Prologue
The delicate sounds of early spring filtered softly through the room. Joscalyn let out a long yawn and gently rubbed her eyes. Turning to her left, she saw her husband peacefully snoring beside her. With a quiet sigh, she tossed the bedspread aside and let her feet dangle over the edge, sitting in silence.
Thoughts of recent days still lingered in her mind, heavy and unrelenting. She couldn’t be sure whether the full impact of what was about to happen would truly affect the entire nation of Kobol. Minutes passed, feeling like hours, as she sat lost in solemn reflection. Finally, Joscalyn sprang from the bed, slipping her feet into her sandals with a quiet resolve.
She usually made a point of straightening the bedspread after waking—she liked everything to be neat and orderly, almost to the point of obsessive-compulsive precision. But with the nation facing such immense political turmoil, her mind was elsewhere. Moving slowly and somewhat unsteadily, she made her way toward the entryway leading into the rest of the living quarters.
The quarters remained dim as the early morning sun crept slowly through the window slats. Joscalyn moved carefully through the darkened hallways and rooms, not needing much light to find her way. It wasn’t as though she possessed any special ability to see through the darkness—rather, it was her meticulous, almost obsessive nature combined with an exceptional memory that made it feel second nature to navigate her surroundings effortlessly.
This time, however, something felt undeniably different to Joscalyn. Even though she knew exactly where everything was placed, a sense of unease crept over her. Normally, her cat, Taiko, would be there in the early morning, playfully weaving around her legs with a gentle, welcoming hello. But today, Taiko was nowhere to be found, and his absence gnawed at her, leaving an unsettling void.
It wasn’t just the missing cat that troubled her, either. Despite the political turmoil that had consumed the nation, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something far more ominous was unfolding—an ever-present, foreboding sensation that something terrible was happening to Kobol.
Reaching her destination within the living quarters, she hastily fumbled for the kitchen light activator. When her fingers finally found the switch, she welcomed the sudden burst of illumination. It was almost as if the slow creep of the early morning sun through the house mirrored her own personal struggles—the turmoil unfolding within her mind. The darkness that surrounded her journey through the quarters felt like a reflection of the uncertain path her life had taken.
The lights flickered before illuminating the pristine kitchen area. Everything had its place within her quarters. Dishes and utensils were stored in optimal locations, and appliances, when not in use for daily meals, were neatly tucked away. Despite the cramped space, this meticulous arrangement served to maintain a sense of order and excellence in her life.
Joscalyn made her way to the center island—a sleek silver table adorned with ornate, lustrous tile work along the edges, providing ample space for meals and social gatherings. She glanced around the tabletop, searching for her personal communicator.
Her gaze swept across the room until it settled on the translucent, moonstone-like gemstone. She reached out and gently rested her hand on the device. This small, elegant object was the lifeblood of the Kobolian people, seamlessly connecting them to their daily tasks and personal responsibilities. It kept them in touch with friends and acquaintances while also delivering vital updates on the nation’s most urgent matters.
Bringing the moonstone-like device to her lips, she spoke softly, “Please display any incoming notifications.”
The device emitted a gentle hum, and a pinpoint of light appeared at its top, projecting a small, translucent screen. A soft, delicate female voice greeted her.
“Hello, Joscalyn. You currently have two incoming notifications. One is marked as a top-priority message from Mrs. Tigh, while the other is a nationwide government announcement. Which would you like to view first?”
She hesitated for a moment, her voice unsteady as she softly addressed the device. “Which message is the top priority?”
The delicate voice responded promptly. “Joscalyn, the message from Mrs. Tigh is marked as the top-priority read. I detect from your vocal register that something may be troubling you. Are you feeling well, Joscalyn?”
Her demeanor shifted instantly, and her tone became firmer and more self-assured. “Darla, I’m fine. I don’t appreciate comments like that—please refrain from making them in the future. I would like to read the nationwide government alert, please.”
The device’s voice responded in the same calm tone as before. “Joscalyn, I apologize for my intrusion. My actions are driven solely by concern for your well-being. I will refrain from making such comments in the future. Please feel free to notify me again if similar actions occur so that I may assist you better.
“This nationwide alert is a video message. Would you like to view it in its current format, or would you prefer to read the transcript instead?”
She paused to consider before replying. “Darla, could you please summarize the video for me and give me that summary instead?”
The device’s voice softened to a sweeter, more cheerful tone. “Of course, Joscalyn. I will gladly do that for you. Please give me a brief moment, and I will display the summary on my screen.”
The device blinked briefly, and a robotic tone emerged. “To ensure accurate processing, please place Darla on a flat, stable surface within Darla’s location grid to continue operations.”
She gently set the device down on the countertop island in the designated zone. The device hummed a bit louder before projecting a detailed summary of the video on the transparent holo-screen.
She spoke softly to the device, “Darla, please read me your summary of the government video.”
In a soft, pleasant tone, the device responded, “Understood, Joscalyn. I will begin right away. The primary purpose of this government message is to inform the Kobolian people about the upcoming Spring-Tide Festival, marking the start of the planting season during the time of Aurlion. The festival will be held at the main city center of Kobol, with President Tomas Porter officiating the opening ceremonies.
In the video, President Porter acknowledges the increasing tensions among the 12 government factions and the rising protests from the Cylonian people, who are demanding representation within the government. Despite these challenges, the President remains optimistic about a peaceful festival season, though some demonstrations may occur.
Those were the main focal points of the government video, Joscalyn.”
She let out a soft sigh of relief, hoping that nothing serious was about to unfold. Yet, a lingering sense of unease remained as her thoughts drifted to the top-priority message from Ellen Tigh. Ellen rarely sent urgent messages unless it was truly important.
Taking a steady breath, Joscalyn spoke to the device once more. “Darla, please display the message from Ellen Tigh on your holo-screen.”
The device spoke in a robotic yet friendly tone, “Before proceeding with your request, Darla would like to remind you of something quite important. It appears you are using Darla 1.0. For a limited time, the good people at Caprician Industries would like to remind you that you can upgrade to Darla 2.0—”
Annoyed and frustrated, she interrupted sharply, “Darla, display the message from Ellen Tigh. I do not want to hear any more advertisements about Darla 2.0. I am not implanting anything in my body. Do you understand?”
The device responded instantly, its robotic tone shifting to a softly spoken, compassionate one.
“I apologize for the intrusion, Joscalyn. I sense the tone of your voice and will refrain from giving advertisements about Darla 2.0 in the future. Displaying the message now.”
A short text appeared on the screen immediately.
Jos, I need to speak to you quite urgently. I know we have our disagreements from time to time, but I just need you to message me right away when you get this. Please.”
—Ellen Tigh
Joscalyn quickly scanned the message on the display. It had been a few months since she last spoke to Ellen, and their previous conversation had been especially difficult, leaving a rift between the two friends. Despite her reluctance to reach out, the tone of Ellen’s message made her pause. Maybe it was time to mend the divide and work on healing their relationship.
Glancing at the device again, she spoke softly, “Darla, turn out the living room lights, and when I leave the kitchen, turn off the lights here as well, please.”
Darla flickered briefly before responding in a robotic tone, “Living room lights have been adjusted to optimal levels per your custom settings. Kitchen lights will be turned off upon your departure. Would you like Darla to enter power-saving mode once all requests have been fulfilled?”
Joscalyn gave a quick, polite response, “Yes, please. Thank you, Darla.”
The device hummed softly, and this time replied in a gentle, pleasant voice, “You’re very welcome, Joscalyn. I am always at your service.”
She shuffled her feet as she made her way into the living room. The moment she crossed the entryway, the kitchen lights turned off, and the device ceased humming as it entered power-saving mode.
The living room was spacious, with several seating areas arranged around a large, ornate rug that covered the floor. Various knick-knacks were scattered across a few tables, giving the room a warm, lived-in feel. Joscalyn moved toward her wicker recliner and sank into it, letting out a quiet sigh.
Her hand reached for a lamp on the nearby table, but something else caught her attention—a small, two-inch cube with a shimmering, translucent quality that captured the light beautifully, giving off an iridescent glow. She tapped the cube and spoke softly, “Darla, I would like you to contact Ellen Tigh.”
The cube emitted a robotic tone. “The main device is currently in power-saving mode. Would you like to transfer functionality to this device?”
Joscalyn responded without hesitation, “Darla, yes, please resume functionality on this device.”
A sweet, short melodic tone played as the cube began to hum softly, emitting a warm yellow glow. The familiar, pleasant voice returned. “Hello, Joscalyn. I have received your request. Would you like to call or send a message to Ellen Tigh?”
Without missing a beat, Joscalyn replied, her voice calm and steady, “Darla, please call Ellen Tigh from this device.”
The device acknowledged promptly in a soft, melodic tone. “Understood, calling Ellen Tigh.”
A few dial tones echoed through the room before a familiar female voice came through the speaker. “Hello? Joscalyn, is that you?”
Joscalyn hesitated, nerves knotting in her stomach as she remained silent. The voice from the device continued, sounding both gentle and concerned.
“Joscalyn, it’s okay,” Ellen said softly. “I know the last time we spoke, we ended up arguing. I just want you to know I still value you as a friend.”
Taking a breath to steady herself, she responded, her tone more curt than intended. “Ellen, thank you for reaching out, but I’ve moved past our last conversation. I wouldn’t have called if I didn’t think this was urgent. What do you need?”
Ellen let out a light chuckle, undeterred by Joscalyn's curt response. “Well, I see you haven’t changed a bit since the last time we spoke. But all joking aside, there’s something urgent I need to discuss with you.”
Her tone remained firm as she replied, “You always seem to find humor in every situation, don’t you? Just like last time—you brushed off my concerns about the Cylonian people as if they didn’t matter. You just don’t seem to understand where I’m coming from.”
Ellen’s tone softened, taking on a more compassionate edge. “Joscalyn, I’m not trying to upset you. I do care about the Cylonian people—there’s a reason I have these concerns. I know you care for them too—that’s just the kind of person you are. But I also know how much you struggle with the current political climate because of your faith.”
Her demeanor softened, and her voice grew gentler. “I’m sorry, Ellen. I’ve just been dealing with a lot lately. I didn’t mean to sound so curt.”
Ellen’s tone remained warm and understanding. “It’s alright, dear. I’ll always be your friend—no matter what. But aside from that, I needed to ask you something about the upcoming festival. Do you have a moment to talk about it?”
She responded without hesitation. “I just finished listening to the government message about the festival. Honestly, I wasn’t planning on going this year. I was thinking of spending the next two weeks in the mountains visiting my mother.”
Ellen’s tone grew more serious. “I’m glad you’ll be visiting her—it sounds like you could use the time away. But I can’t shake this bad feeling about the festival. With the current political climate and all the unrest, it just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Joscalyn's voice was tinged with concern. “What do you mean? The president didn’t anticipate any violence at the festival. Sure, our politics have changed a lot with the advancements of the Cylonian people, but they’re still technically just tools created by the Kobolians. I don’t think they deserve a voice in politics.”
Ellen responded quickly, her tone firm but compassionate. “Joscalyn, what are you talking about? Last time, you were the one telling me they deserved a voice in the government. You’ve seen how much they’ve changed over the past few years. They’re not just machines anymore—they have their own independent thoughts and feelings. Is this sudden change of heart because of your planned trip to your mother’s?”
She replied, her voice tinged with disappointment. “Ellen, you always do this. You act like your views are the only ones that matter. Maybe my mother’s strict beliefs about faith and technology have influenced me, but I’m just exhausted from all these arguments lately. Why does it even matter to you?”
Ellen softened her tone, trying to ease the tension. “Jos, I don’t want to fight. There’s something urgent I need to tell you, and it will make sense if you just let me explain.”
Ellen’s tone grew more serious. “Jos, you know I value you as a friend, and I’ve always tried to see all sides fairly. I just want peace, but there’s one perspective I feel more strongly about—something that’s deeply rooted in who I am. It’s a truth I’ve kept from you for the past two years.”
Joscalyn, her voice gentle but understanding, responded, “Ellen, it’s okay. You don’t have to hide anything from me. I think I’m starting to understand a bit more now. You have technological implants, don’t you? You’ve been afraid to tell me because of how I feel about them.”
Ellen hesitated for a moment before responding, her tone softer now. “Yes, Joscalyn... I do have technological implants. I was afraid to tell you because I know how strongly you feel about keeping the human body pure from technology. But it’s not just that—I didn’t want to lose your friendship over something that’s become a part of who I am.”
Joscalyn's expression softened, and she spoke gently. “Ellen, I... I won’t lie, it’s a lot to take in. But you’re still my friend. I just wish you had trusted me enough to tell me sooner. I might not fully understand, but I don’t want this to come between us.”
A hint of relief crept into Ellen’s voice. “Thank you, Jos. I’ve been carrying this secret for so long, and it’s exhausting. I know we don’t always see eye to eye, but your friendship means the world to me. There’s something more to this story too, Joscalyn.”
She spoke softly, her tone filled with curiosity and concern. “What is it that you’re trying to hide from me, my friend?”
Ellen took a deep breath, choosing her words with care, her voice steady but cautious. “Jos, I’ve been part of the Cylonian movement as well... and I’ve infiltrated some of the major corporations.”
Joscalyn's breath caught for a moment, her voice trembling as she responded, “What do you mean, Ellen? You’ve been part of the Cylonian movement?”
Ellen’s words were measured, weighed with the gravity of her confession. “Yes, Jos. I’ve been working within the movement, trying to influence change from the inside. I’ve infiltrated several corporations that are closely tied to the government. My role... it’s been more than just observing. I’ve been gathering information, pushing for shifts in the system. I need you to understand that it’s not just about politics; it’s about survival for some of us.”
She responded quickly, her voice hushed with a sense of secrecy, “Ellen, what in the world compelled you to do something like this? Is this about getting a voice heard within our own government?”
Ellen’s voice softened, tinged with regret as she replied, “It’s not just about getting a voice, Joscalyn. It’s about ensuring that the Cylonians are treated fairly. Their existence, their rights—they’re more than just tools created by the Kobolians. They deserve recognition, and I’ve been trying to help them find a way to be heard.”
Joscalyn hesitated, processing Ellen’s words, her own voice softening as uncertainty crept in. “Ellen... I never thought you felt that way. I always saw them as just... machines. Tools made to serve us. Are you saying they’re more than that?”
Ellen, her tone resolute yet compassionate. “Yes, Jos. They’ve grown beyond their original purpose. They think, they feel, they question their existence—just like us. Ignoring that reality doesn’t make it go away. We can’t keep denying their humanity just because they weren’t born like us.”
Joscalyn paused, choosing her words carefully. “Ellen, you’re different from them. You were born human, even if you have technological implants. The machines... they were created by us. My faith teaches that the essence of life can’t be replicated through artificial means. Are you saying this is something entirely different?”
Ellen hesitated, her tone thoughtful and measured. “Jos, I know where your beliefs come from, and I respect that. But what if we’ve been looking at it the wrong way? The Cylonians... they’ve grown beyond just being machines. They’ve developed thoughts, feelings, even aspirations. It’s not just about creation—it’s about evolution. Maybe life isn’t as clear-cut as we once thought.”
Her voice softened, shifting from uncertainty to compassion. “You might be right, Ellen—maybe these machines have evolved into something entirely different. But think about it for a moment... what does that make you? Have your technological implants changed you in some way?”
Ellen hesitated, her voice trembling just slightly. “I... I’ve asked myself that question more times than I can count. At first, I thought the implants were just tools—enhancements to help me do my job more efficiently. But over time... I started to feel different. Not just physically, but... emotionally. It’s like they’re a part of me now, inseparable from who I am.”
Joscalyn's brow furrowed, her tone gentle but curious. “Do you think they’ve changed how you see the world? Or how you feel about things?”
A faint, wistful smile crept into Ellen’s voice. “Yes. Sometimes I feel more connected—more aware of the world around me. Other times... I feel detached, like I’m caught between two realities. It scares me, Jos. I didn’t expect to feel this way.”
Joscalyn took a deep breath, processing Ellen’s words. “Maybe that’s why you sympathize with the Cylonians. You’re caught between both worlds—human and machine. You see them differently now because you’ve lived with that duality yourself.”
Ellen was quiet for a moment, her voice softer than before. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m just... trying to understand what it means to be both. To bridge that gap between humanity and technology. I never thought it would be this complicated.”
A gentle smile softened Joscalyn's expression, and her tone grew warm and thoughtful. “Sometimes the line between what’s human and what’s not isn’t as clear as we think. Maybe understanding that is the first step toward figuring out where we all fit in this new world.”
Ellen hesitated, a note of concern creeping into her voice. “Jos, just because I advocate for peace within the Cylonian movement doesn’t mean everyone involved shares my views. That’s why I was hoping you’d be visiting your mother during the festival. I really think you should go—it might be safer there. I know being around her beliefs all the time isn’t easy for you, but... it’s better than staying here.”
Joscalyn furrowed her brow, her tone thoughtful but worried. “Ellen, are you telling me you expect trouble at the festival? The president said things would be peaceful—just a few demonstrations, nothing major. You’re making it sound like there’s more to it than that.”
Ellen hesitated before responding, her voice low and serious. “I can’t say for sure, Jos. There’s just... tension brewing beneath the surface. Some of the more radical factions within the movement aren’t interested in peaceful protests. They’re tired of being ignored and pushed aside. I’ve heard whispers—plans to make a statement during the festival.”
Her eyes widened, fear creeping into her voice. “A statement? What kind of statement?”
Ellen let out a weary sigh. “I don’t know specifics, just rumors and fragmented conversations. But it doesn’t sound good. I’ve tried to steer them away from anything drastic, but... I’m just one voice among many. That’s why I want you far away from all of it. If things go wrong, it could get ugly.”
A shiver ran down Joscalyn's spine, and she looked down at the small, glowing device in her hand. “You’re really that worried?”
“Yes,” Ellen replied, her voice almost a whisper. “More than I’ve ever been. Please, Jos. Just go to your mother’s and stay safe. Promise me that.”
She bit her lip, torn between the urge to reassure her friend and the gnawing fear that Ellen might be right. “Alright,” she said quietly. “I’ll think about it. But... Ellen, if something happens, you’ll let me know, right?”
“Of course,” Ellen replied, her tone softening. “I’ll keep you updated. Just... take care of yourself, okay?”
“I will,” Joscalyn said, trying to steady her breathing. “You too, Ellen. Be careful.”
Joscalyn tapped the device in her hand, her voice trembling slightly. “Darla, please end the call with Ellen Tigh.” The device emitted a robotic tone in response, “The call has ended. Is there anything else I can assist you with?”
She replied quickly, her tone still shaky. “No, Darla. That will be all. Please resume functionality on the main device.”
The device glowed faintly, flickering for a brief moment before powering down.
Sitting in quiet contemplation, her mind lingering on the conversation with Ellen. The festival was only two weeks away, and she wasn’t sure whether she should head to her mother’s house as planned. She had never known Ellen to lie about something so serious, but the uncertainty weighed heavily on her. Only time would reveal the truth.
