The Star of Xallia

Chapter 1

Xallia

They say, nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space. It would probably just kill me faster anyway. My muddled reflection struggled to breathe, distorted on the caved in wall of my cockpit, laying between me and the endless Black Sea. I dare not look away from her, in fear of giving into the warm pool enveloping my body, beckoning me to sleep. I watched as her chest rose and fell short. In her eyes I found the reflection of a life already lived, the burden of countless taken, and the hollowness of a future never to be. The sea of green and gold engulfing the wandering needlepoint of our eye, was the only thing I seemed to recognize. Drifting to the bloody mess that was a pressurized suit, black and silver strands of cloth clung to our arms plastered to several long gashes that seemed to have always been. Speckled, charred, blistered and bloodied flesh, peaked through burn holes dappled down our legs. The ancestral marking slicing the jade of our now bare torso cut short. A piece of curved metal shrapnel glistened just below our lungs. Laying side by side, bits of blonde dipped crimson spilled across the floor. Crushed by my source of freedom, accompanied by a reflection, It seemed about right. A fitting end for someone who had lived like me. The weight of the vastness around me pulled my eyes shut. Pulling me further from my partner. My tie to this physical plane, my comfort and my pain. Replaced by the gentle coax of the vastness of space.

The darkness beckoning me to join her suddenly silenced. A deafening grind shook life back into my eyes, alerting my limbs for a fraction of a second. A familiar sarcastic voice echoed off the cabin walls, as I slipped into sleep.

A gentle breeze kissed my cheek, sweet cherry plums pulling on its tail. Springtime in Xaillia Valley called me from sleep, the tune of the morning bells swept the distance. Damp skin clung to satin sheets as I pulled myself free from rest and wiped the third moon's gifts from my mind. “As the star shines on the valley, we must be busy”. My mother, a fiercely patriotic woman’s words to live by, not mine. My dreams lay with the first moon, calling me to the ways of the North, where our planet can view the stars. Where the people live to protect, to fight and to discover the farthest reaches of the galaxy. Mother, along with many of the third moons people, call them “animals”. We are taught that the people of the North's ways are barbaric, that they have no semblance of dignity or modern comfort by choice. I see the people of the North as our hope, as having sacrificed the comforts of the Third and Second moons for true freedom. A freedom I have always coveted.

Sitting on my bedside, looking out to the gardens, birds danced around the plum willow. Flashes of pink and blue struck the sky as two love birds played chase past my window. Drops of dew glistened like glass tears on the flowing wisps of the willow's branches. Pink and white flowers sprinkled down her arms, etherealized in the brilliant light of the third moon's star. Something I’ve always found too bright.

Dragging myself to the window side, I grabbed the curtain edges and pulled them shut, chilling the room in a cool morning shade, draping my window side vanity in gentle shadow. I sat myself at the familiar mirror to study my complexion as I pulled my long blond hair into a braid. I drew water from the basin on the table and gently washed the sleep from my face. Patting myself dry before patting forest hued powder into my jade skin. I followed the sharp corner of my jaw into the dip of my lip. The sky black skin of my sharp cupid's bow accentuating my defined nose and raised cheek bones. Brilliant green and gold eyes center my face, shrouded in long blonde wisps.

A wooden jar from the back of the vanity drawer revealed a barely touched black charcoal paste. Today wasn’t a normal day, on a normal day I would stop here, throw on my school uniform and be out the door. Staring down at the ancestral clay, I knew everything would change the moment it made contact with my skin, in this moment reality hardened. The cool paste felt alive as it grazed across my fingertips. Crossing the bridge of my nose, the paste left behind the weight of every dream I had dared to entertain. I traced the fierce glare of my ancestors into my naive gaze, steadying myself in the weight of the decision I was about to make.

Admiring my handiwork, I pulled my tired frame from the comfort of my vanity and studied the space that welcomed me every morning. I turned to the room that held my comfort and safety as its own for so many years, and approached a familiar boudoir to reach for the gown I would only ever wear once. Pink and yellow silk washed over my head, cascading across my body. I turned to the mirror, holding the bold colors of my family's heritage against my skin with pride and fastened the delicate gold brooch carved with my family's emblem at the hip. Letting my fingers linger on the shape that had held my identity since the day I was born.

I managed one last glance and at myself as a member of the third moon's people and a member of a family of the Valley. Before the warmest sound my young heart has ever known erupted through our acoustic halls, breaking the hypnosis my most intimate space held me in. “Veala!! Veala darling, we’re late, damn the Star rises too quickly... Veala it’s time to…” My mothers face softened as I stepped from my doorway into the open hall. Meeting her increasingly sparkling eyes, warmth painted her cheeks. Wordlessly she approached me and slid her arm into mine. I looked down to her, grasping my hand in hers. Taking in the embrace that had given me life. Her elegant death grip on my fingers spoke volumes. She was trying not to look panicked, but I could feel her. Her eyes, her grasp, her unusual silence. She was desperate to go back in time, and I think it’s because she knew all along. I was never meant to stay in the Valley with her, or father, I was never meant to marry the neighbor boy. Or take up a job in civil service, I don’t think she ever wanted that for me. She definitely wanted it for herself, especially at this moment, but she was far too selfless to ever ask for it.

Side by side, we glided down the hall, past the grand windows that framed our picturesque city. Streams of cold marble shadowed in waterfalls of pink drapery that welcomed me into the world, now carried me to a place I had never been. We strode together in silence to the city center. Mother guided me through our gardens, the sweet scent bringing back bittersweet memories. Through the gate that guarded my childhood you’ll find the city's center. A source of mischief and adventure for as long as I could remember. She led me across a small cobblestone street to the side of the ceremony hall where we found a solid iron door. My mother brought her delicate arm up to the deteriorated surface and brisked it with the back of her hand. The door opened to a kind looking older man with pale ashen skin touched with the slightest reminisce of indigo. The gentleman's cold blue eyes met mine ever so briefly before turning to my mother and stepping aside. I nodded as my mother guided me past, entering a long hall. Two doors at the end of the hall greeted me agape. A braid of cherry plum flowers framed the entryway. Starlight and cheers poured down the hallway, fighting the marble current under my feet.

The light touched my skin, sending my heart lurching into my ribcage and shaking the ground from under my feet. My breath seemed to take refuge, in my lungs refusing to grant my chest any reprieve. Each step closer, urged me to run in the opposite direction. Half pulled by my mother, half pushed forward by my own ambition, my legs carried me into the blinding light. Screams seemed to be on the attack, as I broke free of the doorway, the searing light began to clear, revealing a sight that ripped my breath out of hiding. The weight of a millions of lives peered into mine, pride and joy radiated from the people I had known my entire life.

Starlight streamed into the town square, stalls and shops decorated with vibrant flowers lined the crowded streets. The normally bustling city froze as the smiling faces of my people painted themselves into my clearing vision. A light surge came from the direction of my mother, forcing me to step up to the podium. I looked down at an altar centered by three pendants cast in starlight. The First Moon’s emblem, forged in silver, a right crescent adorning a pitch black stone. In the light resembling the horizon of the Second Moon it laid, calling my name from the right side of the podium. The second Moon’s emblem, carved of black slate, a left crescent adorned by a small red ruby. Vibrant colors of molten metals filled the cracks and crevices, producing a perfectly smooth surface. Where every imperfection is not simply fixed, it has been improved. The dark perfection of the emblem, capturing the cold and viscous beauty of the Second Moon, lay modestly to the left of the altar, almost fading into the cold velvet.

The Third Moon’s emblem covered the center of the altar. A golden orb adorned by a diamond paired with two sister stones, opal and jade. Vibrant and overbearing, the metal reverberated the heat of the star on my face. Threatening to crack the dam withholding the utter chaos budding under the surface of my skin. Mother wished I would pick the Third Moon, a life of education, simplicity, family and bureaucracy. My father worked diligently for the Second. Researching the production of higher quality artificial sunlight and stable energy resources. Working to improve the quality of life and health of the citizens of the Colonies. A noble and necessary cause, yet I yearned for the stars, to be and see something more than this. A quaint existence you could hardly call living.

As I reached for the right crescent, I could feel my fathers disappointment. I wrapped my fingers around the cold silver emblem and I saw my mothers fears. I pulled the trinket into view, held high for the crowds below, and I understood. There never was another choice for me. I stood staring at my future in my hands shedding the weight of doubt, yet gaining the weight of uncertainty. I felt a pull I had always known and drew my gaze down, reaching my mother. Tears streamed down streaked cheeks, her eyes said it all, she was saying goodbye, but with pride. No matter her personal beliefs, in this moment I brought honor to her name. She reached for me once more, taking my hand, my fathers grasped my shoulder, I let their hands guide me one last time. Gripping the banister never used, side by side we descended the steps never taken.

I had made a choice anyone could make, but no one ever did. In my place another will be welcomed in. In my choice to leave I am choosing to destroy myself. I am to live as someone I have never known, who never was, but now always will be.

An orbit ship sat ready to whisk me away. We walked with a slow, heavy stride towards the nearly abandoned entrance to the ceremony transport doc just outside the city center. A small gate guarded a large gray wall vibrating with life. Crossing through the gate the thunder of the engines greeted us. The ground shook beneath us as hair whipped my face raw as my mother turned me to face her. Searching deep into the golden eyes I have always found comfort in, I caught a whisper “Veala, my love” muffle under the roar of the beast on the tarmac. Her soft touch met my cheek, drawing me close. The scent of rose water and cherries pulled tears to my eyes. “There is not much time, but know this. Our world is not ready for your gift, nor do they deserve it. No matter the laws, you may always come home, my child. I look to you and your choices with pride. I will remember you with love”. The heavy hand on my shoulder pulled me into my fathers arms. Warm tears padded my head. “ I was not supposed to cry, my dear. I do not want you to leave us in tears. Smile for me one last time and know, I will come for you if you ever need. We are one word away, laws be damned. I love you”.

Broken, I ripped myself from their embrace, and one step at a time forced myself into the unknown. Turning one last time, smiling ear to ear, Stepping into the future after one last glimpse at the life I had always known.

Chapter 1 Part 2

Xallia

There are 3 moons that orbit Xallia, each holding influence over a specific region of Xallia, named for its respective moon. The people of the First Moon live in the region under the smallest moon, Zenko. This section of the planet is the only area where ships can leave orbit, without experiencing drag from a moon's gravity. Xallia being one of the largest inhabited planets, it has a complex relationship with the other entities in the solar system, within and outside of its orbit. There are other planets with similar size and resource capabilities that can be reached. However they are not close enough to reasonably travel to more than once in one lifetime for our species, with our current technology. Expanding our travel capabilities is one of the main missions of the First Moon excursions. Partnered with the Second Moon's R&D sector, the recovery and reconnaissance sector is able to gather information and resources to allow development to advance towards more efficient space travel. Over 75% of our planet is incapable of space travel. In terms of developing intergalactic transit, we are far behind most of our own solar system. The First Moon is also responsible for all military action and the protection of our planet from intergalactic threats.

The Second moon Is the second largest, Verkno. This area is almost void of any natural sunlight and has very little vegetation or animal life as a result. It is however plentiful in fresh water and a vast variety of mineral packed mines. As a result the second Moon’s colonies are where our planet maintains production of non-agricultural necessities. For example ships, munitions, and infrastructural production are all sourced in the Second Moon. The second Moon is also the home of law and order for planet Xallia. Entities that establish and enforce public law and policy as well as governmental leaders, all work from the Second Moon. While many of these officials do not live in Second Moon colonies. Most only go home, to the Third Moon, where their families often live, every few months. Most maintenance, production and service workers of the area occupy what we call the Colonies. While not as picturesque as most of the Third Moons valley. The Second Moon is very comfortable and provides many amenities not naturally found in the area. Such as artificial sunlight. The Second Moon is also the main destination for almost all of the Third Moods exports.

The Third Moon is unique among all known systems and is our planet's treasure. It is the Largest Moon, Solkro, and due to the angle of our system's star; It shines nearly as brightly as any sun, giving us light at all times. The ethereal glow of the moon's everlasting brilliance is a wonder to behold for most visitors to the Third Moon. It might have been something I treasured as well, if it wasn’t a symbol of the darkness, we had been allowing our people to face alone. The casualties and destruction we had turned a blind eye to, in favor of worshiping the moon's embrace; will forever cast a shadow on the brilliance they worship so fervently.

The Third Moon is the pinnacle of our planet's food supply and education. Any secondary education regarding skills, trades and studies happens in the Third Moons Facilities. The Third Moon is also home to all agricultural production including crops and livestock. As the largest of the three regions. The Third Moon being well defended and able to export resources is essential to the planet's survival. Due to the Third Moon's Gravitational Pull, it is naturally defended from any attacks sourcing from outside orbit. A ship can only enter orbit from the First Moon to the farthest edge of the Second on planet Xallia. Allowing most attempts on the Third Moon to be managed before the citizens ever see the attackers in the sky. The Second Moon has not been as lucky.

Our people have been fighting the same war for over 1,000 revolutions. The people of the Third Moon lived peacefully. In warmth, kindness and prosperity, most citizens never felt the evil that lurked in the shadows, maintaining educated, happy and fulfilled lives without worry. Nonetheless Zerbarack clans encircled our planet, attacking small civilian encampments on the edges of the Second Moon’s cities, destroying resources in transit and targeting our planet's production systems for necessary resources. The goal of the Zerbrack clans has never been clear, or at least clearly taught on the Third Moon. Unless you study to work in production or train for the First Moons protection squads. Details of the Zerbarack clan's ways are hard to come by. Our people don’t talk about reason, they talk of winning. Sometimes I wonder if anyone even remembers why the war started. Where the Zerbarack Clans came from. No matter the reason, the Zerbaracks are vicious warriors, who take no hostages and show no mercy. Their attacks are swift, efficient and destructive, actually seeing a Zerbarack on the battlefield is nearly unheard of. With only one survivor in recent history that I know of. Her name was Zefera, her passing had been broadcast to the Third Moon in honor of her heroics on the battlefield. While she passed peacefully in her sleep at the medical facilities, she called home 2 years after being found. Zefera never truly made it home. Her tongue and vocal cords were removed along with her eyes. They cut the nerves in arms rendering them immobile from the elbow down. Both of her kneecaps had been broken and healed when they found her, seemingly so she wouldn't be able to escape on foot in the early days of her captivity. The authorities were never truly able to obtain her full story before her passing. They strategically targeted her forms of communication and self-defense. It seems as if they released her solely as a reminder of their cruelty. Most soldiers registered M.I.A are never seen again.

The Third Moon notoriously does nothing, holding fundraisers and galas to “aid” the casualties. Any hope of being saved or receiving help from surrounding planets comes from the people of the First Moon. It was the First Moons recovery and reconnaissance sector, who recovered Zefera wandering the waste lands separating the First Moons encampments and the Second Moons outer colonies. A treacherous stretch of land inhabited by deadly animals and volatile terrain. Other Moons never cross the wasteland, opting for orbital and aerial travel as the safer options. The First Moon completes training on the edge of the wasteland and maintains the area, searching for signs of life or unusual activity.