Caligo

Chapter: 1
Sector: Perfodio
Subject: Tenvis
 
I’ve never seen the sky. But I know what it is. The vast expanse of blue encasing the earth, or at least it was blue at one point in the past. Before the disaster. 
 
Clink, clink, clink.
I watched with satisfaction as sparks danced from the point where my hammer and chisel met. The familiar niggle in my arm had just begun after three hours of incessantly pounding at the wall of rock before me.
After resting my hammer and chisel on the dust-covered floor, I stood and slowly rotated my shoulder.
Maybe I should request a shoulder support from one of the Sanitatum… No, I’ll be fine.
I retrieved my old, rusted shovel from the opening of the newly created tunnel and began hauling my accumulated crumb into my smuggled mine cart. 
‘Curse the earth, Tenvis. Why are you still digging on our one day off? Look how much crumb you’ve got here.’ Ira stood at the exit of my narrow tunnel and approached, ducking under the makeshift torch, sticking out from the wall, already shaking his head.
I turned to him, standing my shovel against the cart, and wiping my blackened hands on my overalls.
‘Not so loud; not all Supplicium are as neglectful as Caecus, and you know he’s on leave right now.’ I walked towards him, trying to prevent him from seeing how much progress I’d made with my most recent tunnelling venture.
Mining is all I know. It’s all anyone outside of the Supplicium in Perfodio knows. Ever since humans went underground this is what we do, day in and day out. 
He stopped before me, just a few inches from being toe to toe. But his eyes failed to look over my broad shoulders. Ira has always been shorter than me, always been smaller than most. His whole life it’s been a weakness for him. As a child he was picked on, always an easy target. Everyone knew who he was. The orphan boy, spawn to rebel scum. When it came time to start working in the mines he had to work harder than anyone else to prove himself. 
And I’ve come to learn how he manged the challenge.
His stubborn determination is unbeatable. I realized it two years ago when we were paired on the same tunnel project. It was the first time we had ever spoken to each other. We had the unfortunate company of a particularly ruthless Supplicium guard. 
Five hours into our shift, we were yet to have our break, and still with three hours remaining. I was drenched with sweat and my breaths were raspy with thirst, but I could make it through to the end.
Ira however, standing a foot shorter than me at the time, was not faring well. Dizziness was claiming him as his eyelids sagged halfway over his pupils, his hands shook as he lifted the pickaxe over his head again and again. 
Luckily the Supplicium only had a view of our backs as we pounded the tenacious rocks. 
But I could see Ira clearly. Every time his body swayed he stood taller, with every tremble of his wrists his grip on the axe tightened. Fire burned in his half-open eyes, a relentless flame that would not be extinguished. 
‘Hey, are you all right,’ I whispered to him, leaning over slightly. 
At this his eyes unexpectedly flew open. They slid over to me, without his head turning, as he continued to strike the wall before us. And something in his expression struck me. Something that engraved itself in my memory that I will never forget. Close to hatred but not quite. Fierce mistrust. 
Silent, strained moments passed between us but his thin grey eyes eventually shifted back to the wall.
As if he had been injected by an unknown source of strength, he then started to attack the wall with malice. His blows to the rock were determined and unyielding. 
But it didn’t last.
Half an hour later he was swaying and sagging, even more so than before. He was going to collapse.
I lowered my pickaxe. ‘I’m going to tell the Supplicium you need to rest.’ I knew I would get punished for insolence and being lazy. Mercy was seldom exercised among the Supplicium, or by anyone else in the mines of Perfodio for that matter. But I had to at least try and get him the break he so clearly needed.
I turned toward the guard but before I could take a step I was suddenly slammed up against the tunnel wall.
It was him. That small, shaky, scrawny boy who barely came up to my shoulder was pinning me against the jagged rock. 
I stared down into his contorted face, his dark hair flopping over his forehead. I felt his steaming breath rushing through the gaps between his gritted teeth. I could barely look into his smouldering eyes, burning with hate, before I was battered with a shower of fists.
He was hitting me. Why?
But I wasn’t pummelled for long as he was dragged off me, the Supplicium’s club already raised.
All I could do was watch in horrified disbelief as this boy, who moments ago had stared at me, eyes aflame with loathing, got beaten to a pulp.
I took a step forward in my dazed state, somehow ready to intervene, but the Supplicium was not so consumed in his gruesome task that he had forgotten about my presence. ‘Back to work boy!’ I couldn’t disobey a direct command from a Supplicium and so I turned away and picked up my axe. The only sounds were the pounding of me hammering the rock and the Supplicium having a similar effect on his victim.
Sometime after, Ira was once again at my side, mining away at the wall. I tentatively looked him over, bearing in mind his previous reaction to my concern.    
Already his face was swollen, blood streaming from his nose. His overalls ripped and dusty from where he’d been forced to the floor. He hunched slightly and I was sure that the Supplicium had spent a fair amount of time kicking him in the stomach. 
We had to work two extra hours because of our misconduct, but the whole time Ira didn’t falter again, his eyes focused and flaming. 
A few days after the incident, outside of duty hours, I found Ira in an old and abandoned lift shaft. It seemed we both liked to wonder.
My curiosity wouldn’t allow me to just leave him be. 
I introduced myself and apologized for what happened. I tried to ask why he did what he did as I didn’t understand, but Ira was not the talkative type. I’d barely got word out and he stormed away from me. I tried to follow but he was gone. 
Over the next few weeks this second encounter was repeated many times. I would find him in secluded dark places and make an attempt at conversation and he would leave, seemingly vanishing into thin air. Sometimes he would get angry and try to fight me, but I was stronger and so he would just run.
After about a month his resolve weakened and he began to tolerate my presence. Most of the time I would just sit with him and he would be forced to listen to my babble, but eventually he started talking back. He introduced himself as ‘Ira’ but that was all he really said at first. He would engage curtly in my conversations but rarely spoke about himself. We would often meet and formed something resembling a friendship. 
I often spoke about myself, how I had missed living with my mother, and sister after moving to the miner’s quarters at the age of thirteen. But Ira never said a word about his past... his parents.
The look in his eyes was the only thing that kept my curiosity at bay. 
‘Even Caecus would have a fit if he knew you’d started another tunnel.’ Ira followed me as I exited my newly formed project. I’d have to come back and deal with the mound of crumb later. ‘How can you do all that in one day? And may I remind you yet again, it’s our DAY OFF.’ Ira rubbed his temples as we walked towards the main tunnels.
Shrugging my shoulders at him, I said, ‘I didn’t have anything else to do, really.’
‘Of course, that’s what you’d say. It’s our first full day off in four months and you decide to do the one thing we spend our lives doing. Tsk,’ he threw his lean arms in the air as he exclaimed.
I paused in my stride, folding my arms as I leaned against the tunnel wall. ‘What have you been doing all day then?’ I tiltedmy head up and looked down to him.
For a short moment, his mouth was open in surprise. I didn’t usually question him about his habits, and what he spent the little free time we had doing. And for good reason.
The moment passed and he furrowed his brow like he always did and looked down as he leaned against the opposite wall. ‘I was sleeping.’ Liar. Ira isn’t the type to relax. I have no idea what he was doing but it wasn’t that.
‘Don’t tell me you’ve got a girl,’ I asked.
‘What? What on Terra Orbis are you talking about? Howcould I…’ he trailed off, pushing from the wall and fidgeting.
Women don’t work in the mines but there are many jobs for them to do. Cooking the food, cleaning the miner’s living quarters and washing our overalls. Some women even transport mine carts if they’re strong enough to push them. Ira had never shown any interest in girls but it didn’t make teasing him any less entertaining. It also didn’t explain why he looked so guilty.
‘And anyway, speaking of girls. Why didn’t you go and see that family of yours you’re always going on about? Your mother and your sister.’
It was rare for him to bring up my family and I had to blink away the surprise from my eyes before answering. ‘Both of them are on laundry duty until midnight tonight,’ I said.
Ira relaxed slightly. ‘Oh, I see.’
A strange silence fell between us that was not entirely unfamiliar. We’ve known each other for a long while now and spend a fair amount of time In each other’s company, but not one of us understands the other. For example, Ira can never understand how I can find satisfaction and tranquillity from the monotonous work of mining, when I do it alone at least. In the same way, I still can’t fully comprehend why he did what he did on that day we first met, and why his grey irises always seemed so ablaze with crackling embers. Not of colour but of heart. We didn’t quite relate, while at the same time we had come to depend on each other in a peculiar way. 
‘C’mon I’m hungry. The mess hall won’t be too busy at this hour,’ Ira said.
‘Yeah sure.’ We started to walk again. As we neared the end of the tunnel I said, ‘All that sleeping must have really taken it out of you.’
Ira ignored my teasing comment as we turned into the main passage. 

Chapter: 2 
Sector: Supplicium 
Subject: Pius
 
‘Pius Fero, Supplicium.’
The graduation drums were beating in time with my steps as I marched up to the podium. My heart pounded in my chest but my pace was steady as I climbed the stairs.
I had been waiting for this moment for so long and it was finally here. I’m going to serve Caligo as a Supplicium guard, just like my father did. 
The lights half blinded me as I reached the stage, but I managed to accept my alumnus papers without faltering. I knew my father was watching and I hoped I made him proud. 
Jabir, my friend, waved to me from the Supplicium graduate’s stand and I went to stand with him. My nerves settled down when I was at the back of the stage with my former classmates who had also graduated from Doctrina today.
Doctrina is where the children of the Supplicium, Sanitatum and Hexis are educated before we decide which sectors we wish to join. The strong go to Supplicium, the beautiful go to Hexis and the rest go to Sanitatum. It’s an easy choice for most people to make. The majority of boys go to the Supplicium and most girls go to Hexis and almost anyone can get into Sanitatum, so it all works out.  
I’d always wanted to be a Supplicium like my Father, and as I heard the drums beating for the next student I knew I had made the right decision.
Through the glaring lights I looked out into the crowd for my father but I couldn’t see him. Instead I saw a man and women crying in two seats in the front row. 
I leant over to Jabir, ‘Hey, who are they? I recognize them.’
Jabir surveyed the crowd and quickly spotted who I was referring to. ‘They’re the parents of that weird guy. What was his name? Gavriil?’ He rubbed his jaw in contemplation. ‘Didn’t you hear?’
I looked at him and shrugged.
Recognising my ignorance, Jabir went on to say, ‘Gavriil didn’t choose a sector.’ My eyes widened in shock. Acknowledging my surprise, Jabir continued, ‘I know. Some people were saying he was getting banished to the outside, but I doubt it’s anything so dramatic. He’s probably just being sent to Convoco or Fomes, or Colluvio even. That’s enough of a hell-hole that he’ll come running back, begging for a place with the Sanitatum.’
I stared at Gavriil’s mother weeping for her absent son. ‘You think they’ll let him do that, after not choosing?’
‘I don’t know, probably. But I’m pretty sure people don’t actually get chucked outside.’
Frowning, I considered the idea. No one can survive on the outside, at least not without major help. If they expelled people from Caligo that would be the same as killing them. The same as murder.
A frown fell across my face. 
Jabir nudged me in my side. ‘Oh, c’mon Pius. Lighten up.This is our big day, enjoy it. I will certainly be enjoying the perks of a Supplicium guard.’ He smirked at all the Hexis girls, huddled in the stands to the left of ours. ‘Oh yes, none of the girls will be able to resist us in our uniforms.’
I chuckled and stared into the crowd, hoping my father was watching. ‘If you say so.’
 
Searching through the mass of people after the graduate commemoration, I found my father by the door to the ceremonial hall. 
He opened his arms as I approached. ‘My boy, well done today. You looked very good on that stage and you’ll look even better in your uniform. I bet you can’t wait.’
Stepping back from his embrace I said to him ‘No, sir I can’t.’
‘You know your mother would be very proud of you, just like I am.’ The lines around his eyes crinkled as he smiled at me. ‘I just hope you’re a better guard than your father and don’t have to retire early like me.’ He poked me in the leg with his walking stick.
‘I can only hope to be half the guard you were, Dad.’ I lookedat him, hunched over on his walking stick, his medals still attached to his suite jacket. 
‘Thank you, son, that means a lot to me.’ He quickly wiped a tear from his eye before hugging me again. ‘I know we won’t be seeing each other as much as before now you’ve graduated but I hope you know I’ll always be supporting you.’
‘I know.’ I looked down and smiled at him, noticing how small he’d become in his old age.
‘All right then.’ He looked away and I felt my chest twist. ‘You best be off to the barracks; work starts straight away in the Supplicium. Don’t want you to be late. Off you go now, son.’ He looked down to the floor again.
‘Goodbye Dad.’
I turned and walked away, heading to the Supplicium barracks. 
 
When I got there I was glad to find Jabir had saved me a top bunk, which was adjacent to the one he now lounged on. The barracks were located next door to the Supplicium headquarters which was a large stone building with pillars lining the front steps. I had never been inside but it must be huge as I couldn’t see where it ended because the back is cut off by the wall of the dome it occupied. Caligo is made up of a network of connected domes to protect us from the outside.
The barracks aren’t nearly as grand, especially the ones for the new recruits. My new bunk was at the back of a long wooden shed that was filled with rows upon rows of similar creaking, wooden beds. There must have been at least ten other buildings like this one holding hundreds of guards. 
And now I was one of them. A fully-fledged Supplicium. 
I laid back on my mattress, not caring as the springs pressed into my back, and stared at the ceiling, listening to the buzz of excitement in the air. More new Supplicium were filing in and getting settled. 
Suddenly, I heard the screech of mattress springs as Jabir shot bolt upright on his bed. Turning over on my side to face him, I waited for an explanation.
‘Woah, can you believe it?’ I stared at him blankly. Looking at me with excited eyes, Jabir said, ‘I mean, I know there were a couple of girls in our year graduating into Supplicium but I didn’t know they’d be put in our bunk. This is brilliant.’ Jabir smiled and I followed his sly gaze.
I was not surprised to see three girls being herded in through the door with a group of others. Once you’re in the Supplicium it doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl. All that matters is that you complete your duty, so everyone is treated equally. Girls can’t get separate, private quarters just because they’re girls. Which is why I don’t understand why everyone else, Jabir most of all, is gawking at them. 
‘Didn’t you know men and women share quarters in the Supplicium?’ I said to Jabir.
He turned to me, tearing his eyes away from the spectacle of the girl’s arrival. ‘No. Sorry, we all didn’t have an amazing Supplicium Dad to teach us the ways of the world. My parents are Sanitatum.’
‘Maybe, it’s best you didn’t know; it might have swayed your decision.’
‘And you’re telling me it didn’t sway yours?’
I frowned at him. Of course, I didn’t join this sector to get girls. I joined because… well he knows why I joined. I’ve been banging on about it since we were both six. 
The lumpy mattress squeaked again as I twisted back over on my bed. I needed to get some rest before work startedtomorrow. But before I closed my eyes I caught sight of something. A long, blonde ponytail swinging between pulled back shoulders.
Jabir rolled his eyes, beside me. ‘Oh great! I forgot she got into Supplicium.’
Sabina Proli stared at me with icy blue eyes as she mounted the free bunk left next to me. She had known me and Jabir all the way through Doctrina, but I wouldn’t call us friends. Now I would have the joy of sleeping in between her and Jabir’s bickering every night.
Sabina sat on the bed, looking smug as she said, ‘Glad to see we’re going to be fellow guards, Pius.’ She smiled sweetly but I didn’t feel like she was trying to be kind. I sat up, feeling strangely vulnerable under her intense gaze. 
Flipping his legs over the side of the bunk to face her, Jabir said ‘Why couldn’t you just go and follow your friends into Hexis like a good girl? Did they not think you were pretty enough or something? And why did you have to pick this bunk? We don’t want you here either.’
‘Pius, you don’t mind if I sleep, here do you?’ She batted her long eyelashes at me and I stared at the sapphire orbs of her eyes. Her voice had the silky soft tone of a siren. She would have been fine in Hexis as a singer, one of the best even. Why did she pick Supplicium?
Her lashes still waved at me as she waited for a reply. ‘I don’t care.’ I heard Jabir tut behind me.
Raising her eyebrows at Jabir Sabina said ‘Well, I think it should be fine then.’
Laying back and closing my eyes, I tried to get some sleep before the hard work started tomorrow. 
 

Chapter: 3
Sector: Hexis 
Subject: Bellus 
 
Madam Gloria, head Choreographer of the renowned dance group Saltator, looked down her nose at me disapprovingly. 
‘You were the top of your class in Hexis attributes, Miss Bellus. Could you start acting like it please and get the damnsteps right?’ She strutted away from me as the other girls sniggered. 
Before I graduated Doctrina, my mother secured me a place in Saltator through her various connections with distinguished Hexis. At this moment, I was wishing she hadn’t. Madam Gloria seemed to hate me and picked at every little thing I got wrong, even though I was certain I was hitting the steps better than half the people in here. 
But Madam Gloria’s distain for me was nothing compared to that of the other girls here. I felt their eyes at my back digging into me like daggers. I didn’t pay them any attention. I would have felt just as resentful if I were a twenty-something-year-old and I had to share the stage with a newly graduated Hexis, who was barely 19 and who hadn’t even auditioned. But apparently, I earned my place by being the daughter of Tamela Materies, the best actress in the history of Caligo. 
‘You have a responsibility Bellus! You must do well and prove yourself In Saltator to uphold the Materies family name.’
I heard the familiar words of my mother as I took up my starting position, ready to run the dance from the top again. 
At least being a part of this pretentious dance group meant that I didn’t have to live at home anymore. I was now living in the dormitories attached to this dance studio, much to the other’s girl’s dismay. But I didn’t mind; it’s not like I needed them to like me. 
Madam Gloria stood at the front of the room with her arms crossed. ‘We are going to run this blasted dance until it is perfect. There’s only one more week until you perform at the ball in the imperial ballroom. Do you wish to make fools of yourselves?’
‘No, Madam Gloria,’ Some of the more brave dancers replied. 
‘Well then, we’re going to do it again and you’re going to get it right. I don’t care if we’re here all night and I don’t care if you’re toes are bleeding, just do it.’
The music started and I moved to the beat, giving it my best. I refused to give Madam Gloria the satisfaction of criticising me again. 
 
A week later and I was huddled in a cramped changing room along with the other Saltator members and various Hexis who were also performing at the ball.
The Magnus were making a fuss because it was some big shot’s birthday, but I just wanted to get it over with already. Madam Gloria had dressed us all in ridiculous costumes that she designed herself, although I could not give her much credit. The costume consisted of two pieces of purple material draped over our fronts and backs, barely concealing anything on our sides. I wondered if my mother would approve of these outfits, but luckily, she was not here. My skin itched as I felt I’d been bathed in body glitter from head to toe, and I looked less like a human and more like sparkling, purple blob as it covered every inch of my skin. 
In an instant, the door burst open and Madam Gloria nearly toppled over a harp as she barged through, not her usual elegant and refined self. She pushed past the other performers as she made her way over to us, looking flustered.
We all leaned in as she spoke ‘Right girls, the choir before us is just finishing up so it’s nearly time. Get yourselves ready. I hope you all know how important tonight is, as there are many influential Magnus out there that could make or break your careers.’ Her face was red and she fanned herself down as she talked. 
How very comforting, I thought.
The door flew open again and what must have been the choir all filed in. A Hexis, who I assumed to be helping with organisation tonight, signalled for us to go.
I followed the other girls as we ran out the door in single file. 
I heard Madam Gloria call after us as we went, ‘Do me proud girls.’ It was a nice change from her usually exasperated tone. 
I struggled to see as I entered the ball room, straining my eyes against the dark lighting. There was a large open space with crowds of Magnus stood around it and we took up our starting positions there, as multiple spotlights fell upon us.
This was our stage.
From somewhere else in the room I heard music rise up and roll towards us. I started to move in time with the other girls. I forgot about the watching crowd and focused on the steps. This is the only time I peacefully coexisted with the rest of the Saltator dancers as we all did our best to make our movements work together. I ducked below arms and swept a leg over the head of another girl. We all swayed as one unit, letting the music be our guide. My heart pounded as I travelled across the space, forgetting where I was for a moment. 
When the music stopped I held my position with the rest of the girls and waited as Madam Gloria walked into the circle, bowing, and accepting the applause.
After our performance was over and the rush of being centre stage had subsided, I turned to go back to the changing room but Madam Gloria disappeared in the opposite direction. The other girls started to mingle with the crowd, talking and accepting drinks.
Uncertain of what to do, I went and stood by a window at the back of the crowd, keeping my eyes on a few of the other girls to check they didn’t leave without me.
Half hiding behind a curtain, I considered whether I should make my way back to the changing room alone or just leave this silly parade of a ball all together. But I’d most probably end up lost, so I decided against it.
I stood awkwardly, not knowing what to do as I tried to hide my skimpy outfit. The other dancers didn’t seem to mind being on full display but I was far from used to it and I attempted to cover myself and shrink into the shadow of the wall.
I didn’t expect to be allowed to join the party; this was being hosted for the Magnus, after all. 
Suddenly a drink was being handed to me. I looked up and found that a tall Magnus man was smiling down at me, presenting a glass of champagne.  
I examined him as I took it. He looked to be in his late twenties. His hair was tied back in a ponytail that extended down between his shoulder blades and I stared at his pale face and equally pale, blue eyes. He wore a simple suit, and I couldn’t make out the exact colour of it because of the dark lighting, but he didn’t look half as grand as most of the other Magnus in here. I was not feeling in the mood to have a pleasant conversation with him but I tried not to turn my noise up.
Mirroring my stance by leaning his back against the wall he said to me as he extended his hand. ‘It’s wonderful to meet you.’ I took his hand and shook it wearily. ‘Your dancing was divine. You’re doing very well having only joined Saltator, what was it…three weeks ago? Very good show indeed.’ He smiled at me and I had to tilt my head up as he towered above.
‘Thank you.’ I tried to pull my hand away but he still held onto it firmly.
‘What’s your name?’ he said, finally releasing my hand.
I took a long sip of my drink, debating how beneficial it will be to tell him. Staring out at the crowd I said to him ‘Bellus Materies.’ I tried to sound slightly dull and disinterested so he’d tire of me, but it didn’t appear to work.
‘Ah, you’re part of the famed Materies family.’ He smiledagain, apparently entertained. ‘What a talented blood line.’
‘Yes, it’s my bloodline that gives me talent. It’s nothing at all to do with me or my hard work. It’s because I’m a Materies and nothing more, of course.’ I rolled my eyes at the notion.
But shortly after I was struck with an icy panic. I had just insulted a Magnus. It’s wasn’t like I was part of the Vulgus so I didn’t have to grovel on my knees but I was still Hexis, I was still below him. And I most certainly, should not have just said that.
Shrinking back against the wall I waited for him to storm off and complain to Madam Gloria saying I should be kicked out of Saltator, or hit me, or something,
I waited, but no such strike came.
Hesitantly, I looked up at him expecting to see fury on his face, but he was still smiling at me.
‘Sorry, that was rude,’ I said quickly.
‘You don’t have to apologies.’ Slowly, he lifted a hand to my face and pushed a stray hair behind my ear, stroking my check as he did so. ‘Curious… How curious you are.’

Chapter: 4
Sector: Perfodio
Subject: Tenvis 
 
I rose early that morning, three hours before I needed to be in shaft 17 for today’s duty. 
Most days are so similar that they tend to blur together. I wake, I work, and I sleep with some eating in between. My life is simple and easy because that’s the way it works. Caligo has given me the gift of a role and I must fulfil it… and how could I forget? It’s drilled into every aspect of our lives here. 
My mother and sister too, have their roles which don’t often overlap with mine. 
That is why I was up, in the early hours of the morning, hurrying down deserted passages to Domus: my old home, where most of the women and families live. 
My sister, Alivia, waited at the opening to our alcove as I ran the final distance down the dim, grey corridor. 
I stopped in front of her and rested my hand on her head. ‘You’re looking rather small for a fifteen-year-old, have they been feeding you in the laundrette?’ I pulled her to me and her thin arms squeezed my middle. 
Her round eyes beamed up at me through the strands of her dusky, blonde hair as she said ‘I eat plenty thank you very much. Go inside quickly, mother is waiting for you and a Supplicium might come.’ She motioned with her hands to shoo me inside.
‘There won’t be any Supplicium patrolling the women’s quarter at this hour,’ I said. Alivia fiddled with her shirt and looked down as she rushed into the shadow of the alcove and I followed. 
Each alcove of the Domus is occupied by a family or groups of adult women that have yet to have children, as most of the men live in the mines. They don’t have doors but rather a small, doorway-shaped-whole in the side of the passageway wall that leads to one room. My family’s alcove is identical to all others that are occupied by two working women. There is a bunk bed on the right-hand wall, a sink on the left and a curtain at the back, behind which lies a toilet. The room is lit by a light bulb that is hung from the low ceiling, buzzing, and flickering as it illuminates the small space. 
I sat down on the bottom bunk next to my mother and Alivia rested herself against the sink. ‘You’re looking well mother, no bandages this time, that’s nice.’ I crossed my legs on the mattress and faced her, feeling like a little boy again, as I always did in her presence. 
‘A minor scold in the laundrette is nothing, it happens to everybody.’ She flexed her hand to reassure me that it had healed. ‘So, how is my boy doing in the mines?’
‘Same as before really nothing has changed since I saw you last. I’ve been lucky and am still in a unit with Caecus, and he’s one of the good Supplicium. He’s never- ‘     
I was cut off when my mother said, ‘Tenvis, you know you shouldn’t talk about them here. Even if you are saying that you like him.’
I balled my fits in frustration and looked down. I hated not being able to talk freely with them, but my mother was right; I could get us all in trouble just by being here.
Taking a light breath out before turning to my sister, I said ‘And how is the lovely Alivia getting on in her new position of the Laundry Maiden’s First Runner?’ I smiled widely at her.
Alivia pushed off the sink and stood proudly. ‘I’m doing just fine, thank you very much. It’s not like it’s a hard job. I just repeat what the Maiden says to other workers that she can’t be bothered to address herself. Oh, and sometimes, when she’s feeling generous, she even lets me fetch her a drink and retrieve any loose rags that get jammed in the machines. I’m mainly working nights, it’s such fun,’ she said sarcastically. 
Mother cut in again. ‘Alivia, what did I just say to Tenvis. We shouldn’t be speaking badly of our superiors.’ She frowned, and Alivia looked down again.
‘Well it sounds like good, easy work to me.’ I tried to brighten the mood.
I stayed there for a while longer, catching up with the two of them. It had been at least a month since I saw them last after all. They both seemed exactly as they had been the last time. Mother tired and Alivia restless. But Alivia should be grateful. Doing errands for the Laundry Maiden was much better than getting scolded in a job like Mother’s.  
I barely noticed that two hours had passed when something cut off the conversation.
We all tensed as we heard a clattering sound in the next-door alcove, like someone had just nocked something off a shelf, onto the floor. Then silence. 
My mother’s voice was much more hushed than before. ‘Tenvis, you should leave. A new woman moved in next door and I wouldn’t put it passed her to ease drop. You know what they’ll do if they catch you outside visiting hours. Go now,’she ordered.
Alivia stepped forward to protest, but mother already had her arm outstretched to stop her. 
I wanted to say Goodbye and tell them that I would see them soon, but I couldn’t risk making more noise. If this new neighbour was listening and she had heard my voice, there might be trouble. 
Giving them both a quick squeeze of a hug I left, not needing to see the tears rolling down Alivia’s face, as the wet patches were already marking my top. 
 
It was almost time for our morning meal so I made my way to the mess hall. 
Being left with nothing but my own company after visiting my family was never a good idea. It was wonderful to see them but it was always painful to leave. 
As I got closer, the number of people filling the corridors increased as everyone was going to eat. I got to the entrance of the dining area, where an unusually large crowd of people had formed around the doorway. Voices echoed off the corridor walls in the commotion. 
Panic gripped me.
Please no! Please, not again!
But as I pushed through the crowd, a familiar scene met my eyes. 
Ira was on the floor being held down by two older men, while a third loitered above holding a tray of food. The crowd surrounded them like a horde of swarming vulchers, and their arms blocked my way forward to my friend. I watched in horror, helpless against the barricade of shoulders and elbows. 
The angry mob made their opinion on the matter immediately clear. ‘Get him Rego!’ ‘Go on, teach the rebellious, little shit a lesson!’ ‘Not so fierce without his parents, is he?’
Ira stared at the floor, directing his fury to the ground. His nostrils flared at his anger-filled breaths and they could barely keep his shoulders from heaving as he tried to contain his rage. But he’d never be able to get free; these men were far larger than him, even larger than me. 
Rego, the man stood over Ira, looked down on him with a sly smile, tray in hand. ‘As much as I hate to waist good food on dirty, rebel scum, I’m also against stealing. So, here you wretch, you can have your breakfast back.’
Rego lifted the tray high and the two other men held Ira forward. The tray fell and slammed onto Ira’s head with a painful thud. 
It was only when Ira’s blood started to trickle down his face that they released him, and the crowd dispersed. 
I rushed to Ira to help him but he pushed me away.
Looking around to find someone to help, all I could see weretwo Supplicium guards watching.
And laughing.

Chapter: 5
Sector: Supplicium 
Subject: Pius 
 
Standing beside my bunk, I stared down at the crisp black uniform of a Supplicium that now belonged to me. 
‘Looking good solider.’ Jabir leaned on the post of his bed, giving me an encouraging nod.
Before I could reply a head popped out from beside him and said, ‘Move, you’re in my way.’ Rudis is also a new Supplicium and decided to claim the bottom bunk beneath Jabir’s, which is a decision he seems to be regretting. Jabir and I stared after him as he stormed off to the washrooms, in the back corner of this humungous shed.
Rolling his eyes Jabir said, ‘Well excuse me.’
‘I’d be in a much worse mood if I had to share a bunk with you.’ I heard Sabina’s voice from behind me and decided to absorb myself in the beauty of my uniform’s buttons, rather than be a witness to the oncoming fight. 
But I heard another voice behind me, that was much smaller say ‘Sorry, can I get through?’
‘Oh yeah. Excuse me,’ I replied as I stepped aside for the slim framed boy who had claimed the bunk bellow mine. His name was Filius and I quickly lost sight of him as he slipped away into the mass of awakening bodies.
I’d have to introduce myself properly later. 
As the thought crossed my mind, the front door to the barracks slammed open and the windows shook with the impact. Everyone went silent from the shock. 
A loud and domineering voice barrelled across the space ‘Recite the Supplicium core principles.’
I strained my neck to try and find the source of this intimidating presence but I was too far back from the front. Instead I received many confused looks as everyone attempted to work out what we were supposed to be doing. Jabir lifted his hands in the air and shrugged at me as I gave him a questioning look.
I heard the voice again, much more angered than before ‘What did I just say? Supplicium follow orders, so do it. Now.’
We had to recite the core principles of the Supplicium that we’d learned in Doctrina but the room was still silent as everyone looked around dumb founded, myself included.
But unable to stand the uncomfortable silence any longer I took a deep breath and tried to project my voice as I said, ‘Devoted and loyal we Supplicium are.’ Pausing nervously as all eyes fall on me, I continued. ‘To Caligo we owe our place…’
Slowly more voices joined and soon everyone was chanting the mantra we now lived by.
‘And to the Magnus we owe our service
Solid we stand when together we band
Forever the fateful guardians 
A Supplicium heart stands true and strong
Seeking out justice when there is wrong.’
The room went silent at the last word and I held my breath, waiting for the verdict from the mysterious voice at the front.
‘Line up outside headquarters. And tomorrow morning that chant better not be so awful.’ We all filed out of the shed, following the orders of the commanding voice.
Once we were all outside, I stood next to Jabir as we looked up at the huge stone pillars that lined the outside of the Supplicium headquarters.
I could see the owner of the voice now, looking down at us from the top of the steps. He was a large, stone-faced man with greying hair. He stood with his back facing headquarters as he stared us all down with a tyrannical glower. The fabric of his Supplicium uniform seemed to be straining over his broad shoulders and chest.
A wiry, rake-like man stood next to him, with black shoulder length hair. He wore a red velvet suit that glimmered under the overhead lights. His angular face was tilted upwards as he lifted his chin up high. A strong sense of entitlement radiated off of him and, immediately I could tell he was a Magnus. 
The Supplicium man, finally introducing himself said ‘I am commander Torem, overseer of all new Supplicium recruits. Which means I’m responsible for all of you and your mistakes, so don’t make any. I expect you to work hard and follow orders to the letter. Is that clear?’ His voice was stern, demanding respect and submission.
As one, we all replied, ‘Yes, Sir.’
Commander Torem gestured to the slim, Magnus man next to him ‘This is Quinn Apex.’ Everyone stood straighter at the mention of his name and I felt the crowd go rigid as we all held our breath.
Most children of Doctrina encounter the Magnus from time to time. But now we are official Supplicium guards having graduated. We are their direct servants, charged with their protection, so this felt much more serious. 
The Commander continued ‘He is one of the head overseers in the Supplicium force and will be partly responsible for monitoring your progress.’ Quinn Apex smiled down at us, exposing two rows of sparkling white teeth which seemed more threatening than welcoming. ‘So, you owe him your upmost respect.’
Everyone in the crowd moved their right hand to their forehead in a salute.
Quin Apex, seemingly satisfied with our display of capitulation, turned on his heel and strolled into the Supplicium headquarters through the ornate, wooden doors. 
After a short moment, Commander Torem produced a long sheet of paper from his suit jacket. ‘I will know assign to you each a sector, in which you will be working for your first couple of months as a Supplicium guard.’
He began reading out names.
 
Once I got to the extensive domes of Cultura, which are the largest I’d ever seen in my life, Commander Torem quickly handed me over to Mr. Custos, the head Supplicium in this sector. I barely got a chance to wave to Jabir as he was whisked away with the rest of the group following the Commander’s march. I was placed in a group of sixty who had been assigned to Cultura, the agricultural sector of Caligo. 
Mr. Custos wasted no time in assigning us our jobs and I was told to stand watch at one of the exit tunnels, much like the one I just entered through. I was instructed to check the permission slips of any Cultura workers coming in or out of the dome.
All day I stood at my assigned post, staring out at the vast fields that occupy this ample, circular container. The panelled lights on the ceiling bleared down and I was given tinted glasses to shield my eyes from the intensity, but the lights were needed to feed the wheat that was growing below. 
Leaning against the smooth walls of the dome, I stared at the hunched over figures of the Cultura workers as they bent down to plant seeds, and hack away at the crops. The most exciting parts of the day were when someone came through the connecting tunnel I was guarding, and I checked their permission slip. None of the Cultura workers looked me in the eye and I got no response when I said they could go. I assumed they were tired from the physical labour, but I would have appreciated a little more courtesy.
Time moved slowly all day and I even contemplated asking Mr. Custos if I could join in with the farm work, to save myself from boredom. But I thought better of the idea, after all, it was my first day and I didn’t want to appear disinterested. 
For the remainder of the day I stayed alert and stood up straight like a Supplicium should. 

Chapter: 6
Sector: Cultura 
Subject: Amabilis
 
There were new Supplicium in the field today. I couldn’t relax because they kept pacing like guard dogs. 
I was wary of them, as a small framed girl like me would be an easy target. They patrolled the borders of the fields, watching us work and picking fights when they felt bored. 
It was obvious these ones were new to the job because they were actually paying attention to what we were doing and standing up straight, instead of lounging by the tunnel exits like the more tried and tested guards did. 
Standing up from my bent over position, I dropped my sickle on the floor and wiped the sweat from my forehead. Stains marked my over-sized skirt from hunching in the dirt. The huge panelled lights glared from above, endlessly buzzing. My back couldn’t take much more, and I felt the familiar twinge on the lower right side of my spine that always troubled me. But the day was almost over. I could make it through.
Picking up my sickle again, I continued to hack at the wheat. 
The Supplicium think that their work is hard when they live such easy lives. Working in Cultura is -quite literally - back breaking. 
In the evening, I found Decus queuing up for dinner. I joined him in the line that led to a rickety table where bland soup was served from an enormous saucepan. ‘I didn’t see you much in the fields today. Did you have lots of running to do?’I asked him as we waited in line. Decus was fortunate because he got to transport goods between different domes when they needed him to. He moved all manner of things like the food we’d grown, equipment, and even animals sometimes. He waslucky. I had never even been to the next dome over. My whole life had been spent in these fields, this one dome.
‘Oh yes, Amabilis, I had a wonderful day transporting goat dung to the fertilising centre in the next dome over,’ He said with the exasperated tone of voice he always used when talking about work.
‘You got to see the goats again? I’m so jealous.’ I’ve always been envious of Decus and his strength. If it weren’t for my back, I could be a runner too and not be trapped here, hacking away at the wheat every day. 
‘I see there are some new Supplicium hanging around,’ said Decus. We both looked over our shoulders at the guards in their black uniforms. 
Returning my attention to the front of the que, I said to Decus ‘What does it matter if they’re new? They’re all the same.’ I shuddered at the thought of their roaming eyes. 
Decus shuffled slightly closer to me in the que and leaned over as he said, ‘Why don’t you make a request to the Sanitatum already?’
‘Why are you bringing that up again?’ I turned away from him, to the front to the que where the food was being served. It would probably be cold by the time they reached the front of the que. 
When the topic of my physical health came up, Decus rarely dropped the subject easily. ‘Every day it’s becoming more and more obvious that your injured back is troubling you. Why don’t you seek help?’
‘In order for me to get help from the Sanitatum I would have to ask a Supplicium guard for permission.’ I would like to avoid interaction with those ruthless guards at all coasts. 
Decus continued to push the issue. ‘You’ve done it before. You can do it again, can’t you? I could ask for you if you want.’ He made to step out of the que and seek out a Supplicium, but I grabbed his elbow to hold him back. A stabbing pain shot up my spine as I did so.
I’ve been seen to by the Sanitatum before, and it seems that there’s nothing they can do for me. 
‘Just stay here and get some food with me,’ I said to him with gritted teeth. 
Decus looked down at me sympathetically, as my bony fingers still gripped his arm. 
I let go and turned away from him once again. 
I’ll never seek help from those heartless Supplicium. 
 

Chapter: 7
Sector: Hexis 
Subject: Bellus 
 
After another one of Madam Gloria’s gruelling rehearsals I went to the dormitories to have a shower.
When I returned from the showers I walked to my bed, ready to collapse into a long night’s sleep.
Unfortunately, Madam Gloria, and a Hexis woman I hadnever seen before stood at the foot of my bed waiting for me. All the other girls stared in my direction expectantly, but I was more confused than they were. 
What could they possibly want with me?
‘Pack your things Bellus, now,’ Madam Gloria ordered.
I thought better of protesting and began to gather up my belongings. She obviously hated me so much she was kicking me out of Saltator, and I didn’t much mind.
While I was collecting my things together, I got a better look at the other woman stood by my bed. She was slightly shorter than Madam Gloria but was still taller than me. She looked like she could be in her mid-twenties and stood confidently with folded arms and pursed lips. Long red hair flowed down her back in waves of striking crimson. She was absolutely beautiful I noticed, as I stood in front of her, having scooped up all my things into my arms. 
She said to me with a clipped tone ‘Follow me.’ Before spinning around and striding out of the room, while whipping me across the face with her hair in the process. 
I raised my eyebrows slightly at Madam Gloria, searching for an explanation. She merely jerked her head to the door, letting me know I should get out.
When I was out of the dorms, I found that the red-haired woman was wasting no time by waiting for me and was already turning a corner down the other end of the corridor.
I ran to catch up and asked, ‘Mind telling me what the hell is going on?’
She picked up her pace and said, ‘Just wait until we get there.’
And so, I waited, following this woman down countless winding corridors, between various domes of sectors I’ve never been in before until I entered one that looked very unfamiliar.
This wasn’t a dome at all, but a gargantuan glass box encasing the entire area. I looked up at a blue expanse that I could only assume was the sky. I barely remember seeing it on trips as a child, we took in Doctrina. The glass encased a huge area of rolling, grassy land. Paths winded through it that lead to enormous mansions. They were not identical but they were all extremely grand with tiled roofs and balconies that looked out onto swimming pools and tennis courts that stretched out over the land behind.  
I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t know where on earth, or where in Caligo I was. And I didn’t know if I should be pleased about it.
The Red-head lead me into the space, and we passed dozens of houses, but I didn’t see anyone around.
Finally, she turned left up a path leading to a pristine house, all in white, with grand steps leading up to a turquoise door at the front, that she pushed past as if she owned the place.
With my patience wearing thin, I said to her. ‘Will you please explain this to me now?’
She didn’t look back as she said ‘Wait here. He’ll tell you.’And disappeared into another room. 
Left alone by the front door, I took in my surroundings.       
The ceiling was high, and a circular stair case was in front of me that led to the floor above. Four doors lay in front of me and I couldn’t remember which one the red-haired girl had gone through to follow her.
Light footsteps sound from above as someone descended the winding stairs.
A tall, slender man with light blonde hair flowing down just past his shoulders, reached the bottom of the stares and walked in my direction. He stopped in front of me and I noticed that his blue eyes were strangely familiar.
I tried to hide the surprise and confusion on my face as the memory surfaced. 
Realizing this was the same man I met at the ball, who was also a Magnus, and whose house I appeared to be stood in, judging by the fluffy white slippers he was wearing, I stepped back.   
I became keenly aware that I was stood here in a jumper and baggy jeans, clutching on to all of my personal belongings for dear life. 
The same smile he gave me that night, now returned to his lips. ‘Welcome to my home, Bellus Materies. I must say, you look leagues better without all the glitter.’
Forgetting my manners once again, I said ‘What am I doing here?’
With a chuckle, he entered a room through a door to my right and went through. After a pause, while I was debating just running out through the front door, I followed him into the room where I found him lounging on a luxurious sofa, one of many that bordered a low-lying table. 
‘Have a seat.’ He gestured to the space next to him, but I sat opposite him, taking up a seat in the chair on the other side of the table. 
I placed my belongings on the floor and folded one leg over the other as I sat, trying to retain some semblance of calm. Iwaited for an explanation.
‘I suppose you’re wondering why I summoned you here.’ I said nothing, and he took my silence for a yes and chuckled again before going on to say ‘I rather enjoyed our little conversation at my birthday party- ‘
Cutting him off, I said ‘The ball was for you?’
‘Yes. How rude of me to not introduce myself.’ He sat forward with a straight back. ‘I am Fastus Mandatum, a Magnus, I’m sure you’ve realized. And I would very much appreciate it if you would come and live with me, so we could share some more enjoyable conversations. We can entertain each other and become friends.’ His shrewd grin didn’t falter.
My mouth was agape as I tried to grasp the situation. So many questions came into my mind and I stupidly asked ‘Who was that woman? The one who brought me here.’
Fastus, seeming to enjoy my shock, leaned back again as he said ‘Oh yes, that is Sibi. I met her nine years ago in a similar way to our meeting and we share the same arrangement as the one I’m offering to you right now.’      
I didn’t realise this was an offer, or that I had a choice in the matter at all. Living here with him.
‘Why would you want me living with you?’
Without hesitation, he said ‘Like I said before, you’re curious Bellus Materies. And I like to collect curious things. May I call you Bell?’ I nodded, and he went on. ‘Of course, I would like you to continue dancing with Saltator; I couldn’t stand your talent going to waste.’
I debated the idea. Maybe it wouldn’t be so terrible. My only other options were to continue living with Madam Gloria’s pack of wolves, or to return home to my mother. Neither option sounded particularly appealing, but I didn’t want to give him an answer yet.
But Fastus didn’t even give me a chance. ‘I feel terrible leaving you like this, but I have a lot of work to be getting on with, so I must leave. I’ll see you at dinner.’ It was unnerving how familiar he was with me when we’re practically strangers, but before I could protest he was already out of the door.

 

Chapter: 8
Sector: Perfodio 
Subject: Ira 
 
One hour.
I had one more hour of chipping away at this blasted rock to go. 
Last week a mining team in one of the newly dug out shafts hit a bed of tin and that’s when things got ridiculous. The warden of this new shaft, ‘channel 36’, called for more hands, and the warden of my tunnel, ‘channel 14’, for some reason decided to hand me over, even though the tunnels are virtually on opposite sides of the mine. 
He most likely wanted to get rid of the gangly weakling he and everyone else thinks I am. The other men’s glares had seemed even more hostile since I had this silly bandage on my head.
I cursed Rego as I ripped it off and threw the bloodied cloth to the side. 
I had been in this shaft all day, for five days straight since our day off. It was bigger than any shaft I had ever worked in before and there were more people here, about twenty including the wardens and Supplicium. The wardens are in charge of the workers and they coordinate activity, deciding where we dig and what we dig. They communicate with other wardens around the mine using radios on their metal belts, which look more like computers. 
But the wardens are still residents of Perfodio, making them lowly creatures in comparison to the mighty Supplicium. The gargoyles that patrol all of Caligo. 
They stayed at the entrance of this vast tunnel. No need to watch us too closely with so many wardens around. But still they lurked, their batons and whips never far from reach. 
Caligo. The word scorched my thoughts.
It’s the civilization in which we live, the last human settlement on Terra Orbis. The one thing we owe everything to. Everything we have: our jobs, our food, even the breath in our lungs we owe to Caligo.
What a load of absolute bullocks.
I’m supposed to believe that slaving away at these rocks, day in and day out, is a precious gift I should treasure. How can I appreciate the breath in my lungs when I’m chocking on the dust-filled air of the mines? 
I think of Tenvis, so content to mine away in his own little world. Never questioning or daring to wonder why we must work such long hours, and who decided it should be this way. But of course, it’s the Magnus. But who are the Magnus? Where are they? Why do we never see them? 
Tenvis would tell me to stop talking rubbish. That there’s a perfectly good reason. The surface of Terra Orbis is toxic, especially to us in Perfodio which is why we must remain under ground and only have restricted contact with the other groups. Surely the Sanitatum, with their advanced medicine,would have discovered a way to cure us by now. It has been 70 years since the disaster. 
There’s something just not right about Caligo. I know it. And my parents knew it too.
   
After duty hours were over I wanted food, but the mess hall is not a good place to go alone. For this reason, I am yet again forced to go and seek out Tenvis and I quickly found him.
Again, in our free evening hours he was chipping away at his new tunnel.
He’s always done this, digging where and when he shouldn’t and only able to do this because of a few sympathetic Supplicium that turn a blind eye. 
How can he do this? How can he readily choose to carry out the will of slave drivers? 
I forced the frustration from my mind as I approached. 
‘Tenvis. Food. Mess Hall. Come,’ I ordered. Tenvis’ head whipped around and his eyes were wide as he stared at me. He smiled in an unnerving way. He looked almost mad. ‘What’s wrong with you?’ I slowed my footsteps, cautious.
‘Ira, look at this!’ he said waving me over. ‘Look at this rock. I’ve never seen stone like this before. Is it stone?’
I peered over his shoulder, the flickering light of his homemade torch barely illuminating the tunnel’s end. Squinting, I realized what he was talking about. 
It was like no rock I’d ever seen before. Rather than the grey stone or orange clay I’m used to, I saw a lighter, yellow loam of soft rock. Tenvis had been using his chisel but the rock didn’t show any evidence of the impact. Instead of having jagged, angular lines where pieces of rock had been forcibly torn away, this was round, and the dents were curved, as if it had fallen away.
I reached out my hand and touched the wall of strange pale rock. It crumbled. It actually crumbled at my delicate touch. What manner of rock could this possibly be?
But this was dangerous. What would happen if someone else found this? The Supplicium…
I stopped myself from thinking it, turning to Tenvis with a stern look on my face. ‘You shouldn’t dig here. Never dig here again, Tenvis. Let’s go.’ 
I start to walk away. I have to stop myself from running. 

Chapter: 9
Sector: Supplicium 
Subject: Pius
 
After a week of working in the Cultura sector, I had my first day off.
I stood with Jabir outside the barracks, as we wondered what to do with ourselves.
Crossing his arms, Jabir sighed with frustration as he stood next to me ‘I didn’t think Supplicium work would be so boring. I know we’re guards, but all we do is stand around watching other people work.’
Leaning against the wooden wall of the shed I agreed with him. ‘I know. I expected it to be a bit more than just… this.’
Jabir turned to me with a frown on his face. ‘What are you complaining about? At least you’re under those big warm lights getting a tan. I’m in Convoco, where they have to keep everything freezing cold or else the machines will overheat. Do you know how boring factories are? Do you Pius?’
Shrugging I said, ‘I’m sure it won’t be like this forever; once we move up the ranks it will get better.’
‘I guess. My only solace at the moment is that I’m not with that unbearable Sabina.’ Jabir fidgets as he mentions her name. He has been complaining about her all the time lately, and as I predicted, they bicker every night while I’m in the middle.
Smirking at him I said, ‘For someone who you supposedly hate, you sure do bring her up a lot.’
For a moment, his mouth fell open. ‘Only because she gets on my nerves so much.’
A blush marked Jabir’s checks, but before I could point it out to him, I heard a voice approaching.
‘Pius Fero.’ I looked up and saw Commander Torem advancing towards us at a worrying pace. ‘You’re wanted at the Base.’ Before he’d even finished speaking, he started turning around towards the grey, stone building of the Supplicium Head Quarters. 
My eyes widened in shock at this unexpected encounter, and I looked to Jabir for help.
‘What did you do wrong, Pius?’ Jabir whispered to me and his words were not comforting at all.
Commander Torem whipped his head round and said, ‘That’s none of your concern.’ He continued his march to headquarters and I ran to catch up with him, giving Jabir one last look as I went. 
As I climbed the large steps up to the wooden doors, I struggled to keep up with the Commander’s long strides.
I’d never been inside the Supplicium headquarters before and I shivered at the cold air on the other side of the doors, as they closed behind me. I blinked as my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting and I stared ahead of me. 
At the bottom of a sizable, sweeping stair case was a desk with a small framed woman sat behind it. Long corridors flowed out from the lobby, with mirrored doors all the way down leading to the left and right. 
Commander Torem’s footsteps echoed as he approached the desk and I followed tentatively behind him, barely able to see past his overbearing frame. 
The woman, looking tiny against the Commander, looked up at us. Her glasses perched over her long nose as commander Torem said ‘Pius Fero, here to see Lieutenant Sophos.’
Am I?
Her eyes flitted back down to the papers before her, as she replied with ‘She’s ready for you.’
‘Thank you,’ The Commander said curtly as he strode down the corridor to our right.
I paused for a moment, staring stupidly at the woman occupying the desk, before I stumbled after him, wondering what on Terror Orbis was going on.
We walked for what seemed like an eternity, as this corridor didn’t appear to have an end. Commander Torem stopped abruptly and I almost walked into his back as he opened a door on the left and ordered me inside. Stepping past him I entered the room. I turned to look back at him, but he closed the door before I could get a word out and I was left, without an explanation.
After taking a deep breath, I steeled myself, and turned to face my fate as I had no doubt this must be serious. Otherwise Commander Torem wouldn’t have dragged me here himself. 
On the other side of the room, in front of large bay windows I was faced with yet another desk with an older woman sat behind it. She had silver hair and looked to be about the same age as my father, although she didn’t look nearly as frail. 
She gave me a half smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes, as she said, ‘You can hover by the door if you like, but I would prefer that you sat down, if you don’t mind.’
I nodded stiffly and sat in one of the two chairs before her desk, trying to work out if I was being expelled from the Supplicium…or worse. 
But what could I have done wrong, after being a qualified Supplicium for less than a month? 
‘Would you like a drink of something, Pius?’ My name sounded condemning as she motioned to the table of jugs containing liquids of various colours, by the far wall to my left. 
‘I’m fine, thank you.’ I said, trying to stop my top lip from quivering.
‘My name is Lieutenant Sophos, it’s a pleasure to meet you.’
Slightly bowing in my chair, I said ‘It’s an honour to meet you.’ At least I assumed it was, judging by the many emblems adorning her uniform. She must be a top ranking Supplicium, perhaps even higher than my father. 
She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the desk, before saying ‘Right, now Pius.’ Oh no, this must be bad, I thought as she went on. ‘You have been summoned here today because many high ranking Supplicium officials, myself included, think you possess…potential.’
I blinked at her, unable to think of what to say. Potential?
‘You are the son of Porro Fero, are you not?’
‘I am.’
‘Your farther has done much for the Supplicium sector in his many years of service, and we thought to repay your family by giving you some extra opportunities.’ She paused waiting for me to respond.
‘I-I don’t understand.’ If they want to repay my farther why don’t they go and speak to him? 
‘We’re certain you’re going to make a fine Supplicium guard, so we thought we’d give you some added responsibilities to push you to your full potential. There will be privileges involved as well.’ She looked at me expectantly.
I looked down at my knees, unable to process the situation. ‘Shouldn’t I have to earn these privileges by working my way up the ranks, like everyone else?’
Her smiling mask faltered for a moment as her brows furrowed, but it was quickly replaced with a welcoming look. ‘You will in time, with the specialized assignments we have for you.’
I thought better than to protest as she went on. ‘You see we can’t give certain tasks to everyone because most people are only suited to working with the Vulgus, in the lower ranking sectors. But you, Pius, will be working more closely for the Magus, which is an extremely important job.’
I didn’t know why I felt so sceptical of this sudden opportunity, as I said, ‘And this is all because of my farther?’
‘And because of the great potential you’ve shown your superiors so far.’
By doing what? Standing around, watching a field for a week?
Lieutenant Sophos frowned at me. ‘I didn’t think you would be so ungrateful, Pius. There are many others up to the task who we could ask instead if you’d prefer.’
I contemplated the idea. I couldn’t turn down such a request from multiple high ranking Supplicium; I might never move up the ranks if I did.
‘No. I’m very eager to take on these extra duties and carry on with my normal work as well.’
She smiled, seemingly satisfied. ‘Very good then.’ She pulled out a sheet of paper from a draw in her desk and handed it to me. ‘This is your first assignment that will be taking place in three weeks’ time. You are to act as security at the MagnusHigh court, during an official conference. There will be many high-profile Magnus attending, so it is paramount that you take this task seriously.’
‘Yes mam.’ I said, gripping the paper.
‘On the front side, is a profile of some of the Magnus who will be taking part; it might be useful to know a few things about them. And on the back, are directions to, and blueprints of the Imperial Court House, where the meeting will be hosted. You will need to know where all the exits are in order to act as a competent guard.’
‘Yes, I understand.’
‘Provided, you do well, I’ll be assigning you more tasks and regularly checking in to see how you’re progressing. That will be all.’ By way of ending the conversation she stood up and moved to the large windows behind her, turning away from me.
I also stood and saluted to her. ‘Thank you very much for the opportunity. I will not fail.’
 
My steps echoed as I walked back down the corridor to the headquarters’ exit. 
Still trying to decipher what had just happened. I stepped through the oak doors, happy to be out of the frigid air. 
I was being given extra responsibilities concerning the Magnus, purely because I’m the son of Porro Fero. It still didn’t feel right. 
I didn’t have long to think about it before I found Jabir, loitering behind one of the huge stone pillars as I began to descend the steps.
He charged up to me and demanded ‘What was all that about then?’
‘I’m being given extra duties, for some reason.’ I continued to walk to the barracks, wanting to get away from the towering building I had just left, still shivering from the stony exterior at my back.
Jabir didn’t look very surprised as he said ‘Oh, well that’s not nearly as bad as I thought it was. That’s good. It means you won’t be a rooky for too long and hopefully it will be more interesting work.’
‘Don’t you think it’s strange though?’
He rubbed his jaw the way he normally did when he was thinking. ‘No, it probably happens all the time.’ He grinned at me reassuringly ‘Put in a good word for me, would you?’
‘Okay, I’ll try.’
‘This is great. Isn’t this what you’ve always wanted? Your dad will be so proud.’
Jabir rabbited on about how exciting this new development was, but I just wanted to take my mind off it.
I couldn’t help feeling a small sense of dread at the prospect of working closely for the Magnus. 
 

Chapter: 10
Sector: Perfodio 
Subject: Ira 
 
‘I’m just exploring. I don’t understand why you’re so against this,’ Tenvis said.
I furrowed my brow and looked down in frustration for the hundredth time as I sat with him in an abandoned mine shaft, trying to understand why he wanted to continue with his new tunnelling project. 
I looked up at Tenvis again as I rested my head against the rocky wall of the shaft. ‘Tenvis, you need to think logically. Look at where you’re digging in the mine. There’s a reason why the area you’re working on has not been authorised to be mined.’
Tenvis blinked at me with a blank look on his face.
I sighed and said, ‘The tunnel you’re digging is above almost all the others in this mine, and none of the main shafts are anywhere near that.’
‘Yeah, so? What does that have anything to do with it? What are you trying to say?’ He leaned forward defensively. I didn’t know he would take my opinion on his digging so personally. 
‘There must be a reason why the rock type has changed the further in you’ve dug. And I think it’s because you’ve been getting dangerously close to the surface.’ I sat forward as well, leaning my hands on my crossed legs. I needed to get my message through to him and make him see how serious this was.
Tenvis blinked again as he said ‘You think I’m digging to the surface? And what do you suppose would happen if I really did dig that far up?’ He gave me a small smile.
I didn’t like the tone of his voice; he was far too curious and light-hearted about this. ‘Tenvis, you should know what would happen. Everybody knows that the very air at the surface is toxic. Especially to those of us who live in Perfodio because our ancestors were never exposed to any of the poisonous air from the disaster. They lived as an underground mining community, so we don’t have any resistance to the toxins’ I was almost shouting now, and my breaths were heaving as I went on. ‘If anyone found out about this, the Supplicium would lock you up just for thinking about digging to the surface. But worse than that if any toxins leaked in you could die. We would all die if the mines were contaminated. You have to stop.’ I had to hold back from punching Tenvis as he continued to blink at me.
Did what I said make any difference at all? I wondered.
Tenvis replied ‘Well, if that’s the case I can’t be digging to the surface.’ He stood up, brushed his legs off and began to walk towards the exit of the tunnel.
I got up and chased after him, grabbing his shoulder. ‘What?’I glared up at him. ‘What the hell are you talking about?’
He stepped back away from me. ‘Before I met you here today, I was digging in that tunnel and the rock started to fall away even quicker than before.’ All I could do was stare at him in disbelief as he continued. ‘And then, through a tiny hole at the top, I saw some kind of light.’
My mouth fell open, but no words would follow.
‘This light, it was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It didn’t flicker like a candle or buzz like a light bulb. It was so bright it blinded me. And the air. It rushed over my face, warm but fresh. You have to come and see it for yourself Ira.’ Tenvis’ face was as bright as the light he described, but then he frowned. ‘Ira?’
I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what to think. How could this be possible? Nothing like this had ever happened before. I was sure he was digging near the surface, but if there was clean air rushing in then it couldn’t be true. If it were, he would be dead.
‘Show me.’ I said and started walking to the end of the tunnel.
‘Yes. This way, to the tunnel.’ Tenvis led the way.
I couldn’t think of how this could be possible. There had to be an explanation.
Tenvis must have dug through to Colluvio or Aqua and burst an air pressure tank. That had to be it.
One thing I could be certain of was that right now, Tenvis shouldn’t be skipping with joy the way he was.
This was trouble. 
 
Tenvis ~
 
I quietly observed Ira’s face as he stared into the light coming from the hole in the crumbling wall. It was hard to tell what he was thinking. He must’ve been as amazed as I was. After all this was light, actual, real, non-artificial light. I knew it. It must be. And the air. There was no other explanation for how weightless and fresh it felt.
Which meant I had broken through to the surface.
When everyone finds out that the air on the surface has cleaned up, everything will be better. We won’t have to work down here all the time, we can build a new city on the surface and my family, and everyone’s families will have a better life. 
So, why is Ira now frowning?
He stood up and started to back away from the wall.
‘Ira?’ I stepped towards him. ‘Do you understand now? That must be the surface and the air is clean. Don’t you see what this means? We could- ‘
‘We could get killed for this.’ Ira stared at me gravely, clenching his fists.
For a moment, I didn’t know what to say and I stared at him. ‘Ira, what are you saying? I haven’t done anything wrong.’
‘Do you think the Supplicium would agree with that?’
‘Well, yes. Once I explain they’ll understand.’ Everyone will be glad to hear the surface is safe, we have proof.
Ira scowled at the ground, his shoulders tense. ‘You’re so naïve. You think all the Supplicium are so nice because one or two turn a blind eye to your stupid projects. And what are you going to do? Run and tell them that you’ve dug to the surface? What an absolutely idiotic idea!’ His chest heaved in a menacing way. 
I didn’t understand what he was talking about. ‘Why is it idiotic?’ How can this not be a good thing?
‘I can’t believe you don’t understand.’ Ira put a hand on his hip whilst forcefully rubbing the other over his forehead before continuing. ‘The Supplicium control us.’
I didn’t like the sound of this. ‘Now you’re the one who’s talking dangerously.’
‘Just listen. If the surface is safe, then everyone is going to want to go up there. Things are going to change. They won’t be able to keep everyone in this little pen they call Caligo.’
‘I really don’t like the way you’re talking, Ira.’
‘I said listen to me Tenvis.’ He snapped at me.’ That’s not what they want and if you are a threat to them, they’ll get rid of you.’
I thought of his parents. I could tell he was thinking about them too. Is that what happened to them?
I understood what he was saying. No one will believe me if I just start spouting off about the surface. Maybe I got lucky. Maybe I dug through to the one safe spot. I don’t even know if I’m at the surface yet.
But if there’s a chance, then I need to find out.
I looked to Ira as a smile reached my lips. ‘Ok, I get it now. I can’t just tell people about this. The only way things are going to change for us, for everyone in Caligo, is if I show them… with proof.’
Ira stared at me, shock and confusion knotting his features. Clearly, he wanted me to just forget about this, but that was never going to happen.
‘What the hell are you talking about?’ Ira said in disbelieve.
‘Pack a bag with food, clothes, medical supplies and anything else we might need. Meet me here, in the tunnel tonight after lights out.’ His confusion turned to shier horror as I went on. ‘I’m going to explore the surface. Will you come?’
The alarm sounded for today’s work to begin.
Ira didn’t answer me.