Centuries ago…
A paper-mache planet floated gently above a small cardboard platform, its path slowly nudging against a paper-mache sun. For a moment, they brushed past one another before aligning perfectly in their intended place.
Standing nearby, a young girl with long brown hair and golden eyes wore a white-and-yellow uniform. With a wave of her hand, the celestial models moved as if by magic, shifting positions telepathically. They spun faster and slower, orbiting each other in a dance until they reached the desired formation. The girl smiled in quiet satisfaction, pulling a small notebook from her side to jot down notes.
Behind her, a fountain showcasing a large metal planet, its reflective surface catching the light as it rested at the heart of a plaza. Beyond the fountain, a towering ivory building loomed, adorned with banners displaying an insignia of an open book encircled by flowing ribbons.
From a distance, a boy entered through the University's metal gates. He shared the same brown hair, golden eyes, and uniform, casually making his way toward her.
“There you are. Mom and Dad have been looking for us,” he said, relief in his voice, as if he had been searching for her longer than he cared to admit.
She glanced up briefly, still scribbling in her notebook. “Oh, hey. Just wrapping up one last project,” she replied.
The boy chuckled softly. He crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. “You know there’s going to be plenty more of that once we’re on the ship,” he countered. “Come on, sis, we need to go.”
With a small sigh, the girl closed her notebook and smiled. "Alright, alright, I'm coming."
With a wave of her hand, the floating planets collapsed inward, folding into a compact slab. She slipped the small figure into her University satchel as she packed her things. The siblings exchanged a knowing nod before turning to leave the campus together.
***
The twins walked side by side along the marble sidewalks, the polished stone gleaming beneath the soft glow of the street lamps. Each lamp adorned with white-and-gold Imperial banners, fluttering gently in the afternoon breeze. Luxurious vehicles rolled past, their engines humming quietly as they glided through the opulent streets of the capital.
“I can’t believe we’re going out there! Uncharted worlds just waiting for us to explore!” the girl said, her voice brimming with excitement as her long brown hair bounced with each step.
The boy, less enthused, sighed heavily. “Yeah, at the cost of skipping university,” he muttered, his eyes clouded with disappointment.
“Come on, cheer up, dear brother,” the girl teased, nudging him playfully with her elbow. “I heard the team’s bringing the archives along for the trip. Who knows? Maybe we’ll learn more than we ever could in Uni.”
He offered her a half-hearted smile. “It’s not the same as university, sis... but thanks for trying.”
The girl paused for a moment, thinking of a way to lift his spirits. After a brief fidget, she turned to him with a warm smile. “So, what’s the first thing you’re going to do when we land on a new planet?”
The boy looked over at her, shrugging slightly. “Help the team set up an outpost, test some equipment, maybe sneak in a bit of sightseeing.”
“Wow, you really are the boring type,” she shot back sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
“Being prepared isn’t boring,” he replied, his voice a bit unamused.
The girl shook her head, a playful smirk forming on her lips. “Well, while you’re busy with that, I’m calling dibs on the first ancient temple we find. Treasure’s all mine.”
The boy chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. “You know those are just stories, right? We don’t even know if our ancestors bothered settling on other planets after they left.”
The girl shrugged nonchalantly, her golden eyes gleaming with the thrill of the unknown. “Maybe they did, maybe they didn’t. Maybe, we’ll find out.”
***
Continuing down the marble sidewalk, the twins were brought to a sudden halt by an Imperial guard. Clad in intricately decorated durasteel armour, with a polished rifle slung at his side, he extended an arm, signalling them to stop. Across the street, the rumble of an approaching parade filled the air.
“Make way for the Empire’s army!” the guard shouted, his voice echoing over the bustling city streets.
The twins exchanged a glance before their attention was captured by the spectacle unfolding before them. They watched the Imperial parade march through the heart of the capital, the ground trembling beneath the weight of countless marching boots and the rumble of machinery. Brass horns blared triumphantly, accompanied by chimes and the rhythmic thunder of drums echoing through the streets.
“Huh... they started early than expected,” the boy remarked, his eyes following the endless line of soldiers.
“This feels like a bit much, don’t you think?” the girl said, tilting her head as she watched the display of military force.
“They’re probably just doing it for a morale boost,” the boy replied, though even he sounded unsure.
The parade stretched endlessly down the boulevard. Row after row of Imperial soldiers and machinery moved in perfect unison, their uniforms and armour reflecting the midday sun. The boy leaned slightly, catching a glimpse of the seemingly never-ending line snaking its way through the city.
“This is going to take forever,” he groaned, rolling his eyes in frustration.
His sister nudged him playfully. “How about we take the scenic route?” she suggested with a mischievous grin.
“Really? Right now?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
She tugged at the collar of her uniform, proudly displaying the Imperial insignia stitched into the fabric. “Come on, I’m sure the guards won’t mind,” she said with a confident smirk.
The boy hesitated for a moment before sighing. “Alright, fine,” he relented.
With a smile, she grabbed his arm, and the two slipped into a quieter side street, leaving the thunderous parade behind as they made their own way through the city.
***
The twins navigated the winding streets of the capital, weaving through the bustling crowds and narrow alleyways. As they reached the quieter parts of the city, the racket of voices faded into the background, and they began their ascent, scaling ladders and slipping over ledges. The marble walls of the buildings shimmered under the fading afternoon light, their smooth surfaces cool to the touch as the twins’ fingers lightly grazed the stone, guiding them upward toward the rooftops.
“Easy on the uniforms! I just cleaned these,” the boy grumbled, his voice tinged with annoyance.
“Not my fault if their roofs are dirty,” the girl shot back, a cheeky grin spreading across her face as she brushed a bit of dust from her sleeve.
When they finally reached the top, they paused for a moment to soak in the breathtaking view. From their vantage point, the imposing ivory tower of the capital loomed in the distance, and the Imperial parade below resembled a wave of disciplined soldiers moving in perfect formation.
Just ahead, several Imperial watchmen stood high, their sharp gazes scanning the cityscape for any signs of trouble. The twins gave them a casual wave, the watchmen, accustomed to the pair's antics, returned the gesture before resuming their patrol.
“See? Told you they don’t mind,” the girl said, giving off a smug grin.
“They’re more lenient when it’s not curfew,” the boy replied.
As they moved further along the rooftop, lively voices drifted up from the streets below. A group of fellow students, all clad in identical Imperial uniforms, spotted the twins perched high above. With loud shouts, they tried to catch their attention.
“Hey! Briggs! Marcus! Marci! Down here!” one of the students called out, waving energetically.
The twins turned, recognizing their classmates below, and waved back with friendly smiles.
“You guys got time to hang out?” a girl shouted, her voice cutting through the ambient noise of the city.
“Sorry, we’re kind of busy right now!” Marci called back.
“What about tonight? How about a sparring session?” another student, a boy this time, suggested with a cheeky grin.
Marcus shook his head, calling down, “Sorry, lads. Can’t make it tonight either. Maybe next time!”
Marci nudged her brother playfully, her face looking a bit mischievous. “I’ve been thinking. How come I haven’t seen you with a black eye every time you get home?” she teased, flashing a playful grin.
“I do my best to keep my face intact, you know,” he replied, but suddenly a smirk formed on his lips. “Not as bad as hiding a bloated stomach every evening,” he shot back.
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“Ss—Shut up! I’m… not fat,” she murmured, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
The students below gave a final wave before disappearing into the flow of people, their voices gradually fading into the vibrant city atmosphere. The twins exchanged a glance, the moment of a sudden shared realisation.
“We really should’ve told them about the trip,” Marci said, letting off a mild guilt. “Don’t want them thinking we just vanished.”
“Yeah, right.” Marcus agreed with a sigh. “We’ll send them a message once we’re back home. No need to leave them hanging.”
***
The twins continued their swift journey across the rooftops, leaping across narrow ledges and scaling the gaps between buildings with the grace of experienced climbers. The city stretched out beneath them, a patchwork of marble streets and towering structures radiating in the warm glow of the setting sun. As they approached the edge of the district, a familiar sight came into view—their family estate, its shape unmistakable even from a distance.
“Almost there,” Marci said playfully.
They began their descent, moving down the sloping rooftops. With a final series of nimble jumps, they dropped down to the marble pavement, landing softly. Now standing in front of their estate, they took a moment to admire the home they grew up in. The grand gate proudly displayed the Empire’s emblem of scholars—a mark of honour and intellectual might. In the courtyard, a magnificent fountain held a statue of one of the estate’s founders, his figure forever immortalised in stone. Banners of the Empire hung from the building, their colours vibrant in the fading light.
“Finally,” Marcus sighed, his voice carrying a mix of relief. “The front door’s just ahead. Let’s get this over with.”
They crossed the street casually, passing by the estate's elaborate decorations. At the building’s porch, an armoured servant stood watch. His towering figure and thick with a bushy beard, his body dwarfing the doors beside him. Despite his imposing presence, his familiar face made the twins feel at ease.
“Hey, Callum,” the twins greeted in unison.
“Ah! There ya are,” Callum rumbled, his voice gruff and a bit warm. “Where’ve ya bloody been? Yer parents’ve been lookin’ for ya.”
“Sorry, big guy,” Marci shrugged, flashing an apologetic smile. “We got caught up in a bit of… traffic.”
“The parade started earlier than we thought,” Marcus added. “You know anything about that?”
Callum shook his head. “Not a clue, lad. But I do know one of the Magistrate’s boys showed up after you left. Seemed like he was in a bloody hurry.”
Before the twins could respond, the estate doors swung open with a soft creak. Another servant, far more formal in appearance, stepped out. He was clearly about to leave, but when he noticed the twins, he paused.
“Callum,” he acknowledged the guard before turning to the twins. “Marcus. Marci.”
“Reagan,” the twins greeted in return.
Reagan turned to the armoured giant, looking at his posture. “You’re on security detail for the night,” he instructed with a tired sigh, his shoulders drooping as if he’d already had a long day.
“Aye, roger that,” Callum responded immediately, his large frame already moving towards his post without hesitation.
As Reagan made his way down the steps of the porch and towards the gate, Marci called after him, raising an eyebrow at his hurried pace. “Hey! Where ya going?”
“Sorry, kids, no time for chit-chat. I’m heading over to Admiral Vasiliev’s office,” Reagan replied.
“It’s about the trip, isn’t it?” Marcus asked, already suspecting the answer.
Reagan nodded, though his pace didn’t slow. “That and a few other things. Also your parents are waiting for you inside. Don’t keep them hanging,” he said, already stepping onto the sidewalk. “Catch you two later!” he shouted as he disappeared down the street.
“A lot of people, busy with… busyness,” Marci muttered with a sigh, watching him disappear down the street.
“Come on, sis,” Marcus said gently, grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze as they turned and entered the building.
***
The twins stepped into the grand hallways of their family estate, instantly greeted by the serene familiarity of their home. Family portraits adorned the walls while the gentle hum of the indoor breeze made the decorative plants and pottery sway slightly. Small service robots glided along the polished floors, keeping everything spotless.
At the far end of the hall, their mother waited, seated gracefully at a small guest table. She looked almost like an older reflection of the twins—sharp yet gentle features, dressed in her Imperial researcher’s coat, with casual clothes underneath. Her eyes brightened the moment they appeared.
“Mother,” the twins called out in unison.
“There you are,” she said warmly, rising to greet them. She pulled them both into a firm hug. “Where’ve you two been?”
“Just the usual traffic,” Marcus said with a shrug.
“Where’s Dad?” Marci asked, glancing around as she spoke.
Their mother sighed, her hands falling down as she crossed her arms loosely. “He’s been pulled into another urgent meeting,” she said, feeling a hint of weariness crossing her face. “I just hope it won’t jeopardise the expedition.”
Marcus tilted his head slightly. “Callum said something about the Magistrate,”
Their mother’s expression tightened for a moment before she let out another sigh. “Not just one Magistrate—there’s been a lot more attention on our works lately,” she explained, her fingers brushing through her hair in a restless motion. “More Magistrates are getting involved. I swear they’ve been hounding our team day and night.”
“Does that mean we’re not going to be travelling around the universe?” Marci’s shoulders slumped, her face softened, as she glanced at her mother.
Seeing her daughter, their mother’s smile returned. She reached out and gently cupped Marci’s cheek, her thumb brushing lightly against her skin. “Don’t worry, darling,” she said soothingly. “Your father and I will find a way.” Her hand lingered for a moment before she reached into a bag beside the table, pulling out a small box. “And besides, I made something to cheer you two up.”
She handed the box to Marcus, who accepted it with raised eyebrows. His fingers traced the edge of the box, feeling the warmth of freshly baked cookies through the packaging.
“Mom, you didn’t have to,” Marcus said.
Their mother chuckled softly, giving a playful glint in her eye. “With how hectic things have been today, I thought some homemade treats might slow things down. Don’t you think?”
“Fair enough,” Marci said, her mood lifting as she eagerly snatched a handful of cookies from the box, popping a dozen into her mouth with barely a second thought.
“That’s just greedy, sis,” Marcus chuckled, shaking his head as he watched her.
Marci tried to respond, but her words were muffled by the cookies in her mouth. “Mmmmph—you should—” she mumbled through a mouthful of crumbs. Suddenly, she froze mid-bite. A loud crunch echoed through, clearly not the sound of a cookie. Her eyes widened as she quickly spit the remnants into her hand, revealing a small, cracked tube.
She stared at it, puzzled. “A tiny scroll?” Marci asked, holding up the object between her fingers, examining it.
Marcus grinned, leaning forward to get a better look. “Fortune cookies?” he guessed, his eyes flicking to their mother knowingly. “Always with the cryptic stuff, Mom.”
Their mother simply smiled, a soft, knowing curve of her lips that gave nothing away.
Marci carefully unrolled the tiny scroll inside, squinting slightly as she read the small text aloud. “Not all those who wander are lost,” she murmured, her voice trailing off as the words sank in.
The twins exchanged a glance. Their mother stood silently, watching as they pondered the meaning behind the message.
***
Across the hallway, a door creaked open. A man stepped out, wearing the same research uniform. His features mirrored the twins, with the same golden eyes and brown hair, but his movements were rushed as he hesitantly closed the door behind him.
“Dad?” Marci said, spotting him out of the corner of her eye.
“Oh! Hi, sweetie,” he whispered loudly, glancing back at the door with a nervous look.
“Uh, Dad? What are you doing?” Marcus asked, stepping forward, sensing something was clearly off.
“No time, kids. Pack your things, we’re leaving early,” their father said, his voice urgent.
“Honey… w-where is the spokesman?” she stood up and asked, a mix of confusion and concern in her voice.
Their father hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “I... may have locked him in the lab,” he said sheepishly.
“You what?” the twins and their mother said in unison.
He held up his hands defensively. “Now, now. There’s no need to worry. He’ll get out… eventually. We just need to pack up and leave quickly, and we’ll get this expedition moving.”
Before anyone could respond, a loud crash echoed from the side room. “Mr. Briggs!” a voice bellowed. The door burst open, and a man in an imperial suit stormed out, red-faced with fury.
“Mr. Briggs! This act of treachery will not go unnoticed! The Empire won’t tolerate such insolence.” the spokesman ranted, marching toward him.
Their father squared his shoulders, trying to remain calm. “Look, we can’t meet your deadlines. The project needs time, not more empty promises. Our team is already overburdened. You can’t expect us to complete this project in under a month.”
“The Empire needs this project! The people needs this project! Your family will be hailed as heroes if you succeed. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, Mr. Briggs. How could you even think of refusing?” the spokesman shot back, his voice growing desperate.
“I’m sorry, It’s not about refusing,” their father replied, shaking his head. “What you’re asking for is The impossible. It will take years to complete it properly.”
The spokesman’s face twisted with frustration. “Then we’ll throw everything we have at it—investors, equipment, resources! The Empire will provide whatever you need! Think about it, think of the possibilities after.”
Their father glanced at the man, disappointment and frustration written on his face. “After what? After what the Empire did in the last few decades? They barely gave us anything in this sector anymore. Even if they did it's always the bare minimum. You think this is going to help us? I don’t trust that it’ll go anywhere...” he sighed, turning to walk away.
The spokesman’s voice turned cold. “And where do you think you’re going, Mr. Briggs? Abandoning the Empire? The people? Everything this institution stands for? This is treason. Outrageous. Absolute hubris I'd say! I’ll see to it that your family’s name is ruined for generations, Mr. Briggs. The Empire will see you as traitors. What do you have to say for yourself?”
Their father stopped in his tracks, his fists clenching as he struggled to keep his composure. He stood still for a moment, deafening silence in the hall. Then, he let out a long, heavy sigh, turning back to face the furious spokesman.
“I just want to take my family somewhere safe,” he said quietly.
The spokesman glanced behind him, seeing the twins and their mother, who stood watching with concern and fear. He turned back to Mr. Briggs, narrowing his eyes. “You’ve got some nerve speaking against the Empire. But if this is about your family’s safety, I suppose we can revisit this conversation later, in a more... civilised manner.”
With a cold smirk, the spokesman pulled a cigar from his pocket and lit it. “Very well, Mr. Briggs. Carry on. But I’ll be filing a report about this. Watch yourself.”
With a final glare, the spokesman strode toward the exit, leaving the family in stunned silence.
Marci rushed to her father’s side. “Dad! Are you okay?” she asked, her voice full of concern.
“I’m fine, sweetie. Really,” he said trembling slightly. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“You sure you don’t need anything?” Marcus added, his brow furrowing down.
“I’ll be alright. I just… need a moment to think.” Their father reached out, The twins and their father huddled each other briefly in a comforting embrace before pulling away.
Their father stood awkwardly for a moment, running his hand through his hair again. “Okay… we should get ready for tomorrow. Pack your things. Hopefully, we’ll get this expedition through.”
Their mother stepped forward, gently taking his hand. “Let’s get some rest, dear,” she said softly, guiding him down the hallway toward the stairs. She glanced back at the twins, offering them an encouraging nod.
Marcus and Marci watched their parents head upstairs. They exchanged tired looks, both letting out a long sigh before heading up to, as the weight of the day settled.
***
The twins retreated into their room, the familiar blues and cool tones calming them as they entered. The walls were adorned with Imperial-branded posters, and shelves displayed a variety of model ships and replicas. They started packing in a quiet rhythm, gathering essentials and stuffing them into travel bags.
“I’ve never seen a spokesman that angry before…” Marci muttered, her hands pausing over the contents of her bag.
"Well, Dad did technically trapped him in the lab," Marcus said, tossing some clothes into his own bag.
“True… but he looked different—sounded different, too. It wasn’t just regular anger. I could see it in his eyes,” Marci said, glancing at Marcus.
"The rushed parade, the research team getting hounded, Magistrates showing up at our front door—it doesn’t add up, does it?” Marcus murmured, almost as if he were talking to himself.
Marci shook her head. "The Empire? The people? What was he talking about? And what does it have to do with this… project?”
"We had this trip planned. Mom and Dad never said anything about a project,” Marcus pointed out, glancing over at his sister.
“Dad was really upset… something about what the Empire did. Do you think it’s another one of those military things?” Marci asked, trying to piece it all together.
"Maybe," Marcus said, his tone a bit doubtful. "It doesn’t make any bloody sense? The Empire's military is already massive. When they want something done, they usually allow five years or more. But a month? That's just insane.”
“The project, the Empire, the people… he sounded so desperate,” Marci repeated softly, concern etched on her face.
Marcus walked over and gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s not overthink it. How about we do something to cheer Dad up?”
A small smile tugged at Marci’s lips as she went to the storage closet. “I know just the thing.” She rummaged around, eventually pulling out several boxes of model ships, their dust-covered surfaces glinting in the light.
Marcus raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t know you had more stashed away.”
"I never had time to build them. But I’m sure Dad would love to help out. He always love ancient stuff like these,” Marci said, wiping some dust off the top of a box.
Marcus picked up one of the other boxes, his gaze catching on the cover depicting an old sailing ship. "Queen Anne’s Revenge," he read aloud. “Ancient indeed,” he remarked playfully.
“Look what else I found,” Marci called, revealing a dozen more boxes stacked in the back of the closet.
“Wow, sis. Think you can manage all of those?” Marcus teased.
“Not without help,” she shot back, giving him a light nudge. “But with the whole family, why not?”
The twins shared a quick grin and began packing the boxes into another bag, the mood in the room lifting slightly as they worked.