yourself.
“I’m here to talk to you all about an ongoing situation.
I know that none of you have any interest in seeing or exploring Astralis, but this situation concerns not only the citizens that live there, but all of us here on Lunara and every other planet harboring humans.
” I focus my attention on Faye, ignoring the approximately nine to twelve others that sit around her.
I don’t enjoy public speaking, even in a group this small.
Faye is familiar, comforting—even with her scowl and crossed arms.
“It has come to my attention that the Kosmos have been lying to citizens across the galaxies. Humans in particular have been incredibly marginalized and oppressed, however the people of Astralis, in Mryathe, are also suffering at the hands of the Kosmos.”
“Suffering in their spoils and riches? Yeah right.” A head of dark brown and silver calls out—a Virgo. “I’ve heard about how well they’re living over there. I highly doubt they’re suffering,” she adds. She’s mad—good.
“Yes, the way they live is very nice, and there’s no reason whatsoever why they should be living better than we are.
And while they may have prettier and finer living conditions, they also are dealing with the Kosmos ruling over them with an iron fist, punishing anyone who steps out of line.
The issue is bigger than the difference between our living atmospheres.
The conditions for all of us, for humanity, are not just or fair.
We should not be stuck in these units, slaving our days away to produce products for them and reproducing to ensure they continue to receive items they need.
We shouldn’t be forced to complete certain tasks, to be approved to visit certain areas of our home, to have rationed shitty food that we can only eat if we have a meal ticket.
Just as the citizens on Astralis should be free to live as they please without fear of imprisonment for having the audacity to dream or for falling behind on making payments.
Something has got to change, and it starts with us. ”
Two or three people get up and leave, shaking their heads or chuckle menacingly to themselves.
Only a fool would believe everyone could be so easily convinced.
“There is an entire fraction of people in the city who are sick and tired of their quality of life. Can you honestly look inside yourself and say you don’t feel the same? ”
Faye stands suddenly, as if she’s heard enough. “This mission is lunacy, Jay.”
Keeping my head held high, I respond, “Is it? Or is it insanity to live out the rest of our days without wishing, trying, wanting something more?”
“I believe you.” My head turns towards the doorway to see Torin leaning against the wall, legs crossed in front of him, eyes set in determination.“Tell me what you need.”
After meeting with Torin and requesting that he convince others to begin working on improving their physical fitness—small groups, of course, to attempt to remain inconspicuous—I made my rounds, visiting the various spokes and speaking to whoever would deem me worthy of listening.
There were plenty of more scoffs and laughs at my expense, but there was also curiosity, interest…
hope. A contented sigh leaves my lips as I take in the stark and sterile space.
Perhaps once these walls could hold me, but I’ve grown too big for them now.
Something has changed within me, and I’m proud of the steps I am taking.
I’m traveling the spoke from the Library back to the Commons when I pass Gwenda. My heart sinks—has anyone told her? Unlikely, considering Zellie can’t come back here. I shouldn’t be the one to tell her; I wasn’t there.
“Hi, Gwenda, how are you?”
“Hi, sweet girl. I’m okay—I was on my way to spend some free time with a good book. Where are you off to?”
My mouth turns dry. “Back to Astralis.”
Her nose crinkles. “That wretched place?”
“Have you been?”
“And why would I set foot over there?”
“Something different? It’s really nice.”
“Jada, my girl. I am old, and I am tired. I am beyond being entertained by shiny new things. The universe will return what you feed with starlight, and all that.”
“But don’t you think there should be equal opportunity to live that way?”
The corner of her lip turns up in a kind, sad smile.
“It hasn’t happened once in my lifetime, sweet girl.
I may be ancient, but I am not unaware. But with you…
You have a light within you that could, my dear.
” My throat grows tight with a familiar lump at her words.
She pats my shoulder as she shuffles away. “I best be off. I’ll be seeing you.”
“See you.” Her words stick with me back through the portal, through each step through Astralis, all the way to Brinn’s bakery. She’s likely closing up shop, but she’s reassured me that I’m welcome at any time. Eager to tell her about my success, the door opens with a dinging of bells.
The storefront is empty, but I hear hushed whispers from the back, likely from her storage closet. I head back, calling out, “Brinn?”
I round the corner of the open closet, looking through the doorway. Brinn stands, all color drained from her face, with a bloodied-up Orion and two other males I don’t recognize, one holding a thick, ancient-looking tome. Something is wrong. Suddenly, I feel weak, my heart racing.
“What happened?”