"Within the intricate tapestry of the cosmos, each thread of Quantum Flow weaves the fabric of reality. To understand this is to hold the loom of existence in our hands, shaping the infinite possibilities with the delicate touch of knowledge." - Dr. Aelius Varis
Nan bustling around in the kitchen pulled me from my thoughts. "Gabe? You up, love?" Her voice was a familiar melody in the otherwise harsh reality of Lucos IX.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied, dragging myself out of bed. The gravity here was a relentless force, pressing down with 2.5 times the weight of what I was meant to bear. It was a burden even for Nan, and probably why she was relegated to the 'light duty' of raising a foundling like me.
Stumbling into our makeshift kitchen-living area, my oversized boots in hand, I presented Nan with my secret find – a plasbag of eggs. Her eyebrow arched in surprise. "Where in the stars did you find these, you rascal?"
"Just stumbled upon them," I lied with a grin. They must've fallen into my pocket recalling an old earth tale Nan once read to me. Story about a Kinder whatever that was.
Her eyes sparkled with a rare joy. Should we save them for your birthday? Nah better use them now. Don’t want to catch- a- beaten for contraband. Right, well said nodding her agreement. I watched her skillfully whip up an omelet, savoring the pork and cheese that Luther, her persistent admirer, had brought. I joked about his intentions, but Nan was quick to dismiss the notion of another marriage. Yet, I couldn't help but notice the way Luther looked at her, with a mix of affection and something deeper.
Life for a quant miner started early, and as I left Nan's quarters, my mind was a mix of contentment and looming dread. I was soon to leave for the bachelor barracks – a rite of passage I wasn't quite ready for, and in doing so leave Nan all alone.
The tram line was a sea of bodies, the thrum of activity a stark contrast to the quiet of Nan's quarters. My strange eyes, a reminder of my otherness, drew sidelong glances and hushed whispers. But Jax, my Lescate friend, was always there to offer a sense of normalcy amidst the stares.
"Hey, don’t mind them," Jax said, nudging me gently. His presence was a comfort, though his own story was as marred by misfortune as mine.
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You will be happy to hear. I was able to secure a bunk in my room. Managed to talk ole Simmons out of his bunk. Oh yeah? I asked, how much? Don’t worry Jax replied, speaking Lescate. Consider it a coming of age gift. Besides, the only reason I’m doing it, is you're so exceedingly good at finding Quant. Ha I responde. Ha I scoffed, here I was thinking I was all charm. The one thing about being Starborn, it made me a natural quant finder. I can find my quota and pocket the rest. Useful for bribing guards and the like.
The tram, a relic of rust and wear, screeched to a halt amidst the bustling crowd. I was pushed and squeezed into its cramped interior, the air heavy with the scent of sweat and dirt. Jax excused himself for a moment, “need to have a word with Telor about the gear,” leaving me standing alone among the sea of miners.
That's when Cory the ass hole spotted me. He bulldozed through the crowd, his eyes locked on mine with undisguised malice. "Don't you look at me with those evil eyes, boy," he spat, jabbing a finger into my chest, his face uncomfortably close to mine, his breath smelling of stale tabac. I’ll not have you putting your curse on me!
I met his gaze squarely, the fear in my gut steeled into defiance. "Cory, I hate to break it to you, but you're a slave, just like me, just like everyone else here. It don’t get much more cursed than this. And honestly, if there's any curse to worry about, it's your breath. Now that's truly terrifying."
The words had barely left my lips when a ripple of laughter broke out among the surrounding crowd. Faces that moments ago held only weariness and indifference now lit up with fleeting amusement.
Cory's face turned a shade redder, his eyes darting around at the laughing miners. The embarrassment etched on his features was clear as day. He opened his mouth, possibly to retort, but then thought better of it.
Ned, a well-meaning miner, intervened. "Come on, Cory, leave the kid be," he said firmly.
Cory whirled on Ned, his aggression peaking. "Shut your hole, Ned, lest you want a beating."
The threat hung in the air, a palpable tension building around us.
I didn’t want Ned to take on any trouble on my account. So seizing the moment, I found my voice, "You're brave enough with the old and the young, Cory. Does it make you feel strong?"
Cory's head snapped back in my direction, a mix of anger and humiliation flashing in his eyes. He opened his mouth to retort but stopped short as Jax reappeared, his imposing figure silently altering the balance of power.
Cory, sensing Jax's presence, backed off a step, his bravado faltering. Without a word, Jax's mere presence diffused the situation, his reputation enough to make Cory think twice.
"Thanks, Ned," I said, shooting a grateful glance at the miner who'd stepped up for me.
Ned just nodded, a wry smile on his lips. "Someone's gotta keep these young hotheads in line."
Jax clapped a hand on my shoulder, a silent sign of solidarity. The tram lurched forward, carrying us towards another day in the mines, and I leaned back against the wall, reassured by the unexpected camaraderie in this tough world of Lucos IX.