The Sun Burns Fierce Behind the Last Window

The outside world was unknown to her, but she could see a glimpse of it through the window in his room. Black-out curtains blocked all but the upper panel. Blood-red light reflected across her green-trimmed white cotton robe and shimmered as if she were mortally wounded.

"The sky is bleeding?" Steffi said.

"No, the Red sun has been the light of our world for five decades," the Elder said, "I've taken a risk bringing you up here."

"If I may ask, why did you, Sir Simon?" she said, "No one from the worker Hive has been allowed to the first level in my lifetime."

"You have excelled in our academy and have been chosen, by your Mother Guide and I, to represent the Green Hive in the expansion competition. Six Hives are being expanded to seven. A Mother Guide must be chosen for the Blue Hive."

"I am honored, but what is involved and where is the new Hive? What is their mission? How do I prepare?"

"You are to report to the subway portal number nine at six am sharp to be transported to the competition site. Tell no one. Everything will be provided, so bring nothing. Good luck."

Steffi eyed the window and turned toward Simon.

"Why here, Sir and at a risk?"

Simon stepped to the curtain and pulled the drapes apart. His Green robe radiated purplish brown against the dying sun's rays.

"Exposure to the outside world is disruptive to the Hive and therefore illegal by order of the Collective. Step to the window, Lady Steffi."

Steffi's body quivered in fear at the sight before her. Scorched red earth and blackened remnants of foliage painted a landscape that reminded her of the descriptions in Dante's Inferno. Massive piles of brick lay as shadowed monuments to a past civilization. Her heart raced as she dared to ask one last question.

"Why do you show me this?" she said.

A dust cloud swirled black and gray particles as a tree stump ignited like a candle in the wind.

"I show you this because if you fail to win the competition. That world, the one you now witness, will become your new home. Losers will not be allowed to return to their Hive."

Steffi found breathing difficult at this information, and the Elder rested his hand on her shoulder.

"If you find yourself in such a plight, you must find shelter from direct sunlight. You might have a chance," he said.

"A chance?" she said.

"Do well Lady Steffi and I am hopeful that what was once Asheville, North Carolina will become your new home. May Ra be with you."

"And may Ra be with you Sir Simon."

🔥

Steffi lay awake through the night, her mind racing. Since birth, the sisters in her dorm were all she knew. Each day they attended classes, ate their protein and nutrition bars, and learned the etiquette of the Collective. Six Hives made up the consolidated government.

Green managed hydro farming, Red transportation, Gray mining, Black Collective Security, Yellow Manufacturing and Processing, and Purple administrated the whole.

What would be the mission of the new Hive? She wondered.

Graduation or selection day was only a month away, and she couldn't comprehend that she would miss it. She had been groomed for this day for the eighteen years of her life. Under the direction of the Mother Guide, the Senior Guides of their class would assign each sister a permanent rating.

Those who rated nine to ten on intellect, knowledge, and self-discipline would become Junior Guides for the incoming toddlers with the hope of becoming a Senior Guide. Those who scored six to seven points would be assigned to the subterranean hydro farm, where the life expectancy was short due to mold, spores, and cave-ins. The lower scores would become maids and servants after reprogramming. Rumors swirled that the Collective's Black platoon assigned to each Hive preferred lobotomization to reprogram laborers.

Steffi had always followed the rules and was discontent at the changes tomorrow would bring. She would miss graduation. Either she would win the competition, or she'd be exiled to the world of Ra's hot anger. A feeling of betrayal crept into her mind.

"Ra knows best," she recited aloud, dozed into a disturbed sleep, and dreamed of herself in a Mother Guide’s pink robe running through the apocalyptic scorched earth with her hair on fire.

🔥

Steffi arrived at Portal number nine fifteen minutes early. Her Mother Guide, robed in pink, stepped from behind a stone column.

"Steffi, you prove again why you have been chosen, by adhering to the Collective code. I will pray to Ra for your security and success."

"Good morning, Mother," Steffi said, "I am honored by your blessing."

"I am not allowed to tell you what to expect but I give you this advice. Do not lie, cheat, or steal. The honor code is paramount. At the same time, trust only yourself and the Collective Code that is ingrained in you. Be wary of the Purple Hive for they do not."

The Mother Guide hesitated and scanned the area to ensure they were alone. She handed Steffi a small packet.

"If you realize you are going to fail, take one of these pills. It will prevent you from suffering."

The roaring of the subterranean train announced its arrival as its headlight projected from around a bend.

"One last thing. We have a Hive sister on the selection team. If in trouble, find Miriam. Tell her, the sun burns fierce behind the last window."

The Mother Guides eyes watered with tears and startled Steffi with a rushed embrace.

"May Ra be with you Lady Steffi."

Steffi recovered from the shock of the physical contact as tears blurred her vision. If she only had a mother like Marmee in Alcott's ancient novel Little Women. If she could, she would choose her Mother Guide.

The Collective had banned knowledge of motherhood and fatherhood for all but the Purple Hive, who claimed genetic superiority. No one in the other Hives knew their parents since eggs and sperm were collected and sent to the Yellow farm for insemination, incubating, and development until three years old. The toddlers were disbursed to the Hives based on population needs.

"And with you Mother Guide."

As the bullet train approached, the Mother Guide stepped back into the shadows out of sight. The sleek train braked to a stop and a side door, like the mouth of a beast, slid open in invitation. Steffi slipped the packet into her robe pocket and stepped into the first venture of her life outside the Green Hive.

🔥

The door slid shut, and a computerized voice announced, "Welcome to the CMG. The Collective's Competition for Mother Guide. Please be seated in the Green car."

Steffi passed through the Red, Yellow, and Black cars, which were empty. A young girl sat in the Gray fourth car representing the mining Hive. She had jet black hair and stark blue eyes and stared at her without expression. The gray décor matched the pallid demeanor she sensed from its sole occupant. Spots of gray rouge on each cheek and blackened lips created a shadowy goth image.

"Praise Ra!" Steffi said.

"He is great," The girl responded and looked to the floor.

"My name is Steffi of the Green hive, one month from graduation."

"I'm Viv of the Gray Hive. I should be two years from graduation.

"You are only sixteen years?"

"We are on an accelerated graduation due to attrition. Ra knows best."

The machine voice sounded through the train, "Please refrain from interaction and move to your car."

Steffi waved to Viv and moved through the threshold into the Green car. The train lurched forward, and she dropped onto the green couch beside the blacked-out windows. Four stops later, a sleek formed, blonde-haired, green-eyed woman pranced through the Green car, stopped, and scanned Steffi from head to toe.

"Praise Ra." Steffi said,

The woman dressed in a white robe with purple trim didn't respond.

"I am Steffi of the Green hive and one month from graduation."

"You can call me Lady Raven and the future Mother Guide of the Blue Hive. I feel for all you young urchins and the fate that awaits you. I pray to Ra that when you are eliminated that you will not suffer long."

Raven raised her chin with arrogance and stepped forward into the Purple car.

The attendant voice announced over the intercom,

"Welcome contestants to the CMG. Travel time to the competition zone is two hours. If an alarm bell rings please place the provided helmet on your head and lay on the floor. We will be passing through a conflict zone to arrive at your new home, the Blue Hive."

Conflict zone? Steffi thought. We have been told that there is only peace since the birth of the Red Sun. What strife has my Elder and Mother Guide thrust me into?

"Ra knows best," she said.

🔥

The Blue Hive was near the remnants of the former city of Asheville, N.C., in the heart of Mount Mitchell. The six contestants were led to their quarters on the first level, isolated from the population below. Black Hive security forces manned checkpoints at each level. The candidates were iris scanned before they were allowed to enter. Steffi's assigned room displayed all the Hive colors of the Collective. Like a fish out of water, she paced back and forth. “How will we compete? What are the tests? How do I prepare? I cannot afford to fail.”

The door to her compartment swung open, and an older burly woman in a black robe charged into the room.

"Awright, Steffi of the Green Hive. Let's have a look atcha. Let Mimi see what you've got."

Steffi jumped to her feet in surprise and forgot to close her mouth.

"Now darling, I don't care much about your tonsils, and neither will the Elder that you will be paired up with. How about you drop that robe and let's see what I've got to work with. We don't have much time before the first round."

Steffi crossed her arms in defense, stepped back, and fell onto the couch.

"Don't be shy about it girl. You ain't got nothing I haven't seen before. Drop the robe."

"I don't understand," Steffi said.

"You understand enough. You've been trained on how to please an Elder, and if you believe that was for the knowledge, then you will fail the intellect round. Let's go. We don't have time to waste."

Steffi stood and loosened her waist rope. Mimi stepped forward, pushed the robe off her shoulders to the floor, and stepped back.

"Nice hips, he'll like that. Fair breasts, they will do. But by Ra, don't you Greens own a razor? I know you grow things but do ye fertilize down there or something?"

Mimi stepped to the door and shouted down the corridor.

"Hey Joanie, get down here and bring the dry shampoo, nail clippers, and shaving kit with extra lather, stat."

One hour later, Mimi slipped Steffi's robe back on her shivering body.

"You look good girl which, means you have a chance, unlike the Gray Hive girl. The Elder won't like the Goths style. Purples think Grays are dirty, yet they will burn their coal. If he asks you to disrobe, you hesitate, let the robe slide off your shoulders, and turn around slowly. Do not disrobe. Mystery to a man is more powerful than reality. Meet his eyes with yours, and do not look away. Do you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am," said Steffi.

"Wrong answer," said Mimi, "The correct response is, 'Yes, Mimi.' I am not your Madame, your Mother, or your friend. I'm just doing my job."

"Who is the Elder for the Blue Hive?" Steffi asked.

"Sir John of the Purple and son of the Council President. This is his first post of leadership, and he must prove himself on the war front if he hopes to advance to the Senior Council," Mimi said, "I promise you this, dearie. He's never seen the likes of you. All natural. You've got that farm girl look."

A fist rapped on the door with three knocks.

"Escort detail to the Chamber for round one in five minutes," a gruff voice shouted through the door.

Mimi's face relaxed, her eyes softened, and her face transformed into a glowing smile.

"That's my Herman. I get chills just hearing his voice during the day. My red-headed man might sound mean, but he's as gentle as a pussy cat when we are alone."

Once fearful of Mimi, Steffi felt a tug in her chest with a new trust for her. Just like the emotions that morning with her Mother Guide, she wasn't used to people having feelings.

Mimi opened the door as the security detail stopped in the corridor.

"Let's go girl. You're up. Smile, make eye contact, and be confident."

The Black Hive guards were spaced two by two, with a candidate and their coach between each pair. Steffi thought, Is this a processional for a competition, a death march to an execution, or both.

The carved-out stone chamber had seven colored pedestals in a circle representing each Hive. At the head was a Blue throne chair and the six others surrounded it in an oval. The security detail stopped at each riser, and the candidates stepped up and took their seat. Mimi sat on the chair beside Steffi at floor level. Her green seat faced Raven of the Purple Hive. To her left was Viv of the Gray Hive.

"All rise," announced Herman, Mimi's red-headed lover, "for the honorable Sir John of the Purple Hive and now the Elder of the Blue."

A petite blonde-haired man in a blue robe with purple trim paraded through the chamber and took his seat on the Blue throne. As he passed the Purple pedestal, he nodded to Raven, and she dipped her head in acknowledgment toward him.

"Son of a bitch, he knows her," whispered Mimi, "This is bullshit."

A short pock-faced man in a flourishing purple robe stepped into the chamber's center.

"Hear ye, hear ye, today we determine the Mother Guide of the Blue Hive to serve alongside Sir John, the Elder. I, Marcus Hayes, represent the President of the council and will administer this competition. I am the final arbiter if there is any dispute. Four events will test intellect, beauty, athleticism, and ethics. First place will attain five points, second will attain three, and third will receive one. If you fail to score after two events, you will be eliminated. We will begin with intellect."

"I don't like him," whispered Steffi, "his voice sounds like a mouse."

"Shhh girl. That mouse might determine your fate," whispered Mime.

"Before you are slates with ten difficult questions on the rules and guides of the Collective. You have fifteen minutes. Begin."

Fifteen minutes passed.

"Pens down. Herman collect the slates," said Marcus.

Marcus tallied the scores and looked up, puzzled.

"Sir John, we have a tie. Two candidates have perfect scores."

"Then break the tie," said Sir John.

"Raven of the Blue Hive, stand. Steffi of the Green, stand."

Steffi stood, and her hands shook in fear. Raven stood and smirked.

"Steffi of the Green, who was the second member to sign the original Collective and is honored with a statue in the great central hall? Marcus said, "You have thirty seconds to answer.

"I don't know," Steffi said and hung her head. History had never been taught in the Green Hive. The focus was on the growth of nutrients for all Hives.

"Raven of the Blue. Do you know the answer?' said Marcus.

"Of course, my great grandfather Johannes Burk, a warrior, a leader, and a statesman."

"Correct," said Marcus. The Purple Hive is awarded five points, the Green Hive three points, and the Yellow Hive one point. All others receive a zero."

"This is a setup," whispered Mime, "I should have guessed.

The second test is one of beauty and form. Contestants will all stand. When Sir John approaches your pedestal, you will disrobe."

"I sure hope there isn't a tie this time. I don't know how that would be resolved," whispered Mimi.

"Shhhh," said Steffi, "I'm nervous and you're making it worse."

"Humor calms the nerves my child, I'm just trying to help ya," whispered Mimi.

Sir John walked to the yellow pedestal, and the red-headed woman dropped her robe, turned, flipped her hair, and looked over her shoulder at him. Next, he crossed the room to Viv's pedestal. She stood but did not open her robe.

"Drop the Robe Viv of the Gray Hive," ordered Marcus.

"I refuse," said Viv and showed him her middle finger, "this is not a competition but a contest for a man's appendage."

"Then you fail and score a zero. Your second. Therefore, you are eliminated," declared Marcus, "Security, remove this failure to her quarters."

Sir John moved to Steffi's pedestal. She stood, unbelted her robe, and opened it in slow motion off her shoulders, only showing the valley of her cleavage. The mystery of her stomach and lower body teased from the shadows of the garment. Sir John did not blink as she turned three hundred and sixty degrees and looked Sir John in the eye.

"Remove the robe," said Marcus.

Sir John raised his hand in objection as Steffi and his eyes locked. After a moment, the enchantment broken, he moved to the next pedestal.

Last he crossed the room to Raven. She threw off her robe and ran her hand up her thigh, between her legs, up her stomach and over her breasts. She turned, and with her back to him, she bent over to retrieve her robe and looked back with a smile.

"I suspect it's not the first time he's seen that," whispered Mimi.

Sir John went to Marcus, and they conferred. They argued until Sir John, red-faced, slammed his fist on the administrator's shoulder.

"Ummm, we have a definitive winner," said Marcus, "Third place goes to the Yellow Hive for one point and second place... to… the Purple Hive for three points."

"What?" screamed Raven. "What did you say? There must be a mistake."

"First place and five points goes to the Green Hive," Marcus said.

Raven glared across the chamber at Steffi. She mouthed the words. "I will kill you, you bitch."

"Well done my dear, but I'm afraid she's serious," whispered Mimi.

Marcus stepped to the middle of the chamber.

"Three Hives lead, with the Purple and Green Hives tied for first with eight points each. The Yellow Hive has two. As a result, I declare the Gray, Red, and Black hives eliminated. We will reconvene tomorrow morning for the final two rounds."

The Red Hive candidate wailed, "No!" and the Black Hive candidate was tackled by security as she tried to run from the chamber.

"Steffi, you are being watched. You must remain neutral and demonstrate acceptance. Keep your chin high and do not acknowledge this outburst," Mimi whispered.

🔥

In her private quarters, Steffi screamed, "This isn't right. Why do they have to be eliminated and exiled?"

"Calm down, girl. They are listening. The Collective believes the glimmer of hope given to a candidate is irreversible and would corrupt the Hive if they were to return."

"I disagree with the Collective. This is… is … bullshit," said Steffi. "I did not ask for this chance, for this hope of a different life, neither did they. We were all chosen."

"You are speaking treason my dear," said Mimi.

"Then treason it is," said Steffi, "I will not participate in this charade whether I'm exiled or not. I will accept my fate if it means the flesh is burned from my bones. Those girls won't survive thirty minutes above ground and will die a horrible death."

"How can you change what you run from my girl?" Mimi said.

"You have to get me into Viv's quarters, please. I must speak to her," Steffi said.

"That would be unwise, but not impossible," Mimi said, "Let me speak with Herman. I may have to promise him a good tussle though." She laughed as she exited the quarters.

Steffi pulled the envelope the Mother Guide had given her from her pocket. In the packet were six green pills and a note.

_______________________

Dear Steffi,

If you have opened this envelope, then the worst has occurred. If you are to be exiled, take a pill, and you will not suffer.

I have loved you since the first time I held you when you arrived at age three. I am not only your Mother Guide, but Elder Simon and I are your natural parents. We broke the Collective law and bribed a Black Hive couple to track our embryos until you were returned to us as a toddler.

Nominating you for the position of Mother Guide of the Blue Hive may seem like a banishment but we decided it was the best chance of a better life we could offer you.

Your Mom.

_______________________

Steffi wept. No more extraordinary gift could have been given to her than to know she had a Mom and Dad who loved her. The note confirmed her decision, and she waited for Mimi to fulfill it.

🔥

Herman unlocked the door to Viv's quarters as Steffi waited behind him.

"Do not take long my girl. If discovered I will be exiled with her," he said to Steffi, "And I won't receive my reward from my Mimi." His belly jiggled as he laughed.

Steffi slipped into Viv's room and was knocked to the floor by the shoulder of an enraged Viv.

"I won't go quietly," Viv screamed.

"Ouch! Stop! Get off me. It's me, Steffi," as she pushed Viv away and stood.

"What are you doing here? Have you come to gloat?" Viv said.

"No, I've come to help the best I can. I hate this place, this contest, and the Collective. They preach love but sow hate. They teach unity but commit murder. Everything I thought good of the Collective is a lie.

"How can you help? Tomorrow morning, I will die under the glare of the Red Sun and you can't stop it."

"My mom, I mean my Mother Guide gave me a pill to take if I failed. She said it would prevent my suffering. I gift you the packet for you to share with the other condemned girls. That's the best I can do Viv. I'm sorry. The choice is yours to end it this way."

Out of character Steffi hugged Viv's rigid body to hers. Viv's resisted at first, then collapsed against hers, and broke down in tears.

"I don't' want to die," Viv said, "I just want to go home."

"I know Viv, I know, so do I."

🔥

Early the following morning, Mimi came to Steffi's quarters.

"Awake my lass, we need to talk. Herman and I have decided to trust you with our secret. You remind us of the daughter we wished we had. We conspired to this assignment with intention of aiding the rebellion. Our son William Wallace, born in secret, leads a rebel force from the Smoky Mountains northwest of here. I carried him to full term while no one suspected a burly woman like me to be pregnant. Once born, Herman conveyed our son to the rebel leaders where they raised him and now he is their commander. Why do I tell you this? This morning when the earth starts shaking you must leave the chamber and hide in your quarters. Herman and I are to open the air locks to let the rebel forces into the Hive. We despise the Collective for what they have done to us, and we would rather perish from this burning earth than submit another day."

Steffi stepped back and stared at her in fright. Mimi had spoken the words that wrestled in her mind all night.

"Well, what say you girl? Or do I have to choke you now to shut you up. Though it would break my heart. You being such a lovely lass."

Steffi launched into Mimi and embraced her.

"Thank you, thank you Mimi, for speaking my very thoughts. Right now, Viv and the other two girls are dying. I can't save them but we can maybe save others. I will do as you say."

🔥

The three finalists stood on their pedestals as Sir John entered the chamber.

"Let's get on with it Marcus. This is taking too much time. Our drones show the rebel forces have amassed just below the ridge. How they endure the exposure to the Red Sun is beyond me."

Marcus stepped to the middle of the floor. The third round will consist of an athletic test. You will wrestle. One fall, and you lose. First up, Raven of the Purple and Steffi of the Green. Raven and Steffi stepped to the middle of the floor where a mat had been set up.

"Begin," said Marcus.

The two circled each other. Raven, emboldened by her jealousy and hate from the day before, screamed like a warrior and charged Steffi. Their arms locked, and they grappled for a position.

The floor rocked as gravel bits and dust dropped from the ceiling.

"We are under artillery attack," Yelled Sir John. "Enough of this."

Steffi, desperate to escape the chamber, allowed Raven to trip her leg and fell to the floor.

"Ha, I win bitch," Raven yelled and kicked her in the ribs. "You thought you could best me?"

Steffi swept her leg, and Raven crashed face-first to the edge of the mat and stone floor. Blood erupted from her broken nose. Steffi sprung up and ran for the exit as the floor shook from another artillery barrage. Fragments of rock flew from the walls.

"I will kill you, you bitch," Raven yelled. Steffi entered the corridor and found Herman lying against the wall bleeding from his neck.

"We failed Steffi. They are on to us," Herman said.

"Where's Mimi?"

"She's locked in your quarters. They think I'm dead and I might as well be now."

"Stop it Herman. You aren't allowed to die today. How do I open the lock?"

"You can't do it alone. If one person releases the door to open they will be sucked into the outside world by the pressure differential. You will die without a protective suit."

"Tell me how to release the door."

🔥

The outside world was unknown to her, but she could see a glimpse of it through the window at the end of the corridor. Heat and dust rose and swirled like toxic devils inviting her to a terrible death. She had found the red emergency lever that would blow the door from its hinges. A scream from behind her startled her, and she turned around. Raven, unrecognizable in her blood-soaked robe, and swollen face charged up the long corridor toward her.

"He chose the Yellow Hive girl. Because of you. Forget the Red Sun. I'm going to kill you myself."

"Can't a girl die in peace," Steffi said and pulled the red lever. The door blew outward.

Raven flew past Steffi as both were sucked into the outside world and rolled across the rocky ground. The stench of sulfur burned Steffi’s nose as an unbearable heat singed her skin. In desperation, she crawled under an outcrop of rock out of the direct rays of the Red Sun and passed out.

Shadows of movement passed by her, and she knew death had come when she saw Viv's ghost standing over her. The ghost tried to choke her by shoving her hand in her mouth and her world went black.

She dreamed a young and handsome red-headed man carried her into the Hive.

"Have I met you before?" came to her mind, but the words never found her burned lips.

🔥

Steffi awoke in the same bed she'd risen from that morning. The young red-headed man paced the room.

"Miriam is this the young woman you spoke about," he said, "Without her, we would not have taken the Blue Hive, and you and Dad would be dead.

"Yes, laddie, she's the one. Told you she was special," Mimi said.

"You're Miriam?" Steffi interrupted, but you're Mimi."

"Goodness, the hero of the hour is awake. Poor Steffi, you wouldn't know that Mimi is a common nickname for Miriam," Mimi said.

"My Mother Guide and Mom gave me a message for you Miriam," said Steffi.

"What message would that be, child?"

"The sun burns fierce behind the last window," Steffi said.

"You hear that son? The people are angry and ready to rise. The Green Hive is joining the rebellion," Mimi said.

"Praise Ra," said William.

Did someone say rebellion? Viv said as she entered the room.

"You're alive! I thought you were a ghost," Steffi said.

"The pills weren't for suicide but for the genetic transformation of our DNA to withstand the Red Sun. They are survival pills and pure genius. Viv said, "So, I crammed one in your mouth and almost drowned you with my water bottle."

"What about Raven?" Steffi said.

"Raven?" Viv said, "She got fried. For some reason I couldn't find another pill."

William stepped forward.

"Everyone, it’s time to move forward. We will move south and join forces with the Green Hive.

"Your Mother Guide must be quite a woman," said Viv, “to invent the Green pill.

William stepped to the side of the bed and took Steffi's hand.

"You were brave today, thank you. Are you with us?" he said.

Steffi’s face turned flush at his touch, but she liked it.

"I'm with my mom and dad. The sun burns fierce behind the last window."

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥