The Constant Star (25)

THE STORY SO FAR

She needs a walk.

18

It is still early morning and the ambient lighting reflects the feeling of an early spring day. Siff reasons that Macy must have control of the environmental controls for the lower levels, or things would be a lot more uncomfortable. The streets are mostly empty, with the occasional straggler who never made it to bed after the celebrations the night before. Having a revolution must be quite the head trip.

What was I thinking coming down here? Why would I ever have wanted to do that? I took a beating for being different, then took a beating for standing up for someone. I got rejected by my boyfriend, my parents, my community. What even am I any more? I just want to be allowed to be free. Like the people down here want to be free. They want what I had, but I know that isn’t what I want. I want what the Chosen Ones have. And if these people get to fight for what they want, shouldn’t I be able to do the same? If what they want was given to them, would they reject it for my sake? Not likely. I’m just one girl anyway, it’s not like they need me. Why can’t I have what I want just once in my life?

And yet…and yet this is the first time I’ve been allowed to be myself. This is the first time I’ve felt like I’m a part of something and can make a difference. This is the first time I’ve been appreciated for being who I am. I’m getting celebrated for being someone my former world hates. And Karl seems really nice, and so do his friends. Except for Addy. I think she hates me. But Karl is nice. Oh god! Bear! I wonder how he’s doing. I hope he’s okay. I wonder what he thinks of me now. He probably hates me now, too. Skita, he was my best friend and I just left him.

Her walk takes her through streets and alleyways as her mind races, unaware of the attention she is gradually gaining from those waking up. Her clothes and face are not yet dirtied to the level of a regular down here, and so is easily recognizable. Having seen her on screen with their leader, standing on the balcony side by side, her fame is universal among the denizens of the city. It isn’t until one elderly woman touches her on the arm that Siff realizes she is surrounded by adoring onlookers, “Thank you, sweet child, for everything.”

Stunned awake from her inner monologue, Siff is now feeling very uncomfortable with the attention, “Um. Sure. No problem.”

Another voice picks up, “It’s Siff! It’s her!”

“Are you going to save us?”

“Kick those pompous ass-“

“You should have killed ‘em-“

“When are you taking us up there?”

“What are you doing later?”

“Can I get a pic with you?”

“Listen. Um. Thank you. Um. I have to go though. Um. Sorry.”

She pushes her way through the crowd and hurries back to the central building, now with hundreds of followers surrounding her, taking pictures, asking questions, thanking her, and cheering her on. By the time she gets back to the building, soldiers have to come and pluck her from the crowd who are now chanting her name as if she is some kind of war hero. The people are kept outside as she is escorted within and collapses to a squat leaning against the wall of the foyer. What the hell is going on? Why me? I just wanted peace.

“A lot different than you thought it was gonna be, huh?” Karl sits down beside her and looks ahead, “The world down here is changing kiddo. Some want it to happen and some don’t, but once hope is in the hearts of the people it brings…light. Even to the darkest of places.

“I’ve been down here my whole life, Siff. Bred and raised to be a slave. They made me strong so I could work on the grav modules. You should see ‘em. They’re really something to behold. Massive machines that keep the Chosen Ones spinnin’. I’ve been working them my whole life: blood, sweat, tears and all that. Watched the gears swallow friends. But I’ve never seen anything destroy people like lack of hope. Funny thing; I never recognized it until you came. Hope never existed here until the last few days. You brought something really special to us, and I know you gave up a lot to do so. But hey, look at me Siff.

“If you never do another thing for my people. For me. I will still forever be in your debt. I know you’re having a hard time with all this, I can see it in your eyes. Whether you choose to join us or sit back and watch us, thank you kiddo. You made a way for us. You made everything possible.”

Karl stands back up and gives Siff a smile before he walks away. Siff wipes the tears from her eyes and stands to return to her room. Even the soldiers she passes in the hallway occasionally thank her before returning to their duties. Siff opens her door and heads inside hoping to figure out what she wants before Macy shows up with what she has planned for her next.

19

The Council sit with grim faces around the conference table, their aides silent behind them. Mars speaks solemnly and with barely contained rage, “It appears they have no interest in negotiation. They have sent us a clear message. This rebellion must be put down, right now.” The others nod in agreement, “So, there are no objections to a full military offensive?”

“None.”

“Not at all.”

“It seems there is no other course of action at this time.”

“As Janus’ AI has been breached, we should follow protocol and move our headquarters to the Needle. It is a separate AI system and

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