Kyla's Diary - Chapter 7: Broken
“We have no previous experience deploying the magsail or inserting a spaceship like Helios into orbit. There are many things that will be new to all of us.”
After the Incident, Helios wanted to heal quickly.
The Council was restructured, and two additional seats were added. One member would now be elected by citizens old enough to vote but younger than forty years old, ensuring representation for the younger generations aboard Helios. The other would be chosen by majority vote among the seven Arc directors, one vote per Arc.
The Seven Arcs were created to turn the different departments and offices into custodians of the ship. All the changes brought by the Helios Reform Accords were meant to restore stability and prevent violent conflict. But if that was true, why the Disconnect?
Why were we so afraid that we dismantled the deep-space communication system?
Earth could still provide guidance, as could Surya. We have no previous experience deploying the magsail or inserting a spaceship like Helios into orbit. There are many things that will be new to all of us. We need all the help we can get.
Even those who defend the mission above all else should realize that arrival is approaching.
Communication should be restored.
“What do you think so far?” Darius asked.
Taro leaned back in his chair. “Yeah, the ideas are good,” he replied, “but it feels a little too formal.”
Darius frowned. “Not everything has to read like a story. This is an essay.”
“That’s fair,” Taro said, “but people still need to feel something when they read it.”
After a brief pause, he added, “I like that you mentioned the magsail, but there’s nothing to worry about. We’re going to be the heroes. We’ll get it deployed.”
Layna looked at him. “What do you mean by we? Are you thinking about working outside the ship?”
Taro nodded. “Darius and I want to join the EVA Division on the Horizon Arc after we finish the cadet program.”
Layna frowned. “That’s a very dangerous job. Why would you want to do that?”
“Kyla, you’ve been quiet all day. What do you think?” Darius said.
Kyla shrugged. “I don’t know why we care so much about Earth and the Disconnect. We’re never going back, so why bother?”
Darius stared at her. “You sound like a Destinarian. Earth built this ship. They can still provide guidance.”
“Guidance?” Kyla replied. “Have you not been paying attention? They canceled the mission and stopped caring about us. Why should we care about them?”
Kyla stood and walked away from the table.
Like most Saturday afternoons, the Mirador was full. Some tables were crowded with people playing board games. Others were alive with conversation while the soft projection panels showed images from the observation deck.
“What just happened?” Darius asked.
“I don’t know,” Layna said. “Ever since she finished her assignment, she’s been moody.”
Taro shrugged. “Maybe she’s just sad because of Remembrance Day. I always feel down when I remember my grandpa.”
Layna lowered her voice. “I don’t know, but I’m worried about her.”
Kyla did not turn around. “I can still hear you… there is nothing to worry about. I’m fine. I just need a walk.”
A soft tone sounded through the Whisperzend.
“Computer, disconnect from the group whisper.”
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When I woke up, Layna was already making breakfast. The smell of toasted bread and eggs was enough to give me that extra push to get out of bed. She is a good roommate and a really good friend. I think I don’t tell her enough how much I appreciate things like this.
When I mentioned to her that I had canceled Sunday breakfast with my parents, she quickly offered to make breakfast and keep me company.
We always have the freshest produce and eggs since her mother works at the hydroponic channels and her father works at the poultry layer farm.
Breakfast was delicious, and we talked about many things. She asked me about Darius several times, so I think there is some chemistry there.
She told me that she would like to work in the algae bioreactors or the fungi stacks after we finish training in the Seven Arcs. She is a total Terra Arc girl.
I told her that I will probably end up working at the Civic Arc to provide assistance to the Council. Who knows? Maybe one day I could be a member of the Council and make a difference here.
After breakfast, we decided to take the long way to the Plaza, so we went to the Mirador first. It was quieter than usual. I guess most people were at the Plaza, like every Sunday, watching the game.
We stopped at the Mirador to view the projections from the observation deck. Layna pointed to a tiny light and said that it was Ross 128. We wondered if we would change its name.
I realized that we would probably be naming many things. That made me happy.
We arrived at the ringvolley game late. Darius, Nia, and Taro were having an excellent game. Julian’s team was visibly frustrated. They had just lost the first set.
The second set started with Liam scoring the first point. Darius quickly turned it around with a 2-point shot through the ring that caught Julian’s team off guard.
The game continued back and forth, with the score staying close. Liam received a serve. The ball went to one side of the court, and Julian just flew to try to save it.
The sound when he hit the floor was different, like when you hit the hollow railing at the entrance of the Plaza. Time stopped. Everyone went quiet.
Julian stood up and said, “I’m okay,” holding his left arm with his right hand. My mother quickly ran to the court. I’m not sure why, but I ran too.
As soon as I got close, I was able to see it. His left arm bent like rubber.
“Goatshit,” I muttered. My mother was too busy to even notice that I had just cursed.
Blood spread across the court floor. My mother quickly asked for a towel and carefully guided Julian to the floor. I almost fainted when I saw something coming out of his arm.
Julian’s mother and sister also ran to the court, their faces pale with shock.
Julian was taken to the infirmary. My mother’s diagnosis after reviewing the X-rays: an open fracture of the distal radius with dorsal displacement.
Surgery was needed. I stayed in the waiting room with Julian’s mother and sister.
His father arrived just before the surgery began, still wearing his Forge Arc maintenance uniform.
It felt like time slowed down. They were the longest two hours of my life.
When my mother came out to tell us everything was okay, they were able to go inside.
After they came out, I asked if it was okay to go and see him. I don’t know why, but I didn’t want to leave before knowing that he was okay.
I went inside and talked to Julian. To my surprise, he asked me what I meant when I said “goatshit.” I told him it was a long story.
I guess tomorrow I’ll go visit and tell him about the time when Darius and I came up with the word. We were 12 and we went to…
“Good night, Kyla,” Layna said.
“Logminter, pause entry,” Kyla replied. “Good night, Layna.”
“Talk to you tomorrow,” Layna said.
Kyla whispered, “Logminter, save this to my diary.”
LOG ENTRY
Action type: Log archival.
Integrity check: Validated. Data saved by authorized user.
Authorized user: Anwar Cloutier Soria, Kyla. Created at: 2772.250.2342.
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