Legacy (The Biodome Chronicles) (47 page)

With a stricken look, she walked over to a wall and used her arms to support her weight against the stone.

“Willow.” He paused, feeling his insides quiver with saying her name for the first time to her face. God, he was an idiot. “I’m so stupid. That was insensitive of me to say just now.”

“Please do not ever use those words with me, sir!” She flashed her eyes before walking into the darkness, pushing Leaf out of the way as she disappeared from their sight.

Fillion turned toward Leaf and widened his eyes. This was not the beginning he had imagined, and he had yet to step foot onto New Eden soil. At this rate, there was no chance Willow would be confused with his attentions. She puked every time he came near her or spoke to her. And if she wasn’t losing her lunch, she was affronted by something he did or said.

He walked past Leaf and placed his head against the wall. The fury was beginning to tingle in his limbs again. He lifted his head and banged it against the wall. “Ow!” A sharp pain startled him, and he lifted his hand and felt the large bruise on his right eyebrow. “Damn,” he muttered as he turned around and leaned his back against the wall.

Fillion didn’t know what to do. Hanley had played him. Willow was pissed off at him. And Leaf hated his sorry ass. It was just like being twelve all over again, feeling the judgment and being all alone in a situation he couldn’t control. He lifted his shoulders and tucked his thumbs into his breeches as his eyes began to sting. Leaf watched him curiously, a troubled look on his face, so Fillion turned his head away. He could see his broken heart tattoo as his tunic moved, and a sudden thought hit him hard.

Was his dad testing to see if an Outsider would go insane if they visited Mars? Fillion closed his eyes as an intense heaviness overwhelmed him. Hanley wouldn’t sacrifice his scientists during Project Phase Two but he would sacrifice his son to protect his team and his ass from any lawsuits. “Oh god,” Fillion sighed to himself as the tears brimmed. He brushed them away quickly, feeling his heart break all over again. More tears fell and he covered his face with his hands, sucking in a deep breath to regain control. Several minutes passed and then he bit the inside of his cheek, slowly exhaling. His thumbs returned to the rim of his breeches and he cleared his throat, casting a diffident glance at Leaf before turning away.

“My sister is acquainted with strong emotions.”

Fillion timidly met L
eaf’s eyes and kind smile. The noble’s expression confused him. “Yeah, I know. I’m familiar with strong emotions, too. Willow’s doesn’t bother me. She’s had a difficult week.” His mind began to clear as he forced himself to relax and Fillion creased his brows as he looked at Leaf. “I thought you were the exchange?”

“I was. Coal desired to take my place late last night, and I welcomed the idea. The community does not know that the Son of Fire has left. They will be astonished when I walk back into New Eden, as I will be the first resident to defy a community vote and, therefore, The Elements. Coal should have honorably declared his intentions to leave, and as I did not require him to do so as his leader, it will create an upwelling of reactions. Trust is paramount, as my father would say.” Leaf offered a confident grin. “I wish to disrupt the game.”

Fillion gave Leaf a wicked smile and then shrugged his eyebrows suggestively. “Nice. I had no idea you were such a bad boy. Maybe I’ll kiss your hand after all.” Leaf laughed at his joke and Fillion felt some of his trepidation ease. He was relieved the young noble had a sense of humor. Mack wasn’t here to lighten his mood. Fillion didn’t realize how much he counted on Mack until this moment.

“Alas, I am already taken.” Leaf grinned widely.

“Soul-crushing,” he replied flatly. “I won’t pine long for you then. I’ll look for another bad boy to keep me company.”

“I wish you well in your search.” Leaf continued to smile and Fillion started to feel more like himself.

“If I can’t have you then I think I would prefer the company of a cigarette and time alone. No offense.”

“Ah, I see. I shall introduce you to the herbalist later today. I prefer solitude myself. No offense taken.”

“I could seriously kiss you right now. Forget your hand. Leaf, how am I ever to get over you with words like ‘herbalist’ and ‘solitude’?”

Leaf laughed again. “I have a feeling you shall find a way.”

Thoughts continued to demand Fillion’s attention, despite the momentary distraction of humor. “Are you going to be in trouble?”

Leaf shrugged his shoulders as another smile stretched across his face. “Come, let us find my sister before she airs our crimes before the whole community in her temper.”

Fillion raised his eyebrows. “Really? She would do that?”

“Just wait and see, Corlan Jayne. She will quickly hang you on the clothes line and air all your dirty laundry simply to purge the storm that brews inside her wild heart. I have been wrung out and hung to dry a few times this week already.”

Fillion chuckled. He found that idea rather cute, actually. Especially after seeing how petite she was. “Ready?” he asked, and Leaf nodded. “Lead the way.”

Lost in a fog of thoughts and feelings, Fillion jogged behind Leaf. He could see the light from New Eden and adrenaline rushed through him. When he turned the corner he would see a land and a people that only existed in his fantasies, a world created by his dad, his prison for ninety days. And without a doubt, his personal hell filled with people brainwashed with Green Moron scriptures of caring for nature so nature can care in return. The last part was enough to make him want to be like Willow and puke.

They stopped, coming up short as Willow waited for them by the corner. The crossed arms against her chest tightened. Her fury was palpable. Fillion gave her a shy smile as his eyes beseeched hers for forgiveness, hoping she would welcome him back into her good graces. She drew her eyebrows together, and then looked at him with sudden intensity.

“How’s your forehead?” he asked casually.

“Tender. How is your eyebrow?”

“Tender,” he replied with a small humored smile.

She tilted her head, and various emotions stormed in her eyes. “Do you bring a revolution, sir?”

Leaf turned his head, and studied her with weariness. She could almost see the wheels turning inside her brother’s mind as he observed their exchange and considered her question. After seeing the ghost and Corlan use a magical portal that appeared right before his vision, she felt mystified by the new resident. Was he powerful? He knew exactly what to say to her when she felt her heart breaking. Could he read minds as well? She continued her pose of irritation, but inside she felt confused.

Corlan returned her stare, drawing his shoulders up as he tucked his thumbs into his breeches, and then lowered his head, an inward posture he seemed to prefer, and then said, “Yes, I will revolutionize New Eden. It’s my role. That’s why I’m here.”

Ember was right once more and Oaklee began playing with a strand of hair, allowing her fingers to work, predictable movements that calmed her apprehension. Corlan watched her fingers and swallowed, lowering his gaze to the dirt path.

“Do you know a Master Fillion, sir?”

His eyes rounded with her question, most likely surprised that she knew an Outsider by name.

“Yeah, I just left his company this morning,” he replied back easily, giving her a smug look. “He’s such a loser.”

Oaklee watched him a few more seconds, displeasure coursing through her body, before turning around. She looked up at Leaf and held out her arm.
Her brother took it, and escorted her toward the light.

Set on fire, she returned from her journey resenting the Earth she walked on, including the soil of New Eden, and the Outside world it rest upon. The exchange had transferred more than just residents from one world to another. She was not the same girl who had only known the reflective sky, dreaming of what existed beyond the panes. Her eyes had opened to passionate feelings of pleasure, guilt, and sorrow, watching the white light that had consumed her friend turn to rich shades of azure and gold, welcoming the mirage of a young man she thought she would never see again. She witnessed technology that would haunt her dreams the remainder of her days.

She refused to leave and venture into the world beyond her walls, regardless of what Hanley Nichols dictated. And yet, she did not trust her community.

Her head began to swirl with a multitude of thoughts, and the faint feelings of free falling wished to creep into her awareness, the familiar detachment latching onto her perception. Hardened from too many experiences and the last crash she ever wished to endure, she shoved the feelings back into the recesses of her mind, and stepped onto
familiar ground, the crowd looking on with wide eyes and gasps.

She would be brave and face her fear by going home, knowing that another important person in her life was gone. And this time, it was all her fault. Coal’s pledge held her hostage to a world he left behind, and she would mourn his loss and a relationship that was never meant to be. The only community members who had ever left New Eden had died, and even then, their ashes remained to partake with the community. There was no remnant of Coal. It was as if she had killed him.

Glancing over her shoulder, she watched Corlan’s face transform into amazement and shock as he took his first step into New Eden Township. Ember was right. He was destined to revolutionize their world, she sensed it immediately. And she would help him. Her life was going to change again, and unlike the other times, she embraced her future knowing there was no looking back in desperate attempts for her life to remain the same.

She took another step, facing her future, the winter of her life leaving the branches bare and vulnerable. One day spring would return, and she would fight until the newly budding leaves appeared, determined to know life. She was finished with death.

The bio-breeze ruffled through the crowd, and released a flurry of fall leaves, their golden forms dancing and twirling. She reached out her hand and caught a leaf, studying the marks of decay she once found beautiful while her fingers caressed the smooth surface. Five days ago she did not understand, but today she knew with absolute certainty that it was the tree that sacrificed a part of itself so life could continue, the cycle of life complete, forging a rich legacy for the generations to come. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Now she lay dormant, anxiously awaiting the time for life and rebirth.

“Let the revolution begin,” she whispered to the bio-wind, releasing the leaf to flutter away and complete the journey it began.

THE CODE

Each community member of New Eden Township is an employee of New Eden Biospherics & Research and, therefore, also an employee of New Eden Enterprises, working on the

Earth Based Mars Colony as a collective group.

Phase One of the project, beginning on August 15, 2035, will span twenty years, and the residents of New Eden Township will live in complete seclusion from the outside world. Upon the twenty-year mark on August 15, 2055, Phase Two of the project will commence. The community will remain and continue for another five years, allowing outside scientists and government officials to observe the workings of the formed society within New Eden Township. After twenty-five years on August 15, 2060, the project will reach completion, and the community will be disbanded.

The points of internal government and social conduct are non-negotiable. Each individual must adhere to the rules to ensure greater success in creating a new world. Every point has been thoroughly discussed, and the rules were determined by a committee of experts to ensure the safety, longevity, and reality of social groups within an enclosed and sealed environment. The rules must be taken seriously. A colony on Mars has no immediate escape and must therefore create a society in which residents work together and consider each other for the benefit and safety of all.

THE COMMUNITY and PERSONAL ITEMS

1) The community of New Eden Township will dress, live, eat, and work as a Medieval Anglo-Norman culture from the British Isles, dating 1,000-1,400 A.D. This era is selected to foster an agrarian culture that encourages honor, chivalry, and traditions.

2) Each individual must keep their legal name and not choose an appropriate period character name due to limited communication and no outside interference. All legal documentation (births, deaths, and marriages) are regulated by the State of California and the United States government.

3) Modern allowances:

a
) Books are permitted so long as they were written before 1750 A.D. and possess leather bindings (examples include reference books, Greek classics, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Celtic mythology, Nordic sagas,
Le Morte D’Arthur
, and The Holy Bible).

b) Scientific practices (with the exception of modern machinery) are allowed to ensure safety and sustainability of all living within the Biodome walls. Green Technology is permitted, such as harnessing natural gas from compost to power The Forge, provided that construction, capture, and consumption occur by and with natural means and with renewable resources within the Biodome. Otherwise, all items brought into and crafted within New Eden Township must date prior to the Industrial Revolution.

c) Each resident is permitted three mundane items so long as they are not machinery, modern technology (including office supplies), photographs, items made from plastic, or weaponry. Items must fit inside a 3-by-3 leather, linen, or hemp travel sack, which will be searched prior to entry. Examples of mundane items include metal- or wood-framed hand mirrors, sewing kits, buttons (one 4-by-6 bag equals one item), linen or hemp fabric, metal or wooden combs and brushes, and hand tools. Books do not count as one of the three mundane items. Please check with New Eden Enterprises and New Eden Biospherics & Lab if there is a question regarding the mundane items allowable inside New Eden Township, as well as the check-in guidelines sheet.

d) Replicated instruments from the Middle Ages are permitted. They do not count as one of the three allowable mundane items. Modern instruments are not allowed.

THE NOBILITY

4) The titled Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire Element Noble family groups will publicly manage the community on behalf of The Aether, who is the hidden King or Queen. Each Noble family is responsible for the crafts, scientific experiments, and other trades that fall within their defined title. The Elements will be treated with the esteem of a Noble class; however, they will work alongside their community organically.

5) The Aether, an unseen political force and secret governor, will oversee the enclosed community as a hidden King or Queen, using a concealed device to connect to an on-premise lawyer and the CEO/Owner of New Eden Biospherics & Lab. This lead political decision is chosen by the CEO/Owner of New Eden Biospherics & Lab, and will be named in a private legal Legacy. The Aether may hold additional positions within the community and is not limited to class distinctions.

The Aether may not reveal his or her identity except when relinquishing it upon their heir’s twentieth birthday, or in a deathbed confession to their heir. To reveal their identity in any other scenario will result in banishment, revocation of the family’s rights to The Legacy, and possible loss of project compensation. If the heir is under the age of eighteen, a Regent will be secretly appointed until trust maturity. The CEO/Owner of New Eden Biospherics & Lab will ensure a Regent is appointed should communication silence commence longer than one week following death.

6) If a community member discovers the identity of The Aether, they are to keep the information to themselves or be banished from New Eden Township. They must guard the secret to ensure the safety of the secret King or Queen, preventing power plays and/or factions. If The Aether is revealed, the guilty party will be tried in a court of law for corporate sabotage

SOCIAL RULES and CONDUCT

7) Seven days following birth, a newborn’s name will be announced and their lives celebrated in a New Life Ceremony, held in their honor inside the ceremonial garden within The Rows.

8) By a person’s thirteenth birthday, they must declare their purpose within the community. Apprenticeships may begin as early as seven years of age, as deemed by the parents and the master craftsman or scientist who will oversee their apprenticeship.

9) Young people will have an Emergent Ceremony and Celebration at age fifteen, declaring to the community that they are officially adults. Upon reaching this age, they are held accountable to the community and to The Code separate from their parents and their family. Nobility will receive their family title of Son or Daughter of Earth, Fire, Wind, or Water as part of the Emergent Ceremony and Celebration.

10
) To preserve moral integrity and order, a man and woman will reach the age of marriageability upon their sixteenth year; and, with a special law granted through the State of California for New Eden Township, marriages by persons who are sixteen and seventeen years of age do not require parent or state permission. The Code does not require marriage but strongly suggests the marriage of the young in order to preserve the family unit as a necessary institution for the safety, peace, order, and health of the enclosed community. A Marriage Ceremony will be performed by the barrister, who is granted special license through the State of California.

11) When a young man or woman from the Nobility turn sixteen, they receive the honorific title of Lord or Lady. The community, including the Nobility, will address all Nobles ages sixteen and older with the titled address of My Lord and My Lady for the remainder of their days. To not do so in order to cause dissension is an act of insubordination, and will be dealt with as decided by The Elements and The Aether. Possible consequences include banishment and loss of project compensation.

12) Death is sacred and will be treated with ceremony. Direct-to-ground burial is against the law in the State of California, violating health codes. And there is limited space and resources for coffins. Therefore, after preparing the body, a Cremation Ceremony will commence where the body is burned on a plank before the family on a funeral pyre. The Elements and community members are welcome to attend this ceremony.

One day following cremation, the head of the home will perform the Second Ceremony, placing the ashes back into the Earth in a ceremonial garden found within The Rows.

In the Third Ceremony, three days following cremation, family members will choose three plants to seed in the ceremonial garden, each plant/row representing body, soul, and spirit.

The Last Ceremony is on the seventh day following death. Family members over the age of thirteen will kneel in the ceremonial garden for eight hours to remember their loved ones, and then rise from the ashes, thus concluding their period of bereavement. Work is not permitted for the family in bereavement until the Last Ceremony is complete.

On the night of the Last Ceremony, the residents will enjoy a Celebration of Life Feast to honor the family that now carries the legacy of the life who was lost.

13) Those in mourning may choose to marry or re-marry at any point. Orphaned children under the age of fifteen, who do not have an adult guardian age sixteen or older inside the enclosure, will be removed and placed with their family Outside, or given to the State for foster care. Parents may create a will, naming guardians over their children, if they wish for them to remain inside the enclosure.

14) Extramarital affairs, theft or robbery, murder, assault, and/or any other aggravated offense, will result in immediate banishment and possible loss of project compensation. Depending on the severity, the guilty party may be tried in court for their crimes.

15) If a faction forms to cause a revolution and/or to overthrow the existing government within the enclosure, the project will end, and everyone will be required to leave New Eden Township. Faction Lords will be tried in court for corporate sabotage and all other crimes they may have committed.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, PREGNANCIES,

and SURGERIES

16) New Eden Township will have a licensed naturopath, apothecary, herbalist, and midwife. Any family may request and receive Outside specialized or emergency medical care. A medical team is near the Biodome. If a family leaves for medical reasons, they are granted special permission to return to New Eden Township. Alert the town barrister and The Elements of any Outside medical needs that arise.

17) Surgeries and high-risk procedures are not permitted within the Biodome. If a surgery is needed, the family and/or individual must leave New Eden Township and seek advanced medical attention. Families or individuals are permitted to return to the Biodome following recovery.

18) Planned births/deliveries are allowed inside New Eden Township, but at the risk to the mother and infant. All women must sign a Labor and Postpartum Waiver prior to entry. All females born inside the dome must sign the Labor and Postpartum Waiver on their fifteenth birthday.