The Constant Star (23)

THE STORY SO FAR

“Good people of the Lower Levels, Siff is a perfect example to us of how those above us can change if only they see our plight. Because of this, our first objective is not violence against them, but to make ourselves and our suffering known. Many will come to see us and help us, perhaps even convince their leaders to change. Siff is a light to us and a promise. A promise that not all who live on the upper levels are evil.

“But even so, we must be prepared for those who wish us harm. Bring them forward.”

The security detail are brought to the balcony and forced to kneel before the people. Shouts begin to come from the crowd: calls to violence and vengeance as the detail is recognized.

“Good people, what should be done with our enemies? How should we treat those who have so abused us?” Calls for death are mixed with calls for violent revenge and torture. “My people, calm yourselves. These violent criminals deserve everything you call for. Indeed, death would be a mercy for such animals. But we have with us the most recent victim of their crimes. The protector of the weak, and newly formed ally: Siff.” Macy turns to a terrified friend and smiles at her encouragingly, “What say you, Siff? The ones who beat you and crushed you under their boots for no other reason than malice. The ones who have persecuted our people every moment of every day they have been here. What should be done with them?” Macy lifts a gun and points it at one of their heads. Siff instinctively rushes forward to stand between the weapon and its intended victim, “What then, Siff, if not execution? How should we punish them? How would you punish them?”

“…”

“I put their lives in your hands, Siff. What would you have me do?”

“I just…I just want them to change. I don’t want them to die.”

“Then we shall let them live.”

“Can we send them back? Back to the upper levels?”

There are murmurs of discontent among the crowd, “Now, now, good people. Don’t be consumed with hatred like our enemies. Siff is showing us true freedom. The freedom to forgive. We shall send them home. Yes, yes, I hear your grievance. You long for blood and for revenge. Do not fear, we shall send them back with a clear message of our demand for freedom and equality. And if any of them try to crush us again we shall strike back with all of our ferocity and you shall have your blood!” There are cheers again as Macy finishes, “Thank you Siff, for showing us the way.”

Macy leads Siff from the balcony and back out the doors as soldiers move over the captives behind them. Siff’s mind is reeling: what in the…fuck was that?

They walk down a couple of hallways before Macy opens a door to an apartment and ushers Siff inside, “You’ve had a crazy couple of days, Siff. And your bruises are starting to show. This is your place for as long as you want it. There’s a bedroom, a bathroom, a couch, a kitchen, and a med-bed. Get some rest and heal up. Welcome to the new world.”

The door closes and Siff is left alone. She shuffles to the med-bed and receives a scan that heals her cracked ribs and bruises, then she wanders over to the bed and collapses into a deep sleep.

17

<<Citizen#0021-48374639

Entry#11007

My soul yearns for freedom as anyone else may. To create, to explore, to challenge and change. But our history reminds me daily to find discipline. The future of humanity relies on us all to maintain stability within. For the sake of the Chosen Ones we must deny ourselves and work together as the mission dictates. There is no room for us to be free, because with freedom comes human nature, and with human nature comes destruction.>>

Siff wakes up in the same bed and tries to orientate herself. It takes a few seconds, but a rush of memories makes her heart sink with terror. How in the hell did I end up here? How did this happen?

She rolls out of bed and has a shower. At least the pain is gone, it’s nice not having bruises everywhere. Her stomach growls; oh yeah, I’m hungry. Really hungry. I wonder if they have food here.

She gets dressed and looks through the kitchen. Empty. Guess I’ll have to go hunt for some food then. Siff opens the door and walks into the hallway. Knowing the layout a little from yesterday, she heads back in the direction she came: toward the elevators. When she gets there she finds a sign and reads ‘4-Cafeteria’. That sounds promising. She pushes the button.

The elevator opens to a very large room, hundreds of people bustle about chatting, sitting, and eating. Siff steps out of the elevator and finds the serving line to her left. Walking over to the back of the line people start to recognize her. One man stands to slowly clap, and he is joined by one after another until the entire hall is clapping and cheering for a bright-red Siff who wishes she were invisible at the back of the serving line. A group calls her over to their table and puts a plate in front of her, “No line-ups for our new hero. Have a seat.”

Siff sits down and nervously smiles, it feels like first day of school all over again, “Thanks. Um. Hi everyone. I’m Siff.”

“Sure you are!” The oldest man lets out a laugh, he must be mid-twenties, “We all know who you are, you’re famous now. My name’s Karl. This is Addy, Wrench, Conner, Pint, and I think you’ve already met Issel.”

Addy is a girl about Siff’s age with short cut hair, Wrench a greasy twenty-ish year old with tools all over her filthy coveralls, Conner has a natural smirk

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