Chapter 24: Mission
Alexander made his way through the streets of Geronimo, taking in the sights of the only city he'd ever called home.
Six years ago, Geronimo was just like any other city located on the bad side. A barely surviving wreck filled with hopeless people and even more hopeless children.
Back then, the buildings were severely neglected aged structures from earlier centuries that had been patched up a lot rather than properly maintained.
The roads had been barely functional, and power was a luxury only the richest in the city could afford. The city's water recycling plant could only operate at minimum capacity, providing just enough clean water to prevent widespread illness.
The trading centers were always short on basic necessities, making it a race just to get food to survive. The communication systems available to those who could afford it were basic, and entertainment options were limited to whatever propaganda the good side wanted them to see.
Most of the population worked in the massive extraction facilities that were all over the bad side. These industries were what most people saw as the cause for the different environments on the planet. The planet had been blessed with an extraordinary abundance of natural resources found nowhere else in the N-4 Starseeker Galaxy. This had attracted powerful Mornan families centuries ago, who quickly established control over these invaluable assets.
They had made a calculated decision to restrict all resource extraction operations exclusively to one part of the planet. The other part was developed into a paradise of advancement and luxury, while the bad side became increasingly depleted and polluted. This arrangement was done on purpose to create a permanent class of laborers.
The blue and red Mornans who were the original inhabitants of this planet before its value was discovered, were mostly kept on the bad side. They were told that they could eventually "earn" their way to the good side through decades of loyal service in the extraction facilities or processing plants.
The truth though, was that only a select few actually ever got to go there. But that was enough to give others hope to keep going.
Even those who didn't directly work in the facilities suffered from their presence. The extraction processes contaminated groundwater, released poisonous gasses into the atmosphere, and left vast areas permanently scarred.
The planet's immense resources was precisely why the Mornan ruling families had successfully petitioned to restrict Renegade interference on Sudrat.
Bastian becoming a Renegade and then a Sentinel was an unforseen complication for them. Looking at what Geronimo was now, Alexander couldn't help but smile.
In just six years, Bastain had transformed the city into something almost unrecognizable. Clean and smooth streets, renovated buildings, and an abundance in food and water. Most importantly though, the joy on the faces of the Mornans living here. Bastain had given the people of Geronimo the hope they had lost generations ago.
Refugees from other cities had come here in waves, seeking asylum. Which was why the city was expanding every single day. And why the good side were trying their best to stop it.
Eventually, Alexander arrived at the newly constructed orphanage, the first project Bastian had prioritized before he even became a Sentinel.
"That's far enough. Your days of running are finally over."
A high-pitched female voice came from behind Alex as he felt something press against his lower back.
Alex's expression instantly became serious as he raised his hands slowly in surrender.
"Whoa, easy there. There's no need to resort to that. Seems like you caught me fair and square. I'm sure we can come to an agreement."
"I'm sure we can," Mira, a Blue Mornan kid with bright eyes, said as she stepped back, smirking. "I finally caught you Alex! That means I get a reward!."
With a smile, Alexander spun around and lifted her into the air. "Alright, Mira, you win. I suppose I'll need to do better at getting away from you kids. But from now on, don't leave the orphanage without supervision, especially not when it's dark, am I understood?" Alexander said, his tone reprimanding.
Mira nodded, still giggling, her arms around his neck. "Okay, okay, I promise!"
With a renewed smile, Alexander carried her toward the orphanage.
The main building of the orphanage was a three story tall structure. It was flanked by two other buildings, with a courtyard at the center of the compound. This was home to over three hundred children of various ages. Unlike most structures in Geronimo, the orphanage had been completely rebuilt rather than merely renovated.
Several Renegade sentries patrolled the area. They were personally assigned to the orphanage by Bastain to ensure the children's safety. They greeted Alexander with respectful nods as he passed.
As they entered the compound and headed towards the main building, Mira suddenly looked up, her expression brightening. "Oh, Alex, you got a call earlier. From big bro Bastain's device. I heard Aunty Aou talking about it."
Alexander's expression darkened as he contemplated what that meant.
"Oh, really? I suppose I'd better check it out," he replied, setting her down gently. "You should head to the dining table, dinner will be ready soon."
"Alright, but don't forget to get me a reward!" Mira shouted as she dashed off.
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Alexander headed to his room in a hurry, immediately playing the recorded message Bastain left him.
The holographic display flickered to life, projecting Bastain's always jovial expression "Arbus will commence his training in about a week, as soon as the current batches conclude theirs. I trust I don't need to remind you of your task. It's finally time for you to get off your ass and do some work."
Alexander frowned as he turned off the one-way communication device. "Who the hell does he think he is?"
"Does he still think he can decide what I do with my life? Now he wants me to be a Renegade? For his stupid plan." he muttered through gritted teeth, barely containing his anger.
"Damn it," he said with a sigh as he looked out his window at Geronimo's skyline. Despite his resentment towards his brother, he couldn't deny the fact that he was happy about this deep down. After all this time, Bastian had finally agreed to let him become a Renegade, though the circumstances were far from ideal.
It had always been their dream to become Renegades and change not just Geronimo, but the entire planet. It seemed Bastian had lost sight of that dream somewhere along the way.
He forbade Alexander from becoming a Renegade until now, just for this moment.
Which was what made him so angry. The fact that his brother had deliberately held him back all this time, till what he deemed to be the right time for whatever grand scheme he was orchestrating.
Alexander's expression softened slightly as he remembered the kid his brother had told him about years ago. "Arbus Kaelen," he murmured, "I truly wonder what my brother sees in you"