Chapter 1

Beta

Crash. That was my vain attempt at landing. The control panel is dented, and the engine is beyond repair. If flying back to Luna was ever an option, it most certainly isn't anymore.

I wonder where I've landed. I had no destination in mind. Thank goodness the gps survived! It says we're somewhere in the middle of The Sahara desert. Of course, the gps could be broken. I step outside.

My first thought is: yep, this is definitely the Sahara desert. There is sand as far as the eye can see. Except... What's that hazy smudge In the distance? It looks like a town. It's worth investigating.

It's about a kilometre from my spaceship to the village, but if felt like a lot longer. As I walk, my thoughts drift back to Princess Selene. She'd be about 16 now. The thought makes me cry. Finally, I reach the village.

As I walk through the streets of this town, I remember Luna. This town is so different! Everyone seems happier than on Luna. The strange thing is, I can sense quite a lot of Lunars. Strange.

I found an old shack. It's windows were broken, and it looked like it was about to collapse. I guess, this is my new home. I pushed the creaking door open, and was surprised by what I saw. There were a dozen sleeping bags, lying on the ground. One of the sleeping bags had a Lunar in it!

He smiled at me, got out of his sleeping bag and actually started to introduce himself!

"Welcome to Kufra! My name is Giovanni. You're a Lunar, I presume?"

"Yes, I am a lunar. My name is Beta. I fled Luna after princess Selene was killed"

"My friend, I have a secret for you. Selene is not dead! She goes by the name of Cinder. Sadly, she is a wanted criminal."

That took me completely by surprise. I decided to trust this man.

"Why on earth would Selene- Cinder be a wanted criminal?"

He explained things to me. He explained how she became a cyborg, how Cinder was raised by Adri, how Cinder snuck to the ball, where Levana recognized her and imprisoned her. He explained how she broke out of prison, and was last seen in France and boarded a Lunar ship, supposedly called the Rampion.

I was awestruck. I was overwhelmed with emotions: joy, fear for Cinder, happiness, but most of all, I wanted to do something. I want to help Cinder.

"How do you know all this?", I asked.

We motioned to a computer in a corner of the room.

"I'm an excellent hacker. I managed to hack into the queen's personal computer. Levana really wants Selene dead.", he said.

"So... I take it you are supporting Cinder?", I ask, hoping we'll be on the same side.

"Duh! Who in their right minds would willingly support that f***ing queen!

Good. I have allies.

"Do the rest of these Lunars support Cinders?", I ask, hoping.

"Yes. Though, I don't think they're willing to sacrifice as much as I am. If Cinder comes here, they'd definitely help her."

Just them, the door creaked. In came a man, a woman and a child. They politely introduced themselves, and lied down next to each other. They seemed happy to be in Kufra. I guess I've met my new roommates. My life has undoubtedly changed, forever. I will never be the same person, ever again.

Dr Erland

I've waited so long for Cinder to come here. What could she be doing! It won't be long before I die. Letumosis has mutated. We are all at it's mercy. I need to do something. I walk over to my desk and open the front drawer.

Strange. This wasn't here before. I pull out the wrinkled piece of paper. It's a blueprint. For what?

It's the most advanced piece of technology I've ever seen! But what is it? I try to read the title. It's smudged. It says something like: to d ay t e Lun r g ft. After a lot of guessing, I realize what it says: to delay the Lunar gift! This could change the course of the war! This can stop any Lunar from being able to use their glamour, of grant immunity to an Earthen! As soon as I find Cinder, I will show her this.

Wait. What if I'm dead by then? If I die, no one can build this. I need to give it away to someone. Some one who can build this. Some one with allies. Some one with the time to build it. My immediate thought was: Cinder. She's an outstanding mechanic.

I realized that that wouldn't work. Cinder is too busy. She has to stop Kai and Levana's wedding, while fleeing authorities. She would never have the time to make it.

I need to give it to one of the Lunars in this town. They have the time. They'd be willing to help. I'm sure at least one of them is a mechanic.

I will go to the Lunar's hut. I will see if any of them are mechanics. I step out the door to my lab, carrying the price of paper that will change the course of this war.

I will not die in vain.