Journey of a Lifetime

	Chapter 1
	The courtyard was full of activity, just like every day.  People crossed the plaza to reach the nearest city transport, or just to take a relaxing stroll, thought Jade.
	Recently graduated from the University of Tori, he now noticed many things he used to take for granted.  As much as he saw, he never noticed his friend quietly slip up next to him.  Dar was tall, fair skinned, with light sandy hair which contrasted his dark eyes.  He stood and watched for a minute or two, trying to find what captured his friends attention.  Finally he spoke.
	“Anything of interest, Jade?”
	“Just podre furas,” Jade answered in a slight native accent.  He still stared at the large crowds.
	“I only needed one year of language, remember?”
	Jade thought a bit and began to explain. He replied, “You can’t learn everything at the university.  My province has a rich language, with many expressions.  Podre furas refers to ‘Outside powers’ or off-worlders that come to visit.  They bring forces with them can influence culture or advances in society, or so it is believed.”
	“You don’t believe that do you?”
	“You always question.  Anyway, think about the city transport.  It still ran on hydrogen before Tori became part of the galactic trade route.  We both learned that in Historical Science 101.”
	Dar hastened with his rebuttal, “But what about anti-gravitic technology.  Other worlds are said to have that.  Many of them visit here.”
	“There’s no sense arguing a useless point now.  We aren’t taking debate class anymore,” responded Jade slowly as he headed toward the nearest transport station.  He had to plow his way through crowds, but today was Saturday, and the Grand Plaza was always full of tourists, off-worlders, and locals.  Dar fought hard to stay close his friend. They descended below the street.  The tramline station was surprisingly empty, only about six or seven people waiting for the next train.  Jade flashed his Tori ID, to the man behind the counter.  Dar, finding only his expired student card, rather ashamedly, bummed a ride off of Jade.
	The tram moved rather silently down the tunnel and into the artificial light.  A projection at the head of the car presented the next stop as well as other information related to the stop.  Those observant enough could see the occasional graffiti, evident of the city’s nightlife, as the train continued on.  The ride was silent except for the occasional sound of wind when another tram passed or the train made its way through a station.  As if to read Dar’s unconscious thoughts, Jade said, “Central Underground”
	Dar, suddenly remembering where he was, nodded in agreement.  He paused. Surprised, he asked, “Why the Underground?”
Jade stood in front of a metallic door with a tacky wooden veneer.  Jade pressed a small metal square recessed into the door latch.  The door immediately slid into the wall.  Dar followed Jade through another small hallway into a small room.
	“Welcome to home”
	Dar was dazed for a moment. “You live here?”
	“Always more questions.  I can’t afford a gold-seal certificate needed to pay surface rent.  So I live underground.  It’s cooler down here anyways.”
	“ I just thought maybe you’d have more money by now. You know, a good job, stuff like that.”
	“Even if I did, I wouldn’t necessarily have to show it would I?  Besides, Zexan pays quite well despite cheap off-world imports.  No more questions.”
	“Well, what about the rough people down here?”
	Jade sighed. So much for that, he thought. Instead he answered, “That’s why I installed he lock.  I only opens for me.  At least I didn’t sleep through advanced electronics.”
	“I only dozed off once,” Dar stated quickly.  In his defense he responded, “I passed the class, didn’t I?
	Jade had disappeared into one of the adjoining rooms.  He returned, offering a glass of yellowish liquid to Dar, who eyed it suspiciously.  Jade rolled his eyes and took a sip from his own glass.  After that Dar visibly relaxed.

Chapter 2

	Commander Vista strolled into the office, the light reflecting off his ceremonial sash.  The mayor sat calmly behind the desk.  He smiled at the commander.  Vista did not return the favor.  Mayor Predo offered him a seat.