Some time later, the security ship carrying Clue and Zoo was back inside the heart of Ogunquit City. Ogunquit City was a spectacular design of man-made structures in harmony with nature. The land by the sea provided a short, semicircular beach with almost vertical hillsides behind it that rose thousands of feet into a mesa. The buildings and houses were all of a modern-victorian design, with sleek features, yet very artistic values like bay windows, trimming, peaks and spires with eves.
The skyscrapers however, were completely different. Long, rectangular cubes, spread out across the blue air, with all kinds of windows varying in shape, size and color, all serving a purpose. Some had ornamental tops or large openings in the sides, with towers, platforms and bridges intersecting. Yet, the most significant feature in this city was the fact that none of these buildings touched the ground.
Hundreds of years ago, technology had reached a new apex of building construction. Engineering factions developed an advanced form of magnetism which removed any physical harm, and kept man in harmony with nature by way of levitation. Originally, all civilizations had built structures on the ground which sundered the land. But through years of devastation, this was ultimately deemed insane. With the help of outstanding research, the city became and remains the only 'full-float' city in the entire solar system.
As the security ship passed through, it weaved in and out of impressive, tall buildings. They hung like wind chimes in the sky between the mesa and the ocean, glinting spectacularly. Various personal transports, cargo ships and transport trains wandered in patterns below. And below that, dots of people made their way through sky bridges and parking platforms. And at ground level was the illustrious beach. Dark purple and blue water along a thin coastline, lined with earth shaped rock structures and huge jetties. On the golden sands were various shops, businesses, seaside villas and busy bodies in stride with seagulls riding the air overhead.
However, there remained one unfortunate feature of this beautiful landscape. In in the ocean across from the city, was the planetary prison. A two mile long island five miles off the coast, located just above the water line, with the actual complex submerged beneath the waves. Unnoticeable save for the massive light poles that jutted out of the sea like spears. A constant reminder of the surrounding, suffocating law.
As the security ship arrived, it swiftly touched down on the flat, thin landing zone. When the doors flew open at the bottom, Clue and Zoo's lively bodies came striding down the walkway, held tight by the angry officers but unaffected by their current state, still yelling in any face they could find. As they approached the main door, they were shoved inside and put up against a white surface. A large, grey machine slid forward from the wall and attempted to read their eyes. It was unsuccessful. A series of irritated beeps let everyone know.
"Damn you idiots!" One of the guards shouted and shoved Clue against the wall. Clue only smiled and began throwing himself into the wall again and again, until another guard settled him into place.
The eye reading machine was constantly tested by the Power Chord. Kloven had introduced the idea of tattooing small, but noticeable squares and triangles around and inside of their eyes, so that security cameras everywhere would never be able to identify them. It was a simple, brilliant tactic and it made security particularly livid.
Minutes later, they were fully stripped of their clothes, forced into new white jump-uniforms, and guided into the common room to await processing. As the door shut behind them, a few other prisoners looked up at them from a series of long tables and chairs laid out in patterns across the space. Clue and Zoo scanned the room for a moment and identified a few more members of the Chord scattered throughout the area. They nodded to each other, but remained quietly apart, careful not to draw attention. When all eyes had rested again, they found a free seat at the end of a small narrow table.
"I knew we wouldn't be alone in here," Zoo said finishing his gaze around the room.
"How long do you think they've been in?" Clue wondered, keeping his voice hushed.
"Some of them years, I bet." Zoo replied, taking a moment to contemplate their own situation. "A few have to be from the bank attack back when Kloven first started this movement," he looked around again.
Clue nodded. "True."
"I never did hear another word for them."
"What's to hear?" Clue's face wrinkled. "Kloven knew what he was doing and so did they. Even before he was senator he planned to infiltrate, destroy and rebuild from the inside. The bank job was a perfect way to begin. People knew what they were getting into when the volunteered. No tales to tell, only actions to make."
"Makes you think, though," Zoo said softly.
"About what?"
"About everything," a hearty grin pierced his face. "We're finally a part of this historical work. We are history, right now in this moment!" he raised his voice in excitement. "I always wanted to be part of something big like that. Here were are." They both nodded in agreement and clasped their hands vigorously. "And, as long as free speech and act are legal, this continues forever!"
"Now we're taking flight!" Clue replied happily. "After we pay our tribute, we will be captains ourselves. Leading the front lines with Wassador the vicious!"
"Wassador the dog fish! Bait for the clowns!" Zoo slammed his fists down, causing random items to bounce from the table.
"And we, the melancholy jesters! Standing to fight the circus," Clue stood himself up on the bench as the prisoners turned to see, as if he were readying a performance.
"Black and beautiful as the mouth of the sea!" Zoo yelled. "Our storm shall fell all!" He jumped atop the bench with his friend to join the show.
"Thunder!"
"And shadow!"
"Fight the sun itself!" They exclaimed, trading familiar poetic phrases.
Before long, the prison guards quickly stepped in and wrestled them back into their seats to the sounds of scattered applause. As the room began to quiet again, a man pushing a cart of books ambled through the door, passing out a few paperbacks to the collection of white uniforms. One by one the prisoners took them, never asking why or if they could have another. This was the way of living through routine; reading was simply the next activity, and now Clue and Zoo were a part of that. As they were handed books, they looked on in disgust, throwing them back on the table dismissively, seemingly disinterested. Members of the Chord required only one book, and it slept between Kloven's fingers.
A man across from them, who was quietly playing chess by himself, was equally upset. A book flew from the careless cart handler's hand and right onto the man's chess board, knocking over some of the figures. No one except the man himself took notice. His hand slowly lifted and he slid the book off the board, placing all his figures back in their places. Just then, a voice interrupted his quiet.
"Raymond!" A guard boomed stepping through the doorway. The man's eyes flickered. "Raymond! It's time." The guard waved him over.
The man carefully uncrossed his legs and glided onto the floor gracefully. Many people in the room turned to look, including Clue and Zoo. "Is that..? Is that him?" Clue said trying to get a good look.
"Has to be." Zoo returned keeping his eye on the man.
Suddenly Clue rose to his feet again and threw a fist in the air. "Revolution!" He yelled. Zoo laughed as the guards came running in once again to quell the energy. But the man did not turn to acknowledge the boasting youth, he simply walked straight and proud, a thousand mile stare laid before his feet.
Raymond was the Commander of the Solar Warden, a special security force of highly skilled warriors who chose talent with a blade rather than a blaster. He was fifty-five years old, a father and grandfather, yet still young and vibrant. Tall with a bulky, muscular build, dark peppered wavy hair on his head, and very kind eyes. He had weathered skin that remained luminous, with a short, thick beard, old tattoos on his arms, and an aura of royalty. His authority was his own, and he walked with humble arrogance. Even today, being escorted by guards in a cold prison he was unmovable. He walked not to face the gallows, but to some, his fate this day was far worse. The Judges.
The Judges were authority figures of the Capitol building; the heart of law in the city. Each council consisted of three ancient men and their unseen staff, specially appointed by the Monto'Ac Royals; the families descended from the gods. Hiding in their personal quarters behind thick curtains and stone walls, the Judges ruled verdicts for all officers of the Capitol who opposed the system. Although rarely seen, upon receiving special cases, they would often make personal appearances to judge the accused face to face. Today was a very special case, for a very special man.
Still clad in his white prison jumpsuit, noble Raymond was escorted into a large, dark room constructed with grey stone walls and cast in dull blue light. He walked pridefully to the center and stood under a dim glow that lingered somewhere overhead. Above and in front of him were three huge, black curtains, draped onto the floor but towering high into the air beyond the darkness.
As the curtains began to rise, all sound vanished from the room, as if the motion of the world had ceased. When the curtains lifted, three port hole windows with decorative trimming could be seen imbedded in the wall. Behind the windows, were three old, evil faces. Ghostly and ghastly in appearance, with mouths like animal maws, wrinkled cheeks and necks, milky white eyes, and gaunt faces framed by strange, ancient headdresses.
"Commander Raymond," one of them began in a withered voice.
Raymond drew in a heavy breath, centering his thought. "Always a pleasure, masters." He said.
"State your rank for the record."
"At the moment, I am homeless and without rank. A simple prisoner like the rest." He sought for sarcastic tact.
"This current attitude will not be tolerated," another Judge chimed in. "Understand your circumstance or we will alter your path indefinitely." His cackling speech pattern was odd, as if adding extra syllables.
"My path has already been altered," Raymond retorted fiercely. "My path has been forced. That is why I am here. I understand my circumstance. I fear it is you who does not."
The third Judge sat forward slowly, arching his boney spine, as if he were an old owl waking from a long slumber. "You dare speak against the council? Against the gods?" He said. "Shall we read you the list of servicemen put to death by the Capitol for simply speaking out?" One of the Judges pulled a long piece of paper from his side. "Speaking out leads to acting out. We call that rebelling."
"I am no rebel!" Raymond protested, pounding his chest. "I only seek to better myself and my fellow men. We are all-"
"By using elements of this world deemed to be illegal and harmful." The first Judge interrupted.
Raymond huffed. "They were elements and compounds fully researched by your scientists, until you shut them down. Ancient plants used by the natives of this land to reach the gods. Your gods!" His hands clenched with growing anger.
"Silence yourself!" The second Judge commanded. He uncoiled a sharp finger to point at Raymond. "Speak out of place once more and we shall keep you in that zoo for an eternity."
Raymond restrained his thought before speaking again. "I speak freely, with intentions only to give voice to my fellow soldiers." He returned with composure.
The third Judge settled into his seat, dust falling from his robes. "You once served proudly without question."
"Not anymore." Raymond countered quietly.
The Judge's pale faces grew crimson with sudden rage. The first Judge slammed a hand on his armrest. "Why, Raymond? Why."
"Because we are treated like a security force," Raymond replied, his resolve glowing. "A local arms detachment. In fact there is little difference. The Solar Warden was created to guard this planet from outside threats and explore the galaxy. We were once the future of this planet. Now we are only part of a rampant disorder."
This was true. The Solar Warden was established by the Capitol of Eniam almost fifty years ago. It's mission was to protect the system from all outside harm, such as pirates, smugglers and hostile military forces. They were also assigned to different factions on outposts throughout the system, exploring new territory even beyond the known solar system. However, over the past decade, they had become labeled an unnecessary distraction by the government. Their funding was cut, and soon the once proud warriors were reduced to nothing more than a local security force, chasing away violent protesters and rebel soldiers. Raymond was their one and only Commander, and his younger brother Charles was a Captain. All of his anger stemmed from this very notion. He was proud, desiring a better future for his planet, for his family. Yet now, all that remained was endless control and useless missions which spread violence.
"That is enough." The third Judge ordered.
"I only beg that you would hear my words!" Raymond pleaded. "Restore our faction and our pride. Do what its right."
"We always do what is right," the first Judge grumbled. "Orders in the name of the Creators. And you are a highly decorated Commander, who follows those orders." He leaned forward, almost pressing the glass with his crooked nose. "If you fail again, you will stand before us every day for the rest of you life."
Raymond lowered his head and thought for a long while before opening his lips. "The blood that runs through my veins is the same as every human in this room." Passion flooded his eyes. "On this planet, in this system, in this galaxy," he looked to the Judges. "Though I doubt it is as cold as yours." With that, he finally turned and strode away. The curtains fell once again, covering the Judge's horrible faces. Before Raymond left the building, he swept his foot under the leg of one of the guards standing watch, causing him to fall to one knee and drop his weapon loudly. His final word to the dark chamber.
Later that day, finally outside and freed from the prison, Raymond was dressed in his usual clothes, able to take in the fresh air once more. He wore a dark red sleeveless shirt, black cargo pants, blocky boots and a dark purple sash over one shoulder. Attached to it was a silver lion head crest which glimmered in the sun, with a few small chains laced around it, dangling along his shoulder. A large bag hung from one arm, bumping against two, small oval swords now attached to the small of his back. Almost feeling home again, taking in the atmosphere of the day. All was cool and bright. Blue sky and choppy, windy ocean waves around him. He breathed in, gathering himself, and then started off down a small walkway leading to the transport ships.
As he approached the landing area, he noticed another tall figure waiting for him, his body leaning to one side against the railing, as if bored with the situation. "Is that you, Charles?" Raymond called out.
"Have you been in there so long you've forgotten me already?" Charles replied. Charles was a Captain in the Solar Warden, only achieving this rank months ago. Thirty-three years old, with tall and dark features like Raymond, but lacking the beard and bulky build. He was far more slim, but solid as a rock, with a boyish face and striking blue eyes. His attire was similar to Raymond's, except he had donned a blue shirt with a black sash.
He straightened himself and walked toward his brother, body swaying comedically as if the bridge was moving. "Well, wait a minute, who do we have here?" he began, covering his eyes from the sun. "Am I drunk and staggering, or is that my brother walking out of jail? Again. Yes indeed, and that's me the fool beside him, ever coming to his rescue." He smiled and stopped in front of Raymond.
"You can't rescue me on the battlefield, so why not rescue me in prison?" Raymond's wit was quick.
Charles laughed. "I like that."
"Did everything go alright?" Raymond asked.
"Sure," Charles turned and hung his arms on the railing. "If you call this alright. Did you know there was no bail this time? It wasn't available. You're awful." Charles looked to him with a smirk. Raymond struggled out a smile. "Look at that pathetic smile," Charles continued, "you must be really upset, I can't even be sarcastic with you today." Raymond enhanced his toothy grin to please his sibling. "You know I love you." He smacked his shoulder.
"No you don't." Raymond replied dryly, as he started making his way forward toward the ships.
"Is that what you said to the Judges, as well?" Charles followed close behind.
"I never tell you what I say to the Judges."
"Because I already know. It's everything I would say."
The two brothers ambled up a large service ramp with ocean all around, leading to the landing platform. They hopped up to the upper level a boarded a small, fat ship firing its engines. Within moments, it lifted off and they were cast into the blue air, steadily crossing the vast city. The ornamental architecture sparkled in the fading sun light. Tall buildings suspended in time, towering over the landscape like notes of music. Decorative patterns spread out over the ocean towns.
Inside the ship, as Charles looked to Raymond, he could not help but notice his brother's troubled expression. Grim and stark with regret. "Everybody knows what you're doing is right, Ray." Charles said, reassuring his actions.
"I know," he looked to Charles, "I know they do. But I fear the rest of the world does not. It's difficult to make everyone understand, most of all the Capitol." He gazed out over the city.
"But as long as we keep protesting silently and letting our voices be heard, that will count for something." Charles replied.
"It's never enough."
"Even one step is enough." Charles said hopefully. Raymond nodded and looked to him again.
"I've instructed you well," Raymond stated. "I rarely admit that." He smiled.
"The spirit comes from you. Not the talent." Charles winked to him.
Atop one of these massive buildings, at the spire, was the large loft apartment that belonged to Raymond and Charles. Given to them as a family home by the Capitol, the dwelling was also home to Raymond's daughter, Victorian and her one year old son, Raymond's grandson, Dove.
As the ship arrived and hovered outside the triangular entry way, Raymond hopped off, but Charles stayed behind. "Aren't you coming?" said Raymond, turning back to see his brother still on the ship.
"Not now," Charles said. "Going out west again."
Raymond shook his head. "You spend too much time out there. You need to go back to traditional training."
"And you need to spend more time out of jail." He retorted as the ship began to leave. "See you soon." The ship roared and sped off into the distance. Raymond watched it go, then wandered inside.
As he came into the warm, welcoming home, his daughter Victorian was at the kitchen stove. The room was filled with sweet and sour aromas, herbs and spices from the nearby markets penetrating every wall. She was preparing a small plate of food when she turned to see her Raymond at the door. "Father!" She quickly placed her cooking instruments on the counter and trotted over to him. They embraced for a long while, eyes closed tight holding back the well of tears.
She finally let go and looked him deep in the eyes, searching for reason. "I didn't think they would let you out, at least not for months." She stated with concern. Victorian was very beautiful. She was only twenty-nine but held the stature of an experienced, wiser woman. Her face was complex, exotic and angelic, complimenting her slender, but tone frame. She wore bruises and scars from a hard days work sprinkled on her back and arms. Today, they blended vividly with the sweat gleaming from her olive skin and food-stained red body suit, which was whimsical in design.
"I was lucky," he replied softly. "They need me back in my division. Everything is falling apart." He walked passed her hanging his head, remembering the day.
"Why do they even send you when all they do is prosecute you?" She protested walking after him. "You're a Commander--the only Commander. It's madness!"
"Captain, now." He leaned a hip on the counter.
"You jest!"
"They didn't say anything final, but it wouldn't surprise me."
Victorian sighed and held her head in her hand. "I just can't believe this anymore."
"I have this same discussion with them every time I'm there, Vic. Every time." His expression was colder than she expected. "You cannot speak to men who have no ears. The only thing we can do is live. We will not back down. If this is our fate to provide a better future, then so be it." She nodded regretfully. "Can you do it?" he asked. "Can you do this?"
Victorian lengthened her spine proudly, standing straight and tall. "I can do it. You know I can." She walked to him, stealing another long embrace. "You know I believe in you, Father," she spoke into his chest. His strong heart beating in her ears. "In everything you do." She pulled away and studied his weathered face.
He smiled at her. "You are a true rebel." He declared, swelling with paternal pride.
"It's our family curse." She joked, placing her head on his chest again.
Raymond placed his rough hand under her chin to lift her face to his. "Every time I look into your eyes, I see your Mother." She smiled brightly. "It's like she never left us."
Suddenly, the sound of a baby crying could be heard from the next room. They broke their engagement and Victorian marched into the hallway, pieces of loose, long hair flowing behind her. "Where's Charles?" She asked looking back. Raymond followed.
"I'm sure he'll be back later. He's going out west again, you know him. You're all rebels." He eased himself through the hallway, his swords nearly scraping the wall.
"It's quite obviously in our blood," she said. "I just hope it's not our down fall." This statement made Raymond concerned. "Honestly," she continued. "It's not only the Capitol. The entire world is falling apart. I can feel it." She slowed and grabbed her chest as though a chill ran through her. Then she remembered the baby. Raymond watched on with troubled eyes as she entered the next room.
Through the doorway stood a round crib with a bouncing baby boy holding on to the bedposts, waddling happily from side to side. Victorian picked him up out of the bed as Raymond approached from behind. She rested him on her hip and grasped him tight in her firm arms.
Raymond reached out to tap his nose lightly, which sent the child reeling with joy. "Have you settled on a name yet?" he asked. "You seem to change your mind every week."
"Not this week." She gazed at her father, then back to her boy. "Dove." She breathed.
"Dove." Raymond repeated, letting the words roll off his lips. He nodded. "The peacemaker."
"It's fitting, right?" She beamed brightly at her newly named child.
"Very meaningful and poetic, as always." Raymond assured. "But very beautiful and strong. It's a good name." He grasped her shoulder lovingly.
Just then, Dove reached out and began to touch a sword on Raymond's back, much to the amusement of both. There they remained for the night, pleasantly wallowing in their special moment, letting time pass as it did. Outside, a storm was on coming. The clouds darkened and their faces grew more fierce. The rain and wind shifted through the sparks of lightning, and a thick fog soon rolled in, covering the coast in blue and grey.