“Damn, that’s quite a story,” Jazz said while sipping tea. “Not going to lie. I didn’t expect to find you here.”

The way he spoke caught me off guard. “Did you know of this place? And yeah, a bit of a shock, for sure.” I was still wrapping my head around it.

“I. . . seen it from a distance. S’why headed here after ditch’n the posse.” He looked away. “I’m sorry, Ex, I left you in a dangerous situation.” He gave the same apology for the twentieth time.

“It’s fine. I made it.” I gestured to the room. “You’ve done well for yourself, it appears.” I pointed out the blaster pistols at his hips and the light rifle on his back. He wore a long-sleeved yellow shirt under a fresh reflector vest and boots. multicolored military pants covered his legs.

“Yeah, I looted several places fo’ leaving, and I may have roughed up Cragg’s camp a bit. Didn’t kill him though, figure you be happy bout that.”

“Can’t really judge you for killing anymore.” I said flatly, sipping my tea. Memories eating at me for the first time in days.

“Ex, yo sister would understand.”

“Maybe she would. Guess I’ll never know.” Something bubbled as I remembered the crosses.

“You told me Grail died and Owls took his place. That you watched it.”

“I did. The hell you talking about kid?” His face hardened into the mask I’d seen him use repeatedly with suspicious outcast.

“No, you-.”

“So, mister Jazz, what brings you here? Ex seemed quite certain you would not leave the sacred land.” Hairu inserted herself. She’d taken him in without many questions upon his arrival, which I thought was lucky. Why did she cut me off though?

“Well, things are getting crazy. After our little jail break, Owls totally lost it. He going hard on this whole controlling the demons of the past thing. He unleashed Titans Wrath on all the exile camps. Rounding them up and forcing them back into settlements like slaves.” He spoke, eyes never leaving me.

I was shaking my head long before he finished. Hairu continued translating to Verisha as the four of us sat in the mess hall. “What is he trying to achieve? They had control of everything already. There isn’t a need for slaves? Why risk going after opposition?” I wondered aloud.

“Guess he realized he exiles as many people as he keeps. With no rules, lot more babies made in the wild. Add the rest hording weapons. It would’n be a stretch to say a Heathen or outcast gang could take a settlement. White robe pokey sticks aint gonna do much to stop it without the superior numbers. Now he has both.”

Jazz’s explanation fit with what Owls had revealed at German Olympus. Still, it was hard to swallow. “Guess we left at a good time.” I said. My friend nodded, looking at his cup. His attachment to his camp was always strong. Beyond a doubt, it took a lot for him to leave it. The stress showed in his shifting eyes and clenching jaw.

“Well, you found people outside of the terraforming and proved me wrong. Gotta give it to you, this quite the place.”

“It is unique,” I said with a slight chuckle. “Be ready for a surprise.” I enjoyed seeing my mentor again. It brought a lot more relief than I’d expected. In a childish way, I looked forward to his response to the automaton girl sitting with us. Hairu pinched my arm and gave me a look. Slightly shaking her head. She doesn’t want to show him yet?

With a smooth redirect in conversation, she recapped everything she’d shared with me up to that point. Minus the explanation of the crosses in the garden sector and immortality. I couldn’t figure out her reasoning, but I would play along for now.

“Wow, real meat, huh? Must have a lot of people here.” Jazz said as the automaton explained some ins and outs of Utopia. He laughed and leaned back in his chair. The humor never reached his eyes. There was no doubt leaving home was hurting him. “So Ex says ya all about the past and how it went down. Why don’t you share a little? He has some interesting theories-.” He stopped short, suddenly shaking his head. Like he remembered something.

Hairu poured our cups full before assuming her usual rigid form. Verisha sat beside her, engrossed in maps and books like she’d been when I first awoke. The alarm and Jazz’s arrival triggered something, and she was back to her frosty disposition. I noticed dark circles forming under the orange eyes. I wondered if she still wasn’t sleeping well and if I could help her somehow.

“We will start with what you know,” Hairu said, cutting off my reverie. The allure of more knowledge pulling me to the conversation. “You seem informed of the exodus war. It went mostly as you have read. But what you have not realized is that colonization predates the evacuation of earth.” She paused and watched me and Jazz’s faces, obviously gauging our reactions. She has done this before, I thought. It was likely more extreme for other visitors. But still I dug in to listen intently with my eyes wide.

“So, we’d already established Mars before humans left Earth?” I asked, as Hairu finished the first part of her story. The information was amazing. People had been flourishing. Ships called light sails traversed between here and there. All prior to a small comet striking the blue planet, rendering the surface uninhabitable. It sent my mind reeling with possibilities.

“Yes. Also, the Way Of Deimos, though named differently and non-aggressive, was deeply rooted by then.” She answered two questions at once.

I groaned. “So even as people came from earth, the faith thought a moon created this place? Stupidity originated from the start, apparently.”

“Have you ever considered yourself an earthling?” Hairu asked.

“Well no. I know we are from there.”

“Humans inhabited this planet for over two hundred orbits before. And as natural mentality goes, this was home to the ones born here. Utopia five and sub lab at the base of the Ascerious sky cathedral were the only places used for the study of science. All other locations, provided they had a well stem, served as settlements. And, with AI such as perpetual harvesters and garment dispensers supplying living essentials. People devoted their time to faith. Worshiping endlessly and steadily disconnecting from their origin world. Some even viewed earth as a myth.”

I didn’t understand the human condition and other factors that Hairu shared. But the underlying cause of the cult, derived from the very monotony I hated. Surprisingly, the Martians did very little in the war. Those at the larger bases and German Olympus took part. The smaller settlements continued to live life just the same. Even the ones forced to move closer to the sky cathedrals as the terraforming recessed. I sympathized with them. The star arks brought droves of invaders in the eyes of the locals. But pretending it didn’t happen still seemed ridiculous. I could see them clinging to something as the world around changed. The faith provided that. So perhaps it offered good things, in its own manner.

I noticed Jazz’s leg bounced impatiently. As much as he read, there was likely less news to the story for him. But it should at least have entertained. “Are you ok?” I asked while Hairu broke away to talk with Verisha, who was pointing at a location on the largest map.

“Yeah, I’m good. Hey, is there a place to. . . ya know?” he gestured at his groin. “This stuff going right through me.”

I laughed, having awkwardly asked the same question, too. “Of course. it’s out around the corner from here. Want me to show you?”

“Nah, I got this. Let her finish the story. This is all so crazy.”

“I can wait for your return, mister Jazz, it is truly no trouble.” Hairu said, joining our conversation.

He waved over his shoulder. “Just go on. I’m starting to wonder if I’m prepared for this stuff.”

I chuckled as he walked out of the room. Still, he was the one that asked the question. Odd that he was leaving me to finish this alone.

“Your companion is quite stressed, Ex.”

“He’s always been against coming out here. He’ll struggle for a bit.” I fixed my eyes on Hairu. “Why did you stop me from asking about Grail? Or showing Jazz what you are?” There was a slight twinge in Hairu’s face that made me regret my phrasing. “You’re great, and he isn’t going to care.” I added.

“His anxiety was hitting a critical thresh hold when you were discussing. I didn’t want a confrontation. Perhaps after he adjusts as you did, we can reveal more.”

Chewing on my cheek, I accepted what she said. Like me, he should be more comfortable before seeing her actual body. I would advocate how amazing a person she was, which should make it easier. There would be plenty to say about Grail, though. Why had he left the settlements if he didn’t die? And why did Jazz hide it? Guess I could wait to find out.

“Let’s talk about Verisha then. Safe to assume she trusts me at this point.” It came out more like a question as I watched the droopy eyed girl study.

“Yes, it seems so. Very well. As you know, she is not from Utopia five, or any other settlements. She is not from Mars.”

“So, she is from the Solarr then? Or are more humans coming from earth?”

Hairu held up a hand for me to quiet. I felt heat in my cheeks, realizing I’d cut her off mid-sentence. “Sorry.”

“Your fine. No, she is not from the Solarr. The star ark Solarr was rendered uninhabitable during the first strike of the exodus war.”

A swath of miss guided dreams crumbled. “Damn it.” I let the curse slip.

“Were you under another impression?”

I sighed. “Well, I was until now. I’d always been sure they were monitoring us, or something. Seeing if the terraforming would take root on its own or whatever.” It didn’t sound so believable when I said it out loud.

“Why looking so whooped, Ex?” Jazz had slithered in undetected as usual, already finished with his business in the rest room.

“Nothing man, I’m good.”

He plopped back into a seat beside me. “Ok. So where is the green devil from?”

I bristled, though I couldn’t put my finger on why. It wasn't out of character for him to use a nickname. “Her name is Verisha.” I snapped louder than I meant to. The girl startled at the names mention. I looked at her with the most apologetic face I could manage.

“Yeah, that’s right. Sorry Ex.” Jazz chewed his cheek and both his thick legs bounced again sporadically as he spoke.

“Hey, are you sure you’re, ok? Did you find the rest room?”

“Yes, can we make you more comfortable? I have medicines that will reduce your anxiety, or if you have injuries, I can help with that as well.

“Look, I spent three days straight ride’n through a shitty waist land to get here! Everything I know and love is in danger, so I’m a little edgy, ok princess!”

“The hell Jazz?” I hopped to my feet. He matched my movements, leaving me to glare up at his scowling face. “She’s just trying to help.” I said, leveling my tone. Hairu, as usual, was a mask of calm. I wondered how she perceived his outburst. Verisha’s demeanor had resumed a dangerous appearance.

My friend held up his hands. “Ok, ok man. It’s fine though, just a lil’ stressed.”

“Let us break for now. Could I interest you in a room where you can rest, mister Jazz?”

I grabbed his shoulder and gave it a pat. “I’m glad you’re here. It may take a cycle or two, but you’ll be able to relax. This place is outstanding.”

After a nod and brief protest, Jazz followed Hairu out. He looked as though going to sleep was the last thing he’d ever do. “Hey, Ex.” He stopped at the door. “I’m sorry.” Then he disappeared around the corner. It pained me to see him this way, but his arrival felt like a piece of a puzzle clicking into place. I felt selfish, but glad he’d been forced here.

Verisha went back to work on whatever she was doing. Thanks to my hot-tempered friend, I wasn’t any closer to knowing what that was. I sighed, stepping away from the table. Largely being ignored.

I busied myself examining my surroundings, doing my best to keep my eyes averted. The room was plain. White and shiny steel walls giving off sterile appeal. Leaving the blue-clad girl to stand out like a beacon. Trying to figure out the opening that dispensed the pleasant-smelling tea served as a brief distraction. After only a few cycles, I operated the small button pad next to the spot adeptly, selecting different types, flavors, and temperature of the liquid.

“C. . . Come.” The silk voice broke me from my task. Verisha waved to me. My feet moved before I’d even decided. Approaching so that I could see over her shoulder, she seemed unconcerned with our closeness. I resisted the urge to let my chest rest against her back. That’s not what she is searching for, creep! I scolded myself, then focused.

Her map was much more detailed than any found in my years of raiding bunkers. Coordinates and other labels of important locations littered the entire expanse. I guessed she added the hand-written notes. The area at the end of her blue covered fingertip didn’t seem significant. A spot northeast of Pavonis Mons. “C. . .Crash here.” She said. Then she moved her finger over to a marked settlement. “Prison?”

I realized she was correct. At least in her eyes. She now pointed at German Olympus. Given she thought I was a prisoner, the dots added up. Then it hit me. I dipped in and placed my hand on the map. Ignoring the jolt of heat as I brushed against her. I didn’t recognize the name, but the location was perfect. “Star Light Rise.” I whispered. She’d crashed near it. The meteor. It was her. I’d watched her crash.

“Are you from earth?” I couldn’t keep the excitement out of my voice. I turned. The gold flecks in her orange retinas scrambled my thoughts. Too close! I staggard away a few steps to think straight. Verisha raised a green eyebrow as I ran my hands through the longer section of my hair. I’m making myself crazy. But she’s from the fucking Earth!

Verisha’s brows furrowed. “I. go. Earth.”

The excitement swirled inside as I thought of what this could mean. Did the star arks travel back to the blue planet? Maybe the comet didn’t do so much damage after all. Maybe they were here again. I thought about the last time I’d seen the night sky. I couldn’t place any additional shiny spots that would show orbiting stations. Maybe humanity had improved them? Maybe they didn’t reflect like the Solarr any more.

A familiar blare rang before I could rearrange my thoughts. It was the same sound as when Jazz arrived. There was a quick exchange of glances. Then Verisha and I wordlessly ran into the hallway. Shit, did someone find us here? Questions poured through my mind. Replacing my glee with worry.

To my surprise, we couldn’t find my friend or Hairu anywhere. I followed Verisha to what I assumed was her assigned room, just a few doors from my own. She grabbed the same light rifle as before. It felt odd to watch as she rummaged, so I called for her attention and gestured. She seemed to get my meaning,

In my room, I slung the bandolier of ammo over my shoulder opposite of my contender holster. The hell is going on here? Where are Jazz and Hairu? I pondered possibilities one after another as I added more gear to my body. My belt pouches were full of minor medical supplies and food rations. Short of options, I left the grey clothes and pulled on my boots. I wasn’t sure what I was preparing for. Even so, a chill sank into my bones. Something’s not right. The other two should be here by now.

Before I exited the room, I couldn’t ignore the object sitting atop a shelf, glistening in the artificial light. Running a trembling finger over the icy surface, I breathed deep. For the first time, I had a choice. Did I want it? This thing led to many twists and turns. Torment and loss. But without it, I wouldn’t be much use to these people. My friends.

“Paratus es.” The musical words came from the open door. Verisha stood, weapon at the ready. Her green hair pulled back in a loose tail behind her head and orange eyes focused. She reminded me of pictures of soldiers I’d seen in books. Unlike those, she was real in all her slender glory. Someone genuinely not of the faith, exile or anywhere on this stupid red planet.

I thought of my sister. Her golden hair and smiling face. The zealots took her from me. My parents, the loyal sheep they were, slaughtered by their very masters. Even if this all led back to me and the HAG, I wouldn’t allow myself to be held down by it. Not anymore. My fingers dug into my right forearm. I had Jazz. My relationship with Hairu, human or not. Then there was this green-haired mystery who I couldn’t understand. I was full. I wanted to stay full. If this alarm meant an enemy, be it man, woman or beast. I’d destroy it.

“E. . . Ex?” Verisha fumbled my name.

I’m ready. The thought was clear and absolute. I promised myself to never regret this.

“DNA recognized. Previous user detected. Good morning, Ex. Organics at one hundred percent.”