The Colony

Part 1: The Twins Sam's Journal Monday, September 1st 299 a.e To a future reader, Hi, I'm EH8-329 458 103. Or Samantha Geon, it's easier. I'm a citizen from Eta H1208, "The new Garden of Eden", as they call it. I was born here, in a continent called Magellan, in Allenori, the capital of Nessia. It's a small country, located below the equator. This planet only has 2 continents. The other one is called Battuta. Elders say that we live in an amazingly odd Solar system. Our ancestors, the Earthlings, lived in a solar system 25 light-years away. It's said that they were forced to leave Earth because their sun was expanding and the planet would become uninhabitable. As it turns out, they found this system in the constellation of Eta. Five planets, two of them habitable. Eta H1208 and Eta H1209 are literally twin planets. They have the same size, same mass, the same number of moons, parallel orbit, basically, everything's the same. At school, we learn that Droids helped us get here. Since it was too far from Earth, people were put in hibernation pods and Droids took care of everything during those 25 light-years. As soon as they got here, they were divided by race. Caucasians, Mongoloids, and Malays went to EH1209. Negroids, Red skin and us, the Half-breed, to EH1208. Looks like they made this division because back on Earth the number of Half-Breed was rising drastically, which meant the other races were eventually going to disappear someday. For that matter, extreme right parties demanded that marriage between different races be abolished, so that we could still have a variety of races. That kind of worked, later, in EH1209. Here in EH1208, we don't really care about that, so our planet is pretty diversified. The interplanetary migration also allowed for diversity in both planets. Anyways, tomorrow's my first day at the university campus... well... "our" first day at the university campus, since I have to drag my twin sister wherever I go. Her name is Rebecca, and I also have two younger sisters, 14 years old Deborah and 10 years old Jade. I'm so excited! Mostly, because Elon is coming to the same University, ABU (Allenori Bay University), Top 3 in EH1208. I can't wait to see him again! I applied for HDR (Human and Droids Relations). We basically study human and droids behavior, philosophy, some psychology notions, between some other interesting stuff. As weird as it might be, Rebecca applied for the same course. She's smart and all, but she's just too lazy and careless. Honestly, I was expecting her to apply for something more... I don't know... something more "boyish". She's a real tomboy. She also has a talent for drawings! Must've got it from our father. He's an Artistic Director and CEO of the Geon Companies known throughout the whole continent. It is hard to have Ethan Geon as a father. Meetings, business trips, inaugurations, never-ending projects... And he can be really annoying sometimes, but still, I love him. Our mother, Crystal Geon, is a lawyer. We don't get along very well. She's always so busy with her cases that she barely has time for us. There's even a case in particular that she can't get her mind off, about the disappearance of two girls. Since they were last seen with their boyfriends, the first thing would be to accuse them. Even if everything points to them, it's my mom's job to prove their innocence. In short, they both have pretty busy lives. And yet they decided to have 4 kids. I don't think they thought that through. We live in The Grenwards building, a Skyscraper with 130 floors, situated in the richest part of the city. Our apartment is on the 65th floor. I always felt grateful for the quality of life we have, even if sometimes I think that it is a bit too much. In addition to the pool, the jacuzzi, the mesmerizing lofty garden, and the breathtaking view over the city and the Primeval Wrentton Lake, we have access to restaurants, Spas, and a Gym inside the Building. Our apartment even has an elevator that goes directly to the ground floor and back. Yesterday was our "last" lunch as a family, and honestly, the first lunch we had all together as a normal family for a long time. Dad was concerned about our safety. It looks like there's a killer around Faliaici, a small town in northern Nessia, close to the University we will attend to. Rebecca showed no fear, even knowing that there were already five victims. I think that sometimes she tries to look tougher than she really is, or maybe she's just too reckless, and that might be a problem. Anyways, I guess that we'll be safe at the University. There is not much to worry about if we follow the university rules and instructions. .................................ooo................................ "You still writing that journal for the capsule thingy?" Asks Becca, coming into the room with two bowls of cereals. "Time capsule, Becca, time capsule." I answer, rolling my eyes. Becca sits on her bed and turns the TV to watch cartoons. "A huge waste of time, if you ask me." She answers, stuffing a spoonful of cereals on her mouth... "It's not a waste of time. It will be interesting for future generations to find it and know how our life is now." "Yup, total waste of time." She repeats herself. "C'mon, who will want to read the journal of a hopeless romantic 18 years old girl?" "You never know, maybe they'll make a movie out of it. Can you imagine? The Journal of Samantha Geon, soon in a theater near you." I say. "It would be the most boring movie ever. No wait, that was "Dollface"." She says. "Yeah, I fell asleep watching that one. How can a horror movie be so boring?" I laugh. "Right?!" She agrees. "But, still. Waste of time." She repeats. "You're a waste of time." I say "Aren't we all though?" "What are you talking about?" I ask, laughing. "I don't know. You're the one who's always philosophying about everything." She says, with her eyes still glued to the TV. "It's philosophizing, dummy. Anyways, are you ready for tomorrow?" I ask. "Hell yeah. Can't wait to get there. We're gonna have the time of our lives. We're gonna meet some hot guys, rock the parties, get drunk..." "huh...study, be responsible, find a part-time job. We can't expect dad to send us money every week. And mom is always telling us to be more independent." I complete. "Pff" Interjects Becca, "With the allowance we get we won't need to work a single second. But anyway, talking about the devil, when is mom going to Cantecca for the convention again?"  "She left early in the morning, I guess." I answer. "Without forewarning anyone..." "As usual...and dad has an inauguration in Battuta. They're supposed to be home by dinner, but we know that that won't happen. I bet we won't see them before we leave to Allenori. So, Orianna will be the one taking care of Deborah and Jade, again." I say "Well, that's what we bought her for, anyway." She comments. "I know, but it's a shame that mom doesn't have time for us. So she throws us in the care of a Droid." I say annoyed. "I'm sure they'll be fine. She's a cool droid." She says. "That's not my point..." "I know what your point is. You're overthinking!" She says.  Getting out of the bed, Becca takes her chair and slides towards me, grabs my cheeks, and stares at me. "What you should be worrying about right now is how you gonna choose between all the guys that'll be chasing you, cuz' I'm going to make you look so damn hot, sis'." She says, staring deep into my eyes. "Damn, it's just like looking in the mirror." "Don't be silly," I laugh. "And besides, aren't you forgetting about something, someone?" I ask, looking at her with a slight smile. "Aghh!" She gets up abruptly "Don't tell me you still waiting for Elon to text you! Forget that guy! He hasn't texted you once during the Summer!" She says. "He will text me, I'm sure." "Sam, you're a smart b***h, but you're acting so dumb right now." Becca says, sitting down. "Look, my friends will arrive soon for a small party. And that's not even the best part." "Wow, I can't imagine nothing topping that off." I say sarcastically. "Yvan is gonna be here. And I know that you've both been exchanging messages." "It was more he texting me while I ignored him...such an annoying guy" "Anyways, come over here," She calls, taking her phone out. "Let's take a snap...Smile! Now I just have to edit it... -We're waiting guys- Done! Now we wait. You'll meet some of my friends, you'll see, you'll have fun. " "Forget it." "Why?!" "Becca..." I say. "C'mon, Sam! These are the best years of your lives! You have to make the most of them." She says shaking me. "And that's exactly what I'm doing. Studying, building a future for myself. I'll have a good job, a house by the bay, a husband, two kids..." "Boring!" She sings interrupting me. "C'mon Sam. Just this time. What are you going to do anyway?" She asks. "Spend some time with Debby and Jade, and I have to go to the pharmacy to get the pills for my headaches. Look, I promise you that, one day, I'll go to a party with you. Just not today. Ok?" "Well, you'll have to take an oath then." She says. "An oath, seriously?" I ask. "Yup, an oath! C'mon raise your hand and repeat after me." "Ugh! Ok" I say, raising my right hand. "I, Samantha Geon..." "I, Samantha Geon..." I repeat "...hereby promise to go to a party with my hot sister..." "...hereby promise to go to a party with my hot sister..." I repeat laughing. "...and stop bitching about everything." "I don't b***h about everything!" "Just repeat!" She says "...and stop bitching about everything. There you go. Are u happy now?" I ask "Perfect!" She says smiling, before giving me a long kiss on the cheek and leaving the room, happily dancing around... Though being annoying sometimes, she's the best twin sister I could ever ask for. Ever since we were kids, we developed different personality traits. But we kinda complete each other. My existence would be flawed without her and I think it's fair to say that it's the same thing the other way around. Debby has a strong personality. And she's now at that age when she talks back to everyone and thinks that the world is against her, especially Becca, who either has no patience for her attitude or has fun provoking her. On the other hand, Jade is the sweetest girl. She always thinks about others first and shares everything. She's a lovable kid, impossible not to like her. After finishing my cereals, I get dressed and head to the leisure room, where I find Debby and Jade, still in their pajamas, watching cartoons, and Becca still dancing around half-naked.  "Aren't you getting too old to watch cartoons?" Asks Becca to Debby, not losing the opportunity to mess with her. "Aren't you getting too old to watch cartoons?" Repeats Debby mimicking Becca's voice. "Wow, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed." Says Becca jumping on the couch, putting her arm around Deborah's shoulders. "What's wrong lil' b***h? Missing us already?" "Shut up." She answers pushing her away. "Aw, are you gonna cry? Thought you were a tough lil' bitch." Becca continues, harassing her. "Come on Becca, stop it already." I ask her. "What? Just joking around with her. Toughen her up." She says punching Debby's arm. "We don't need another Sam in this house." At this, she bursts out in laughter with Debby joining her. "Real mature Becca. Real mature." I say. "Just take the hit, Sam." She laughs. "Yeah yeah. Whatever. Don't you have a party to get ready to, anyway?" I ask. "Eager to see me by the back, are we? But yeah, gotta get ready." She says, leaving. "I'm going to finish packing. Wanna help me Jadie?" I ask "Sure!" She says, jumping off the couch. We go to my room, and with Jade's help, I choose what I'm taking to Allenori with me. Jade sits on the bed, quietly folding the clothes I pick and puts them inside the suitcase. After picking every clothe, I too sit on the bed and join her folding them. "You don't look too sad to know that we won't be here for a while." I say She leans her head and looks at me shyly. "I just didn't want Becca to mock me." She says. "Aw, don't worry about that, Jadie." I say caressing her cheek. "She just likes to mess around with Debby. She doesn't show it often, but she loves us all." I say reassuring her. "Well, she has a weird way of showing it." She comments laughing. "You know, you and I are much alike." I say, smiling at her. "You think so?" She asks. "Yeah!" I confirm. "You remind me of myself when I was your age." I say, noticing her joy and the shy smile forming on her face. "Do you promise you'll visit us often?" She asks. "Of course I will!" I guarantee. "Pinky promise?" She asks stretching her finger. "Pinky promise." I say, reaching out to her pinky. "Look, I have an idea." I get up and take my journal from the top drawer of the desk. "I'm gonna let you take part on a little project of mine. A Time Capsule." I say "Time Capsule? What's that?" She asks. "It's a container where we put things typical of our time. We'll bury it, and someone in the future will find it and see how life is now. I already chose some things to put in, and one of those things is this journal." I say showing her the brown leather journal. "Tell you what. I'll write half of it and hand it to you when I come over next summer so you can write the rest of it. What do you think?" I ask "That would be so cool!" She says excited, gazing at the journal. "Ok, now back to folding kiddo. I'll buy you Ice cream later." I say winking at her. While we keep folding the clothes and chatting, Orianna comes in bringing me the pills for my headaches.  "I was planning to go get them right after I was done packing. But thank you so much, Orianna." "It was nothing, Miss Samantha. Would you like me to help you?" She asks. "Thank you Orianna, but I think I have enough help." I say winking at Jade. "I will get started with lunch then." She says, bowing and leaving. Time flies. Becca's party goes as smoothly as she hoped for, especially because our parents aren't home. As the evening approaches, and her friends leave, we get ready for the family dinner. As usual, for these rare occasions, we get dressed in our finest clothes. The table is adorned with different kinds of dishes, varying from lobster, to Wagyu and Kobe beef, truffles, and veal dishes. In my opinion, way too much for a simple family dinner, especially if my parents don't show up, which is the most probable thing to happen. We wait, at least for an hour and a half. As expected they don't show up.  "They're not coming, are they?" Asks Debby  Becca loses her patience and gets up from the table.  "Ahh, screw this, I'm gonna order pizza." She says, removing the earrings our mom bought her for our last birthday. "Orianna, put the dinner away. They'll eat it when they arrive." "Sure, Miss Rebecca."  "Girls, go put on your jammies and get ready for movie night." I say. Their bored and sad expression change completely as they get out of the table to go get ready.  I try not to think much about it since it's something I got used to since I was a kid. I too get out of the table and get changed. Despite all, we have fun eating pizza, and watching the movie. We end up falling asleep together in the cozy sunken sofa of the leisure room. I'm gonna miss this... The sun rises, the day has finally arrived. We get ready and Orianna helps us put our bags inside the car. Becca kisses Debby and Jade goodbye, not forgetting to tell Debby to behave and take good care of Jade. Even if they clash, often, because of their personalities, it's obvious that they love each other very much. They are very similar after all. I hug both Debby and Jade, filling them with kisses also telling them how much I love them, trying to keep myself from crying. Soon we will learn new things, listen to new stories, meet new people, have a new roommate to share our life with... A new chapter of our lives begins.