Chapter Five: The Library

Yori and Sun stepped into the vestibule of the library. Identical oak doors guarded the entrance and exit like twins, and two glass walls hung on either side creating a corridor through the center of the oval room. Etched on the glass were trees marked with the names of every Alexander.

The name of the first librarian, Paul Alexander, was at the base of the tree to the right. It was full of names and branches. The offshoots crept up to the top of the wall and almost one hundred names could be read and counted.

But the wall on the left, which continued the family tree, began with only five names at the bottom. Barely three generations of Alexanders had been etched into those branches. Sun paused at that tree. She reached out to one of the branches and slid her hand up the wall, stopping on Kate’s name. Then she quickly turned and marched on.

Yori continued to stare at the wall as she walked past, but he didn’t hesitate for long.

The Alexander Library had no comparison. It housed a copy of every book ever written; every story, speech, film, poem, letter or note that could be collected. It reached twenty stories up and was nearly a mile wide, containing a wealth of information unparalleled by all of humanity. But that was not its prize.

Sun and Yori walked past all of the words and wisdom within the library’s walls, and headed for the far side of the building where an atrium separated a smaller building from the main one.

A tall, thin man with a white braid flowing down his back stood inside the entrance. He held a book in one hand and a small, thin piece of glass in the other.

“Madam,” he said and bowed before Sun.

“Professor,” she responded, “it is good to see you again.”

“It’s an honor to be here,” he said as he turned to Yori and reached out his hand. “Curator, thank you again for the opportunity to expand the map.”

“You’re welcome, my friend,” Yori told him. “How is it coming along?”

“Excellent,” he said. “We should have the Lynoan system finished with this question, and we will be able to start mapping the Nekuian system next.”

“I see you’ve brought the latest diagrams with you,” Yori said.

“Yes,” the professor responded.

“Thank you,” Yori said and took the object. “Then let us begin.”

The atrium was an ancient Roman design with an opening in the roof and pool in the center for collecting rain water. Marble columns stretched the length of the room and armed soldiers stood on the outside of each one, keeping close watch on the surrounding grounds. Two guards also stood at either end.
The three headed for the far side and the guards opened the doors as they approached. They bowed before Sun.

“Curator,” one said as Yori passed through the threshold.

Once the doors closed behind them, the seam between the oak doors vanished, sealing off the room completely. It was a small room surrounded by a glass-like film on all sides with no handles, no doors and seemingly no way out.

Sun stepped up to the wall across from the outside doors and pressed her hand against it. A new seam appeared in the center and it began to separate, slowly revealing a larger room beyond.

Seven chairs rested against the far wall in the same fashion as the council chamber. These chairs, however, were less ornate. At the center of the room was a square, black table with the same glass-like skin as the walls they had just passed through. Sun placed her hand on one end of the table top and Yori placed his on the other. Again the glass separated and created a small opening in the center. Slowly a small, metallic box rose up on a smaller platform and the table closed around it.

The box was no more than ten inches in length, six inches wide and less than that in depth. A small rectangular hole was visible on one side, and the entire surface was covered in a shiny, silver metal with intricate markings from an unspoken language.

Sun took her seat at the far end of the room and the two men stood on either side of the table.

“Are you ready professor?” Yori asked.

“Yes.”

“Place your hand on the box.”

Yori lifted his hand and placed it in the small opening. A light began to glow from inside as the markings on the box lit up. Yori took in a deep breath.

Moments later the markings darkened, Yori removed his hand and looked over at Sun.

“We’ve found another planet,” he said.

Chapter Four: Two of a Kind

The sun began to set behind the mountains, casting an orange glow across the sky. Cherry blossoms sprinkled pink petals over the grounds below her like snow. Spring was Sun’s favorite time of the year. She hoped seeing Kate leave wouldn’t change that for her.

“Enjoying the sunset, my love?” William stepped out onto the terrace off the council chamber.

“Trying,” she answered.

He held his hands out to her. The two lovers faced each other, clasped hands and stared into each other’s eyes. Sun took in a deep breath. She felt the weight of the future, dropping her chin. William lifted it up.

“After all these years and decades, must I remind you not to carry so much weight alone?”

“Kate has the potential,” Sun said. “How many lives will be harmed if she is lost?”

“Besides yours?”

“It would not be our loss alone,” Sun said, still staring into William’s eyes.

“Challenge and self-reliance makes for strong leaders,” William said. “And remember, I have many friends across the solar system.”

Sun pulled away from him and turned towards the setting sun. “I still must consider the possibility.”

“Yes, we must,” William agreed. “But that fact is true regardless of where she lives.”

“James came to me last night,” she told him.

“I know.”

“He said he would take care of the family should anything happen to Kate.”

“Did he bring you solace?”

“No,” Sun admitted. “James lacks inherent foresight and empathy.”

“Many say the same of you,” William added with a smile.

She quickly turned to him, “I do not show what I feel, but I feel it nonetheless.”

“He may be stoic at times, but he is not ruthless.”

“That does make him a strong military leader. But it would not be the best thing for the council,” she paused and turned back to the setting sun. “Or the family.”

“The duty to chair the council does not have to fall to our branch,” he said.

“Lucas is far too inexperienced and Ceres,” Sun stopped midsentence. “Ceres would be like choosing James. She is closer to him than I and just as cold.”

“Ceres is your sister,” William said. “And is it not surprising after the loss of her own children?”

“Sometimes I feel as though I do not have a son, only a nephew.”

William pulled her close, held her tight and whispered into her ear. “He is your son and his heart is warm and strong. Do not let doubt into yours.”

Sun and William had been together most of their lives, a luxury few Alexanders had. They met as children during hand-to-hand combat training. Their classmates were no match for either, but they were certainly a match for each other. Ceres would often take bets when the two faced each other. And she rarely bet against William. It wasn’t until training was complete that the two became lovers.

“Perhaps Maria would reconsider,” Sun wondered.

“I have always considered Io a candidate,” William told her.

“She is consumed by her machines,” Sun said. “Sometimes I wonder if she is still human.”

“Io is passionate. Isn’t that what you are searching for?”

“She does have warmth that James does not.”

“Perhaps you should begin by seeking Maria’s council,” William said.

“Perhaps,” Sun responded, changing the subject quickly. “When does the next shuttle leave for Shackleton Base?”

“Tomorrow afternoon,” he said. “I’m sure she has already started packing. She knows you almost as well as I do.”

“Would you send for her at first light?” she asked.

“I already have.”

William pulled his wife close and cupped her cheeks. Sun smiled as he touched his lips to hers.

Yori stepped out onto the balcony and cleared his throat. The two looked over at him.

“Sun, the professor is here to visit the library and ask his question,” he said.

“Thank you, Yori.”

Sun left William on the balcony and followed Yori inside. They stepped through the council chamber, across the central alcove and headed to the library.

Chapter Three: According to Plan

James stayed in the training room, while Kate left to speak with the council. He told her that he wouldn’t tell them. He couldn’t tell them he was defeated. It was up to her to let their elders know.

When the doors closed behind her, he finally felt some relief.

James had been concerned Kate would question the fight because he didn’t use the practice forms to defend himself. But she often got lost in her own world.

Long ago James took the time to learn this room. He knew every inch of it, maybe even more than his father. He understood how to use the practice forms, the elements and the space to his best advantage. He had measured the walls, which were 30 feet on every side. He had tested the doors, which were made of an impervious, frosted glass.

He learned to move around the room with a blindfold and still find the exact center. That’s where he stood now, with his eyes closed.

Behind him a river of elements flowed from one side of the room to the other. It spawned from the bamboo-covered wall six feet from the back left corner and swept across to twelve feet from the right hand corner.

Walnut and cherry ribbons separated lines of river rock, silver and copper. Each element offered someone an advantage, depending on the function of their staff. His staff sent shockwaves out at his opponents. It would force them to move or be pushed back. The copper and silver gave his waves even greater momentum, but the woods and stones kept it in check.

He could feel the space in his mind and decided to continue training until Ceres arrived. She would come to comfort him after his defeat. Training was always his way of dealing with frustration and loss.

James trained hard and fast until the sweat began to drip from his brow. That’s when the doors opened.

“Sun will reveal her decision tomorrow,” Ceres said as she entered.

“What do you think she will say?”

“I believe she will allow Kate to go,” she said. “For several reasons.”

“Is there any question about the fight?” he asked.

“None,” she told him. “Even William believes she truly defeated you.”

“He trained us both,” James said. “We have been taught the same skills. And no one questions Kate’s stubbornness.”

“It will be our advantage, my nephew.” Ceres walked up to James and tucked his brown hair behind his ear, examining his demeanor. “Has there been any word from the Odyssey?”

“Nothing,” James said. He stood still while she patted his sweat with her sleeve and straightened his hair. “We may never know the ship’s fate.”

“Perhaps.” Ceres stepped back from him to examine her work. “Or we may find out in less than a year when Kate arrives at Jupiter Station.”

“I have Io searching the skies for the ship now,” James said.

“The Odyssey’s missing communications spell trouble,” Ceres said with a smile. “I believe Kate is in more danger than she realizes.”

Chapter Two: The Council

Kate stepped past the threshold and into the council chamber.
The oval room had vaulted ceilings with seven skylights, the beams shining down on each member. At the center of the room was an intricate, wooden inlay on the floor. A mix of cherry, oak, ash and willow that flowed together to create the image of a tree with roots as prominent as the branches that seemed to reach out to each member of the council.
Kate’s mother, Sun Alexander, was the council chair. She was a tall, thin woman with strong features. Her long brown hair was always in place, never left to blow in the wind or fall into her eyes. Today it was braided and pinned up, just like Kate’s.
To her right was Kate’s father, William. He commanded the military and the family. He was the only man Kate had known to never bow to her mother. He was the greatest warrior in the Alexander clan, and he taught Kate how to fight.
To Sun’s left sat the family ambassador, Maria. She was Sun’s cousin and her most-cherished adviser.
Kate walked up to the base of the tree and kneeled. “Thank you for seeing me,” she said.
“You may stand and speak,” her father told her.
Kate stood slowly and scanned the entire council. Finally, she looked into her mother’s emerald green eyes and made her announcement.
“I will represent the family for the return of the Odyssey,” she said.
“James has already been selected,” her mother responded.
“James and I chose to spar for the seat,” Kate said. “I won.”
“Your future is not yours alone,” her mother reminded her. “You are in line for my seat on the council.”
“I will not take your seat for decades to come.” Kate straightened her back and clasped her hands behind her back. “I believe the experience I gain at Jupiter Station will benefit the council, and I will represent our family with honor and strength.”
“The journey to Jupiter Station will take time. You will not be able to return quickly if something unexpected happens.”
“Our family does not want for wise and humble leaders,” Kate responded.  Like her mother, she was a natural statesman.
“I understand your personal desires, but the trails have been cut.”
“Allow me cut my own trail, mother.”
Every branch of the family had a duty. Kate’s branch was in charge of security and training. Maria’s was in charge of communicating with the people. Lucas was now the historian, given the task of recording and keeping the family history. Ceres was the administrator, in charge of all the family’s finances. Io, the engineer, kept watch over technological advances and artificial intelligence.
And Yori was the curator of the library and the keeper of the box. Kate felt his was the most important duty. If she was in line for the library, she would not be so eager to leave.
“Permission to speak?” Maria asked.
“Granted,” Sun said.
“The return of the Odyssey was to be the most important event in centuries, but now … we need to consider the possibility that something has gone wrong,” Maria explained. “I believe it would benefit the people to have our next council chair at Jupiter Station for its return home, if it returns home. We may need a leader on site.”
“We must also honor the choice to spar,” William said. “It is never taken lightly. James knew the risk.”
“It was not his risk to take, William.”
“Permission to speak?” Lucas asked with his hand raised. He was the newest member of the council after the unexpected passing of his father.
“Granted.”
“I just wanted to say I see the benefit of sending Kate, but it also concerns me,” Lucas said. He kept his eyes on Sun, trying to avoid Kate’s glare. “The people are unaware of the missing communications. If Kate goes, it would help to disguise that fact. But, the truth is, I’m afraid and not sure that I want to see her go. She could be in danger.”
Sun never looked over at Lucas, but kept her eyes on Kate.
“I will let you know what I decide,” her mother said. “You may leave.”
“Yes, mother."
Kate bowed before the council, then turned and left. She could never tell what her mother would choose, only that she would choose for her.

Chapter One: The Fight

Kate wanted to leave. She wanted to win this fight. She wanted to get away from the Alexanders. It didn't even matter what life would be like on Jupiter Station. She was convinced that she would have more freedom. But not if James won.
•••
The training room was a perfect square. High ceilings opened up above them. Bamboo floors cooled their feet. Staffs lined the walls, memorializing all the Alexanders that came before them. The twins stood face to face.
James slowly raised his staff level to his eye line, his left hand in front and the right behind. Kate held her staff at her waist with her right hand.
"Are you ready?" James asked.
Kate smiled. "Begin."
She tumbled forward, using the staff to lift herself from the ground and pushing off just as a shockwave blew across the floor. Kate rotated the staff around so that the end pointed right at her brother's face. A light flashed out from the end. James blinked as the other end of her staff came around and smacked him in the temple.
He stumbled back and started swinging blindly. Kate sped up her attack. Her blood pumped fast like a predator close to the kill. James remembered his training, controlled his movements and used her confidence against her. He stumbled again, stepping back and appeared to lose his footing.
She saw the moment of weakness and stepped forward, jabbing her staff at his torso. He pulled back, as if trying to avoid the gut-wrenching blow, then suddenly twisted out of the way and slammed his staff to the ground. The shockwave spread out from the point of contact and knocked Kate off her feet before she could react.
He swung around and stabbed at the ground where she laid, but Kate rolled out of the way and avoided the blow. She jumped to her feet and attempted to blind him again with a flash of light from the side of her staff. James closed his eyes and turned away just in time.
The two began to battle fiercely. James shot out shockwaves at his sister, one after the other. He wanted to knock her off her feet and disorient her long enough to make the final blow. But Kate moved too quickly, backing off enough to avoid the small waves and jumping up when the larger ones blew past her.
Each time he sent waves at her, she flashed light in all directions. She was hoping to unsettle her opponent and force him to look away from the real attack.
She jabbed at his chest and swung low to take out his feet. Then she lifted her staff to his eye line, sending out strobe lights. James started to blink. He tried to keep focused on the ground and his own attack, but the light was starting to wear on him.
Kate saw the opening. She quickly swung her staff around her head and stung him in the temple. James fell back to the ground and Kate thrust her staff at him, stopping just short of penetrating his left eye.
James closed his eyes and sighed. She won again and he knew it.
•••
It was still light out, but getting darker by the moment. The marble bench was casting shadows across the alcove floor, just touching the bottom of the council doors. They were tall and imposing with a patina that turned the light oak a deep, weathered brown.
Kate stared into them, imaging the council members and how they would handle the news. They wanted to make the decision for her. They had wanted to choose who went to Jupiter Station. But Kate wasn't one to let anyone tell her where she would go. She made her own choices. She didn't even change her clothes from the battle with her brother. She barely paused to put her staff away before heading to the council chamber and requesting a conference.
"Just be honest," she whispered to herself. "They'll make up their own minds anyway."
The doors creaked open like an alarm. Kate turned to see her father in the doorway.
"They're ready to see you."