Planet Expo: Origins [Book One]

Chapter Ten

[A..K.A. The Relativity of Time]

EARLIER THAT DAY

Lavender rolled over and got out of bed. This was her normal routine; to wake up around six in the morning with little to no assistance from TAMA and start her day with a simple and light breakfast from Chef Grace along with her morning coffee. She and Scott almost never woke up at the same time. Scott grew used to waking up with his wife up and about facing the day and working below. Although he still felt uneasy about how despite her dangerous involvement with the underground, he was never allowed down there per her orders in order to protect him. So surely, if he needed to have protections, that meant she did too. Right? And is it not the role of the husband to protect and love his wife till death do they part? 

Alas, after her morning routine, she met with the other local branches, more often lately than not due to her capture of Lisa. Now, Lavender was not the type of woman who got easily nervous or scared. It was hard to phase her, but today her nerves were a bit all over the place due to that James kid. She was sure she was going to get some- ok a lot- of backlash because of that. 

Adjusting her outfit, she took the elevator down to the meeting floor, which was the very first floor of the towering skyscraper and was deep underground. As the elevator doors opened, she was met with the sound of fingers clanking on keyboards as the interns, accountants, and other office workers did their research, managed the financial side of the building they worked in, as well as type up reports of proposals and future plans. After all, the ultimate goal was to make history and head back home to Earth, the birthplace of the human race. At least that’s what they were told anyhow.

With a sigh, she walked into Meeting Room Beta, where the higher-ups waited. It wasn’t like she was late. She actually walked in right on time; exactly at seven in the morning. “I’ll skip the pleasantries. We all know why we are here and what we have to discuss so let’s discuss.” With a knowing smirk, Lavender sat down at the head of the long glass table which caused some of the older higher-ups to scoff. It wasn’t that they didn’t approve of Lavender as a leader, for they appointed her themselves. Everyone in that meeting room knows, Including the woman in question, that Lavender was more than talented and capable for her position. The reason for their scoffing, for their sign of disapproval, was her attitude; always headstrong and often came across as impolite but really she had better things to do. Like, spend time with her husband. 

 Sometimes, she had to remind herself she wasn’t involved with what they used to call “mafias.” Some days it seemed like she was apart of one; with the money and the fancy business suits and the passive-aggressiveness (emphasis on the aggressive of course). While there definitely is room for debate, Levander is actually involved in a secret research organization that seems to act more like a mafia cult than it does anything else. 

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“Morning James.”

“Lisa? What time is it?” James sat up, rubbing his tired eyes, almost forgetting that he wasn’t safe. “Probably around eight. I woke up about an hour ago and you know I always wake up at seven so for Ares.” James blinked in shock. “You’ve been keeping track of time since you woke up?” 

“Yeah of course. What else am I supposed to do? They took our phones, wallets, basically everything in our pockets.” James sighed, already regretting the question but he found it fascinating that she kept track of time for an hour; he would simply look for something else to do to get his mind off of everything that had happened. 

“At least you have a hoodie. I was kinda cold last night.” James then crossed his arms, trying to retain some warmth since the mornings were also somewhat cold. However, as summer was just around the corner, the days grew hotter. It was fortunate for the human race that this planet had the same cycle of seasons. It was one thing they were glad for; something constant, the changing of the seasons was a common constant they could have while living on this once foreign planet. 

“Aw, does Jem Jem want my sweater then? Or does Jemmy Jem want to cuddle?” Lisa asked in a teasing voice that one might use to talk to a baby or a small creature. James huffed, ears turning red, “I’m fine now thank you very much;” his words laced with sarcasm. Lisa laughed and playfully punched James, with a gentle force. It was her own small way of apologizing, afraid she actually hurt his feelings; which was something she didn’t intend to do nor did she ever want to do. James understood that and laughed with her. 

“So this is day two huh?” James observed while looking around the plain white room, still no furniture or anything; only the difference in texture gave them the clue to separate the floor and walls. “I suppose so. It can’t be that bad though right? I mean our first day was basically us trying to make sense of everything but now, we can-”

“SHHH WHAT IF THEY GOT THIS ROOM WIRED TAPPED OR SOMETHING?” James yelled while flapping his arms around as if to distract any unknown onlookers as well as to stop Lisa from finishing her sentence. With a roll of her eyes, she sighed. “I suppose you could be right but why would they install that stuff? Think about it, they believe that they won. They got us trapped, broke our spirits-”

“Well, my spirit isn’t broken,” James retorted. Lisa stared blankly at James, her eyes brimming with annoyance. “Why did I have to get stuck with you and not some super hot model or something,” Lisa huffed, resting her head into the palm of her hand, fingers curling up to lay against her pouting cheeks. “Hey!” James was in disbelief over those words as he has the potential to model… well at least perhaps he would have the potential if he actually considered trying to become one that is. James crossed his arms in an offended manner and urged the only other living soul within that room to continue on with their earlier sentiment. 

“Why thank you Jem, such a gentleman today.” Lisa giggled while James let out a “yeah, yeah” under his breath. “As I was saying, since they think they have the high ground, there is no reason to constantly spy on the lower ground-- us. Plus it would be easy to spot anything of that sort in this room. Unless they embed a recording device or a mic within the walls or the floor but then they risk the sounds of our movements drowning out what we actually say. I’m just glad they left a toilet with a curtain.”

James pondered this, and nodded; he was inclined to agree as the facts and evidence made a lot of sense. There really is no point to peep in on them. “Alright then, so what’s this plan of yours, you evil genius you,” he said while reaching over and patting Lisa’s head as if she was some sort of dog or cat. Her glare made him stop after a few seconds and he sheepishly smiled. This wasn’t anything new, this is who Lisa and James normally functioned when they were alone.

They spent the day brainstorming and truly observing the room they were left in. Nothing had changed; still the same barren room. No beds, no windows, no dresser, no mirror. Even the stainless steel Japanese-styled toilet was white; not even a privacy curtain or anything to block out watchful eyes. The duo figured they probably only used this room for individuals. But then that raised the question of why keep both of them in this single room used for psychological t*****e. In fact, Lisa and James had a lot of questions. One of which was the question of food and at least water or something reasonable for them to stay hydrated.

The duo aimlessly wandered around the room, homesick and in need of food. Their conversations dwindled down to silence as they grew tired. Sitting down on the cold floor, Lisa wondered what time it currently was. Whether it was night time or not since she stopped keeping track shortly after James woke up. 

With a sigh, she looked towards James, his closing eyes showed the look of defeat and tiredness was evident. She wondered if she looked the same. She certainly felt the same. Laying down on her side, using her arm as a pillow, she took another glance at him; he was now laying in front of her. Their eyes met and they wished each other a silent good night. With their hearts in sync, they both silently wished for a better tomorrow. 

“Miss Lavender, I must say you have outdone yourself with this scheme of yours.” 

Lavender smirked, and she watched the eyes of her reflection of her wall to floor window beam with pride. Praise was often not given within her line of work so it was refreshing to hear her assistant say such words. “Please, anyone with at least a few brain cells and a mind for strategy would come up with this plan or something similar.” She then walked away from the breathtaking view and sparkling lights of the city below her. Her heels clicked with power and her stride demanded respect as Lavender walked towards the elevator. 

“Well then. I suppose you’re right. Never fear Miss! I will make sure this phase will be executed to the very last detail and without flaw.” Lavender’s chief assistant then bowed as the doors began to close. With a final smile, Lavender offered one last remark. 

“Thank you, chief assistant. I know I can count you with those notes.” And with that, the door closed and she was off to her floor.

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    As they awoke on their third day, both Lisa and James haven’t really considered how difficult it was to keep falling asleep to the same dim, white lighting in the empty blank room.

    They both woke up at roughly the same time; still unsure of the exact time. They guessed it was probably late morning or early afternoon by now. Even if it was the third day, they felt mentally exhausted from all that happened and just hoped the local police force would soon rescue them from this nightmare. 

    Yet, as they waited for a hero of sorts, they looked around and noticed some new features. While it was still empty, they were now left with a privacy curtain within the corner the toilet was placed in. Another thing they discovered was two medium-sized stacks of what appeared to be white clothes packaged neatly with a white ribbon. On top of each stack was a note card that read their names in a shiny silvery cursive font.

On the back of each snow-colored note cards, was the following:

I have provided you with these items in return for a nice, civil discussion. 

This is your opportunity to go back home. I just ask that you meet with me to talk it over.

You have 2 days to decide. The guards will open the room precisely at 2 am within 2 days’ time. 

If you are not wearing the clothes provided when they come, I will assume your answer is no, 

since you are not permitted to talk to the guards and vice versa. Make the right decision. 

Lavender 

     reading such a statement, the duo made eye contact with each other; note cards dangling from their shocked hands, before looking down at the clothing that remained at their feet. Almost as if it was Christmas Eve all over again, the duo was eager to see what they were given in case it would be anything that would aid them with their escape. 

    Lisa had been gifted with a snow-white, long-sleeved white shirt that was luckily thick enough to not be see-through but thin enough to not overheat as the days now grew hotter as summer approached. There were also white stockings and a white school skirt that looked like it would almost reach her knees, along with a white hair tie. After laying all the articles of cloths, she then looked more closely at the ribbon and noticed James already inspecting the ribbon; his stack of clothes still folded and stacked together, completely untouched. 

“Jame, do you-”

“Yeah. Does yours say the same?”

    Lisa nodded her head, too shocked for words at this point. It’s not every day you get a white packaging ribbon that, in a silver cursive font, states; courtesy of the Earth’s Warriors.  

    Lisa’s head spun, she wasn’t sure if she was breathing too much or too little at this point. Nothing made sense and this least of all. She finds out she has an aunt and not just that. But her newly found aunt is actually her mom’s twin! And this aunt just kidn*pped her and her best friend, who she mistook for her twin brother. She couldn’t even imagine what guilt Nate must be feeling right now. Was his mind plagued with all the “it was supposed to be me” and “what if” thoughts? What about her parents? Jem’s parents? Would they have the same thoughts? Do they even know we’re missing? ‘Or, am I even real? Is this reality even real? Are we going to die here and never see-’

“Lisa!” 

    Her thoughts were cut off, and suddenly she saw James’ face that almost seemed angelic due to the white background. She then realized she must have passed out and James barely got there in time to catch her head before it hit. “Lisa, are you okay?” 

    She narrowed her eyes, still dazed, she lifted a hand to James’ face. She felt his smooth skin and felt his face grow hot at the contact. So he was real. “I- I think I’m fine?” 

    With her current wavering voice, her heavy breathing before, and now almost hitting the floor, James knew what had happened. Or at least he believed Lisa had just had a panic attack; there was always the possibility he was wrong as he isn’t a professional. Observing her as she fully sat up from his lap, she slowly looked into his eyes.

    Suddenly, he felt like he now could barely satisfy his body’s need for air. “James, I think we shouldn’t go.” Noticing how his eyes widen, Lisa then realized how that could lead to misinterpretation.

“To meet home I mean. We should stay here and just wait for help.”

    James looked down, lost in thought. On the one hand, if they did wait and just stayed, there is the possibility that someone would found their location and quickly come to their rescue. But if they went, there was the huge possibility that they could discover their plan and escape to warn the proper authorities. But was it worth the risk? ‘Surely if they found us before then that would avoid this decision but there’s no way to tell that is certain. Or if they did find this place and we assume that they capture enough people here to lead us to Lisa’s aunt… but would they even talk? Right now it’s guaranteed they’ll talk. But would they fill us afterward?’ 

    Lisa stared at James as he carefully thought of the opinions that they now had. Sighing, he looked into Lisa’s eyes and saw how tired and worried she was. Maybe it was night time now? Either way, they both felt the arms of sleep pull at them and who were they to deny the sweet pleasures of sleeping. “Let’s… let’s talk about it tomorrow. At least we have time to think…” 

    Lisa agreed and she was about to make a makeshift pillow with her hoodie that she thankfully had with her before being taken, she then thought of using the clothes she got as a pillow so she could use the hoodie to keep her warm. James followed suit and rested his weary head on the soft clothes before instantly falling asleep. 

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