Year: 2198.
"Nyota! Wake up."
Orion pulled the covers off of Nyota's bed, waking him from his sleep.
"Time to get to work," he said before turning and walking out of the room.
It had been years since Nyota went stargazing with Nora, the last time having been when she retold him the town's starry folktale.
At this point, he had kept the routine and habit up, taking to the hills to do so by himself just about every other evening.
Nora had simply decided not to do so as frequently as she used to in consideration of Nyota having grown older.
She'd simply grown out of the practice, opting instead to best utilize her time for other matters.
Nyota quickly sat up, squinting his eyes. "What are we supposed to…"
His voice trailed off as he groaned.
"It's going to be quite the day," Orion shouted from elsewhere in the house. "Hurry up and get ready! We're going to today's first meeting early."
Quickly, Nyota did as he was told, washing and dressing before the two of them departed home.
Of course, some vehicles were accessible throughout Lunenrane, but Orion often enjoyed travel by foot if he had time to spare.
Since he could get exercise, he found it a fairly efficient method of travel, on top of considering the size of the town.
"What're we doing first?"
"We're going to Lunenrane Hall. I have to meet with the board of elders and assess the town's necessities."
"What will I do?"
"Well, what you usually do of course!" Orion laughed and grinned and gave Nyota a punch. "Sit and entertain yourself for the next couple of hours. Or study me, like you've done before."
"Sure, I guess." Nyota didn't want to be bored, let alone get out of bed that morning.
But the way he saw it, running errands with the chief of Lunenrane, his father, would lead him right where he wanted to be.
When they got there, Orion prepared to leave Nyota by the check-in desks by himself to attend the meeting with the elders.
Lunenrane Hall stood as a towering testament to the town's maritime heritage.
Its vast interior, with ceilings that stretched high above, was adorned in rich hues of blue and gold, mirroring the ocean's depths and sunlight's gleam.
The entrance was marked by imposing revolving doors, welcoming visitors with a sense of grandeur.
Inside, tall glass doors with sleek golden handles shimmered in the light, offering an air of modern elegance that blended seamlessly with the hall's aquatic charm.
Orion paused to look at the place and exhaled. "I see we're putting the people's taxes to good use. The hall's renovation always ceases to amaze me. I mean, can you believe that this place used to look like some worn down, vintage opera house?"
Even though he'd been in it countless times since, Lunenrane Hall's renovation would always astonish him.
"Go on, explore the place again. Just stay out of trouble."
"Father, I'm fifteen," Nyota assured him with a chuckle. "I'll be fine."
Nyota didn't want to give Orion any reason to view him as a liability.
"Oh?" Orion laughed. "Well, you might as well join me and the rest of the grown men again to discuss grown adult matters like you usually do."
Usually, Nyota would tag along to learn more about his father's character. However, this day in particular, he was given a choice and didn't feel like doing it again. "Nah, I'll sit this time out."
Orion laughed, "Ah, see, that's what I thought. Alright, I'll see you in a bit!" He waved, walking through one of the doors where his meeting was to be held, so Nyota decided to walk around the hall to consume time.
He did this for the next couple of hours until Orion's meeting had ended.
At the end of it, Orion departed from the room at once with all of the other attendees trailing behind like an entourage before they all went their separate ways.
There were about twenty in total, a handful of elders and the rest men about his age.
"It is true," Nyota heard one of the men on Orion's side say. "The program for the youth is going very well. Not only the teachings of hand-to-hand combat and Modus mastery, but how to responsibly use firearms as well."
"Much better than expected," another added. "Who would've thought? Once upon a time it was just an ambitious idea. Now, it's been alive and well for a few years."
"Yeah, I suppose. I'm certainly glad to have done it, make no mistake. I'm just glad to have had much assistance from the likes of you all."
After a bit more conversation, Orion and the others around him went their separate ways, Orion making his way to Nyota.
"Well," he exhaled, "Ready to go?"
Nyota nodded and the two left Lunenrane Hall to head to their next destination.
"Where to next?" Nyota asked.
"You sure ask a lot of questions, don't you?" Orion joked. "We're going to the town border to talk with some construction workers. It'll only be for a second."
Knowing his father, Nyota knew that Orion would be talking to them for some time. Sure, he was Chief of Lunenrane, but he wasn't the best with time.
Despite his attempts to begin his days early, he had a habit of often being fashionably late at times.
"You sure it's just for a second?"
Orion looked back at him as they were walking. "Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"
When they got there, Orion conversed with the construction workers. As expected, it would be a couple of hours until he was prepared to leave from a conversation that shouldn't have lasted longer than half of one.
The gates of Lunenrane stood quiet and still, a cluster of aging toll booths waiting for a revival.
Their exteriors were marked by years of wear—rusted frames streaked with faded green paint and wild vines creeping around the edges like nature's graffiti.
The booths were empty for now, their interiors dim and lifeless.
Nyota remained at his father's side, surveying the scene as a group of construction workers milled about with tools and blueprints in hand.
He listened in to Orion's conversation with one of the workers, his voice carrying steady authority as he questioned them on the project's progress.
To his surprise, Orion seemed to grow stressed through the course of it.
"Chief," the worker would greet. He appeared to be the head of the project, managing everything from the locality.
"We hope to meet the deadlines just as much as you do, but we've run into another… problem."
Orion greeted him back by name, a hint of impatience in his tone. "What might that be?"
The construction worker shifted uncomfortably, glancing down at the clipboard in his hands before looking back up at Orion. "It's the foundation under the third booth, Chief. We started digging to replace the supports and found a sinkhole forming beneath it."
"A sinkhole?" Orion's voice was measured but carried a sharp edge of concern. "Why wasn't this noticed earlier?"
The worker hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "We didn't think to look this deep when we first assessed the site. It only became apparent when we began clearing the debris. It's... worse than we thought."
Nyota still stood to Orion's side, quietly taking it all in. His father's shoulders tensed, his posture stiffening as he processed the news. "And how long will this delay the project?" Orion asked, his words clipped.
The worker exhaled slowly, a reluctant tone creeping into his reply. "Weeks, at least. Maybe longer. We'll need a specialist to stabilize the ground, and getting the right equipment out here will take time."
"Oh, my gods, I can't—" Orion pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to calm himself and maintain his composure.
He laughed a bit before his jaw tightened as he looked past the man, his gaze settling on the weathered structures.
"Do whatever it takes," he said at last, his voice low but firm. "This town can't afford another setback."
The man nodded, tapping his clipboard against a flat hand. "We'll try our best, sir."
Orion turned on an axis, walking away from the gates back toward the inner town. Of course, Nyota followed close behind.
"Father," he questioned. He grew a tad uneasy as he called him, having witnessed his lack of patience.
"What's the rush?"
"Good question," Orion simply replied, having not looked at Nyota as he did so. "Perhaps I should take a breather."
"Is everything okay?"
"I'm fine, Son. I just have more things to worry about. But hey, it comes with the title." Orion seemingly laughed Nyota's question aside halfheartedly.
Finally, he exhaled. "On the bright side, we only have one last thing to do."
Of course, Nyota grew concerned. Although he questioned what the problem was, one thing became clear to him: Orion had seemed to get progressively more uneasy as the day went on.
Something was on his mind. Something had been bothering him. But what was it exactly?
Moreover, Nyota noticed that Orion avoided answering every time he asked where they were heading next, so he decided it was best not to ask again.
After some short time, the two finally reached their apparent final destination.
It was Lunenrane's central office station, and it stood at the edge of town.
Its exterior, though sturdy and utilitarian, bore subtle touches of the town's maritime spirit, with faded blue shutters and golden accents that mirrored the colors of the sea.
"The Paper House" was the name Nyota had given it many years ago as a result of how its air smelled faintly of paper and wood inside.
Its walls were lined with mismatched, yet organized filing cabinets and wooden desks cluttered with papers, maps, and small mechanical devices.
Despite its modest appearance, the station was a nerve center of the town, a somewhat bustling hub where local affairs were managed with quiet efficiency.
It did have relatively short business hours, however, opening late into the morning and closing earlier into the evening.
In fact, this would be about the time at which Nyota and Orion arrived. Outside of the station stood two other men who patiently awaited Orion's arrival.
"Stay here," Orion gestured just to the outside of the station. "I'll be back." He walked to the men and said a few words. Afterward, they collectively walked inside.
At this point, Nyota still had not a clue regarding what was going on and why Orion had brought him along.
He stayed outside the station, fiddling with whatever he could find to entertain himself for hours. The sun was starting to set, and it was getting late.
Yet, Orion was still inside the station.
Young Nyota endlessly paced back and forth until his feet finally gave in. He laid down outside of the office station and fell asleep.
A few more hours later, Nyota woke up to constant tapping.
"Hey, get up."
He opened his eyes and saw Orion towering over him.
"I'm done. Let's go."
Orion started walking, and Nyota stood and raced after him.
The street lights turned on and the air grew cooler.
Nyota thought since so much time had passed, it was appropriate to ask one final question.
"Father, you've looked worried ever since we visited the construction site."
Orion kept looking forward and didn't seem to acknowledge what Nyota was saying.
Nyota continued, "I rarely see you like this, and when I do, it's only in the direst situations…"
Still, no reaction.
"What's wrong—"
"Quiet!"
Nyota froze.
"All day… All day, you've done nothing but bicker and ask questions. Not everything is for you to know!"
Orion shouted at Nyota outside where merchant stands lined the cobblestone sidewalks, despite the merchants retiring to their homes for the day.
He quieted. "Do you understand me?"
Nyota stood frozen. He could see the anger and frustration in Orion's eyes. It was so overbearing and uncommon to see, Nyota couldn't help but face the ground.
"Do I make myself clear?!"
"Yes," responded Nyota. This was the only word he could manage to mutter. But it was also the only word he had to say.
Orion composed himself and continued walking, leaving Nyota behind. His father—a man of the people, a warrior, and his mentor—had yelled at him over something he couldn't understand.
The weight of his father's disappointment pressed down on him as he stared at the ground, struggling to process the sting of his father's scolding.
He balled his fists, and a few tears ran down his face.
Loud thunder cracked the evening sky and rain started to pour.
After a few minutes, he gathered himself and jogged after Orion up the gentle hilly road, towering townhomes to their left and right. Not too far ahead was Orion looking back, a regretful expression on his face.
When he finally caught up, Nyota continued on past him.
"Wait, Nyota."
Nyota paused.
Orion spoke again. "I'm sorry. I'm just… I didn't mean to scold you. You deserve to know what you were tagging along for. Your father's got a lot on his plate." Orion came closer to him and put his left hand on Nyota's shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I showed you a moment of weakness today. I never want to do that again."
Nyota continued to look down, but he did nod.
"You know what? How about we go for some food?" Orion cheered. "We could dry off there and it's much deserved today. You went through a lot."
"Likewise," Nyota spoke.
"I know just the place to go." Orion laughed and nudged him in his back as the two continued on.
They stopped at a humble road-side grill.
The shop had seats aligned at the kitchen and along the walls. Warm lights hung overhead and along the walls as well. The walkway entrance of the grill was covered by tapestry.
"Oh ho… My favorite customer! What can I get you today?" A cook was behind the counter still preparing food for other customers and guests who riddled the establishment.
Orion laughed, "Oh you know the usual, Llanzo."
"Sure thing, you want the special?"
"Ah, you know how I feel about fish, man." Orion brushed off Llanzo's question.
Llanzo laughed aloud then looked at Nyota. "You see your old man?" He pointed at Orion. "How is he gonna be Chief of Lunenrane and not like its trademark, eh?!"
Nyota chuckled and Llanzo looked back at Orion. "C'mon, you know it's a formality man."
He turned back to Nyota. "What can I get you?"
"I'll have what he's having. Times two." Nyota didn't feel like eating often, but when he did, he ate a lot.
"What?" Llanzo paused his cooking. "No seafood for you, either?"
Nyota gave a half-hearted laugh. "Actually, I'm not sure what he got. But now that you mention it, I'm not a big fan of it either.
But I am really hungry, so hit me up with what you've got!"
"What can I say?" Orion shrugged. "It must run in the family."
Llanzo shook his head, turned back to Orion and joked. "Look at you! And you're supposed to be 'Orion: King of Humility.' Well regardless, looks like you've got competition, sir!"
Orion looked at Nyota and nudged his back. "Yeah, well I suppose it's well deserved."
"Alrighty then, thirty orders of grilled chicken and pepper skewers coming right up! Here's some booze in the meantime." Llanzo handed Orion a tankard of beer, its design resembling that of a miniature wooden barrel with a handle.
"Thank you, young sir." Orion said sarcastically. He looked at Nyota as he drank.
"I know you look up to your father," he swallowed, shaking his head. "But you see this? Don't do this." The three of them laughed aloud and he continued. "How does that old saying go? Do as I say, not as I do? I think…"
"So… how do you two know each other?" Nyota was surprised that someone he didn't know would speak so familiarly with his father, especially someone who looked relatively young.
Llanzo had dark brown hair, brown skin and appeared to be of high-school age with a heavy accent.
"Well, you see, your father stops here often," Llanzo explained. "He has ever since before I worked as a sous chef here for mine. Whether it was for a meal after a long day's work or simply just for conversation, he'd come by regularly."
"Oh yeah, how long has it been now?" Orion wondered how long Llanzo had been working at the shop.
"Seven years."
Nyota was still confused. "Your father?" He questioned. "Was this always the shop's name?"
"Yeah, I'm 'Junior.' This was my father's shop, before he passed away a couple years ago."
"My condolences."
"Yeah, natural causes. He was a great man and an even greater father."
"Indeed, he was. May he rest in power." Orion continued to drink.
Nyota interviewed more. "Well, how old are you?"
"Eighteen, actually. Not much older than you. Maybe soon you'll be working like I am. Serving others, earning cash. As a matter of fact, your job would be bigger, no? You'd take over your father's job as Chief of this town."
Orion didn't respond to Llanzo's remarks. Instead, he took yet another sip of ale and stared through the tapestry that led to outside the restaurant. The rain was still pouring.
Nyota took note of this, reminding him that Orion seemed troubled by something. However, he didn't bother to ask him about it anymore. Instead, he turned his attention again back to Llanzo. "I noticed you have an accent."
"Yeah, actually. My ancestors are from an old country on Earth that was called Nigeria, hence my last name, 'Abiola.' At least that's what my father used to tell me."
He presented the surplus of food to Orion and Nyota. "Order up!"
Nyota's eyes lit up and Orion returned his gaze back to the food. The two of them paused before quickly and chaotically indulging into the grilled chicken skewers.
Llanzo laughed and walked toward the back kitchen. "Ring me if you need anything."
"Will do!" Orion replied. Both he and Nyota ate and conversed for a while with brief moments of peaceful, casual silence in between.
They would be halfway through their meal when Orion pointed at the moon through a window.
"You see it? The moon?"
Nyota briefly stopped to look at it. "Yeah, it seems to be shining brighter than usual."
"It's the gods, Son. They're powerful."
"Yeah, I talked with Mother about them long ago, actually." Nyota grabbed a nearby napkin to clean his mouth.
"Oh, yeah?" Orion continued to examine the food as he ate. "What'd she say?"
"She told me a Lunenrane folklore, how many say the stars represent the deceased, and those that shine brightest are ones who seek revenge. She also reminded me the continental orbs were created by the gods."
"I see… That is what they say." Orion took another sip of his drink. "Well, much like the stars, they say the moon, too, is a celestial body."
Nyota's eyes grew wide. "Really?"
Orion nodded his head. "Or at the very least, it was created by one of the gods in the God Council. So likewise, it can be controlled by that same god."
"Cool!" Nyota looked back at the moon, then continued to stuff his face with food.
Orion nodded. "I've heard some say the moon holds dormant power that, of course, can only be unleashed by the Moon God, and that it holds more power considering this planet's two moons fused into one.
There's even belief that the continental orbs are tied to the Moon God in particular, somehow. Although, that's just a rumor."
"Well," Nyota started. "What do you believe?"
Nyota's question made him pause abruptly. Quickly, he looked up to Nyota before shrugging.
"I don't know. There's simply no way to tell."
Finally, he called under his breath. "Nyota,"
"Yeah?"
"Listen…"
Nyota paused his eating.
"In the coming time, something bad could happen."
"What??"
Orion's tone had been calm, almost conversational, but the weight of his message lingered heavily in the air. The vagueness gnawed at Nyota, leaving him staring blankly at his half-finished plate of food.
Was this a warning? A test?
"What do you mean?"
"I can't say, but I need you to be prepared for anything, no matter how off-putting or surprising it could be."
Nyota was perplexed, his father's words settling uneasily in his mind. What was he to do with this information?
When he looked up, he noticed a faint shadow of worry flicker across Orion's face. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but unmistakable—in the slight furrow of his brow.
His father, usually so composed and unshakable, seemed to be holding something back. The conversation might have sounded casual, but the tension in Orion's expression told a different story.
Nyota's chest tightened. Was he supposed to ask for clarification? Prepared for "anything," Orion had said. But how could anyone prepare for the unknown?
That faint trace of worry in his father's demeanor only deepened Nyota's unease, leaving him feeling as though the ground beneath him had subtly shifted.
"I don't understand, absolutely anything?" Nyota's mind started to wonder. "How am I supposed to do that?!"
"Look, I can't say. I just... I really need you to trust me." He reached out, placing his hands on Nyota's shoulders.
"Look, you're a growing young man who is capable of holding his own, and you're going to go on and do great things with your life," he dropped his arms.
"I know this is sudden to drop on you. But promise me, you'll be prepared for anything."
Nyota could only sit confused as he was unaware of the roots of his father's comments. What did he mean? What could he have possibly been alluding to?
He simply figured it was best not to give Orion's words too much weight. "Nothing could be that bad, right?" He thought to himself.
After all, Orion was the highly respected and noble Chief of Lunenrane.
"Sure, I guess." Nyota responded confusedly.
Orion put his hand on Nyota's head, and he playfully resisted, leading to Orion putting him in a chokehold and rubbing his fist into his hair.
"Good, Son!"
"Dad, I think you're drunk."
"What? No… Why, I'm as sober as sober gets!" The two continued to eat and converse that evening.
--
The hills above Lunenrane were quiet that night, save for the rustling of the grass in the chilling breeze that swept through the highlands.
Nyota stood at the crest of a hill, his arms crossed against the cold, gazing out over the town below.
From this distance, Lunenrane was a patchwork of glowing lights scattered like fallen stars.
Satisfied by the view, Nyota sank down into the cool grass, letting it cushion his weight as he stretched out under the vast expanse of the night sky.
The stars above burned bright and sharp, their countless constellations scattered across a canvas of deep, endless black.
His eyes eventually drifted to the moon—a perfect, full sphere that bathed the heavens in its pale, silvery glow.
There it was, just as Orion had mentioned before.
It had always been there, both bold and bright. But it had always been an afterthought, a mere background character in the vast night.
But now that Nyota had noticed it, it was almost as though the bright stars around were never there to begin with.
The moon seemed to watch over everything, silent and steadfast, as Nyota lay there, feeling at once small and deeply connected to the world around him.
The breeze carried a faint chill, but the beauty of the night wrapped around him like a quiet embrace.