world's apart

UNKNOWN

Kilian's father had a crucial role in the Public Operations of District 9. As a balancing and opposing force, he ensured that the district ran smoothly and efficiently. One of his responsibilities was providing suitable job opportunities to the people in the district.

Additionally, Kilian's father took charge of overseeing supplies and services. He made sure that the right materials were readily available for the district and ensured that they never ran out of essential resources. However, a strange occurrence had caught his attention. It seemed that aliens were landing in district 9's bay, which was unusual considering the high council had recently resigned in District 13.

Curiosity piqued, Kilian's father stood at a distance and watched as the hum of the spacecraft's engine grew louder. He observed it descending towards the grey section of the district, pulsating through the air and stirring something in his heart. The vessel hovered near the landing bay, gradually lowering itself until it disappeared from his view, concealed by the structures surrounding the bay.

Kilian shifted his gaze back to the small seed pot in front of him. He had just finished watering it, eagerly anticipating the sight of a tiny bud emerging from the soil. Trees and grass fascinated him greatly, as he had never laid eyes on a real plant before. Despite being seventeen years old, Kilian had never experienced the beauty of a living plant.

A memory flashed through his mind. It was ten moons ago when he accompanied his teacher to the market. On that eventful day, he had come across a girl who was attempting to trade the seed for tokens. Without hesitating or questioning, Kilian took the seed from her, filled with pure happiness that he finally possessed a seed of his own.

In a world tainted by the passage of more than a decade, everything they consumed was artificial, devoid of nature's touch. Kilian's teacher had warned him that the seed he possessed might not be real or have the ability to grow, but Kilian held onto hope. He believed that the earth's soil, though tainted, still held the potential for life.

Determined, Kilian dedicated himself to researching plant life, refusing to give up. Finally, he had a genuine seed to put to the test. With great care, he purified some soil and meticulously followed the steps outlined in the books he had collected. Planting the seed, he nurtured it, tending to it daily, hoping against all odds that one day, it would sprout and grow.

The front door hissed open, and Kilian glanced over his shoulder to find his father entering the room.

"Boy,stop playing with that thing and get your robes. We have important guests to meet." His father commanded, not waiting for a reply before heading off to another room.

In their world, it was customary to wear section-colored robes whenever they stepped outside. It served as the first sign that enforcers looked for, a visual indicator of their credentials. Kilian understood the importance of following these protocols and quickly made his way to retrieve his robes, knowing that the arrival of important guests meant that their actions would be under scrutiny.

Kilian and his father proudly wore the overseer's crest on their robes, a symbol of their authority and position. It served as a clear identification of who they were in the community. In this society, no one was allowed to step out of their respective section without wearing their designated robes. Violating this rule was considered a serious crime that carried the punishment of being transferred to the dreaded black section, a fate that struck fear into the hearts of all.

As Kilian prepared to fetch his robes, the com by the door beeped, indicating an incoming call. Kilian pressed the button to answer, and the hologram of an elderly figure dressed in red robes materialized before him. Kilian immediately bowed low, showing respect to the high council member who had reached out to him. He acknowledged the council member's presence and awaited further instructions or information.

"Your father, boy."

The council member's gruff voice said. Kilian nodded, understanding that the council member was referring to his father. He made his way to the enclosed room where his father spent most of his time, with the hologram figure following closely behind.

Inside the room, Kilian's father was engrossed in reading something on the com screen when he heard the door hiss open. The sound alerted him to someone entering, causing him to look up and acknowledge the presence of his son and the hologram figure.

He looked up and saw the hologram figure standing behind his son. Lowering his head respectfully, he greeted the man.

"High Councilman Logan, is something wrong, sir? I was just gathering all the necessary documents before I headed to the meeting room."

"Forget about that." Councilman Logan replied dismissively.

"We won't be needing the documents. Just come over."

With that, the hologram vanished. Jasper glanced at his son, a sense of concern lingering in his eyes before pulling himself together and getting ready to accompany Councilman Logan.

"Hurry, my boy."

His father urged, striding purposefully. Kilian quickly grabbed his robe from the hooks by the doors and followed suit. Matching his father's swift pace, they traversed the hallway, heading towards the lift that awaited them on the 90th level.

Kilian's heart raced as he tried to keep up with his father's hurried steps. The urgency in Jasper's voice sent a shiver down his spine, but he knew better than to question his father's commands.

Grabbing his robe, Kilian hastily draped it over his shoulders, feeling its familiar weight comforting him in some way. He tightened the sash around his waist, ensuring it was secure as they continued their swift journey through the lit hallway.

The sound of their footsteps echoed through the corridor, amplifying the tension that filled the air. Kilian's mind raced with questions, but he pushed them aside, focusing on matching his father's hurried pace.

Reaching the lift, they stepped inside, the doors closing with a quiet hiss. The lift began its descent, taking them deeper into the vast complex. Kilian stole a glance at his father, noticing the lines of worry etched on his face. Whatever awaited them on the 50th level, it was clear that Jasper was determined to face it head-on.