The Destiny Of Solaris(Book 2 of "The Planets In Exile")

Trophonius [Part-1]

Ash could now see his friends sprinting from a distance. In no time, they approached Ash and were panting badly. People around couldn't stop staring at them because no one runs like that unless something terrible were to happen. They took a couple of seconds to catch their breath, and then Izumi asked, " What's the emergency, Ash? Are you alright? ' By this time, Ash could only remember that he wanted to tell something but couldn't remember the content. It was similar to the illusion of the presence of water, a mirage, in the desert. Every time he tried to recollect the moments of what he wanted to share, they would just slip out of his mind. It was as if those thoughts didn't even exist in the first place or they were constantly getting erased like a volatile RAM that loses its memory after shutting down. Ash tried hard to put his thoughts into words but in vain. He didn't want to say, ' I don't remember ' and make a fool of himself. Instead, he said, ' I get to work in a new game, and the best part is that it is a military-based game. Ain't that cool? '

Tron's and Izumi's faces turned red but they tried their best to maintain their cool.

' So this is the emergency that you texted about, huh? Seriously, Ash? ' said Tron with an evident disappointment on his face.

Izumi: We only use that text in case of a dire emergency, Ash. It is not for sharing things or stuff like this. Could you even imagine how much we were afraid? The intensity of stress we went through, even if it for a couple of minutes. It is wrong, Ash. You cannot misuse something like that. 

Ash: I know, guys. I am really sorry. I know what that text means. But I wanted to share the news so badly, and the only way I could share it right away was through that text. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to pull you guys out during your work hours. 

Tron: We are happy for you because you get to be a part of something you love. We really are. But the way you chose to share this news is unexpected and disappointing. And we definitely did not expect that you do something like this.

                                    " Never lie to people unnecessarily cause it would 

                                  be difficult for them to believe you when you tell the truth. "

It might appear as if they are exaggerating, but it isn't. There took place many incidents, where they had used this text to intimate the emergency, so every time each of them views this message, they probably assume the worst.

Ash: I'll never repeat this, guys. I feel awfully bad now. I am sorry. I wasn't thinking straight.

Izumi: Anyways, we'll celebrate once after you tell your parents about the news and they accept it. 

Ash: That is what I was worried about as soon as I heard about this opportunity. What if they reject? The mere thought itself is devastating. It is funny though I am all grown up, doing a job, and yet I am still asking for acceptance from my parents, I still don't have free will. I sometimes wish that a portal would open up and suck me out of this existence and pop me into something more wonderful, a place where my existence matter, my feelings matter, and my actions matter.   

Tron: Everything has its ups and downs, Ash. You can't have something that is totally good. If you want something, then you should be willing to bear all the negatives that are associated with it. I don't have any idea about who my original parents are and I would give anything to be with them or to know about them, even if it is for a moment. You have parents who love you, Ash, and restrictions are one of the traits that you hate about them, but you blurring out the love factor here man. So you go home today after work, and you explain your parents everything. Until then do not think about anything. Now let us go back to our works. Some matters need my attention. Just stay positive. 

Before they left, there was a moment of ecstasy. An invisible bond that felt stronger than ever. Ash always knew that he could trust his friends with his life, but the conversation he just had with them fortified that feeling of his.

                              " Having people who strive for your betterment is bliss. "

                                                                        -----*-----

Tron had a greater responsibility on his shoulder now. He has to convince Rogers to take back the deal, but he already knew that it is going to be a difficult job because Rogers would have never backed out from the deal if it was in his hands. Tron had already figured that it was a lost cause to talk and convince him. He just wanted to know the reason behind it, that's all. Rogers was already waiting at the place they agreed to meet, and Tron made his way through the bar and occupied the seat beside him.

Roger: Hello, kid. You are late.

Tron: Well, you canceled the deal. So I thought why not keep you waiting for a while.

Roger: Before you talk me back to re-signing the deal, let me make something clear.

Tron: ' It is not in my hands. ' Isn't that your next line?

Roger: It is out of my hands, kid. 

Tron: I figured that out already. I think I know the reason, but I just want to hear from you.     

Roger: Eagle Corps, especially Lieutenant, doesn't want to maintain ties with organizations that seem like a threat to the civilians. I hope you understand that. I want you to know that if I could have done anything I would do it in a split second, but I'm restricted to my superior's orders.

Tron: I know, commander. I don't blame you. I just don't know how to convey this to my boss. The news might crush her.

Roger: Lucky for you, I think I might have something of your interest. If it works out then your boss might even develop a thing for you.

Tron: Contract is the only thing that I am interested in currently.

Roger: I have a friend, John Weasley, who is working in a multinational company called "Phoenix." I hope you have heard the name. Last I heard they need huge funding for the new project they were working on. 

Roger slides his hand into his jacket and took out a visiting card and passed it to Tron.

Roger: Meet him. I have already put in a good word about you to him. Work your magic. 

Tron: This means a lot, commander. I'll see you again.

Tron was worried about how to tell Mina about the deal prior to the meeting. But now, he has an opportunity to set a new deal and set things back on track.

Meanwhile, Mina had two things on her mind, one was about the deal and the other was to select a nice restaurant. Choosing something is really challenging sometimes. She spent a considerable amount of time reading reviews about each and every restaurant. Not that she does it every time, but focusing on something other than the deal relieved her a little. After thorough research, she finalized "The UnderSea," which as the name suggests is an underwater restaurant. 

Tron always gets things done, and with spirit, Mina decided to wear fancy clothes for the date. When she realized she said date, she glowed. 

Mina earned a lot, but the irony is she was too busy and preoccupied with work that she never had time to enjoy herself. That is the reason why she had never been to many of the fancy restaurants including The UnderSea. When she arrived at the restaurant, she was mesmerized by the beauty of the place. Though it was an artificially built underwater restaurant to enhance customer satisfaction, Mina felt as if she was really under the ocean. The reason that made her feel this way was because of the diverse creatures that she could witness. Fishes, dolphins, jellyfish, eels, and various creatures whose names were unknown to her. One of the waiters ushered Mina to her reserved table. The waiter then asked her for the orders, but since she was waiting for Tron, she just ordered a bottle of champagne to celebrate once after she hears the good news.  

Everything seemed perfect, the place, the bottle, her attire, and the person she was waiting for, which made her freak out. What if things don't go well with Tron? Then that would be the only imperfect thing in her perfect evening. What if all this preparation was just to listen to the bad news and humiliate herself. She tried to gather herself and encouraged herself with positive vibes.

                                                                                    -----*-----

Tron reaches the lavish building of Phoenix and was on his way to meet John. He never had cold feet before, but there was some doubt in his mind. He set his suit and cast away the nervousness before entering the room.

Tron: Good evening, Mr. Weasley. My name is Tron from Gold Bank.

John: I have been expecting you. Have a seat, Tron. And you can call me John.

Tron: Sure thing, John.

John: Would you like to have some refreshments before we get into the business?

Tron: Coffee would be great.

The office itself consisted of a coffee machine and John poured it two cups. 

John: Your name sounds interesting, Tron. Were you inspired by the movie "Tron?"

Tron: Haha, no. It's a long story actually. I would love to tell you some other time. Speaking of the names, are you a wizard or something?

John chuckles and points to the Harry Potter poster present at one corner of his office..

John: I hear this every now and then.  So, what do you want to talk about?

Tron: I have heard that Phoenix is starting a new project and requires funding. Gold Bank can provide it with best interests.

John: You got it. I'll send you the papers tomorrow. You'' find all the details in the contract and if you have any doubts, you have my number.

Tron: Wait, that's it? No background checks or anything?

John: Mr. Tron. We aren't a nascent company. And the moment Rogers talked to me, I did my research on Gold Bank and it satisfies our criteria.

Tron: That is impressive, but doesn't the mad scientist mess bother you?

John: There always exist people like that in every organization and it doesn't mean the company is bad itself. The majority of the people would come to such a conclusion. It doesn't matter if the problem is with respect to an individual, but when it comes to a system, you need to be insightful and perceptive. Only a fool would remark a system unworthy because of one man. 

                                                   " One is judged for not who he is, but

                                                                the company they keep. "

Tron: You are unlike anyone I had ever met. It is a pleasure to meet you.

John: Likewise. Our C.E.O is currently occupied with something else. You should definitely meet him once after he completes his journey.

Tron: That would be lovely. And a journey to where exactly? To conquer the corporate world?

John: It's more of a spiritual journey I guess. You know, exploration of self or embracing the legacy that is left behind for you.

Tron: Sounds fascinating. Please do let me know once he returns. I'd be looking forward to it. 

After the meeting, Tron checks his phone to see if there were any important texts, and the first message that he could see was a message sent by Mina, which entailed the information of address and name of the restaurant. Tron was delighted because he was bearing good news now. He was even more excited to convey the news than Mina, who was in a mixed state of excitement and nervousness.

As soon as Tron reached the place, his eyes began to search for Mina. He was generally trying to picture her in a formal dress, but when he finally spotted her, he could not believe his eyes. The beauty he was staring at was mesmerizing. He had never seen her in outfits like those as she keeps her life private and whenever they met it was something related to the vocation. The stunning and sparkling red-colored one-piece was something that he would remember forever. While he was fantasizing, Mina spotted Tron and waved her hands to come over. He could not process such grace, which made his chest heavy in a good way. A long sigh made him feel normal and then he reached the table. The first question that she asked was, ' How did it go? '

' Good news or bad news? '

' Oh, man. there's bad news too? '

' I'm afraid so. '

Her glow which was spread all over her face appeared to be fading. 

' Let's go with the bad news first. '

' I was not able to convince The Eagle Corps to take back the deal. '

Mina froze. She tried to unhear what she had just heard. She was not able to digest the bitter news, which was bitter than all of the wines she ever tasted.  

' Don't be disappointed already. Ask for the good news now. '

' What is it? '

' Well, I managed to get another offer from another company. Guess the name. '

' I don't know Tron. You tell me. '

' It is Phoenix, Goddamn it. '

' Woah. Are you serious right now? '

' I am. '

' Holy s**t. That's even better. Oh my god, I can't breathe. '

' I know. I was like that when the deal was complete. This is awesome and you get to maintain your position and maybe even a hike coming in your way. '

' I owe you big time, Tron. I really do. Thank you so much. I had my doubts, but deep down I knew you would something for sure. ' 

They celebrated with the champagne and placed their order for food. 

Mina: Enough about me, now. Let's hear your story.

Tron: It's celebration time. We can hear it another time.

Mina: We ain't leaving this place without you telling me this.

Tron: Alright. Well, my childhood was not all butterflies and rainbows, but it turned out great pretty after a while. I don't know who my parents were, or who left me on the doorstep of the orphanage. When I began to talk, I asked my caretakers about my parents, and they didn't have a clue. All they said was, they found me on the door step, all wrapped up. With time, the mystery of who my parents were didn't bother me anymore. I made many friends who were either orphan or discarded by their families, just like me. The reason why we became pretty close pretty soon was because only we understood each other's pain. The pain of not being cherished by their loved ones, the pain of loneliness. Despite the great care taken by the nurses and the affection showered by my friends, I felt incomplete as if part of me was craving for something more to fill the void that's been devouring me from the inside. Everybody did but kept to themselves. It's not that we were unhappy, but something kept pestering us, kept feeding on our insecurities like parasites.  

As we grew, we didn't receive any formal education, but the nurses were so kind that they taught us about the basic things that assist in one's survival. We were too naïve to understand the intended meaning. Funny and illogical things made us laugh, but an inference was not our cup of tea, at least in that time frame. By that time, we understood the basic functioning of an orphanage. Couples who are interested in the adoption or inability of a woman to reproduce or couples with frequent miscarriages visit the orphanage and adopt an unfortunate child like me. The families arrive, look at every child and pick the one who is beautiful and healthy, at least that was how every orphanage worked, but it's different in ours. None of the families visited our place, but my friends were taken saying that a good family had chosen them. The ones who got picked were delighted, and the rest of us were sad and a teensy bit jealous. It's because of two things, the first one was we lose our friend, probably forever and the second one was they get to live a life, that we dream of. They get to call someone mother and father, who we don't have and don't know. 

As time passed, all my friends vanished, one by one, taken by families away from me, and yet I never got to see any of the family members, or my friends again. I only hoped they were living a joyful life full of colors.

Since I never got picked by anyone, I spent a lot of time in the orphanage than any other child, therefore I became close to every nurse. 

One day, after dinner, I had a chat with one of the nurses.

Tron: Can I ask you something?

Nurse: Sure, sleepyhead, ask me.

Tron: Is something wrong with me?

Nurse: Oh my God! What made you think like that?

Tron: No family wants me. All my friends left. I think it's the same reason why my own parents left me. 

Nurse: No, little one. There is nothing wrong with you. You are so special that we don't want you to leave us. Trust me, you are safe as long as you stay with us. Keeping you here is the best thing that we have ever done in our lives. 

Tron: Really? Am I special?

Nurse: I will let you in on a secret. You are the favorite of all nurses in this orphanage. Remember that and have a good sleep. 

That wasn't enough for me to forget everything, but I sure needed that to go on. The next day, everything seemed routine, I woke up, and in my half awaken state, my eyes wandered the room, in search of any nurse. All of a sudden, the door swings open, and one of the nurses comes running. She was in a state of panic. She must have been running for a while, she was panting. She held my shoulders tight and moved me back and forth and I was totally awake now. Run, she said, and don't look back. Everything was going so fast that my little brain was overwhelmed and couldn't process what was happening. All I could do was obey her orders and ran. When I came out, I heard gunshots and screams, and then the shrieks ceased and I froze. I didn't know where to go, what to do. I have never been outside. The only world that I knew was what I saw on television and through the window. 

The control over my body started to return when I heard footsteps closing in. I didn't know which way to run or whom I should ask for help. Hundreds of people were walking across the streets, but none of them cared about the gunshots and none of them cared about me when asked for help. They looked like mind controlled humans, who minded their own business. Maybe that's how the world works. The only path I knew was the alley on the other side of the road, which I saw from the window everyday. I used to see a lot of kids coming out of the alley in the morning and returning to it in the evening. I always thought that those kids belonged to another orphanage, which allowed the kids to roam around unlike ours. As I have watched the same alley for years, I kind of grew an attachment towards the alley. So, I started to run towards it and that's the first step that changed my life in a way I have never imagined.

Mina: Oh God! I can't imagine what you went through all those years. I'm sorry I forced you to relive your childhood. You can stop if you don't wish to continue.

Tron: Oh dear, don't be sorry. Everything turned out well, didn't it? It is going to get better from now on anyway. You still don't know why my name is Tron.

Mina: Alright then, go on, Tron.

Tron: So, I rushed towards the alley and when I finally reached there, I hid behind a bin and turned around to check if they were chasing me. Luckily, they hadn't seen me. But the moment of relief didn't last long. I felt a hand from behind, and I slowly turned around to see who it was. I didn't want to turn but I had to, eventually, anyway. He was a huge man and by his looks, I knew that he was a bad man. He dragged me into the alley and there was a door that people usually overlook because it was partially concealed by a huge garbage bin. We went inside and the place reeked of blood and filth. It was the opposite of where I lived all these years. 

The huge man then tied me to a pole. The g**g which raided our orphanage showed up there and they started to talk with the huge man.

Person1: Andrew, I went to the orphanage to collect all the kids and the nurses began to act all weird. We felt suspicious and followed a nurse and she led a kid to escape. I scared her to tell, but she wouldn't. So I killed her.

Andrew: I think, the little brat over there was the one who attempted to escape. Alas! Her death went in vain. 

Andrew then turned and walked towards me. He came very close, enough to scare the s**t out of me. Nobody escapes from me, he said and untied me. Untying is usually a good sign, but it did not feel right at that moment. He lifted me and threw me on to a steel bed that was covered with stains of blood. I tried with all my power to get out of there. Andrew got irritated, so he placed a knife over my throat and I lay absolutely still then. 

" Normally, I would have just killed you and sell your organs but since you tried to escape, I will blind you and make you beg on the streets till you die. "

I was terrified. I knew for certain that something bad was going to happen to me. I was helpless. I couldn't even utter a word to convince him to stop, to save myself. He took a bottle that was on the table beside the bed and opened the cap. 

" When I pour this into your eyes, boom, you will go blind. I want you to remember this as a consequence for your action. If you ever wish to do anything stupid, remember the reason why you are blind. "

At that moment, all I could see was absolute evil without even a shred of guilt. I made up my mind that nothing can persuade such monstrosity. My entire body was shivering. I was so frightened and horrified that no shriek came out. Sweat made my clothes clench to my body. Tears rolled down my cheek, but I neither moved nor made a sound. I was just seven years old and at that minute, I learned the attribute of acceptance. I accepted what was going to happen to me in a few minutes or seconds. In other words, I was ready to die. You know no matter how worse your situation is, when you accept something, you feel lighter and relieved. 

Every second seemed like a long time. Being unaware of what is going on or when is it going to happen is t*****e. Would it be quick, would it be painful? You never know. And then you drift into imaginations about how you are going to live post the atrocity. Would I just be blind or would it pain? I asked myself, 

                             " Is it better to live in dark your whole life or die and let 

                                                              your soul be free? "

I'd rather die than live blind. I don't know what I think now, but that was how I thought at that moment. 

He again came closer to me and stared into my green eyes and I did not blink once. It felt as if I was staring right into the depths of death. I was not afraid of him, but I was afraid of what he might do to me. 

                            " Death is not scary; however, the idea of knowing that you are 

                                                              going to die is horrific. "

His hand which held the bottle started to shiver. I was so focused on staring into his eyes that I overlooked his shivering. He started to withdraw the bottle away from my eye and took the knife away too. For a second, I thought that the time was being reversed. It felt magical. The guy who was determined to blind me was now shaking, sweating just like me. I thought he might have realized what he was about to do, a sin for which he can't be forgiven. But that is not something which he was committing for the first time, he must have blinded many and I knew it in my gut. 

" I can't do this," he said and left the room.  

There was only one question in my mind, " Why? " Why didn't he do what he was doing? The transition from a vicious beast to an innocent human was overwhelming. I wanted to know the answer right away, otherwise, I felt like my head was going to explode. But he was not someone that I could just go and talk to. All these thoughts filled up my brain and I was still in the position he left me in. Not moved an inch. I thought maybe, this was all just delaying the inevitable. I thought, he was going to come again to finish the task which he left undone. I didn't know what was going to happen to me, but at least my heartbeat was slowing down, I was able to breathe normally. Just as I started to become normal, one of the other goons grabbed the bottle to blind me. My condition was back to square one. This guy didn't shiver, unlike Andrew. He quickly opened the bottle without wasting any time and was about to pour it into my eye. 

In the blink of an eye, the bottle flew into the air and the goon was falling to the ground. Andrew caught the bottle from falling over me and kicked the guy who was trying to blind me in the gut. All the other goons were puzzled by his action, but no one dared enough to step up and stop him from beating a member of his very own g**g.

" No one touches the kid, " he said and left again. 

                                    " What would you feel about a person who is your

                                           Executioner as well as a Guardian Angel? "

I was in the same dilemma too. I sat on the same bench, which felt like a deathbed, waiting for a miracle to happen and for all this to be over. Things became worse when I realized I was hungry like hell. I haven't eaten anything since morning. I couldn't ask anyone there to provide me with something to eat. So, I just looked around hoping I would find something to subside my raging hunger. I was relieved when my eyes spotted a bottle. I was tired of quenching my thirst with saliva. I slowly sneaked towards the bottle and opened the cap with utmost precision without making any sound as it can bring the attention of the goons on me. I didn't want to do anything that might aggravate them.

When I opened the bottle finally, it stank. I wasn't sure if that was water or something else, but I was tempted to drink it nevertheless. Just as I raised the bottle to drink, I felt a hand over my shoulder. I jumped in fright, thereby throwing the bottle, and unfortunately, the liquid inside fell on Andrew. I thought I was done for real now. I could see his anger build-up, but surprisingly, he let it all out with a deep sigh. 

" Come with me, " he said and started walking towards the door. Where was I being taken? To kill or to sell or to steal my organs, I couldn't tell. 

I wanted to ask him, 'Where? ' But I wasn't courageous yet to ask him upfront.