The Grasp of the Empire: The Events of Eyncia

By Musa Adnan Niazy

At the center of worst Dark Age in history, mankind after the expansion across hundreds of star systems have been left defenseless while rivers of blood cast them from all directions. This brutal Empire that enslaved the entire race is falling apart from inside civil wars. With all of that going on, an outside threat was crawling through th

• Language: English
• Publisher: Musa Niazy
• Release date: Dec 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781535614665

Musa Adnan Niazy

Musa Niazy, a single father of a one daughter was born in 1988 and raised in the Middle East from an American mother and a Middle Eastern father before moving to the U.S. Musa struggled with autism and had very few habits such as drawing and imagination. He wrote this whole book in Arabic before he had to translate the whole thing into English on his own in a project that took him two and a half years.

Book preview

Abstract:

In the very distant future, the state of Eyncia is the first of its kind. It has brought all of mankind under the shadow of one flag, including hundreds of civilized planets, moons with many space stations, and space cities colonized by humans.

This gigantic country was formed after a long, bloody conflict between the many former countries that once occupied that space. Now it is all united under the control of Emperor Aickam. Aickam, the absolute unchallenged ruler of the entire nation, got rid of all those who challenged him, mercilessly slaughtering them all after his arrival to power. He crushed the opposition, forcing them to hide underground.

This magnificent country was named the Empire of Eyncia.

It has been thirty-nine years since the rise of this emperor and his iron grip on the nation.

For decades, the empire has managed to force the conditions and the atmosphere of the interior to seem calm, stable, and romantic.

However, there is a mysterious, unprecedented risk threatening the stability of this country in a way that can no longer be hidden, threat that the people of Eyncia, who’ve been without the free media for so long, don’t know anything about…

This is where we begin.

Contents

Abstract

1. The Nightmare

2. The Two Families

3. Hell in School

4. The Wave of Riots

5. The Wave of Depression

6. Dad’s Phenomenon

7. The Neighbor’s Phenomenon

8. Nightmare Before Exams

9. The National Day

10. Crises of Planet Meyanma

11. The Shock

12. Stabbed in the Back

13. The Wind of Change

14. The Uprising

15. The Ashes of the Consequences

16. Sami’s Wings

17. Journey to Calohoma

18. The Moments of Romance

19. Nation on Alert

20. Siren Alarms

21. The Ghost

22. Friendship Survival

23. Edward and Joliot

24. Sami’s Tribe

25. The Final Moments

26. Armageddon

27. The Battle of Decisions

28. The Invasion of Eyncia

29. The Ultimate Shelter

30. The Extermination of Mankind

31. The Suicide Rescue

32. The Ocean of Ashes

33. The Takeover of Nexsal

34. Under the Rubble

35. The Big Escape

36. In the Middle of Nowhere

37. The Glooms of Space

38. The Great Collapse

39. Hope

Chapter 1

The Nightmare

No sound could be heard in the endless, heavy darkness except for the wind. The deep, gloomy night was completely peaceful and silent…or perhaps that was only how it seemed.

In a nearby reality, there was a lightning strike like never before. A person jumped out of his bed, screaming and wide-eyed. He felt a terrible, sharp fear unlike any he’d felt in his entire life that almost seemed to tear him apart.

Out of nowhere, a light broke through the darkness with a loud bang. A female voice screamed, SAMI!

The young guy finally recognized the source of light. There was a woman standing at the entrance to his bedroom.

Sami was gasping and sweating with chills hitting his body like pins. His heart was beating so fast that he felt it was about to break his ribcage.

He finally realized that it was only a nightmare. Thank God!

The woman was staring at him. It was only his adoptive mother, Mary. She was a white woman in her mid-forties. She was shouting and breathing hard.

With more outside light reflecting her body, he could see her better. She had light skin and blonde hair and was of average height.

The young man was seventeen years old. Even though his skin was considered bright, it still appeared dark next to his mother’s. His hair was black and soft. Only a bit taller than his mom, he was handsome and had a thin, weak body.

The mother’s tenderness was reflected in her tone. What happened, sweetheart?

His lips began trembling. It was… It was only another nightmare.

She came forward slowly in her bright pink nightgown and sat slowly next to him, rubbing her temples. She released her hand over his shoulder. By that time, he didn’t even feel her presence. Tell me, sweetheart, she said, is it one of your nightmares?

Sami looked back at the floor, holding his head. He jumped and explained in a shaking voice, The truth is yes—another nightmare about the destruction of the entire city.

His voice grew weaker. Every time it’s something different: mass floods, devastating earthquakes, huge fires… Every time, I see millions of people getting wiped out. What I’m saying here is that my dreams are becoming all about the annihilation of the entire city and everyone in it. But why?

Sami’s mother sighed and shook her head, struggling against the desire to leave the room and give up on helping him. For one last attempt, she turned around. Oh, Sami, this is the tenth time within few weeks. Why aren’t you letting us help you?

Sami hit the floor and stared at her sharply. It’s not the doctor who has the answers of the future.

Mary’s tone was a combination of anger and mockery. Ha! Since when did you become some sort of monk?

Sami defended his belief, saying, Mom! You expect me to believe in coincidences after dozens of warnings about threats that await us? Just look around you at the critical circumstances this nation is up against!

He then lowered his voice. Unlike my regular dreams, these nightmares are so vivid, detailed, and clear. They cannot be ignored!

His frustration was as clear as a mirror in her face. Why do you think YOU are the only one who gets these warnings? Why you instead of others?

She stood silently for a few seconds, reviewing her harsh sentence, and then changed her attitude. Sweetheart, I know you are special, but not like this…

She touched his shoulder and continued. Even if you’re right, are you going to allow this to screw up your family, friendship, schooling, and future? Is it really worth it?

Suddenly she became joyful. Doesn’t the beauty of life lie within its mystery? And the future is all about mystery. Don’t allow your dreams to take that from you.

Her beautiful words broke Sami’s stubbornness. She gave him a proud, loving smile and said, You’re in your final year before graduating from high school and entering college. There is a promising future awaiting you. Don’t get busy with such nonsense.

She looked toward the heavens, speaking out of her consciousness. We all are living under the shadow of a powerful empire. It will protect us from any harm. Don’t worry about it. Her smile never faded. It’s still eleven o’clock, by the way, and you have school tomorrow. Sleep well, and have nice dreams.

When her speech finally came to an end, she turned her back to him. A silly curiosity occurred to Sami. Why are you awake at this time, Mom?

She answered joyfully, I am beyond the law!

Their conversation over, she left the room and closed the door firmly. Sami finally allowed himself to smile. Of course, you are, as long my dad is still traveling. As he continued, his expression became one of concern. You are a wonderful mom, but for your sake and that of this dear family, I won’t stand by. I will find out the truth behind these nightmares.

Once more, he lay down back on his bed and looked at the ceiling and was flooded with thoughts. Ha, Mom, you are trying too hard to calm me down. We are all living under the shadow of a powerful empire. Seriously? We all know it’s already falling apart. I fear our dear city of Nexsal is in grave danger.

Chapter 2

The Two Families

The next morning, he found himself swimming between oceans of concerns, giving up control of any resisting muscle.

This empire’s age of peace is over. It’s been cracking for a decade, burning slowly with civil wars and endless uprisings scattered between hundreds of star systems inside this nation. One year ago, a new huge threat developed—a third party, a mysterious, aggressive, new militia that is becoming stronger each day—and no one has any idea about its true origin or even how to handle it. I am growing tired of thinking about all of this…

The peace of that morning was torn apart by a female voice screaming, CALVIN, YOU BIG, FAT JERK! I NEED TO SLEEP!

Sami woke up from his half-sleep. The same person continued to shout and revile; for sure, it wasn’t his mother. Then a male voice shouted back, SHUT UP!

Sami left his bedroom feeling more than disturbed. To his right was a short wall overlooking the downstairs living room, the floor of which was covered by fancy marble tile. He listened to the noise and thought, Ah, not another fight between the two of them.

The battle was taking place between his own brother and sister, the biological son and daughter of his adoptive mother, Calvin and Rachel.

Rachel was his age, a thin, good-looking girl with fluffy black hair. She stood there wearing pajamas, gripping her hands, and facing an older guy, who had a huge fat body and black coiled hair. He was doing nothing but playing his video game using a machine that broadcasted a holographic two-dimensional screen. He couldn’t stand anybody who dared to disturb him while he was becoming one with such a classified mission. He was surrounded by fast food trash.

Everybody was expecting what came next from their sister Rachel. Really? she said. What gives you the right to scream and wake me up this early? It’s not my problem that you suck at games!

A busy man, Calvin continued playing his game and shouted back at the same time, Yeah? It’s not my problem that you suck at sleeping!

With her hands on her hips, Rachel replied with a lofty voice, OH! And am I supposed to massage you while you save the galaxy?

Calvin, with his sensitive mission, couldn’t do anything but pretend his sister was a homeless fly lost in the air. That’s the nature of women: annoying.

An outraged hiss was unleashed from Rachel. You know what? It’s not my problem that you don’t care about your future! But I have school and a time to sleep that you should respect! She stared at him with contempt and continued. Someone like you spends all his life and future on video games.

Calvin’s eyes never left the holographic screen. At least I don’t spend my time with my friend chasing behind performances and fashions. Geez…

Rachel’s eyes shone with flames of outrage. At least I have a future, not crap like this!

Calvin never seemed willing to change his mocking voice. Yeah? What kind of promising future?

This time, it was Sami who cut through the argument. You’re both annoying! It’s also not my problem you both suck at being social! I mean, come on, what happened to my right to peace?

His sister gave him the same attitude she’d given to Calvin. The right to have peace?! She continued with her sarcastic tone. What happened to you crying to Mom every night? ‘I’ve seen the end of the world! I’ve seen the end of the world! Oh, Mommy, I’m scared. Please hug me!’

Sami would rather she had hit him than said that. He had no choice but to pull her into the details. In a broken voice, he said, For your information, it was about the destruction of the city, not the whole world!

Sami desperately hoped that she would stop right there. Nevertheless, she insisted to hand him a despising response. Whatever! Just go and combine your mind with his. You’re too good for each other. Two minds from the same basket!

She finished her sentence, looking at her fat brother though she failed to get his attention. Sami instead felt a wound so deep in his heart. Without a doubt, if his brother was the one who insulted him instead of her, he wouldn’t hesitate smashing his nose. Sami gathered all the energy he had just to bury his wound while watching her climb the stairs toward her bedroom, her nose in the air. He finally swallowed everything into his stomach, telling himself, I’m better than that!

There was nowhere for Sami to go except his bedroom and no choice but to bang his door. Then he allowed his anger to fade slowly. He was not surprised, though, when his brother resumed his outraged campaign. NO, IMPOSSIBLE! Calvin shouted. THAT’S NOT FAIR!

What a brother I have, Sami thought. I can’t believe Calvin does that to me even after he’s turned twenty-one. I combined my money with his to buy that gaming device, and guess what? He takes it all for himself and never gives me a chance to take over—not while his eyes are still open, anyway!

And the other one is even worse! Rachel is a few weeks older but is so annoying, conceited, and arrogant. It’s sad to think back on memories from our childhood. It’s unbelievable how close we were. We shared our ideas and thoughts, played together, and created the same fantasy world. We even shared our toys; I had to bring my monsters and dinosaurs while she brought her female fashion toys. Gosh, I remember how we forced them together in the same universe!

Sami couldn’t believe the effect nostalgia was having on him.

A girl with a good heart can be turned to focus on outside appearances instead of what’s inside. She let her defenses down to bad friends who corrupted the inside, not a difficult thing to do when you’re our age. But who am I to judge her friends? Nobody is perfect, are they?

I’ve always felt like a stranger, he thought. Growing up I was always reminded that Calvin and Rachel aren’t my biological siblings. To my frustration, there were whispers about a hateful child who got pulled out of the orphanages. It just makes me disgusted by my real parents’ actions. The orphanage lady, Miss Flasky, who handed me to this family, claimed that she only found my first name, with the last named being erased. Ha, why does it irritate me if I really don’t care? I can’t even answer my own questions.

Sometimes I truly appreciate the Albesten family for no other reason than adopting me as a pure child. It takes a real mother to nurse a stranger next to her biological daughter, who thankfully arrived in this universe several weeks before me.

The feelings of a hidden waterfall cooled down the flames which had already burned half of his nerves. It felt remarkable. My skin color doesn’t feel right, he thought. Why does this family try so hard not to make me feel like a stranger after the hard time I’ve given to every one of them?

Sami knew he was only lying to himself by ignoring his true past. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, looking closely at his shoulder and the tattoo that looked like a circle and directions with some mysterious, unknown symbols in it. It triggered an insane amount of curiosity, which burned away what was left of his anger. Who would mark this on me just before abandoning me? Why?

To distract himself, he picked up his school bag from his simple white desk and sat in his wheeled chair. Oh, shit! he said sharply. These are Wednesday’s books instead of Tuesday’s! What is wrong with me!?

Without warning, he heard banging on the house door followed by some loud footsteps. No way, Sami thought. That couldn’t be Mom made it home from the neighborhood grocery store? That’s too early!

Mary, realizing the absence of her teenage kids, began her loud crying. Rachel, Sami! Why is everyone still in their rooms?

It was Calvin who answered on their behalf. I don’t know. Don’t look at me!

Mary’s next target was unexpected. Calvin, when was the last time you slept!?

Disturbed, Calvin answered lazily, How am I supposed to know!?

A few moments later, Rachel said, Oh, for real, Mom? We’re still half an hour early!

Sami’s mother began her usual speech toward her kids, those who in which, never grow up in her eyes Oh, I see. That’s why you guys always miss something in your last-minute rushing.

After that, she knocked on his bedroom door. Sami, are you even awake yet?

Not yet, Sami mumbled. Then he put his fingers in his ears to drown out another speech of hers.

•••

Shortly after that, Sami left his home with a long, bored exhale. He was wearing his school uniform, a white shirt and black pants with a belt, and carrying his school bag on his back.

The house that he was raised in was designed in an amazing way. The backyard was surrounded by cement walls three meters high, and the house’s roof included a rocky dome that had heavily shadowed windows. This was the case of a large number of the city’s middle-class houses.

Every house in the neighborhood had two doors leading behind the backyard walls; one was wide and meant for cars while the other smaller one was for people. The mailbox, a simple machine hanging on the outside wall, was designed to take stuff automatically toward the window behind the wall. Also part of each backyard wall were the multiple recycling and trash cans that belonged to these middle-class houses.

The first thing Sami saw that day was the city’s weird-looking municipal trash truck passing through the narrow two-way street. Its robotic hands picked up the bins and dumped their contents into a small opening on its right side. It stopped at every house on the street before continuing on its way.

Sami moved slowly down the street, which was made of soft metal and surrounded on both sides by rocky sidewalks, haphazardly parked cars, and lighting columns that were still operating at this early time of morning. He opened his arms wide, as if he were diving into a hot bath, welcoming the approach of the air, listening to the singing of the birds, and celebrating the rise of the planet’s young sun.

Amazingly, animals were spread all around these planets a long time ago, and the humans went on to live in harmony with all kinds of wild, native creatures.

Sami approached the next door and rang the bell of his eternal neighbor. A holographic face of a man with mustache appeared. He seemed shocked. Sami! You came here early. Um, Henry isn’t ready for school yet.

Another guy’s voice infiltrated the phone. Dad! Just let me finish my breakfast!

The mustached man sighed with closed eyes. Come in, Sami. My house is yours as well.

The holographic face vanished. With a buzz, the personal gate opened automatically but slow, almost as if it were about to retire. Sami found himself crossing through the backyard of a property that was considered a twin to his own house, at least in its original structure design.

I know what to feel before any visit to my best friend Henry and his family. It always feels just like home; sometimes it feels more like home than mine when I have bad days. It’s strange, though, how well my childhood friend Henry and I get along while our fathers feel exactly the opposite toward each other. And it’s not just because they disagree about tea or coffee—it’s something else…

Henry’s father greeted Sami in the backyard. He wore a mustache and eyeglasses and appeared to have been too lazy to shave his face that morning. Above that, he wore a robe over his clothes, just having gotten out of a rushed shower. As usual, he was carrying his treasure: his morning cup of coffee. Despite the bitterness of the coffee, Henry’s father smiled so big one might have thought he was drinking honey.

Sami greeted him with his usual innocent, shy attitude. Good morning, Uncle Edward. It was a very normal thing in this society for youngsters to call their elders Uncle.

Behind the cover of the caffeine, Edward’s face hinted that things weren’t as sweet as they may have appeared. He was already scrubbing his neck and mumbling in his lazy voice, Come on in, son. Wait for him until he finishes his precious breakfast!

When Sami stepped inside, he wasn’t shocked by the negligence and chaos spreading across the main living room. Sami had actually gotten used to his desperate single-parent neighbor’s way of living. Edward marched toward the kitchen, snarling, HENRY! Why do you keep eating like a goat? We’re talking about a breakfast here, not some sort of dating!

His son Henry was sitting behind an old, messy table located in the kitchen. Pissed, he replied, DAD! If you don’t want me to choke on the food in my throat, I suggest you SHUT UP!

Sami wasn’t surprised by the way they always argued. It was kind of funny to him, and he enjoyed imagining himself saying that to his own father. Probably he would’ve already thrown his cup of tea in Sami’s face.

Edward threw himself on the living room couch slowly and began mumbling and complaining. Damn, people move like slugs these days… He was releasing all the steam of life-hating energy while his fingers scratched the eyes behind his glasses. Ah, Sami, I really miss their mother. I can’t believe that it’s been two years since I killed her in that stupid car accident. Without her, time lost all meaning.

Before Sami got any chance to pat him or say anything to cheer him up, Edward’s son Henry jumped up without even finishing his breakfast. Henry had dark blond hair, just like his father, and wore rectangular glasses. He was as tall as Sami, and he was also wearing the same school uniform. For God’s sake! he cried. Every time you mention her, you kill my appetite!

He hurriedly wiped his mouth with a Kleenex and then gave Sami a bitter smile. I’m ready.

Daddy, I’m hungry! called a small, sharp voice. A girl of four years old came down the stairs. With fluffy blonde hair on her head and her teddy bear under her armpit, she rubbed her eyes to wake herself up.

Her father Edward sighed. A moment, honey. Nothing comes before the morning news. He grabbed the remote and turned on a holographic two-dimensional screen from his TV. On the screen was a government-run news channel—one of the only legal channels, in fact.

Local imperial channels used the local language while the nation’s imperial major channels used the nation’s official language. Each local area dealt officially with the main language as if it were the natives’ second language. Customers could even choose what language they wanted on their documents.

Sami watched the little girl, Sally, with a loving, compassionate smile. Her brother Henry, on other hand, snarled at her, Sally, Daddy needs his breakfast from his precious TV. Can’t you see he’s hungry?

Shut up, Henry! She was talking to me, not you! Edward retorted.

Henry looked at his father with disgust. Like you care, he mumbled. Then he picked up his school bag and changed his attitude. Come on, Sami. Let’s wait for the bus outside.

DADDY, I’M HUNGRY! Sally dropped her teddy bear and began pulling her dad’s shirt, insisting on food. Sadly, her father was already immersed in the news; her presence didn’t even catch his attention. Sami had to whisper in front of Henry, I think she’s only trying to get his attention.

While the two of them were heading for the door, Edward suddenly shouted, Son of a bitch! These renegades launched another huge explosive terrorist attack. This time, it killed hundreds of innocent people! Look! It took place right in the regime’s stronghold, planet Earth, and right inside the nation’s central capital, the city of Nosima!

Sami stared at Edward in shock while Henry tried to remind him that this was only his father’s habit. He then realized that had Sally thrown herself into her father’s lap, which caused him to panic. Be careful, Sally! Edward cried. You’re going to spill the coffee! OUCH! Edward was forced to relocate her on his lap, still focusing all his attention toward the holographic TV. Something very frightening was going on.

Sami was shocked watching the TV. The scene showed huge numbers of police, ambulances, and firefighters on their feet. Vehicles surrounded the ruins of a once-magnificent building that was now totally crushed, with the noise and shadows of police helicopters and rescue teams flying around the ashes. Shocked, Edward spoke. My God, an entire mall was destroyed by an explosive truck!

The police, ambulances, and firefighters were teaming up to take down the fires with water. Some of them were more desperate in their struggle to rescue the victims of this terrifying event.

Sami stared deeply at the screen. Out of nowhere, something cut through his thoughts. A disturbing memory forced him to cry, My God! I fear that my nightmares have everything to do with all of this new chaos that is spreading across the empire!

Henry couldn’t believe what he heard. WHAT!? He was more than shocked watching his best friend taking these dreams too seriously.

Maybe… Edward said calmly. That pushed Henry to snarl, Oh, come on, guys! We’re talking here about some areas that are still safe zones in our planet Mesagon, especially our city Nexsal. We are far away from these new terrorists and their menace!

Not for long, I fear, Henry, Edward said in a mocking tone to hide how serious he was.

His eyes suddenly met Sami’s. As you can see, the imperial government is hiding a great deal from its people. There is some sort of unknown force, a force that cannot be underestimated. It’s showed up out of nowhere trying to shake what remains of this entire empire’s stability.

I know, but who are they? asked Sami, who could not hide his curiosity.

Edward grinded his teeth and began explaining carefully. Like I said, the government is hiding everything from us, probably to keep prestige between its people.

A long, deep storm of silence struck the room. Sami felt his muscles freeze with fear of what he was hearing. Edward continued his explanation. It’s obvious to us that this unknown force has increased its hostile activities against Aickam’s regime by multiplying its funding toward the new renegade opposition, this new third party that just showed up a year ago. God knows where they came from…

Henry, who wasn’t listening carefully, decided to interrupt his father. Rebels, oppositions, whatever names they carry—one day you justify their actions, and later on, I see you doing the opposite. What is wrong with you!?

Edward raised his voice nervously. How many times do I have to remind you? There are two types of rebels! There are the original freedom fighters who’ve been fighting this regime for decades to avenge the hundreds of millions of people the regime has killed. Then he pointed at the tragic event on the holographic screen. But this one was done by the other type—the third party, the ones who only showed up a little more than a year ago. They are traitors and terrorists who kill innocent people just to make the empire sound weak and hopeless. This is so unacceptable. Not to mention that it defames the good rebels’ reputation. These terrorists don’t care, not while they have a completely different agenda. They’re very well equipped and advanced, and they pose a very serious threat to Emperor Aickam.

Full of contempt, Henry mumbled, I know about all of this. I just don’t care.

Edward stood up and sat his daughter on the floor. Once again, he pointed at the screen with uncontrolled nerves. Listen to me, both of you, we all share the same reality here, and it’s going to affect everyone’s life one way or another. This terrorism phenomenon has grown far out of control in the past few months. There’ve been all kinds of killings, kidnappings, and random bombings targeting both civilians and imperial troops. These ruthless mercenaries and whoever is behind them… I’m just saying that we really need to be careful nowadays!

Sami’s lips began to move from his growing shock. They’re just like a deadly cancer, spreading so fast inside the body of this empire. Puzzled, he realized that the Eyncian people were now stuck between the threat of a brutal dictatorship and an aggressive, mysterious terrorist militia. Everything was confusing, disturbing, and frightening… It was no longer a black-and-white chess game but something much more sophisticated.

Edward decided to send his response. The emperor is leading this country straight to Hell by insisting on hiding the truth from his people. What a coward. Once more, he sat on the couch, thumbing through a local newspaper.

Without warning, Henry exploded. DAD! ARE YOU TRYING TO LEAD US INTO A HOLOCAUST!? You know very well that informants and secret police are everywhere. If they caught you saying that, they wouldn’t hesitate to cut you into pieces—and not just you but all of us!

Edward found himself throwing the newspaper. The regime doesn’t need to hear my criticism to arrest me, Henry. We’ve got hundreds of millions of conscience prisoners. Without any reason, our charges are now detainees. Two of them are your neighbors!

Henry rose, pointing at his sister. Are you done brainwashing this girl!? This child might expose you accidentally! Henry was getting tired of yelling but didn’t stop his speech. Do you really want to see her absent behind the sun with you!?

Sami understood Henry’s frightening expression. Absent behind the sun was an expression that basically meant the loss of freedom for serious charges. Being absent behind the sun could lead to an unknown fate. One sentenced to absence behind the sun remained forgotten for eternity. Edward at this moment was shocked by his son’s warning. A deep silence covered the living room. Unexpectedly, Sally broke through that with a question: Daddy, what is there behind the sun?

Sami found himself giggling out of control, forcing Edward to smile and explain. It’s a very bad place, sweetheart, but Daddy will not allow anybody to take you there. Then he kissed her cheek. Her stubbornness and curiosity, however, took over her mind completely. Daddy, I want to go to behind the sun, pleeeeease?

Edward snarled after slapping his own forehead, Now, look at what you thought her, Henry! It will take me weeks to make her forget this crap!

Henry argued back, Look who’s talking! You’re the one who opened the subject! Maybe you should read her some bedtime stories to feed her imagination with something useful!

Why don’t YOU read for her? shouted Edward.

I have school, you know!

You never open your books!

In the middle of all of this, Sami looked at the screen and found something that shocked his bones.

Sami saw an old, fat person wearing a high-ranking suit and a red hat standing in a press conference right behind an elevated platform with all speakers ahead of him. Right behind him there was a blue curtain and the wide-hanging empire’s flag. That person was presenting a really frightening speech, giving his promises on behalf of the empire to crush this new terrorism at all costs. His frowning face represented the growing outrage of the entire regime like never before.

At the bottom of the screen, the breaking-news line read, An urgent speech by The Minister of Interior.

Just in the middle of all of that, a horn sounded from outside. It’s the school bus. Let’s get the hell out of here, shall we? mumbled Henry. While they were leaving, they heard Sally shout once again, Daddy! I’m hungry!

Dark thoughts rolled inside Sami’s brain like a tornado. Our powerful Empire of Eyncia… These events… What is really happening? My nightmares… I really hope we will be okay…

Chapter 3

Hell in School

The city of Nexsal was even more significant than the governing capital of planet Mesagon. Additionally, Nexsal was the economic capital, and because of this, it was extremely fancy-looking and heavily populated. Nexsal had dry summers, but the other three seasons were marked by stable, friendly weather with very little rain. It was also considered attractive for tourists as it was the heart where multiple rivers and lakes met.

The school bus moved through the streets. It looked amazing though Sami had gotten used to riding it. Strangely, the half-cylindrical vehicle depended on advanced wheels. It moved forward between surrounding vehicles on metal streets that were divided by dyed lanes.

Sami had gotten over his culture shock in early childhood, so it was not strange at all for Sami to become bored as hell. The rest of the high school students inside the bus were nothing unusual. Amazingly, these teenagers talked and laughed, insisting on living an innocent and happy life, even in the center of a historical dark age made of nothing but fear.

Unlike the others, however, Sami was sitting next to Henry, silent as the graves. Both were too busy watching the wonderful scenes of their city as the bus moved over this highway. It was such a wide, wonderful street, was surrounded with short walls and lighting columns, but every once in a while, they could see signal boards or some hateful advertisements.

It was a depressing morning. The bus was stuck in heavy traffic filled with cars, buses, and trucks, all of which worked on very strong engines, rubber wheels, and on solar cells on their roofs. Sami looked left and right, taking in all the surrounding parks, trees, and sidewalks, wishing the bus could stop and drop him off somewhere without having to report it to his parents.

Later on and pretty close into downtown, the bus crossed over a huge, high bridge. All around Sami were frightening skyscrapers several kilometers tall. People on the ground were unable to see the top of these structures. The significance of that was powerful enough to force anyone to feel the chills.

Between the skyscrapers was a complex network of towering streets surrounded with transparent cylindrical walls. Thick columns connected the streets to the skyscrapers. There was also another towering network of paved bridges for pedestrians that were attached to the scrapers and decorated with plants and fountains.

The third sky network was for very advanced trains which moved on poles surrounded by transparent cylindrical walls. Amazingly, these trains moved at very high speeds, flying across the gigantic structures that were called super skyscrapers.

Regardless of the technological advances, the quality of an advanced civilization only reflected in the faces of the rich and super-rich class people. Because there were so few of these wealthy people, their personal vehicles could be seen clearly flying through the sky. Some had private space ships that flew against all limitations and restrictions; some of the super-rich had ships with light-speed engines. Private ships always struggled with the limited amount of parking space inside such big cities as Nexsal, but the skyscrapers always had their special parking lots for these small ships.

For a few moments, Sami felt his memories getting refreshed. Beautiful, he thought. Just beautiful and amazing are the only words to describe it!

A sudden deep joy came flooding into Sami’s heart. The city was so active and alive with public and private transportations, it hurt Sami’s feelings just to imagine anything bad happening there. He then realized the bus was passing an unfinished building surrounded by huge, flexible robotic machines which were constructing it at high speed.

Words fail to describe such a wonderful civilization. Regardless of what kind of regime controlled it, nothing could take that city’s charm away. Sami’s heart was full of nothing but love and gratitude toward his city, which was full of so many friendly and open-minded people from all cultures and races.

Once again, he found himself struggling against the shadows of his nightmares and the destruction of the city he loved. Hey, everything is going to be okay, he told himself.

A short while later, the bus passed over a wide two-lane bridge. It was really amazing that this towering bridge was already crossing over lower bridges, which were also crossing over a wide river on the bottom. Rivers brought beauty to the heart of the city. Right between the skyscrapers, long rivers crossed beneath motor and pedestrian bridges as far as the eye could reach.

Meanwhile, Sami was undisturbed by his classmates’ loud and annoying jokes. He became too busy with his new evil attention; his eyes scanned for explosives under the girls’ uniform skirts—the kind of explosives that mess with the human mind. Ha, he thought, that’s a relief! But suddenly, he felt like was about to throw up, not because he was a jerk but because the whole bus exited the bridge in a sharp, sudden descent.

Something on the side of the highway scared the hell out of him. The bus passed that giant, rocky cubic structure. Right above it stood a huge metal statue of a man waving his hand. It shocked Sami’s heart with all of his hidden new concerns.

My God, it’s just another statue of Emperor Aickam. Why does it keep stunning me with flashbacks? What is wrong with me?

After he managed to calm himself down, he wasn’t surprised to see that his classmates hadn’t been distracted by anything. We’re all still alive, aren’t we? All that I need is to close my eyes and refresh my mind. Come on, Sami, take a deep breath…

At a traffic intersection, he saw another huge rectangle structure carrying the picture of the emperor. The unchallenged ruler of the entire nation was a very old man. In the photo, he was wearing a unique red military uniform and had a short beard with medium-length hair. In the photo he was smiling and waving.

Though he was in his late seventies, he still looked kind of young because of the advanced health care he’d received. The presence of a regular surveillance camera hanging on the same traffic light column made Sami feel even worse.

Sami found himself thinking unpleasant, unhealthy thoughts. He scolded himself, Sami, for God’s sake, just mind your own business.

The bus kept moving on and on. Sami had to seek out a strategy to distract himself from his thoughts, so he started talking with his only friend. Dude, it’s good that my sister Rachel doesn’t go with us to the same school. You know she walks to the neighborhood school. It’s a woman thing to seek literature instead of science. I can’t tell you how relieved I am not having her around.

Henry showed his teeth and raised one of his eyebrows. Why are you so hard on her!?

Sami opened his eyes wide. Why do YOU try so hard to defend her?

When Henry failed to answer his question, Sami knew he was hiding something. To ease the tension, he lowered his voice. I don’t want to kill her or anything! She just really pissed me off this morning. You know what? Just forget it.

Henry made the same face at him. Ha, what do YOU know about getting pissed off by a family member? How am I supposed to plan for my future while worrying about leaving Sally behind with my Dad?

Sami gave him a bitter smile and decided to hide his true feelings. "You’re right. What was I thinking? Let’s focus on the bright side. At least we are in the same school, right?

Henry nodded his head. True. I still remember the beginning of the past school year when both our fathers moved us to that fancy public school.

Sami nodded his head calmly. Yeah, that was one rare thing our fathers agreed on—its good reputation and our grades, of course.

Henry smiled, pointing with his index finger. Dude! It was historical! The two of them agreed in a decision!

Just after a few seconds of silence, Henry asked, with a sly smile, Sami, are you prepared for the wave of riots?

Confused, Sami repeated, The wave of riots?

Henry responded with a sudden nervous excitement. The wave of riots we agreed on! You know? Have fun. Attract some laughter from girls!

Oh yeah, that’s right! Next Monday is our appointment!

•••

Welcome to the school of Keyana: Elementary - Middle - High School Science, read the banner hanging over the main entrance of the high school section of the school compound. Cars and buses were part of the boring heavy traffic. The private cars were either dropping the students next to the gate or crossing inside the wide parking lot that was also made of metal.

The high school section’s security guard’s small room with its big square windows was right in front of the entrance. The lazy security guard in his dark blue uniform was doing nothing except standing and yawning, surely because he’d been up all night.

Just beyond the walls that surrounded the school’s wide backyard was a very wide garden, accommodating hundreds of high school students from all different races. As always, they were roaming randomly amongst the trees and grass and resting on the wooden benches that lined the passages.

The huge high school building itself was located at the center of that garden. It reached high enough to be three floors. Right above the building’s entrance was a huge picture of Emperor Aickam, and above that, on top of the roof, two flags of honor waved in the breeze.

The first one was just the innocent school flag, displaying several colors and a white circle. There was no doubt that the other one was the Empire’s flag. It was purple, black, and red in color, and its design included a big circle of space and waves of stars which seemed to be flying with the help of dragon wings. It was meant to represent pride for the union of humanity.

A fancy school building like this had a handicap-accessible entrance in addition to the regular stairs; however, only a few schools had that kind of attention to detail.

Sami and Henry stood behind the trees with their school bags on their backs. Sami’s concerned expression got Henry’s attention. Once Henry made sure that no one was around, he began whispering nervously. Come on, Sami! Don’t allow your nightmares and my father’s obsession to screw your life, man! Look around you! Life is happy and beautiful, safe and stable; the government is still strong, Sami. I’m sure they will take care of everything.

When he didn’t respond, Henry shook Sami’s shoulders. It was like struggling to wake a dead body. Waving his hand in front of Sami’s face, Henry said, Dude, these events crossing over the empire are nothing but a temporary headache. Don’t worry!

It seemed unfortunate that Henry was failing to make his friend respond. Henry almost lost hope until he saw something that changed his mind. He pointed in that direction with a sudden explosion of excitement. Look there! Jane is coming!

Finally, this worked! Sami was shocked by the arrival of that sunshine girl who was almost as tall as they were. She had long, soft black hair, bright, brown skin, and eyes that sparkled, enhanced by her long eyelashes and eye makeup. She hugged her books like a mother with her child, smiling infinitely. Predatory male eyes were unable to resist her, especially the ones belonging to Sami.

Henry, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have any crush on her. He only smiled at her warmly. That endless, shy, cheerful smile of hers kept sending the blessing winds, the translation of a unique type of gravity. Hey! Good morning, guys!

Smiling, Henry responded without any hesitation. Hey, good morning, Jane.

Sami’s awkwardness paralyzed him though it was only the usual morning greeting between Henry and Jane. As soon as she walked away, Sami began processing his own emotions. His chest felt frozen, and he felt separate from his mind, as though he were flying between the heavens themselves.

Henry was happy he had succeeded chasing away his friend’s political concerns. Suddenly, Sami spoke, almost involuntarily. WOW! It’s like every time I see her, she just gets more beautiful than any time before!

Henry patted on his shoulder and celebrated proudly, You see? I told you life is beautiful! And it will always be that way!

Sami was not paying attention to where they were heading. Amazed, he said, Of course, Henry! As long she and those like her are still around, I’ve got no reason to disagree with you!

Suddenly, the school’s P.A. system began broadcasting classic music, the official declaration for the beginning of the school day and the most hateful music in Sami’s life. Once it was over, the bells rang immediately afterward. Out of nowhere, all teachers and school inspectors started gathering the students into lines, each line belonging to a different class. Sami hated being in a different class than Henry, but he was glad they were at least at the same school.

In this nation, public schools were run in a traditional manner: the students in each class were stuck with each other and their teacher through the whole semester. This was different than how their colleges worked, and there were maybe a few exceptions like the private schools. Because the nation was made of hundreds of planets, each local area used textbooks translated into its local language. The original publishing came from the major official language in the central capital on Earth.

At Sami’s school, students took their places in lines on the garden’s grass, and something disturbing showed up: a large gray-haired coach wearing a beeper chain around his wide neck, his face rockier than any statue ever known. Without any greetings, he began yelling, shouting orders to begin the rushed morning exercises of hands, legs, and shoulders.

Nobody was in the mood for what they all saw as a pointless morning thing. The coach had no patience for anyone who acted superior to him or the activity. This is unacceptable and lazy! My grandma can do better than that! Now wake up and stay focused! Otherwise, we will be doing this all day long!

It was no surprise that no one changed their attitude; they expected that the rest of their days would be even worse. Sami snarled and said, only loud enough for himself to hear, Just shut up and take your salary!

The coach found himself wiping his own face, like he was implying to his superiors that he’d given up. Why does every generation repeat the same?

The morning stretches were only his responsibility, and no one really cared, after all. The next part fell on the shoulders of the secret informers, who could be anyone among them. No one dared ignore singing of the national anthem, the glorification of that powerful, frightening, ruling emperor.

Completely unlike the exercising, the students had to sing as loudly as possible. Obviously the lyrics, written to glorify the emperor and his successes, carried out the echo of the continuing fear. His picture hung on the wall, that clear yellowish smile activating every student’s hidden survival instinct. Though Sami only mumbled, he had to at least pretend to sing it loud to show his loyalty toward the regime.

Soon after the students’ morning gathering, everyone made their way to their classes. Sami and Henry walked between many others along the school building’s corridors. The shiny floor was made of black and blue tile, and side doors and panels were full by art, posters, and schedules advertising additional activities or clubs. It seemed like the school was really trying hard to remain alive.

Just like any other day, the group of students went past the combined arena of the basketball and volleyball teams, a small room for table tennis, and also a huge room for the swimming pool. None of it was good enough to distract Sami from the center of his romantic universe, his crush Jane. She smiled at him again right before everyone left for class. It was powerful enough to make that day the best one of the whole year! Henry, on the other hand, was living in his own separate world, scouring his math book feeling weary and panicked. No kidding. I forgot to do my homework!

The two of them passed by a big number of the students’ personal lockers; each one belonged to one of them. Out of nowhere, a large elbow hit Henry’s book and without hesitation dropped the book down purposely. A second deliberate strike came right from the opposite direction, and loud, malicious laughter tore apart Sami’s fantasy. Hey!

Sami came face to face with a wall of three tall and tough guys led by the alpha male standing in the middle, the same person who’d begun the assault. His name was Jake. A large white-blond tough guy, he was unfortunately, handsome. He seemed to enjoy having the company of body guards of two different races. However, it was a random genetic neutral selection process. Jake was an alpha, and his two buddies were normal. Like Jake, Henry was also a white guy, but other than that, he was completely opposite from him. Henry was pathetic and tiny and terribly poor.

Jake’s first buddy was a kid named Jordan with black skin; the other was named Mezokey, and he was of East Asian origin. They were both frighteningly tall.

Ever since the last two came to Sami’s school last year, the three members of this gang couldn’t leave them alone and bullied on them in an almost daily basis. Sami and Henry were completely running out of options in dealing with that very difficult challenge. They were always considered geeky anti-socials who only had each other for a friend. They remained disrespected and unwelcomed—two losers—dwarfs.

Desperately trying to get out of the situation, Henry bowed down on the floor in order to recapture his math book. Come on, Jake, stop it!

Henry was only making it worse. Jake didn’t hesitate to step on the book, purposely staining it with his filthy boot while his two companions laughed maliciously.

Sami felt as if it were a matter of a final court judgment spends, a completely pointless and unequal fight. To survive, there was no choice but to allow Jake to increase his weight over that miserable book, so close of tearing it apart. Jake recklessly, joyfully gloated, What’s wrong, little boys? Have I hurt your feelings?

Without warning, Jake kicked the book, and it flew three meters away. All three of them laughed loudly and victoriously and actually pushed them aside with their giant shoulders. What made it worse was that more students joined in on the laughter.

Not only