1 Chapter One

It is the year 2320 and the earth as we know it has mostly disappeared. For over a hundred years, global warming has always been an issue that was put aside or critized. The ozone layer is almost completely gone and most of the world is under water. When this started happening, the government created this space colony called Nora. Which, of course, they only allowed the rich to board first. But this space colony was tested out before anyone could board. Hundreds of lives died trying to perfect the colony. They found a way to grow plants and have oxygen. Ironically, Nora is double the size of Earth. We are so much more advanced in technology than we were over a hundred years ago. Such as, there is no such thing as cell phones anymore or laptops, etc. Everything is now visualized on a screen that almost looks like a cellphone, but also can be more than tripled in size. Especially for calls or something of the sort of having to watch on a larger screen.

Back to the Nora, we had to find a place that was fartherest away from the sun. So they traveled outside of our galaxy and created our temporary home, Nora. Not only was the earth flooded but it was getting pulled closer and closer to the Sun, which eventually would create a black hole. We are maybe 30 years away from that happening now. So we had to go to a completely different galaxy. I would say almost 3 galaxies away. We haven't found any other life forms out there, but judging from far away ships we see, we are certain there are. They are much more advanced than we are clearly. One minute we'll see them, than after a blink they are gone. So, of course, we question ourselves if they are real. We are still trying to find a planet that is worth inhabiting, So far we have been unsucessful.

The galaxy we have established ourselves in has at least 21 planets. That is over double the amount of planets our original galaxy had, but they are half the size of the planets of our original galaxy. The planets that surrounds us have such esquisite beauty. I mean the colors are just breathtaking. We thought the colors of the Aurora Borealis or the Milky Ways' colors were breathtaking, but this is by far ten times better. The mixture of colors from light to dark and more colors we thought there was definitely blows the most intelligent of scientist mind's. I guess this is what we get for believing we are the most intelligent and only creatures of all the universe. How arrogant are we? Now there is proof otherwise. Actually, I come from a long generation that believed otherwise. People considered my family crazy until everything started happening.

Which takes me to the past before the flooding. The governments all over the world issued so many tests in 2040. Mostly to see who is the strongest, most intelligent to be able to survive ourside of our galaxy. Once they had run the tests and those who passed, they brought them all to a part of the world that for sure would take the longest for the flood to get to and unleashed an apademic called the deletion virus, or virus d. It was basically an enhilation of the unfit. Only some of them survived and when the flooding reached them, they drowned. It was actually a very devastating time for many of our ancestors, because a lot of their families and loved ones didn't make it. The people who survived made sure to put everything in writing to pass down to the next generation so we would know the truth about what happened. Of course, we wouldn't be human if there wasn't any retaliation.

Anyway, back to the present. My name is Aurora Venus Daniels. Yes, my name is that of one of the planets of our once called galaxy and that of the Northern Lights. My family has done that in rememberance of our once beloved planet and galaxy, our home. I am 20 years old, but if we were still on Earth, I would be 80. Time is different here. I take after my mother with her long, black hair and her green eyes. Her body type and some would say her attitude. I have my fathers tan skin though. Here on Nora, there are no separate economical classes or that's what they try to tell us anyway. There was only 200 people when we first boardered the Nora. Now there are 460 after 230 years of being on Nora. It's going to take time, but we will grow in numbers to the point that the Exodus won't be able to hold all of us anymore. Nora can only hold 1500 people. Unfortunately, we have gone back to arranged marriages and I am arranged to marry Michael Thomas Jones. He is from the Italian part of Nora.

We have been separated from each country to try and keep our traditional values from dying. It's kind of working. Anyway, I am ironically in the American group. Well, Michael is actually quite handsome. He's about 6 inches taller than me. That would put him 6 foot. He has beautiful, almost black, curly hair and Hazel eyes. He's also tan like me. He has the muscular build, but that isn't uncommon on Nora because health is one of the key laws to keep us alive here. He is 24 years old and studies agricultural rehilabation while I study Planetary Survival. Meaning, I have to come up with plans to ensure our survival on any planet. I guess, in a way, there are economic classes, but not like how it was before. We aren't separated into better "suites" or anything. We all live the same way. I guess we don't really have a choice anyway, considering of where we live.I am just hoping that we will have a planet to inhabit while I am still alive. But, I mean, isn't that everyones hope on Nora?

"Aurora, will you put those books down and help me?" my mother urged.

"Sorry, mom," I sighed and closed the books.

"We need to get this place cleaned up before the inspections," she had a little irritation to her voice.

"I hate those inspections," I became irritated. Many people consider me the trouble-maker.

"I know, Aurora," now she was irritated, "but they are necessary." She believed in the order of things.

"You're right mom, I'm sorry," I tried assuring her.

We do have a select people who run everything to keep the peace and order. They send in routine inspections every 3 months to make sure someone isn't trying to start any trouble. I guess it's fair, but I still can't stand it. I feel like everybody has a right to privacy. I guess that left the building when we were moved to a colony off Earth. Ironically, up here, at least 4 generations are still alive. That is how long we have been up here searching. My great great grand-parents died before I was born. We have learned, that up here we can live to almost 400 years old, as long as we stay healthy. To me, that is incredible. They only allow us 2 kids per household. My parents were ok with just having me. I was ok with that, though, I do wish sometimes that I had a sibling. Over half of the households has decided on having only one child. The rest decided to have 2 kids. Most of them have gotten lucky to having their son and daughter. I say that in that order because that is exactly how it goes. I personally want my boy and girl.

"Aurora, get your head out of the clouds," my mom snapped her fingers at me.

"Sorry, mom," I went back to cleaning.

"I swear, sometimes I wonder where your head goes," she shook her head.

"No where important," I felt a little tired.

"I'm sure," she sighed as though she was tired as well.

"Mom, it's getting late," I turned to her, "maybe we should finish this in the morning?"

"Yea, that sounds fine," She dragged herself to bed, "Good night."

"Good night," I watched her walk to her room.

I don't mean to give her so many problems. I rather admire my mom. She tries to stay strong for the both of us since my dad died. They found conspiracy plans in his office and that is treason itself. He was exiled off of Nora, which means, for anybody that happens to, is death. There is no chance of survival outside Nora at this time. I know my mom is afraid that I am going to walk down my dads path, but she shouldn't worry. I value my life to much to do something like that. I also love her to much to put her through something like that again. I'm afraid that would kill my mom. So the guards search a bit more when they do the inspection when they come to our chambers. I am also to blame for those deep inspections. I tend to get in a little trouble from time to time, not intentionally, it just happens. I can't say I blame them though, but I can't empathize how much I don't like the inspections.

I picked up a little more and headed back to my room. I can never go to sleep right away and lights out isn't till 10, which isn't for a couple more hours. So, I headed back to my books. I honestly love my study. I love learning about all the different galaxies, planets, and stars. It excites me to know that there is so much more out there besides us. I don't know what I would do if we came across other life. I don't know whether I would be excited or scared. Probably a little bit of both. I most have gotten through 2 chapters when "Lights out" was called over the intercom. I put my pj's on and turned all the lights off before crawling into bed. I didn't realize how tired I was until I passed out the minute my head hit the pillow. I barely even gotten the blankets over me.

Let me tell you the life growing up on Nora. When you are born, you are given a name, birth date, and a number. The number indicates what order of children were born that day. My number is 6. I was the 6th child born on Tuesday, December 9th, 2300. We spend the first five years learning the alphabet, numbers, the norm. Then, from 5-10 years old, we help out in the plant fields and the helping in the chambers. From 10-16 years old, we learn about other languages, cultures, history, etc. After we finish that before we are 17, we take a test to see where we would be best suited. For me, obviously, was Planetary Survival. Then we spend from 17-26 studying about our fields. After that, we spend the rest of ourlives in the field we were placed. We are all expected to marry before we come members of our field to get married. Then, within the first two years of our careers, we are expected to have a child to perserve life. After that, it's our choice to have another child or not.

"Honey, it's time to wake up," my mom nudged my arm.

"Ugh, what time is it?" I groaned

"It's just a little after 8," she threw the covers off of me, "if you get up now, you'll be able to eat breakfast, get a quick workout in, and still make it to class."

"Ugh, alright," I forced myself out of bed.

"I'm making your favorite, biscuits and gravy with hashbrowns," she walked out of the room

"Awesome, thanks," that got me moving.

I quickly took a shower and got dressed. I got my books together and put it in my bag before heading to the table. She had the plates set up and the food on the table by the time I sat down. It smelled amazing. I have always loved my mothers cooking. I am glad that, during the chamber years, I was able to learn to cook from her. That is one of the requirements during those years. My mom is one of the best cooks in the Nora cafeteria. I guess that is why they put her in the culinary field. She teaches people how to cook and also feeds everyone. Her food is loved by everyone. People ask her how I was her child since we are so different. She'll laugh at them and tell them that I take after both sides and she is proud of the field they had placed me in. I know we have our issues from time to time, but I do love my mother. She means everything to me. You may not believe it, but we were actually really close.

"So honey, how is school?" she tried making small talk.

"I love it," excitement flowing from my mouth.

"Really? What is it that you love?" she seemed glad.

"All of it," I gleamed, "I get to learn about every galaxy, every planet, everything."

"That's great to hear," now she seemed a little down.

"What's wrong mom?" I felt a little concerned.

"I just miss your father sometimes is all," she smiled, "sometimes you remind me of him."

"I miss him too," we aren't allowed to say that outside these walls.

"Can I speak honestly?" she seemed agitated.

"Of course mom," I was a little confused.

"Your father took the fall for both of us," she seemed freightened to say anthing, "he didn't want to leave you without a parent."

"What?!" I was baffled and confused.

"I shouldn't have told you, I'm sorry," she seemed sad now.

"No, I'm glad you did," I assured her, "you can still tell me everything. You know that right?"

"Yes, of course I do," that lifted her up a little bit.

"Why didn't you guys tell me before?" I was a little upset about that.

"We didn't want to bring you into it too," she seemed apologetic, "the less people who knew the better."

"I understand that," which I did, "that was great mom. We'll talk more later. I have to go."

I put my dishes in the sink and gave my mom a kiss on the forehead before grabbing my bag and heading out the chamber door. I headed to the workout room to do my daily routine before I headed to class. My routine consisted of the tredmill first for 10 miles, 50 crunches, 50 pushups, 20 pullups, 1 min of planks, and other workouts to work my hips and thighs. Then I would take a shower, change my clothes, and head to my classes. It's a good morning routine. Normally I listen to my music, but this time I wasn't paying much attention to it because of the topic my mom brought up to me at breakfast. I needed to put that stuff out of my head before I headed to class. I can't afford any distractions while I am learning. I am passing everything and I don't want anything to change that. I couldn't help but wonder why my mom was telling me now though. Through my whole workout, that question raced through my head. I'm going to have to ask her when I get home tonight.

I don't even think I felt that workout because the last thing I remember being conscious for was walking into the changing room and getting into the shower. I must've been in there for 20 min when I overheard a guard telling me to hurry it up. We are only allowed to take 20 min showers. So, whatever you don't finish in that shower, you have to wait for the next shower. They do support good hygiene, so they let us take up to 2 showers a day, but that is only if it calls for it. Otherwise, we can only take 1 shower a day. I turned off my shower and walked aimlessly to my locker. Everyone has a locker of their own. I didn't even realized I had already gotten dressed and was walking to class. It felt llike the everything was going full speed around me.

"Aurora! Aurora!," someone was calling my name, but my brain couldn't comprehend who.

"Aurora?!" my friend Isabella Luna Franklin grabbed my arm, shaking me back to reality, "I've been calling your name since you walked out of the gym."

"Have you? My bad," I don't remember hearing anything.

"Hey, what's going on with you? You didn't even brush your hair," she was hiding a smile with a look of concern.

"Just have some things on my mind, can you braid my hair for me really fast," I love it when Bella braids my hair. She does all sorts of braids and I have her do it everyday.

"Sure," she was already on it by the time I asked, "let me guess, it's the upcoming marriage between you and Mike, is it not?"

"Yea, I'm worried I won't be good enough for him," I lied through my teeth.

"Shut up! You know your perfect for him," she punched my arm.

"Thanks," I smiled at her, "we should hurry or we are going to be late."

"Its always your fault why we normally run late," she pointed out and she was right.

We picked up our pace. We only had 10 minutes to go up 4 levels and get into our seats before the teacher started. We were never late, but we did push it a little. I mean, seconds before the teacher started. I was glad she came around when she did. She brought me back to reality and gave me the ability to focus in class. We were learning about the stars in all the galaxies we were able to travel to and how different they were from our original galaxy. I've been waiting on this since Friday. I had already written the notes for the chapters that covered the topic. We are expanding out books every decade. I guess that is why every 10 years, they have us take another course in our field to get caught up. There is only 9 people in my class and I don't know any of them. I should really make friends with some of them, considering I've have been in this course with them for the last 3 years and we still have 4 years to go.

"Aurora, can you tell us the Star of Anexia?" the teacher, Mr. Minson, always called on me.

"Yes, Mr. Minson," I sat straight up," the Star of Anexia is the star in the galaxy of Anexia. It is similar to the sun, but is double in size and burns hotter. It is perceived to blow within the next 3 millenias."

"That is a great answer as usual Aurora," Mr. Minson didn't seem impressed, "Can anybody add to that?"

"No, Mr. Minson," the rest of the class sang.

"Ok, then," Mr. Minson sighed, "tomorrow we are going to learn about the planets of Anexia. I want you all to turn in your essays on the Star of Anexia and write a 3 page essay on the Planets due tomorrow. Don't forget at the end of the week will be the grading on notes. Which means, a test on everything we have learned so far with the ability to use your notes. Class dismissed."

Mr. Minson is always so serious. Some of the kids try to joke with him and get him to open up, but he won't give in. Nobody is really allowed to reveal their personal lives in detail unless it deals with something like my father. You can't really hide that when the conviction is in front of the entire colony. So, nobody has any knowledge on Mr. Minson. We don't know what his family is like or where his kids ended up. I let him be. If he wanted to share anything about himself, he would. There is only one thing known about him and that is he was the top of his class 20 years ago. I always hoped to achieve that. Not going to lie, he gave me a reason to look forward to this career when I found out where I was being placed. My best-friend Isabella got placed in Culinary with my mom. She is an amazing cook as well, but still doesn't top my mother to my standards. Almost, but not quite. Isabella and I have been best-friends since we were 10 years old. We had every class together until we were placed in our careers.

I am always last to leave the classroom. I handed my essay to Mr. Minson and he just nodded to me. I am the top of my class, so he doesn't expect any different from me. I actually find it rather insulting. Nobody wants to feel like they are ordinary, which is exactly how he makes me feel. I keep questioning myself on why I found him so intriguing. His seriousness also made him rather rude. I don't know much about Michael, I just hope he isn't like him. I couldn't deal with someone like that. I am playful and I love to have fun. I turned to look at him before I walked out the door and for once he seemed a little stressed and under pressure. We are not allowed to pry and meddle, but just be there if needed. We are all also taught in basic medical training. As I turned around, there was Isabella standing there waiting for me with a confused look on her face. I've never made her wait before.

"What is going on with you today," she seemed truly concerned, "I've never seen you this unfocused."

"I just saw the oddest behavior come from Mr. Minson," I shrugged, "nothing major.

"Ok then," she didn't seemed convinced, "have you seen Michael today? He is looking rather exceptional today."

"No, I haven't," I am actually suprised I haven't today, "let's go to lunch."

"Fine," she groaned at me.

I couldn't help but smile at here as we headed to the Nora cafeteria. She looked back me with annoyance. It made me giggle a little. She shoved me over a little and then smiled herself. Isabella and I have an understanding between each other. We will talk about what is bothering if and when we feel like it. Otherwise, after we brought it up once, we won't bring it up again. We made it to the line and I could tell my mom made one of my favorites again, Beef LoMein with Crab Ragoons. Up on the Exodus, everything is made by hand which I knew she started on this yesterday evening and that is why it took her so long to come home. I always loved it when she made my favorites, but then again, it also means that she is about to tell me something life changing. Truth be told, that worried me a lot. I mean, a lot more than what she told me this morning. We moved down the line until we made it to my mother.

"Hey, Mrs. Daniels," Isabella smiled, "smells great as usual."

"Hello, Isabella," my mom didn't seemed fazed, "Aurora, we need to talk when we get home."

"Ok, mom," I am definitely worried now, especially because of the look she had on her face.

"Hey, what's going on with your mom?" she whispered after we were a good distance from my mom.

"I don't know," I gave her a worried look.

"Hey, I'm sure everything is going to be ok," she tried assuring me.

"I hope so," I sighed as we sat down at our usual table.

Once everybody else we used to hangout with, joined us at the table, I went into my own thoughts. They gave Isabella someone else to talk to at the moment and everytime she tried to talk to me and I didn't respond, she just went to a different topic. I always appreciated that about her. She knew when to leave me alone and be in my thoughts. I hadn't even realized that Michael was coming this way, I was so deep in my thoughts. I took Isabella practically shoving me off my seat to come back to reality. I look at her with shear anger until I realized why. I got composure of myself and made sure my mind didn't wonder off again. He had a smile so bright. He didn't normally come up to my table. I'm guessing it's because our wedding day is 3 months away and we need to get to know each other a little. The Council expect that the couples spend time with each other before the marriage. I don't know why when it wouldn't change anything anyway.

"Hey Aurora," his smile would make any woman swoon.

"Hey Michael," I tried to keep my cool.

"Mind if I join you guys?" he gestured to the empty seat next to me.

"No, of course not," Isabella answered for me.

"Please, have a seat," I smiled and gestured to the chair.

"Awesome," he put the food on the table and sat down, "your mom is an amazing cook."

"Thank you, she is," I smiled in-between bites.

"I'm quite curious to see what your food taste like," he seemed to be playing around.

"I understand that we have gone back to arrange marriages, but if you think I'll be the only one cooking then you are in for a rude awakening," I gave a little attitude.

"Of course not, I am an exceptional cook myself," he played along.

"Well, I'll have to be the judge of that," I looked at him before taking a bit. I was glad to find he was playful like me.

"Yes, of course," he laughed, "I find it awesome that our two careers are almost similar to each other."

"I agree," I took another bite, "similiar, but different. That will make like easier."

"I agree. It makes me happy knowing I will be able to have a civil conversation over dinner," he laughed.

"I don't know how civil it will be, but there will be conversation," I smirked.

"Sorry to interrupt you guys, but Aurora, we have to get to class," Isabella seemed rather upset with herself.

"Yes, we do," I smiled, "we will pick this up tomorrow, Michael, have a good rest of your day."

"You as well," he looked rather disappointed.

"Girl, he is so adorable and just your type," Isabella glouted when we a good distance away from him.

Yes, he is," I giggled.

She looped her arm into mine as we walked down the long, narrow hallway. Every side made of the strongest metal and aluminium. It gave off a basic color of gray, which was rather boring. But the whole colony looked like that. Except for the chambers, we are allowed to decorate them anyway we please as long as it passes inspection. If it doesn't, they give you one chance to take it down before the next inspection. The cafeteria that we left a moment ago is almost like a rather large dome. The classrooms are almost like being in a university classroom and the Chambers are like large 3 bedroom apartments. The extra room we had, we made into a study room. Yes, every Chamber has 3 bedrooms. Michael and I are going to have to talk about the most important stuff like kids. I want the two, but what if he only wants one? Isabella waved good-bye as she turned to go to her class and I went the opposite way. The second classes are normally the teachings of how to do your job and well.

This class is rather boring to me, but I am still in the top of the class for this one. We normally have assignments every 2 weeks and this is the week we don't. This class is all about leadership skills and making sure we do our job perfect. I'm just glad I don't have to sit at a desk the whole time. I get to go out and explore the planets and everything about them. I even get to go beyond this galaxy. I'm not sure how Michael will feel about that though. He doesn't really have a choice regardless. Actually, I think his career allows that as well. This might actually be a really good marriage. I don't know how that will fit will having kids though. We'll have to rotate every couple of years. That only seems like the most logical plan. He can spend long since I think his career pays more. His career is more logical. We can't do teaching until we have spent at least 20 years out in the field. I am ok with that. Come to think about it, Michael and I have a lot to discuss. I don't know what he is comfortable with and what he is not comfortable with. Vice versa.

I will admit, we will have good looking kids though. When I say he is like model hot, he is like model hot. I wonder what his parents will look like. My mom and I will meet them a month before that marriage ceremony to get to know each others families. It's weird because we are destined to marry at birth, but we don't get to know each other until we are learning about our careers. I never understood that, do you? I didn't realize how much I wasn't paying attention when the teacher let the class out for the day, but finished off with telling everyone that our 5 year plan project is due next Friday. Crap, I almost forgot about the project. I should probably call Isabella later and have her come over to help me. She is always good with projects. She excels in all her projects. I actually envy that about her. It is an odd thing to envy someone over that it actually kind of makes me laugh. I am actually kind of dreading to go home.

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