When young Camille woke up, she found herself in her bed, still wearing her dress. If her mind was a bit foggy, her whole body felt numb as her unused muscles knew effort for the first time. Who would have thought dancing was so tiring? Rolling around her bed with content all over her face, she took a look at the humongous pile of gift. Neatly ordered by her butler, she would have all the time to review everything later. She tried to remember everything from her night, but already her memory was covered in some filter. The wondrous party was impossible to remember in every detail.

Giving up her bed, she rose to her feet. Realising her legs were not in the best condition. The limbs were in pain and her feet had suffered from the shoes she had worn. Listening to her butler would have been smart, the man had prophesied the agonising pain. Never take new shoes to a party he had said, next time she would remember. Leaving her dress on the floor, she switched for some relaxed cloth. She was prepared to wear pyjama all day long, and no effort would have made the girl change her mind.

Leaving her tidy room in search of food, the teenager dragged her body to the dining room where her parents were working. She found them sitting at their usual place, they had already finished their meal and waited in silence next to their younger daughter who was chewing pancakes joyfully. Like every time, the pieces of dough were drenched in chocolate, enough to even disgust Camille, who treasured sweat like no one else. Between two bites, she narrated the story she had lived last night and everything she had learned. Camille listened a bit before entering, hitting herself again the door. Every gaze turned toward her, and she kept a curse for herself.

- Does my big girl had a good night of sleep? Asked the father. Still need to rest I see.

- Yeah, yawn Camille as she sat next to her sister. I’m so tired… What is it Liane?

The younger was looking right at her with her little cat eyes. Clouded brow and suspicion were drawn over her little face.

- What’s that ugly thing you have around your neck?

Camille spontaneously grabbed the metal chip, having totally forgotten about it. She felt a pinch at her heart, she disliked her sister’s tone. The little trinket had been won after a difficult battle, making it twice more valuable. After the short night, the piece of steel was a bit warm as if the life within Camille had driven away the death like colds that inhabited it while resting on her chest. The capricious necklaces had found a new owner.

- It’s one of my gifts, muttered the girl. What’s the problem with it?

- Why do you wear it? You got lots of cuter one yesterday!

- I just like it, all the other looks the same anyway. Why do you even care?

Liana pulled a displease grimace which was disdainfully ignored by her sister. The lack of attention displayed by her elder was a grievous offence and she took the slight seriously. Turning toward the two adults that had barely been listening to the childish discussion, she started to yell to catch their attention.

- Mom! Camille is wearing something strange again!

- Liane! Stop that!

Amidia sighed before turning a bored gaze toward her daughters, she had to act before the childish quarrel grow into a scuffle. Her eyes narrowed as they felt on her firstborn, the strange chip was hanging in the middle of Camille’s breast expose to every eye.

- What is that sweaty? Who dare to give you such a disgusting thing?

Camille’s shoulder felt as her angry face turned to frustration. Glaring at the table, not bold enough to duel her mother directly, she clenched her teeth waiting for the woman’s judgement. What an idiot! She already knew how Amidia would react, she had not forgotten nor forgiven the last time she had crossed that line. The noble woman was inflexible when it came to her offspring’s appearance and when one of them took a licking over something not fitting of a noble, she made quick work of it. Once, still little, Camille loved one of Jasper’s flannel scarves and pushed the old men to surrender it. When the mother had discovered she left home with the shabby and old-fashioned cloth, she threw it in the fireplace and scolded the girl for showing a bad perspective of the family. The lost was a hard blow but when she realised Jasper never brough any other clothing than his uniform, she was devastated.

Now the woman was ready to destroy the little tip of steel if not for her father who intervene in her favour.

- Leave her alone honey. Stopped an annoyed Verin. She can keep her trinket as long as she doesn’t show it everywhere.

She arched an eyebrow, moving scornful eye to her husband.

- Are you not even curious about who could have offered this thing? Called out the woman. Verin, this is no regular noble gift! This kind of thing always means much more than a few gems!

- Amidia. This doesn’t need any yelling. If you remember, one of your friends offered us a panda for our fifth marriage anniversary. Those beasts don’t even exist anymore. What is so surprising in a chip of scrap? Must come from some famous spaceship or monument for what we know. Some of us like intriguing trinkets more than riches.

Amidia ran her long nail on the table, producing a hating sound only to displease their hears. She was outraged by her husband’s tolerance. Never she would have carried such horror during her younger years and so should her daughters.

- If your father allows it, I can’t forbid you to carry it. She barked keeping her needles’ eyes pointed to Verin. Keep in mind that I only allow it because you pleased me with your debut in society yesterday. I had quite the lot of exquisite return about your performance from our high-class guests and my personal friends. We are proud of you Camille. You bear Weiss’s family name with standing and grace, tried to not waste your effort with childish behaviour.

She stopped, then turned a nasty face to the girl.

- If that thing shows again its colour, I will make sure to reduce it to ashes.

Camille gave a look at her mother before nodding. Amidia’s forehead twitched with the answer, a grin warped her face.

- Camille! Am I clear?

- Yes, mom! Jumped the girl, hiding the token under her shirt. It stays hidden.

Satisfied by the answer she returned to her work. Verin chose that moment to raise his gaze toward his heir. Winking at his daughter, he drew a smile on her face. He also had been impressed by the teenager, standing up in front of two consuls was not easy. It required composure and assurance, and she displayed both and left a strong impression on the two men. His succession seemed assured, everything was running smoothly and Camille would easily take part in his company once she grew up.

Now that his wife had calmed down, a proper silence was ruling over the room spaced by few tinkling of his daughter’s cutlery. A perfect place to work, he thought just as broken glace resonated in the hallway.

- Jasper?

All the gaze moved toward the door; they all froze, waiting for something to append. After a long twenty seconds he appeared at the door. The old man’s gaze was over Camille, not giving any attention to the flustered Amidia. His face was pale, and one could see hesitation when he turned toward the masters of the house.

- What was that Jasper? Asked Amidia on her high horse. Did you just break one of the entrance china? You know how rare and expensive those are!

- Do not worry for the china, lady Weiss. He answered not paying much attention to the admonition. It was the one you wanted to change, I will clean and place the new one after… First, I must give the correspondence to Sir. It is directed toward miss Camille.

- Paper mail? Nobles really start to lack idea to impress others. This must have coasted a lot for some simple…

He stopped midway. If he had not been paying attention at first, his focus had returned at the second he faced his servant. Just by looking at him, he had a feeling something was wrong. Raisin his hand, he asked for the letter with a single move of his hand. Jasper faces wrinkled, a nervous grin drew itself as he gave away the piece of paper. Camille stood frozen as never she had seen him like this.

What was that about? Definitely not good news…

Like to answer her question, Verin moved to his professional vibe and opened the letter with a swift slash before extracting the letter inside. His small eyes moved quickly across the white foil, his hand shaking unnoticeable. Once he had finished, he read it again and again turning paler every time. At the fourth time, he stopped and turned a saddened glance at his daughter followed by a grim one to his wife.

- Amidia!

The name came so badly from Verin’s throat that even Liane who had been deeply concentrated on her pancakes noticed the feeling swirling in her father. Camille watched him hand over the letter, his adamant eyes not moving from the woman.

The young girl felt a bubble obstructing her pharynx as the wife took the cursed note from her displeased husband. Witnessing her mother, shaking from anger, turn to sudden stillness, she couldn’t take it anymore. While dread crept on Amidia’s face, Camille pulled the message out of her hand facing no resistance.

A stroke of heat caught her, and the bubble tightened enough to make her start crying. Pain from yesterday were now terrible reminders that she was not living a nightmare. On the white and silky paper, she could see the federation flag, followed by a few dark lines.

“Following the third quadrant of the declaration for the territorial defence of the federation and its citizens, the central consulate informs you, Camille Weiss, of your mobilization among the military forces of our great nation.”

The pancake she had just engulfed tried to make surface. Her stomach now nothing more than block of rock squeezed her weak body. She kept reading as her vision became blurry from the tears rolling down her cheeks and the shaking that she could not even pray to control.

“You are awaited in the Earth ring mobilization centre on the eleventh day of the six months of the galactic revolution [18 of July] before 6pm. There you will receive assignment orders and base with all complementary information.

All delay on the given schedule or cooperation denial will be met with sanctions in correlation with the fourth quadrant of the declaration for the territorial defence of the federation and its citizens.”

Losing control of her hand, Camille dropped the paper on her plate, her pleading eyes searching for her parents, but none reaching for her. Amidia, face hidden behind her hands couldn’t conceal her tears while Verin was still staring at her, madness imbued in his portrait. Only Jasper gave a sorry look to the girl, the poor man couldn’t do or say anything at this moment. This letter was no fake, a real mobilization order and greatest fear of the girl.

-What is happening? Asked Liane lost by the strange play. Why are you all like that?

- I’m going to call my relation. Spat Verin before leaving for his office. Jasper takes Camille and Liane to their rooms. Amidia, we need to talk about this mess.

Verin words were imperious, none would have dared to act against his will. Camille followed the man lost in the daze know only to those whose world falls apart. Behind the girl who walked the halls like some ghost, Liane was fussing. Asking again and again to their servant what it was all about. Jasper would not answer and pushed her into her room, promising explanations later.

- Camille! What is happening! She turned to as a lost cause. I want to know!

- Will you shut up!

Liane backed off and the elder did not leaved her any more time to speak and fled running straight to her room. Locking herself away from the family, where none could see the tears flooding her face. Falling on her bed, her broken body shivering with each sob. Sinking her head inside her pillow, she spilled her pain as if it was her last day.

Joining the army? A death sentence would have been less cruel!

Camille couldn’t believe this was the reality. It was not making any sense, the day before she had been assured that it was impossible for her to be conscripted. The girl only wanted a happy life, work with her father and make him proud. The young noble was about to live hight school with all her friends, grow in wisdom and fame before taking a seat next to her kind. The upcoming birthday of her little sister and all the party she was supposed to attend, never she will witness them. Everything she once took for granted had withered with the dark ink.

Her sluggish lifestyle would be gone, replace by a hell of pain. Camille was convinced that never she would manage to become a soldier. After all, the few she had met, Lesskov and blue, had nothing in common with her.

What a retarded idea! I’m not the kind of girl that should go there!

More than pain, frustration was building up. Taking over her mind and pushing her to the brink of madness, the same place her father was a few times before. The storm could not be held, and the girl had only one way to purge it from her weakened body. Fury directing her hand, fist closed on the metal chip laying on her chest, and she removed it with a raging move. The lucky charm glowed slowly under the artificial light as tears fell over it.

- Lucky charm my ass! Yelled the girl before throwing it right into the wall. I hate you all!

Crashing again over her mattress, the weigh over her heart waved for a bit. Yet, at the second she opened her eyes again and looked at the shining blue chip stuck on the wall; it all came back like the tide. A crushing wave of remorse that drove her out of her bed, running to the wall just to retrieve the lost token. Checking if it had been damaged, only a light layer of dust was imbuing it, the wall had not been so lucky, but she couldn’t care less.

- Am sorry Blue… I didn’t mean to throw it… Sobbed the girl while curling herself into a ball. I’m so useless.

Her hand was clamped around the steel, she could feel it bite her skin and soon the stickiness of blood could be felt. She laughs at her misfortune, even the gift was hurting her now. Opening her hand, she stared at the now red shard. Under the D inscribed, small letter that were unnoticeable under their original colour were distinguishing themselves.

Her eyes narrowed as she tried to elude the strange inscription.

- To the pupil of my eyes, love of my day. May dusts stay in your blood like you remain in my heart.

What could it mean? A love letter hidden within a shard created by war itself was a poetic testimony of those who had fought. She already knew that Blue liked the necklace, but after witnessing that she promised to never damage it ever again. After wiping her bloody hand on the carpet and her mind cleared of the treacherous feelings, she started to think about her situation. The words Liane had spoken, the wisdom of their grandmother. The girl had drawn bad luck on herself, all of this has just been a play from something above her, karma, or any name one would have given.

She remembered Blue conduct yesterday. Maybe the woman knew what was about to happen to the poor girl. For all Camille knew, she could be the one to set her up, but she didn’t want to think about that possibility. Blue, for the little she knew her, was someone who would outright say the truth. She would not have bothered with riddle and slapped her with raw fact.

Turning the idea around her head, she started to believe the strange token was there to help her in the future, even if it couldn’t save her from her destiny. The idea lacked integrity, but it created a ghost to reassure the girl. Everyone else had acted so strange when the news came out. No one was there to dry her eyes, which she critically needed right now.

- Is this my duty?

The unexpected question asked by Blue the day before. She wondered what answered would have been provided. It seemed obvious, only not to the taste of the girl.

She stood with pain and walked to her computer, fitted over the long white desk that she had barely used in her life. Logging into it, she swiftly connected to the federation web and started looking at the flashing line where she was supposed to write. Swallowing back her pain with a long snort, she timidly started to tap on the holo-bord.

‘How to avoid mobilization?’ The answer that came back was not what she wanted to see. The first site was the military one and displayed a long and harsh list of possible punishments for those who refused. Prison, fine and forced work plainly found their place in there, killing every hope she had to just stay at home. Understanding that her first question was just a wall, she turned her mind to similar situations as her. After long minutes of researcher, she ended of a few threads talking about similar cases.

Most people were making fun of the young boy who had also received a letter years before her. Among all the verbal abuse and clear troll, she finds a few intelligible comments. One saying it was impossible and the only way was to somehow not be of noble birth. The boy stated that his father was definitely a noble and the answer told him to review his lineage. Camille couldn’t believe something like this. Her parent loved each other, and this controversial idea could not be true as it fitted their family.

A bit under the rubbish post she found a diary kept by the noble after his enlistment. Intrigued by the curious life he could have met, she started to explore the detailed lines he had written. The one behind the pen was not some countryside noble and sounded proper, but with each page she started to think he had become some lunatic. At first, he hated the place he was, his comrades were from everywhere in the federation, aliens with a culture totally different. Describing trial where they had to run for tens of kilometres, shoot targets and evolve in battle like simulation. More time passed and the more he seemed to enjoy his life and his comrade, a bunch a peasant from unknown words. Brutal and scary was how to girl would have describe them, but her predecessor was much more enthusiast about them.

What could she do? She couldn’t even remember the last time she had run, one day when she was late for class and sprinted through a hallway. She was out of breath after a minute long run, ten kilometres would be her end.

He even posted a video of him walking a track. She could watch him doing an obstacle course where he was forced to jump over wall, avoids barbwire by crawling into the mud while other recruits around him cheered. Yelling with all their lung encouragement so he continued.

- How can he do that? Mutter Camille as he jumped a wall twice taller than himself. I can’t even reach to higher cupboard…

After seeing all those feats, she felt dry. Life had been sucked out of her and she stood amazed for a while even after the video ended. She watched some more just to confirm and each time, the same display made her break a jaw.

- Never! Never I will do that! She cried to herself. I will look ridiculous! Everyone will mock me… What if my friend found out? They will never want to hang out with me again! I can’t go, it’s just impossible!

Panic was urging her to cry, huddled herself in the chair she tries to keep the tears at the corner of her eyes. Her only hope was her father, would he manage to sort all this mess or fail spectacularly. Jasper chose this moment to check on the solitary girl, hitting softly on the door to call to her.

Never Camille had understood why the old man liked to hit stuff before entering a room, old tradition she believed. Nonetheless, she unlocked the door allowing him to enter even if she wanted to stay alone. The door opened briefly after and she turned her chair to face him. When he laid his eyes on the wreck that she had become, pain pinned his face.

- Lady… can I…

- Jasper… What am I supposed to do?

The man’s discontent was not hidden either. For the first in many years, he had to do something he hated and never he would forgive himself for that.

- For the moment, you parents discuss the matter in their office. The madam told me to follow the instruction, I don’t want to comply, but breaking the law would hinder Mr Weiss effort. For the moment we will act just like we are supposed to.

Camille stared at the letter he had between his hand. Extracting another piece of paper from the envelope. On the second white page was listed what she could and was not allowed to take. The list was ridiculously short as everything was banned if not for three outfits to wear during permission.

As the girl was obvious to what exactly was a permission, the old butler had to explain. Understanding that she only had that few cloths, she turned to her closet full to the brink of rupture from dresses and other piece of silk she liked. How could one choose three outfits? Only after that question eluded to more important mater, she realises her personal liking was not fitting for her upcoming holidays. Dresses and lushy clothes were not widely spread outside of the noble core and she knew that commoner made fun of them. Envy she had always thought, but now she understood those kinds of clothing would not work with many ways of life. In the end, she didn’t have a clue on how to dress.

- Jasper… I need your help…. Yelped the poor child. What I’m supposed to take? I don’t want to go!

The man frowned, but his lips remained sealed. His gaze moved over the display of opulent clothing before going back to the girl some grim over his lips.

- You think my clothes doesn’t match as well. She guessed. Do you have any idea where I can find new cloth?

- It desolates me that the day you start asking me for my opinion is also one so dark. I may have an idea to found cloth more suiting to your need. I will be back in a few, please remain serene for the time.

He promptly abandoned the girl. Leaving her to wait as she gnawed her own nail until he came back with a leather bag alike himself, old and dusty. He unsealed the zip and took out a bunch of apparel, all of them a bit old fashioned as if they had been used long ago. It was not exactly her taste, too bland, but she could survive with that. They were all around her size, which awoke some suspicion. Why could he own such clothing?

- Those are?

- Old clothes belonging to my youngest daughter when she was still your age. It was nine years ago, when the normal folk of Earth stilled wear this kind of cloth. The galactic influence had trouble to reach us, mostly because of you. Nobles always seemed so strange to the common eyes, even I had some difficulties at first. I thought they would be easier to wear than the clothing you like, even your casual dress would be too much as they lack suppleness.

If it was undeniable that they would fit better in her journey, she also prayed for no nobles to see her wearing this. She study each of them before asking if she could start to try them on.

- That’s why I brought them, young lady.

Camille started to snoop around to find her favourite one. After a short time, she put her eyes on a red and black flannel shirt, like a nugget of gold in the river. She paired it with black legging and some shirt with a strange flocking. Nothing fancy, but the task kept her away from her problem for a time. She joyfully jumped back into the heap of cloth, looking for accessories. Her butler watched her with pleasure, the girl vivacity had been lit up again. She emerged with a pair of brown boots that had lived a bit, some dirt remaining over them. She had never seen such shoes but liked them already. Jumping in front of her glass, she put everything on before analysing her reflection with utmost attention. What could complete her look?

- Jasper, what if I…

Broking her neck, she looked at him. His pleased smile had frozen, replace by painful stokes all over his face. It was like he was about to cry.

- Fuck! He cursed before turning away. Don’t pay attention to me, lady. It is just old wounds that open again.

Camille goggles amazed at the man. Never he had used a bad word in front of her, he was too sweet to use such language. She even doubted her own hears, Jasper was the definition of polite.

- What is it?

- Well… he hesitated a bit. Nine years ago, I also received a letter like yours. You picked up an outfit close of what my daughter was wearing the day she left for the military. I’m too old to see people I care for being taken away.

Gasping, she couldn’t hide her surprise. She realized how little she knew about the man that had been standing next to her for all those years. The story had never left his lips before and he did not enjoy talking about it. Camille felt a bit ashamed for not realising he had a family, she always believed the Weiss were occupying this place. Since yesterday, it was like the world had suddenly started turning after years of nothing.

- I didn’t know… Sorry Jasper.

- You couldn’t know, which is understandable as I don’t often speak of my own life. Don’t worry lady, I will keep up with what is expected of me. Deep, I am really pleased that you picked up those cloths among all. Even if I see that you didn’t learn your lesson with flannel.

- Don’t talk about that! She complains before reaching him with a question full gaze. What happened to your daughter?

- Ho! She is alright, she fought in some battle with rebel in the past, but now she is on extended guard duty on a planet. Last time we spoke, she was training for the planet battle cut but was only talking about her boyfriend.

Camille smiled to the news. If she had been a bit afraid that something bad had happened to her, the joyful tones of the men reassured about his distant mirror. His daughter seemed lucky, and the small story gave a bit of a hope to Camille. Maybe her future too will brighten.

During that time, the butler took a look at his watch before frowning.

- Your father wants me to come. Finish your fitting, I will be back in a short time.

She left him to his work, her attention focused on the remaining pieces of cloth. She wanted to believe he would come back and announce everything as sorted but the possibility was at best non-existent. More bad news would soon flow her way, a chill along her spine announced them. To ensure avoiding wondering and by extension cry again, she focused on her task and after a good twenty minutes came with the two other sets that would follow her for the coming time. She ordered them in her butler’s bag and sat next to it after putting Blue’s necklace back on and flipping around her gift pile to find the stupid card offered by Lesskov. With a bit of luck no one would say anything about it and even if they do, it came from a military base, it was logical to bring it back there. After looking at the time, she realized it was already noon, the letter stated to come before six.

Soon she would be leaving the place as going there would take some time. In a few minutes she would be away from the place that had been home for so many times. Her guts were turned over by apprehension and as it slowly killed her, she started to wonder when she would see her room again.

The girl started to be bored and the tide of nausea assaulting her made it even harder to stay in place. Lifting her heavy bag to her shoulder, she made her mind and left the room. Stopping in front of her father’s office, disrupted noise could be heard but nothing intelligible.

For sure they are fighting… What about?

The unknown was like a cherry on top of the cake of stress. Sliding against the wall, she sat on top of her belonging and waited in silence. Only after a while, Jasper opened the door, anger over his face. It dissipated the second he saw the girl. After a brief salute, he closed the door.

- We are leaving in ten minutes. I will ask Liane if she wants to say goodbye… My apologies lady Camille.

- Of course…

The men walked past her, coming back with the overclocked girl. Her shiny eyes wondering why her sister looked like that.

- Camille, what are you doing? She ask lost in the middle of the battle. I don’t understand anything!

Her heart was smashed into pieces, Liane’s childish fear was poison. She wanted to comfort the girl when she was the one who was suffering the most.

- I… I will join the military.

- He? But you said that impossible!

She bitted her lips, hating herself even more then her damn misfortune. She managed to make her sister cry, a crime.

- You will come back? What mom and dad are doing?

Camille took her sister in her harm and held her, silencing the question. Both were shivering and their heart betted together at agonising speed. They had no idea if they would see each other again.

- When am gone… You will behave well with Jasper. Don’t annoy mom and dad too much… and be a good girl.

- I will! I will! Don’t cry big sis! She assured with tears blending in her voice. You will come back! Promise me Camille!

- I love you Liane.

She kept holding her crying sister for a good ten seconds before Jasper shower her that they needed to leave. All her limbs shaking, she followed the man not after a last kiss of goodbye on her sister’s forehead. The little one tried to grab again on Camille but the butler step in.

- She needs to go. Be strong lady Liane, you will see each other again.

Breathing her runny nose, she tried her best to stand with a smile, but could only manage a desperate grimace. This did not help the little at all, who jumped on the butler hitting him with her weak fist.

- No! You can’t take her! What will I do without her!

- Your sister always was resourceful. She will manage like a true Weiss and so will you.

As he talked, he pointed with his chin the Skycraft landed before the house. Camille understood and quietly walked inside the cold cage, pulling her bag next to her where her family should be sat. Silent tears rolled as the door closed. The gleam of hope vanished into darkness as the craft left the ground. When the butler voice confirmed their departure, she smashed her fist against the window. Cursing her parent for their shameful display.

What was that? Was I not worst a single goodbye? How can I deserve all this?

Felling broken, she laid her front head against the window. Now she could only hope the best for her sister, who always had a thing for trouble, and herself. She would need all the courage she ever had to survive the upcoming events. The turmoil raging within her prevented her from even clothing an eye and after an hour of fly they landed.

Standing straight, she took a deep breath. Bolstering all strength inside her body while repeating her father’s lesson on how to handle pressure. Barely holding the felling, she stood up and jumped out of the skycraft. At the second she felt the dark metallic surface of the spatioport, her courage vanished. She stood frozen in front of the uniformly black building. The federation symbol mocking her with all his might.

She was standing at the gate of unknown but couldn’t take a step back.