Eighteen
The Collective Us
Solus stepped out of the transport onto a gravel path in a field of tall grass. A small home stood on the horizon—a bungalow. He heard Dawn giggle with another girl. The two ran into the house. Lawrence emerged from of the transport last and smiled at Solus. They all slowly entered the home after Dawn. The living room was plain: hardwood floors and the walls had been painted a forest green. There were a bunch of mattresses littered on the floors everywhere, and there were more people already in the room. Dawn, two girls, and one boy sat by the fireplace.
“What—what are you?” Lucius asked, turning to Lawrence.
“An Empyrean just like you.”
“You’re not like us,” Lucius said.
“Instead of being executed, we can make a better world.” Lawrence turned to Lucius. “W
