The Constant Star (61)

THE STORY SO FAR

If I want to change my world, I can’t run from it: it’s about bettering humanity, not just me.

“I’m going to stand for what’s right, I’m going to be loyal to my friends, I’m going to protect the weak and give them strength. I choose to be part of a society of hope. I’m going to be a part of a new way of governing our people that brings equality, freedom, and hope.”

“That’s a fine cause, Siff. I pray you have the strength to bring it about.”

“You agree with me, then? About the Lower Levels?”

“If there are wiser ways to handle the Chosen Ones, then there must also be wiser ways to govern our own people. I will do what I can to convince the Council, but I do not know what it will take to change things, or if it is even possible. Our first concern when we cross the Gate however is going to be to protect Lucas. And so far I’ve only got one idea that I think will work.”

“What’s that?”

He smiles wryly, “Distraction.”

The rocks are less daunting this time around, perhaps it is the rest and the food, perhaps it is because her father is on her side. Perhaps it is because he is holding the future in his arms. Siff can’t help but think of the significance of giving the Chosen Ones a voice on Janus. Why did they never consider this before? Seeing them as just animals in a zoo: just something to gawk at and be in wonder of. How could they never have thought of them as human? How could she have never seen them as nothing more than a means to her own selfish ends? Lucas needs to live. How are we going to get him past the Council? Keep him alive long enough to have a voice?

The rocks get steeper as they climb above the tree-line, cliffs become evident overhead with treacherous falls all around. Siff looks out across the tube: the curve of the horizon lifting green lands and beautiful vistas to view. What a wonderful place to live. But with me here they are not safe. I have to make my own land safe. I have to help my people and make where I live a beautiful place. How am I ever going to do that?

“One step at a time, Siff.” Her father is looking back on her as she realizes that she has stopped walking to think, “If you’re tired I can carry you. I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”

“Thanks Dad. I was just lost in thought.”

“It’s going to be okay. Changing your world is a big responsibility, but I’ve seen all you’ve been able to do without any focus. I can’t wait to see what happens when you really put your mind to something that can help all of us.” Siff looks her father quizzically in the eyes, “I believe in you Siff. And I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me before. I believe in you Siff. And I’m here for you now.”

She looks away and wipes a tear from her eye. Siff sniffles, “How far are we from the Gate?”

“Just around that corner. About a hundred yards. We’ll stop here and wake Lucas. Then we’ll wait for the green light.”

“What if the green light doesn’t come?”

“Then we’ll go through anyway, and hope for the best.”

Baldr sets Lucas down gently, “The burns are soothing, the lotion is doing its work. We need to get him to a med-bed to check on any internal injuries. Here, put this under his nose.”

Siff holds the smelling salts to Lucas’ face and watches his face spasm with disgust. He wakes in shock, “What happened? Where am I? What did you do to me?”

“Calm down,” Siff has her hand on his left shoulder, “it's okay Lucas, you’re safe. You were right and we were wrong, we’re going to get you out of here before they kill you. We need you on Janus.”

“She’s right, I’m sorry. So desperately sorry for what has happened to you. I’m going to do what I need to, to make it right.”

Lucas grunts and shifts his weight to sit up against the cliff face, “You carried me through the forest.” He looks down across the scenery, “Even if I wanted to go back I wouldn’t make it through.”

“If we would have left you, the Council would have found out you survived and they would kill you. I’m sorry, Lucas. This is your only chance at living.”

“Maybe I want to be with my family. Maybe I want this pain to end.”

“We listened to you, Lucas. You have the power to help make sure this never happens again. We need your help. We need your voice on Janus. We need you to come with us.”

“So if I flee, I am torn apart by monsters. If I make it through the forest, I am killed by the gods. But if I go with you…?”

“You still could die. But, you might be able to save countless lives. Help us restructure how we do our mission. Teach us how to be better.”

“Death, death, or possible death. Why should I trust you?”

Siff looks in his eyes, “One thing I’ve learned is this, if I’m going to die, I want to die doing what I believe in. If there’s a chance we can change the world I’m going to take it. Possible death with a chance of saving the soul of humanity seems like a pretty good deal to me.”

“That’s a terrible deal. No-one should have to make that sacrifice. Sacrifice myself for those who murdered my family? How can I forgive such evil? Is humanity worth it?”

Baldr’s helmet starts beeping, “Green light incoming. We have seconds. What’s it going to be Lucas?”

The young man stands slowly and leans against the rock, “Is humanity worth it? I guess I can find out.”

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