Dystopian Sentiments

Introduction//

It was early, she could tell by the pale moon light filtering through the window curtain. 3:30 a.m., maybe? That magical hour between night and morning, where the whole word seemed to be deeply sleeping. She was grateful for the circadian awakening, it allowed her time with her single most prized possession.. She reached into her pillowcase and pulled out the heartshaped locket, tarnished from years of abandonment, but always beautiful in her eyes. The moonlight reflected across the lid as she opened its secret compartment, housed inside was a tiny seashell, a gift from him.

She had never seen a shell in real life, she'd never even seen the ocean, but could only imagine what it was like. Although schooling forbade creativity or imagination of any sort, she couldn't help but wonder what it must be like to see or hear the rolling tides. She traced the pattern with her finger and smiled, she couldn't wait to see his shining eyes again.

The Frontium Tenet//

The Frontium Tenet was where she was born and developed. This tenet was one of 27 located in the world, housing 50,000 Maestres and Discipulus. Originating in the year 2027, following a catastrophic meteor strike, it served as a place of solitude for the survivors... over the next few centuries it would devolve into an autocratic and oppressive society. Long gone were the days of freedom of thought and choice, as time had proven countlessly they served no purpose with regard to human efficiency. As infants they began their development in the frontium and through age 20 were taught to be respectful and productive citizens in society. At age 21, they were matched with their Anima Par, only to bare children. Each par was scientifically selected, based on genetic features and compatability, and made to bare only the healthiest and smartest children. As soon as they were delivered, they were wisked away to sector 1 of the Frontium to begin their development. As far as anyone knew or cared, life just went on. By age 42, all citizens either served as Maestres, caretakers or cooks for the young and newly Parred. No one lived past 60. And as far as anyone knew or cared, life just went on...

Her//

Her name was Dacia. Although she'd lived in the Frontium her entire life she always felt like an outsider. She caught on to teachings, farming, crocheting, self-defense, etc. quite easily and always had the highest marks, yet she couldnt help but feel an emptiness inside her soul. She often wondered what was wrong with her for thinking this way, and knew if anyone ever knew, she'd be exiled to the eremus. She'd learned not to speak of these things as she witnessed countless discipulus meet this sordid fate. So, the days passed and the scrupulous schedule ever so efficient continued like clock work. Wake-Dress-Eat-Toil-Eat-Toil-Shower-Eat-Sleep-Repeat. Like clockwork since she finished her classes. Like clockwork since she aged 17. It wasnt until she met Him she'd feel a sense of belonging.

Him//

His name was Venuste. Partly lucky, partly charming, but mostly cunning. He managed to stay below the Eremus radar whilst maintaining a somewhat independent life. He stuck with his schedule, even appreciated its consistency, yet everyday was new to him. He wasnt blind to the beauty of the world or his surroundings like the rest of the discipulus, and he never understood their docile nature, but as far as he knew or cared, life just went on. Until, he met Her. At the age of 17, once schooling was complete, all discipulus transferred to the working sector of the frontium. It was their responsibility to toil in the fields and sow, harvest, or tend to the farms. They'd continue for most of their life only to break upon their anima par years and once again in their 40s when they became maestres. This particular day seemed exciting for him, although you'd never know by his stoic demeanor, he was beaming inside. It was almost as if he sensed her arrival before he knew its importance, but when he saw her face he knew she was his one.

Toiling Pastures//

She knew the pastures would be challenging, but she looked forward to the labor. She was restless and anxiously awaiting the new stage of life. She was assigned to tilling and immediately began on her portion of the farm. Her goal was always to perfect her art of assignment, whatever it may be. Tilling seemed easy, but could she make it better? She often wondered if anyone else thought the same. As she completed her first quarter the handle of her rake broke, had she been handling it to rough or misstepped her directions? The anxiety set in as she picked up the pieces and made her way back to the dispersing fort. She handed the pieces to the man, never looking him in the eyes, "I've broken my rake, Sir", she humbly said. "Well, then off to the Eremus with you!" he shouted, she looked up in fear. Amusing as it was to Him, he couldnt help but feel compassion. "Iocus discipulus, it happens 100 times a day!" he said. She immediately hated him, how could one joke so frivolously on something people die over every day? Yet, she was relieved by this gesture, she would live another day. "Thank you", she smiled, "you're not the usual caretaker, I see" as she took hold of the new rake. "I am not a caretaker at all" he said, lucky for you HE is on break". She hated him even more. Proper citizenship taught her to never lose her temper or lash out with improper tongue, she minded her words. "Oh? How did you manage to get in the dispersing fort?" she asked as she made her way back to her assigned spot. He followed, "Well see, my rake broke and when i came to the fort and saw it empty i figured i could do the job!" he laughed wholeheartedly. Her depth of hatred could go no further she presumed. "you should be in the eremus" she spouted. Unapalled, he laughed. "With that, i bid you a good day mea femina" as he walked off.

Development//

As the days went on their encounters became more frequent, she began to soften towards him as she began to realize they were alike in many ways. He began to actively place himself near her whenever he could, it became a priority for him. They looked forward to their interactions. One day while toiling in the fields he came across a tarnished heartshaped locket, buried and long forgotten in the dirt, he knew she should have it. He tossed it over to her, she was astonished, this was a unique find! she picked it up and placed it in her pocket. Looking up at him, they silently acknowledged the gift and acceptance, smiling in their hearts. A few months later, he found the seashell, and just as before slid it over to her. This was amazing to her, she could barely look him in the eyes. She feared the emotions it created within her would be readily apparent to the others so she tried her best to repress them. Once again they acknowledged their sentiment. At that moment, if they both could read minds they wouldve known they had the same thoughts: Could this be love? Then the sudden sorrow of knowing they may not be parred. Then the decision to appreciate these moments and cherish them for as long as possible.