Morning Part 1 The Sunset Chronicles

Sunset’s ears pulled back to point behind her. She stared at the numbers on the desk and growled.

“If only algebraic equations felt fear. Then you’d get somewhere.” Scarcely the size of Sunset’s head, the holographic instructor materialized on a chair and sat with his legs crossed. His tiny hand stroked his thick black beard.

“You’re a great help as always, Muhammad.” Sunset sat up straight and folded her arms. Her skin itched in her uniform and though she’d grown accustomed to the voice in her head, she still wanted to flick her ears when he spoke.

“You’re right, my mistake.” He stood and his seat disappeared. “You have phenomenal spatial reasoning skills. Try instead to visualize the problem instead of looking at the numbers.”

Sunset sighed. She visualized multiple objects, moved some around, and tapped one of the answers. A round of cheers and several colorful explosions erupted from the desk and filled the room.

“Congratulations, Sunset. You’ve passed basic algebra!” Muhammad clapped his hands and smiled.

“Am I ready for the Academy?”

“Don’t you worry about that. The purpose of this course is to teach the basics of how we instruct cadets. The real instruction will come when you arri—”

A soft ding interrupted Muhammad and he froze mid-sentence.

“Approaching O’Neil Cylinder, prepare for arrival. Cadet Sunset, report to Agent Berkley at the loading dock in T-minus three minutes.” The voice in her head still rattled her, but her heart rate spiked with excitement. Or fear. It was difficult to tell the difference.

She swiped the program closed on her smart bands and sprinted out of her quarters. With her heart thumping in her chest—which as she learned was a tripartite structure—she dodged past humans and other beings on her way to the dock. Her shoulder tapped an absent-minded scientist in a blue uniform and she had to spin and push off the wall to regain her balance. The doors to the dock opened and she screeched to halt once through them. Ana and the other Defendrons waited by their shuttle in rock formation while a crew of various officers and technicians ate lunch nearby. Agent Berkley glanced up and waved with a smile. Sunset offered a crisp salute and marched over.

“At ease, Cadet. It’s just chow-time,” Berkley said. Sunset relaxed her posture, though with some unease. She didn’t recognize the mixed company with Agent Berkley and didn’t know who was a superior. “If it helps, I’m the ranking officer here. Please, relax. We have a few minutes before we leave anyway.”

“Thank you.” Sunset let out a breath of relief. She absorbed their conversation as they chatted among themselves, picked at bits of food, and accepted their offer of a drink. None of it tasted familiar, but the hot, bitter, and dark liquid left her feeling odd, almost anxious, like she wanted to bounce her legs.

A loud ding echoed in the open space. “All personnel, prepare for arrival.” Sunset leaped to her feet while the agent and others remained seated. Sunset’s ears twitched and her hands grasped at the air, unsure of what she should do. Sit back down, or wait for them to stand? She glanced over at the Defendrons and wished she could take them with her. Ana’s curt yet insightful comments would be a missed break from her studies.

Agent Berkley stretched, stood, and nudged Sunset from her thoughts. “Come on, let’s get ready.”

They led Sunset to the edge of the dock. During normal spaceflight, the only thing separating the crew from space was a bright blue force-field. During their long journeys, a solid door enclosed them. Sunset waited in front of the vast, gleaming white metal at attention, not because she expected to be greeted with a superior, but instead to manage the fidgeting nerves.

Agent Berkley grinned. “You look just like I did when I went to the Academy.”

“How do I look?”

“Terrified, excited, anxious.”

“Correct.”

With a chuckle, Berkley rested their hand on Sunset’s shoulder and gave her a short squeeze. Though she didn’t understand humans’ penchant for physical affections, she returned the favor by putting her hand on their leg. Agent Berkley laughed and withdrew their hand.

“Someday, Sunset, you’ll figure it out.”

“I fear I may have to specialize in your physical gestures before I do.” Sunset flicked her ears and cast Agent Berkley a sideways smile.

A buzz interrupted them and the forcefield formed. A klaxon sounded and the doors to the hanger cracked open.

Sunset gasped.

The doors revealed a wall of slowly rotating shiny silver metal. She could scarcely see the stars to either side of the cylinder, and soon the structure consumed the entire field of view. A small panel of the distant wall opened and the closer they approached, the bigger the opening looked until it also filled her vision. It was only as they entered did Sunset grasp the size of the behemoth when such a tiny portion could fit their entire ship. With a rattle, the ship came to a shuddering halt. A walkway the width of their dock telescoped out from a distant wall and connected to the ship, and their forcefield disappeared just as a double door at the other end opened.

“Ready?” Agent Berkeley asked.

“Not even slightly,” Sunset said through tight vocal cords. She cleared her throat and her gills whished.

“That’s the spirit.” Agent Berkley took off at a brisk walking pace and Sunset followed just behind.

Each step raised her pulse, the dry air made her skin itch, and tension held her breath, all while a creeping doubt climbed up the sides of her neck. Perhaps she had speared a bigger fish than she could kill. No choice now but to hold on tight. Sunset straightened her posture and caught up to walk in stride with Agent Berkley down the never-ending plank. A cadre of people waited at the entrance, including Admiral Gleeson, whose imposing figure felt all the more impressive given that his height matched the severity of his demeanor. His permanent scowl and greyed eye followed Sunset as she approached, reaching only chest height at full attention. Behind him, two women held themselves with a regal posture. Shoulders low, head high, and arms languishing at their sides, it wasn’t until Sunset squinted that she realized they looked identical. They had the same dark grey hair with streaks of black and light brown skin with wrinkles around their eyes and lips. She had so many questions. The only differences she discerned was the color of their earrings—one purple, one green—otherwise in the same decorated uniform. They smiled in unison as she neared and Agent Berkley snapped a salute. Sunset hastily followed.

“Welcome to the O’Neill Cylinder, Cadet Sunset,” Admiral Gleeson said.

“Thank you, sir.”

“At my sides are your introductory instructors. They will prepare you for the entrance test to the Academy. Please afford Doctors Bharati” —the woman with green earrings nodded— “and Shruti” —the woman in purple waved— “Pillai. Through them you will gain an insight for the arts and the sciences to pick up where you left off. You will have several days of study, after which you will take your entrance exams. Understood, Cadet?”

“Yes, sir.” Sunset’s croaked voice barely eked out of her quickly closing throat.

“Don’t worry, Sunset. We’ll take good care of you,” Dr. Bharati, whose eyes matched the green of her earrings, reassured her with a warm smile. Her accent, though light, put Sunset at a strange form of ease. It was similar to her computer’s accent.

“Yes, don’t worry about this one.” Dr. Shruti tipped her head at the admiral. “Really, he’s more like an old, tired, grizzly bear.”

Gleeson’s throat rumbled with a low growl. “Even old grizzlies still bear claws.”

“What’s a bear?” Sunset asked, and the twins erupted into laughter. The admiral’s frown deepened, but a twitch at the corner of his lip gave away his mirth.

Agent Berkley joined in on their laughter and Sunset’s nerves soothed as she cracked a hesitant smile. Though confused at what was so funny, it was a welcome relief to see even the most serious were capable of humor.

“Come, Cadet,” Dr. Shruti said with a wave. Bronze hoops dangling on her wrist clinked and the glint of rings on her hand flashed in the bright light.

Sunset, Agent Berkley, and Admiral Gleeson followed the two sisters down the hallway toward another door. A robot skittered past Sunset on spindly arachnid legs spraying something on the floor with a strange smell.

“How do you look the same?” Sunset asked.

“We’re twins. We were born at the same time from one mother.”

Sunset stopped. The entire retinue took several steps before realizing they had left her behind. Sunset’s mouth hung ajar, and her eyes flit between the twins. Her gills flared open and she breathed through all of her orifices at once.

“Are you okay?” Agent Berkley asked.

They stepped closer to Sunset and reached for a hand. Sunset uttered several sounds nobody had heard before, including herself. The twins furrowed their brows and one reached for her SMART bands and ordered medical help.

Finally, Sunset blurted, “Your poor mother!”

Stunned shock froze everyone in place. Even Admiral Gleeson’s face twisted in confusion. At once, Agent Berkley and the sisters erupted into raucous fits of hysterical laughter, much to Sunset’s baffled horror. Between bursts of guffaws and streaming tears, the sisters both grasped Sunset’s arms and led her the rest of the way down the hallway.

“Our mother would have been delighted to hear that,” Dr. Shruti said.

“Yes, she made sure to remind us frequently as children of our birth. But you needn’t worry. She was fine and healthy and lived a long and beautiful life.” Bharati patted Sunset’s hand with her free one. “You’ll learn more about that area of the sciences once we get to basics of anatomy: the study of bodies and how they function.”

Though Sunset’s head swam with a series of questions—like how does someone study a body? She studied the bots by breaking them apart, and Muhammad only taught her the basics of math and geometry. Would she have to cut open other creatures? Do people volunteer to be studied? Would she then have to kill them to open them?

More questions swirled, but her mind blanked when the doors at the end of the hall opened. They stepped into an elevator encased by glass and on the other side of it was a sight she could never have dreamed of. Nature stretched for miles and rose up along the sides of the cylinder into an atmosphere of clouds. Trees she’d never seen, grass that resembled the stalks on Takarra, crystalline rivers, and even animals that took to the skies flit past her as the elevator descended. Any doubt she carried for her decision to leave her home evaporated. The wonder and possibilities presented in that cylinder cemented the path for her.

When she reached the ground floor, the glass slid away and a small vehicle with no roof or driver rolled to a stop in front of them. Admiral Gleeson and Agent Berkley bid their farewells. Sunset and her instructors loaded into the car in the rear seat and the vehicle pulled away down a winding road. Sunset delighted in watching the various animals in the distance, and several flying creatures soared above her where she caught a glimpse through the clouds.

Along the ride, the sisters explained the upcoming ceremony where she would meet a few of her classmates before being scurried away to begin her private tutoring. It was customary for new members of the Astrophysical Survey to be brought up to standard to pass exams. Dr. Bharati also confided in Sunset that exams were not a pass to enter, but rather an assessment to decipher where her studies would need to be concentrated in order to support those areas in which she might need help. Upon hearing the news, relief flushed the simmering anxiety Sunset carried in her shoulders.

The vehicle arrived at a large, multi-building compound with giant windows, a tower peeking out from the back side of the structure, and a massive courtyard with a fountain, benches, and patches of short bushes cut with meticulous care leading up to the main entry. Far to her left, a handful of people entered through a wall of thick dark green leaves. Dr. Shruti explained it was a maze, and somewhere within the maze was a serene pool where students often went to study or simply enjoy a bit of tranquility.

Sunset marveled at the blooming foliage arranged in dazzling colors interspersed through walking paths. As alien as the trees were to her, they were still instantly recognizable as trees. To find something both strange and familiar set Sunset’s mind spinning. Vines rose and twisted around a latticework of branches with purple petals. A buzzing sound by her ear startled her and a creature with blurring wings barely the size of her claw flit past her. It was no wonder that with all manner of creatures capable of flight that humans took to the skies and claimed the heavens.

“Even we still sit in awe of this beauty,” Dr. Bharati said. Her sister hummed and nodded in agreement. “To experience the wonder of nature in such a fashion when we still float in space is difficult to comprehend, even if we understand the science behind it.”

“Yes. But you’ll have plenty of time to absorb the majesty of the courtyard in the future. Let’s get a move on or we’ll be late to meeting your squadmates. As much as my sister loves to indulge in our cultural tardiness, I prefer punctuality.”

With that, Shruti grasped Sunset’s hand and led her toward the glass entry, past a towering fountain, and for a moment, Sunset thought she could see a rainbow within the mist coming from some aquatic animal. Within the shuffle of people heading into the massive structure, her breath caught in her throat when she realized there were other non-humans present—and she was heading right toward them.

From behind, the shortest one had massive, wide shoulders and long, thick appendages—were they tentacles?—that fell down to his mid-back. The tip of one scrunched and the being turned. His face was recognizable as one, but wide, and his black eyes reminded Sunset of some deep-water predators. When he laughed, his cavernous voice boomed and vibrated in her chest even from a distance. The dark-skinned person next to him laughed as well. Her hair fell across her shoulders in shining black ringlets, and if she didn’t notice the deep ridges along her brow, Sunset would have assumed she was human. The short, stocky one noticed the trio approaching and waved.

Another person stood behind the tall woman with long hair. He stepped out from behind her and his beaming smile sent Sunset’s spirits soaring. A trill of joy escaped her lips and her ears pricked up and forward. She rushed to him and halted inches away, suddenly unaware of the human social protocol for the situation. So, she saluted. Thankfully, Román returned the salute and smiled.

“Looks like you’ve been practicing,” he said.

“Thank you, I have.” She eased into a more relaxed posture. “I thought you were on a mission. Why are you here?”

“Well, I was in the area.” He winked. What did that mean? “Also, Captain Williams told me you entered the Academy and I thought you might like to see a familiar face before you’re thrust into the unknown.”

Sunset stammered, searching for the right words to say. How does one express gratitude, surprise, and anxiety all at once? “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Anyway, I was just talking with your new squadmates that will be joining you on the more traditional learning track.”

“Hello.” The tentacled man’s thundering voice startled Sunset. “I’m Lon Kammeram.”

“I’m Nochtali.” The woman’s voice danced through Sunset’s ears like an evening breeze.

“I’m Sunset.”

“Pleased to meet a Takarran in the flesh!” Lon said.

“You…know about us?”

“Yes, word travels fast, and even faster for those of us who will be training with you,” Nochtali said. “I am a Dionysian.”

“I am Dogarri,” Lon said.

“Usually, these squads are formed with four members,” Cisneros said and glanced at the instructors.

“They are,” Dr. Bharati said. “We are currently waiting on our—oh, there he is.”

She pointed to a red-haired human man rushing through the doors toward them. Huffing with exertion, he stumbled to halt in front of the group and doubled over to catch his breath. Sweat dripped from his brow and his long hair matted his face. He held up a finger, heaved a few more breaths, then straightened out with a groan. His green eyes shifted to shallow-ocean-blue when he turned to examine everyone.

“Hello, I’m Ariel, it’s nice to meet you, Sunset, Nochtali, and Lon.”

The group returned their greetings and Román asked, “Why aren’t you using the interface for the Academy?”

Ariel’s mouth twisted. “I am a deeply kinesthetic learner, and we have a one-point-thirty-four percent higher retention rate using a more traditional method. As such, I want to ensure I get the most out of the Academy as humanly possible. Apologies if that is insensitive to anyone here.”

“Not at all, I’m thrilled to have you on the squad,” Nochtali said.

“Aye,” Lon affirmed.

Sunset twirled both ears and remembered that humans shrug to show indifference.

“Perfect,” the twin doctors said in unison. “Well, now that you’ve all made your introductions, I’m afraid it’s time for Sunset to begin her pre-test education. Thank you all for coming and we will see you at the induction ceremony in a week.”

The group bid their farewells and everyone, save the teachers and Scout Cisneros, stayed behind. He offered up a fist, and this gesture she knew well. After the bump, Román saluted and took his leave— with one last piece of advice. “Don’t let your ego get ahead of you. If there’s one thing that will set you back, it’s that.”

She nodded, despite not fully understanding what he meant. When he was out of earshot, she turned to her instructors. “What’s ego?”

“We’ll cover that in our lessons,” Dr. Shruti said.

They led her away deep into the academy, where she was shown to a private quarters complete with climate-controlled settings so she would be comfortable. The room was scarcely the size of the one she had on the ship, but it was a short trip to another larger room that served as their study hall for the next several days. The doctors weaved their expertise in art and science so well, and using similar technology that Greg, the encephaloid, used to recreate climate, they did the same to facilitate her basic learning. Since Muhammed had taught her the basics of algebra, the twins covered advanced maths, music, and artistic expression. When they got to astronomy, that’s what sent her mind spinning. The sheer, dizzying size of space, uniqueness of planets, and types of stars and celestial bodies twirled through her imagination like the myriad galaxies that existed.

Each day of learning began early and in earnest, ending with Sunset collapsing into sleep as soon as she reached her quarters—and yet still she wanted more. By the end of the week, she entered the room to take her placement exam.

“Remember, Sunset,” Dr. Bharati said, “these exams are not to pass, they are to measure. The questions will become increasingly more difficult until you fail, so don’t be alarmed when you reach those. Simply do your best.” She placed a comforting hand on Sunset’s back and left the room. A familiar face materialized.

“Welcome to the test, Cadet,” Muhammad said. “Ready?” Sunset nodded. “Good. We begin with trigonometric identities.”

Sixty-three minutes later, the exam ended and the SMART bands on her wrists beeped and buzzed.

“Thank for completing the PLAS Academy Entrance Exams. Your scores have been forwarded to the appropriate instructors. You have been granted Academy Access Use for the remainder of your time. Congratulations, and good luck.”

Sunset tapped on the screen and several menu options unlocked with a ding. Sunset had no time to examine the options or consider her anxiety about her scores because her instructors whisked her away and back to the main hall of the Academy. She wound through several hallways with moving digital paintings of ships, men performing heroic acts, and the symbols for the PLAS until she found a huge room with seats on stairs formed in a half circle.

Hundreds of students, mostly humans, filled the auditorium. Ariel, Lon, and Nochtali greeted her with waves. She glanced back at her teachers, forlorn to leave their tutelage and nervous about moving forward. What did her scores reveal? What kind of special accommodations will they need for her? What did her squadmates score, and did they also have to go through that kind of learning? She took a spot next to Ariel and he offered her a snack, which she accepted.

A swell of music rose over the murmuring, chatting, and sporadic guffaws of the crowd. The tiered seats sloped down to a curved stage. Admiral Gleeson stepped out from behind a wall and took his place at the center. A giant three-dimensional projection of him rose behind the admiral so the audience could better see him. Gleeson and his digital doppelgänger saluted. The cadets returned in perfect unison. Pride tugged at Sunset’s heart for nailing the timing.

“Welcome to the Academy, Cadets.” Something amplified his already piercing voice and it reverberated through the giant room. “Those who know me already know I’m going to keep this brief. I don’t like to stand on ceremony, or be part of one.”

Doctors Shruti and Bharati giggled and Sunset caught them rolling their eyes at him.

“Seventy percent of you will fail or quit,” he continued, and started pacing from one side of the stage to the other as he spoke. “That is not a comment or slight on your character, it is a statement of fact.”

Sunset’s heart sank.

“Fewer of you will go on to complete specialist training of your choosing, and those of you who want to enter the crucible of Scout School, nine out of the two-hundred here will complete that training.”

Her spirits plunged to subterranean levels, but her awe of Scout Cisneros grew.

“Some of you here come from military families. Others have never been on, or seen, a spaceship until recently. Those facts have zero bearing on your chances of success. This program is designed to ensure each and every student has the exact same opportunity to succeed or fail based on grit, determination, skill, and adaptability. Can your team learn to leverage each individual’s strengths, or will you let petty differences sabotage each other’s successes? Will egos bend or break? These are the things that will define your time, or lack thereof, at the Academy. Understood?”

“Sir, yes, sir!” The chant thundered through the auditorium and Sunset had to flatten her ears to keep them from ringing. Depths below, what had she gotten herself into?

“Dismissed.”

The Sunset Chronicles