 |
|||
|
|
Chapter 1 – Lord of Beginnings
Year 2231, high summer.
Temple of Ganesha, New Babylon
His lips gently touched mine, his warmth spreading to my mouth. I felt electrified, the sari brushed gently against my body in the wind, spreading chills coursing over my skin.
My hands trembled as I grasped his shoulders and looked up in his eyes. It wasn’t the first kiss in my life, but it still blew my mind. I heard my heart race in ears, felt my chest heaving up and down as I breathed. My body was shivering and flushing at the same time. My cheeks burned so hot it felt like I was on fire.
Rajan looked down on and caressed an unruly strand of hair from my face. “Good luck.” He wished me. “You too.” I replied, looking up in his brown eyes. I reached up with my head and he kissed me again. I locked my arms around his neck and let myself melt in his arms.
“I got to go sweetheart or we’ll both be late.” He said and put his hand on my hips, gently nudging us apart. I looked up at him with not so well played sorrow, giving him my best puppy eyes. “Oh, don’t be like that. We’ll see each other tonight and maybe we can continue…” he said and leaned forward, I could feel the warmth of his body on my lips. I closed my eyes and opened my lips, bending my head up. But just before our mouths met he grinned and put his finger on my lips and said “…this.”.
I felt the sheer frustration churn my stomach as I looked up at him. Needless to say, I didn’t enjoy it as much as he seemed to. I waved and he smiled at me lopsidedly. He turned and quickly sped down the stairs of the temple.
I was standing outside of the temple of Ganesha here in New Babylon. We we’re fifteen years old, and this was the most important day of our lives. The day all children in the Indian Commonwealth have prepared for all their lives.
This was our Pruning, the day our fates as citizens of the commonwealth would be determined. The all-knowing Kalki, the preserver, lord of Resplendent Destinies would read our psyche, and determine our qualities as well as our shortcomings. From them, he would decide what caste and profession we would be most prosperous in, consolidating our Karma from our last life.
Kalki is embodied in a machine, an artificial intelligence crafted just after the Reformation at 2078. His electronic body in Pune is considered holy ground by the Brahmin. They built a temple around it in classical style, which is now over a 150 years old.
I looked back up at ornamented temple door. A large statue of Ganesha himself, the elephant god, the lord of beginnings towered over the entrance looking down on me. I bowed too him in tentative reverence before entering.
A large group of children had amassed in the antechambers. I wore my finest sari, cream coloured with golden embroideries. Still trembling from Rajan’s kiss, I stepped inside the temple, my footsteps echoing of the cool stone. The murmur of the distant crowd grew to nigh deafening roar as I got closer and the voices echoed in full strength against the temple walls.
I was nervous when I went to bed last night, so nervous I could barely sleep. And this morning, I couldn’t eat. I’d had butterflies in my belly since the day before. Now it was mixed with the mushy crazy feelings of a fifteen year old girl in love, turning me mentally upside down. I looked around for a place to sit but realized I was at the temple.
My stomach churned from sexual frustration, anxiety and famine. It seemed everyone had someone to talk to. I was too nervous to even look around for anyone I knew, I only knew that Rajan wasn’t here. His twin sister Reshmi should be here at this temple somewhere. I’ve known her since we were kids.
“Now settle down children, your pruning is just about to start.” An elderly man of the scholar caste said, his slightly faded blue caste mark clearly visible on his forehead. The nervous buzzing of the room immediately quieted down as all of us stopped talking to each other.
“Form a line everyone, you will have the honour to speak to the great lord Kalki yourselves as we enter the room.” He croaked. A senior citizen doing his part to better society. He was overseeing our pruning, our coming of age ceremony.
Who would be my boss? Who would build my house? Who would guard my streets and cities? Who would cook my food? Who would care for my children? All was decided here.
I saw the engraved words “For the good of all” visible over the doorway as we passed through the door. The old man hummed contently as he led us through the corridor and into the room of fates.
The sun shone in through the ornamented doorways leading out to a marble balcony. A cool draft wafted in through blue silk curtains, lending fresh air to this old part of the temple. Children in front of me bowed in too the templar already present in the room, his red tunic, red caste mark and shaved head signalled his military presence with unmistakable clarity. I hurried in through the doorway and bowed to him quickly, and made way for the ones behind me.
“Take your seats, leave your monitors off until instructed to turn them on.” His clear voice rang out across the room. I looked around and saw computer workstations neatly sitting on a small wooden table each. The room mostly reminded me of the exam room back in school, but much prettier.
The wooden chair creaked slightly as I sat down on it. I looked at the keyboard and at the monitor in front of me. When all of us were seated I looked up at the templar again. “So many young people. So many blank slates. You all have spectacular talents children, today these talents will be made apparent to the world… to us… and to you.” He looked at us with a stern face “You may begin.” He said and the elder Scholar silently left the room, off to greet another party of children.
I heard my heart pounding in my ears as I with trembling hands touched the monitor and it sprung to life.
Connecting with the most honoured Kalki, Lord of Resplendent Destinies…
Connected… Sending retina scan…
Acquiring personal information from the Ministry of human resources…
Genetic registry acquired…
Academic achievements acquired…
Medical data acquired…
Starting session…
Greetings I am Kalki, Preserver of the Commonwealth and Lord of Resplendant Destinies. Please take a minute to read through the your personal data and point out any error that you find.
Citizen identification number: 15-12-30-14322
Race: African
Height: 5’6’’
Weight: 124 lb
Residence: 2134 Green street, New Babylon
Father:
Name: Merchant Asad Farah
Occupation: Stockbroker
Mother:
Name: Scholar Nadifa Farah
Occupation: Pharmacist
Primary School: First Primary School of New Babylon
Academic Achievements: Graduation from First P.S. of N.B. in the upper
quarter of her class.
Is this you?
I touched the keyboard and started typing back to the machine.
Yes it is.
What name have your parents given you?
They call me Ayanna. Ayanna Farah.
And this is the name you wish to enter in the records after your pruning is complete?
Yes.
Then let us begin. Are you ready child?
I am ready lord.
I wiped my sweaty palms on my sari, still trembling slightly. He paused for a bit before replying, as if he was studying me.
Are you nervous child?
I guess, a little…
Fear is a very common response to a life-changing event. 67.6% of all children attending their pruning express fear during the first minute of interaction with me. You are not the first to do so.
You do know that this conversation is considered classified information? It is considered a crime of the first degree to access this information without being a government official.
You do not have to feel nervous to what you say here, this is between you and me.
Thank you, I am honoured by your kindness lord.
Let’s discuss something else.
Please go on.
You are part of the somalian minority here in New Babylon. How does that make you feel?
I looked at the screen. It was like he took a sharp stick and stuck it in the place where it hurt the most. I clenched my jaw. Was he testing my patience, seeing if I would break or snap?
I was always the only black child in class at every school. Everyone, even my friends used to call me Blackie. I’ve never seen it as something bad, but my mother wouldn’t allow it. She is very proud of our heritage, our home is filled with Somali trinkets and old relics and antiques from our family.
I can’t say I care either way. Sure, some of my classmates tease me and say that I’m going to move to Ethiopia and become a movie star, they’re just used to seeing African’s at the cinema I guess. But the extra attention can be kind of nice but…
I have fantasized about being Indian, like everyone else.
In your fantasy, do you want to be Indian because you feel they are prettier or some other reason?
No, not to be pretty but rather to not be noticed. To be able to walk down a street and not have every other person give you an extra look because you’re the first black person they’ve seen today. I think I long for the anonymity.
Interesting. What about beauty then?
Forgive me, I don’t think I’m following you…
Who do you think are the prettiest, Somalians or Indians?
I’d say that they are about the same. Indians can be very pretty, if they don’t have a beard. I really don’t like beards. They look so goofy, and they itch.
How would you know they itch? I take it you haven’t kissed a bearded boy.
Heh, no my lord. My father has a small beard. It scratches when he kisses me.
You are very well versed in Sanskrit for being just 15 years old, you write eloquently for being so young.
I blushed at the compliment, feeling the warmth rise to my face.
Thank you lord, you are too kind.
I take it that you read a lot?
Yes, I love reading. I probably do it more than anything else on my spare time.
And you probably write a lot too, chatting with your friends, writing email and maybe even the odd forum post? Or maybe a novel?
Yeah… yes I do… How do you know so much about me?
It is my raison d’etre my child. If you know what that means.
I don’t know what it means, but I know it’s French.
Correct, it is indeed french. Look it up when we are finished here today.
Knowledge is power, always seek it.
Yes Lord Kalki, I will.
The screen paused a few seconds, as if he was thinking something over.
What do you vision yourself doing when you grow up?
I looked at the question, not really knowing what to answer. Suddenly my attention was diverted from the screen. A boy two rows in front of me started crying. The entire room turned to look at him, which intensified his crying and he got up from his chair and tried to walk away.
The templar in his crimson tunic walked up to him and laid his hand on his shoulder. “I want to go home… He’s mean to me.” cried the boy. Apparently Kalki tried him, and broke him. The templar looked up at us and bellowed “Back to your stations, you will not dishonour the great lord by ignoring his presence!”.
I swallowed hard and looked down on the monitor and our conversation once again. He peacefully asked for an answer to his question.
Well?
What did you say to that boy to make him cry?
That is between him and me. I asked you a question, please answer it child.
Was it really necessary to make him cry?
Yes.
We will not discuss this further, this conversation is about you, not the boy in front of you. I suggest you focus your priorities, we are deciding your future today.
I’m sorry lord, I just don’t like seeing people upset…
Wait… Did you just make him upset too see how we others would react?!
The machine paused for several seconds before answering.
If I did, the law prohibits me from telling you child, but it is an interesting hypothesis. However, I’m starting to believe that you are evading my question. Do you feel shame for your future plans?
I felt ashamed, not for my future plans, but for failing to answer a simple question after he asked me four times already.
I… damn. I’m really sorry :( I got preoccupied…
No worry my child, let’s start over. What would you like to do when you grow up?
I think I would like to travel and see the world. I would like to meet people in foreign countries and help them.
Help them how?
Help them make a life worthy of living. Having food on the table, medicine and care for their ill and a roof over their head. Like India did when we adopted Persia and southern Arabia.
I see. So you would like to work like an aid worker?
Hmm… maybe not so serious. Maybe more like a… what’s the word. Au pair?
Is this what you mean?
Au pair:
An exc hange student that lives together with a local family, receiving pocket money, food and housing in exchange for helping out with family child care and housework.
Source: Encyclopaedia Universalis
Yeah, that sounds just about right. That would be fun. Maybe seeing New Berlin or old London.
Europe can be a very dangerous place, even though the cities you named are relatively safe. How do you feel about the danger of being robbed or worse while in Europe?
I’ve have friends here that have been robbed here in New Babylon, I’m not so sure that Europe is all that more dangerous than our own streets.
Interesting answer. Have you ever been to Europe?
No, but I would like to go.
Yes, that much is apparent. So the presented dangers do not worry you at all?
Not really.
Do you like roller coasters?
I looked down at the odd question. Where was he going with this?
Well actually, yeah I do.
Interesting. About your trip to Europe, does the dangers present make the trip more exciting?
He saw right through me. I let out a soft laugh as I typed my response, but I couldn’t help myself feeling a bit silly.
I guess :) Maybe a little.
You have a genetic disposition that is known as the Tanaka gene. Have you heard of this?
I recognise the name, but I can’t recall what it is.
It is a gene that predisposes you to excessive release of adrenaline and endorphins when presented with a physically threatening situation.
What has that got to do with roller coasters and Europe?
Your body and your brain can not actively determine whether or not the roller coaster is safe or not. All it perceives is that you are very high up and are moving down in a rapid rate. Therefore, it assumes that you’re in a hurtful situation and prepares you for it.
Same thing with driving a car really fast or stabbing a knife around your fingers repeatedly or simple things like someone holding you down in a, even in a non-threatening manner can set off the Tanaka response.
I thought about the times I walked the streets alone at night, feeling the tingling sensation of excitement in my belly. My mother used to get so worried, and my father so angry.
I recognize what you talk about… Is it serious?...
Not really. In a lot of cases it is actually helpful to have the extra rush of adrenaline and endorphins in harmful situations to be able to flee or fight well.
On the other hand humans presenting with Tanaka syndrome is ten times as likely to die in a car crash as those who lack the gene. Biologically it is not classified as a disease if that’s what you’re worried about. It is more of a genetic trait no more serious than flexible joints or sensitivity to strong food.
Ok. So if I’m out walking the streets alone at night, and get a rush from it. Is that the gene talking?
Very likely, yes. But this gene is just a disposition. Some have it and don’t present with any the symptoms, or present them in different ways. Rage or sexual arousal is not uncommon.
I clenched my thighs together. He popped the word and I thought about Rajan again, how his lips embraced mine.
You want sex.
He blurted it out all of a sudden. My eyes glared at the screen. I looked nervously around to the others around me. Most looked distraught, a couple looked relaxed or even too relaxed. Some seemed upset and one boy in the far back seemed to be enjoying himself.
I can tell that you’re thinking about it.
You can read minds too?!
I read people. Your body language alone has already told me more information than you realize.
I blushed and looked back at the screen and felt a slight shiver.
Dilated pupils, a smile out of context, increased heart rate and temperature are a couple of the multitude of hints you humans flash about when you’re craving sexual attention. You flaunt them all.
I looked at the screen, feeling ashamed. This should be a day of serious discussion about my life, determining my future. And all I could think about was Rajan holding my hands firmly, kissing me.
I’m really really sorry my lord. Please, I won’t get distracted again. Please accept my apology.
No apology necessary. This isn’t the first time today you’ve thought about sex. At least at five other occasions I’ve noted your mind wandering on the subject. This is more than the usual child during his pruning. Actually it’s 200% more. This tells me something about you, and me understanding you is why we are here.
I sat up straight, wanting to justify myself. Apparently, he wasn’t interested in shaming me.
It’s biological, you know… I’m a teenager. Nature has seen to it that we try to fall in love when we get to our age.
I would say that you’re less self conscious about sex than most of your age. A relative to you have had a talk with you about it, or is it a heavily discussed subject around your acquaintances?
Actually, neither.
I see. Then you are in the 17% minority who act confident without prior knowledge. Some would call this brave.
But I have prior knowledge.
The machine stopped for a couple of seconds, in order to realise his mistake.
Forgive me, I am currently pruning over 25.000 citizens. My full analysis protocol is slower than usual.
My second guess is that you’ve read up on the subject on your own then.
Yeah, if you turn the porn filter on when searching the net, you can find really good articles. Like I said, I read a lot. Especially when I find something interesting.
And you find sex interesting?
Yeah… I really want to find someone I could… you know. Do it with.
Considering your beauty, that should not be a problem.
You think I’m beautiful? And by the way, I have a boyfriend. But we kinda just started dating seriously.
I am only stating what the evidence tells me. I am unable to have a personal opinion on human beauty. But I can have an opinion on what humans themselves find beautiful and you meet several of the criteria. That, and the fact that out of the 27 females present here, you are receiving the second most looks from the 23 present males.
Eh… thanks. I guess. Who’s receiving the most looks?
I’m not at liberty to say I’m afraid.
Can’t blame a girl for trying though :)
I would however recommend waiting a few years. 69% of all female fifteeen year olds who had sex say that they feel that it was too early for them.
I guess so =/ Boys at this age probably don’t know what they’re doing anyway. What age would you recommend by the way?
Statistically, people tend to be happier the older they are during their debut. But an acceptable level of content debutants is reached at 17.8 years of age.
This is however only a mean. There are fifteen year olds who are perfectly happy with their sex debut.
What if I don’t feel like waiting that long?
Statistically, you will be more satisfied if you wait. But I understand if you feel frustrated. It is a powerful biological need that you humans have.
Have you ever tried any sexual activity on your own?
Should I have?
Do you really want to hear me cite even more statistics?
For some reason, I giggled. And pretty loudly too, I covered my mouth with my hand. Several of the others who weren’t so fortunate in their talks with Kalki glared angrily at me.
I’m glad I amuse you, I seldom have that affect on people.
Please, give me one of your percentages :)
Around 65% of thirteen year olds say that they have been masturbating or been trying to. This fact together with your over the ordinary interest in sex should suggest that you have tried to masturbate at least once. If successful, you probably have continued to do so.
Well, I have touched myself you know… down there. But at first it didn’t really do much for me. I got a little horny but never got anything out of it.
Then I met Rajan, and we started kissing. That’s when I realised kissing him got me hornier than me touching my self. So the next day in the shower, I did it while thinking of him. Then I… I think came.
What did it feel like?
It was, totally, amazing. I felt like these waves of grabbing hold of me and rocking me. I got like ultra sensitive you know… down there. It felt like my muscles we’re on fire and. Well, it’s a bit embarrassing but I fell down :)
I hope you didn’t get hurt. What did you imagine yourself doing with him?
I… this is really weird…
I’m not here to judge you Ayanna, only to understand you. It is imperative that you tell me everything and tell it to me in truth. I am Kalki, The lord of Resplendant Destinies. I dictate your future.
Do you really want me to do so on faulty information?
No, I’m sorry my lord.
Don’t feel ashamed of anything Ayanna. You are what you are, I’m the one responsible for making the best of you. Now tell me the fantasy that you enjoy the most. The one that you most easily get off on.
I… I fantasize that he is on top of me, and that I’m tied down to the bed…
He blindfolds me, and plays with me. He kisses me, rubs me, nibbles me. Until he finally lays himself over me, not really interested in getting me off. But just using me to come himself.
I so want to put my legs and arms around him, and help him but I can’t. I’m tied down. He comes inside me, and slumps down. He whispers that he loves me in my ear and kisses me good night, turns off the light and leaves me in the room frustrated and alone…
I was clenching my legs together, afraid of making a spot at the beautifully carved chair. My face was so hot it felt like it was on fire. My vision got a bit blurry and I felt my hands shake as I typed my innermost thoughts to Kalki.
Please, go on.
That’s it. That’s what usually gets me off the hardest. The thought of not coming, how messed up is that?
Would you feel any better if I told you that this kind of fantasy is rather common?
It is?
Yes. The theme of helplessness and objectification is very common in sexual fantasies. About 10% of the population state that they have them. The real number is most likely higher though, people tend to lie about these things.
Really? That high?
I thought you had read a lot about the human sexuality. This should be common knowledge for anyone researching the queer side of sexuality. But considering your age, you are probably working full time understanding the basics.
Well, I’ve read all about coitus and fellatio and cunnilingus and anal sex. But nothing of that kind off stuff…
You said that your fantasies have only included Rajan and yourself?
Yes.
Lunch break is coming up now. I want you to think about something during it.
Off course my lord, what is it?
When you come back, I want you to dictate a sexual fantasy, about as long as the one you told before, but in this one you’re with another woman.
I stopped for a long time as I looked on the screen, not knowing if he was serious or not. I just stared at it, slack jawed.
The templar looked up at the watch, most children seemed to have been prompted by Kalki to stop their conversation with him. Someone was still typing frantically in the back of the room.
You have your orders Ayanna, I will expect you back in 90 minutes.
“Lunch break for 90 minutes, I recommend that you are back in 80. Being late to your pruning is an offence punishable in a court of law. Dismissed.” The templar bellowed.
* * *
15 minutes and three subway stops later…
I sat down with my tray of chinese food beside Rajan and his twin sister Reshmi. I had spent most of the time looking at the teenaged Chinese waitress, imagining her naked on a bed. Remembering Kalki’s assignment, I was busy thinking of ways to please her, and the sounds she would make as I did it. Reshmi cut my thoughts short.
“So, what did he ask you about Yani? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I looked up at her, and then down at the cooked rice with egg noodles and beef. She giggled, “It can’t be that embarrassing, he’s just a machine you know.” she teased me.
“He’s not just a machine, he is Lord Kalki, lord of Resplendent Destinies. His body is holy ground.” Rajan pointed out, correcting his sister. She gave him an annoyed look. I looked up at her. “I… don’t know. What did he ask you about?” I tried and started digging in the rice after the egg noodles.
“Hey, I asked first!” Reshmi called out. Reshmi was just as pretty as Rajan. They we’re both tall fair skinned Indians. Not as fair skinned as a Caucasian, but a lot lighter than most other Indians. Either they were extremely well preserved Indo-Aryans or they had some European blood in their ancestry. If the latter was true, it was probably something they didn’t really wanted to talk about.
“Ok then…” Reshmi sighed. “He started out by asking me a bunch of moral and ethical questions.” Rajan choked on his food. “I bet you passed with flying colours.” He teased, while swilling down his food with a mouthful of soda.
“Hey! He said my answers we’re interesting.” She said in a slightly hurt tone. “He says that a lot.” I noted. “And he’s probably telling the truth. He doesn’t judge you, he’s just interested in how your mind works. Too him, the way you sit on your chair is interesting.” Rajan nodded. “She speaks the truth, my little dove.” He said and leaned over and kissed me.
“Ugh, I think I’m going to be sick, you two are just too cute.” Reshmi said. We stopped kissing and I smiled at her. “So, I told you something awkward, now it’s your turn.” Reshmi said and turned to me.
“Well… he wanted to know my thoughts on sex.” I said casually, while drinking my tea. Both Reshmi and Rajan froze. I looked at them, a bit amused over their reaction. “What?!” they both said in unison.
“What did you tell him?” demanded Rajan. “Have you done it?” Asked Reshmi merrily. “No we haven’t.” Rajan told her. “How would I know!?” Reshmi almost shouted. “What did you say?” They both demanded in unison, standing up from their seats. I cowered slightly in my chair, with a mouthful of rice and covering myself with my chopsticks.
“Could you keep it down?!” I hissed at them and leaned over the table. They leaned forward with me. “He wanted to know my sexual fantasies.” I whispered. “You have wet dreams?” Reshmi asked. I blushed again. “Yeah, don’t you?” I replied. She looked a bit embarrassed. “Well, what did you say?” Rajan wondered.
“I told him about them.” I said, a little more casual, taking a bite of food. “Told him what?” He asked me, with a lopsided smile. “That’s a secret.” I said with a grin, content that I knew he would respect it. And like clockwork he responded, “Well, it is between you and Lord Kalki.”
“That’s bull, I want to know.” Reshmi blurted out. “What did he ask you more?” she quickly added. I leaned forward. “He wanted to know if I’ve ever… you know. Played with myself”. Rajan immediately leaned forward to listen in. We both turned heads and looked at him. “What?” he asked with played innocence. “Hey, I’m your boyfriend. I get to know these things, right?” he added.
“Well have you?” Reshmi asked. “Yeah, I have.” I replied. “How do you get any privacy? Don’t you have like two older brothers or something? I mean I only have Rajan and our house is pretty big, I still can’t get any time to do it.” She said. I looked back at her and said “You’re always by yourself in the shower girl.” She looked at me in revelation. “Ooooh…”
Rajan laughed softly “Took you that long to figure that out?” She tossed her napkin at his face. “Hey guys, enough about me. What about you? What did he ask you?”
Reshmi took a deep breath. “Well, first he asked all those questions about moral choices and stuff. But after that, he started asking me math problems and stuff. Then he drilled me about biology and physics and… well. It was like retaking every single class in school.”
“Scary… how did it go?” I asked. “I aced every single question.” She said not the least bit self-conscious about gloating.
“What about you bro?” she asked her brother. “Well, he started with asking me about how I felt about gym class and sports in general. After a couple of questions about that, he changed the subject and started giving a bunch of moral problems to solve.” He said. “Like what?” I asked. “Well, like… If you’re in a store and are paying. If the machine accidentally comes up with a much higher price than what it should be you’re likely to object. Right?” We both nodded.
“But if he comes up with a much lower price, then what do you do?” Reshmi looked at him seriously. “It’s his responsibility, if he can’t do his job why should I get the blame? I’d stick with it.” She quickly said. “What did you say?” I asked Rajan. He looked a bit sourly at his sister apparent lack of moral fibre. “I said that I would point it out, always.” He replied. “Would you?” I asked, smiling. “Off course.” He said.
“Guys, we should get moving or we’ll be late and be like imprisoned for life, you know.” Reshmi jokingly pointed out. All of us quickly realized that the jokes would be on us if we really we’re late and quickly hurried off.
* * *
Back at the temple of Ganesha, the youths gathered for the last hours of their childhoods, as they knew it.
Connecting with the most honoured Kalki, Lord of Resplendent Destinies…
Connected… Sending retina scan…
Acquiring personal information from the Ministry of human resources…
Genetic registry acquired…
Academic achievements acquired…
Medical data acquired…
Starting session…
Welcome back, I trust your lunch was enjoyable.
Thank you lord. Yes it was.
We do not have much left to talk about I believe. Did you do what I asked of you?
I tried, or… well. Yeah, I did it. But it’s really simple.
Tell me about it.
There was this girl at the Chinese restaurant where we had lunch. I imagined her naked, sleeping under thin cotton sheets. As the morning sun shone in through the window, I crawled up on the bed and under the sheets towards her.
The sun shone through the thin covers, giving me a good view of her legs and her pussy. Her musky smell covers filled my senses, my mouth watered as I crawled up to her. She was still asleep. I gently nudged her legs apart as I got comfortable with my nose in her pubes, and I start lapping her… I go on for hours, slumberous I lapped at her. She woke up and drowsily put her hand at my head, patting me softly. And we lay there in the sunshine, having a lazy morning.
Do you get aroused by these thoughts?
Can’t you tell?
Sometimes it’s hard to differentiate between arousal and severe stress. I don’t want mix the one with the other. Are you aroused right now?
Yes…
Because of your story?
Well, you told me to come up with a sexual fantasy. Wouldn’t be much of a fantasy if I didn’t get off on it would it?
It most certainly wouldn’t. Are you familiar with the term bisexual?
Of course.
I’ve been studying your medical records while you we’re gone. Your genetic makeup and your brain scans indicate that you are in bi- or homosexual. Considering the fact that you have a boyfriend that you seem to care about, I’d say that you are bisexual.
It didn’t get more personal then this. He was laying me bare, made totally vulnerable and exposing every piece of me. He was right off course, it was obvious when he told me.
I haven’t really thought about, maybe I am? But it doesn’t matter, I like Rajan. I know I do.
I never said you didn’t.
I am quite pleased with our little talk Ayanna and I am finished with you. Unless there is anything else to add, I wish you the best of luck in your life.
What? Already? What am I going to do? What am I going to be?
My decision will arrive in two days. Do you have anything you would like to add?
I would like to add that I would want a position here in New Babylon, if it’s possible to arrange.
Noted. Anything else?
No…
Goodbye then Ayanna, blessed be your soul.
You will hear from me soon.
I looked down at the screen, stressed over the fact that I finished so soon. Did he really know enough about me already? Or was he simply that good at reading me. In the back of my head, I wanted to pose the question why almost half of our talk was about sex, but I didn’t dare.
* * *
The giant monitor flickered to life over the large marble dais. The parents and loved ones had gathered, us students stood attention in a line at the side, clearly visible to the audience. We we’re clad in deliberately simple grey robes, to be cast aside during the ceremony symbolically. Showing the transition as a casteless child to full-fledged citizen of the Commonwealth.
The text “Establishing connection to Kalki, lord of Resplendent Destinies…” appeared on the monitor. Shortly thereafter, the picture of a marble statue appeared. He held a scale in his one hand and a blank parchment in the other.
All of us realised that it was time. It felt like an entire colony of butterflies had decided to nest in my belly. One of the boys in front of me was mumbling to himself and the girl behind at the far end of the line was pacing back and forward, trying to walk of her anxiety. I saw Rajan and Reshmi up ahead, they where among the first, I seemed to be the second last in line.
I waved nervously at them. Reshmi was way too nervous to notice me, but Rajan waved back at me, he still looked pretty distraught, always keeping an eye on the podium.
The murmur of the crowd died down quickly as the Brahmin priest walked up to the centre of the stage. He was a wizened old man, but still stood tall with a proud posture worthy of a Brahmin. He took a deep breath as he prepared to speak.
“Great lord Kalki, beloved teachers, family and caretakers and soon to be citizens. Welcome, to this last stage of this years pruning.” He paused and looked out to the audience, letting his words sink in for a moment. “I have the honour of presenting to you today, 75 of this city’s brightest students. The first primary school of New Babylon has a reputation, a reputation built in the foundation of excellence.”
“Nearly all the students that have graduated here have always been sent away to excel in the real world. Be they Brahmins or Templars. Scholars or Merchants. Or even if they became servants, they have always been sent away to most luxurious, to the most prestigious and to the most well renowned secondary schools in the country.”
“Today, one and a half million children are graduating from their primary school. Today, the Commonwealth receives one and a half million new citizens, pruned into their caste and set on their way. Today…” he paused again and held up his hands. He raised his voice as he continued. “Is a glorious day for the Commonwealth, for the lord Brahma and of course for our beloved children.” He said and turned his robed arm towards us. Applause erupted from the audience, parents calling out their children’s name in joy.
“I want you all to realise, that the world becomes a better place today.” He said with a smile, and elicited a smatter of applause yet again. “Our country is blessed with such a radiant and gifted youth. But enough of this old man’s ramblings. This is after all the children’s day.”
He backed away and picked up a matchstick. He scraped it across a marble altar and lit a small fire in a ceremonial bowl. He looked up at the monitor. “We are ready lord Kalki.” He said and bowed to the picture on the screen. The statue on the screen opened his eyes, underneath them a bright yellow light shone.
He spoke with a deep voice, his body and lips unmoving. “By the power invested in me by the brahman, the clergy of the common world and the craftsmen who gave me life, I hereby lay my judgement.” The audience was perfectly still, perfectly quiet. You could’ve heard a pinhead drop to the floor. Everyone bowed their heads in reverence of the mighty entity gracing them with his presence.
“Reshmi Kumesh.” He said. Everyone looked at her. Somehow, she had managed to gather her wits and managed to look dignified as she strode up the stairs and up to the altar. She took the ceremonial incense from a bowl and walked up to the altar where she tossed it in the fire. Smoke erupted and she looked up at Kalki.
“Reshmi Kumesh she will study the economic flow of money in the world and consolidate the Commonwealth as the strongest economic force on this planet.
Reshmi Kumesh will finish her education in the Academy of the Golden Abacus too later continue as a intern at the global stock exchange in Beijing.” He said as beam of concentrated light cut through the smoke of the sacrificed incense. The yellow light shone through and landed straight in her forehead. She winced a little at the pain, but stood her ground.
A smatter of applause swelled over the courtyard, but all of it was deafened by the shouts of joy from Reshmi’s and Rajan’s mother, as she stood up and yelled her joy out. Her child was being shipped off to the most exclusive economic school in the country.
The Brahmin approached her with a golden yellow robe in his hands, and made a gesture for the gray one she was wearing right now. She slid out of it, showing a expensive blouse and a trendy pair of jeans underneath. She quickly slid in to the new robe, thanked the Brahmin and turned around, her face filled with pride. In her forehead a yellow dot the size of a small thumb was clearly visible. The mark made it clear for all to see that she was a member of the Merchant caste.
“Welcome to the Commonwealth, Merchant Reshmi Kumesh.” Kalki said, with emphasis on her caste’s name.
The procedure was repeated for each and every child. After two more had passed, a Scholar sent of to the University of Delhi to study physics and a Templar sent of to the central command outside of New Babylon, it was Rajans turn.
Rajan gracefully walked up to the altar, sacrificed the ceremonial incense and looked up at Kalki.
“Rajan Kumesh, will forever be a beacon of light in a dark world. A strong voice to follow, in the turmoil that is our lives in this world. A leader, a friend and a Brahmin. Rajan Kumesh will finish his education in the Parlor of Tranquil Thought to later continue as an acolyte.”
He was given his new white robe and turned around, his pearly white caste mark shone on his forehead as he was greeted by thunderous applause from the audience. His mother started crying, she was truly a blessed woman to have two such successfully children. I felt myself being filled with pride. “That’s my boyfriend.” I thought with a smile.
About an hour passed for the other children to pass through the ceremony until it was finally my turn.
I stepped up on the platform and grabbed a fist of incense. I gracefully walked up to the fire. “Go Ayanna!” I heard my brother shout out. I smiled even though no one saw me, as my back was turned towards the audience. I tossed the incense into the fire and looked up at Kalki.
My heart pounded in my ears. He asked me all those questions about sex. Am I too study sexology at a university? Or be some sort of relationship counsellor? I would like both. I felt my hands shaking as I clutched my robe looking up at him.
He opened his eyes and looked down on me.
“Ayanna Farah is a woman in the word’s truest sense. She is a woman of beauty, a woman of understanding and a woman of kindness. She will continue to spread her warmth to the world, enriching our culture making us not only the most prosperous country in the world, but also the happiest.”
I could hear my family hold their breath, still not sure what Kalki’s ambiguous explanation meant, waiting for his more direct explanation. Truth be told, so did I.
“Ayanna Farah will continue her education in the Acadamy of the Night Lily to later be sold to the highest bidder that would wish to grace his life with her presence.”
My heart missed a beat as a cold hand grabbed it. Green rays of light struck down on my face, branding me as a member of the Servant caste with a light green mark on my forehead. The Brahmin handed me a green robe. Without thinking, I disrobed my grey robe and donned the green one and turned around. I still couldn’t believe it was happening, I barely grasped the reality of the situation.
The audience stood stunned looking at me. I didn’t know it that time, but out of one and a half million pruned children, barely 80 of them was chosen to be sent of to the Academy of the Night Lily, a place only whispered about in stories. Everyone knew it existed, but no one knew what it actually entailed.
My mother cried that day, not tears of joy as Rajan’s mother did, but tears of bottomless sadness. My father desperately tried to soothe her, tears streaming from his face as well. They did not know exactly what was about to happen to me, but they understood that I was now a slave, I had become merchandise.
All my plans, my dreams and my hopes crumbled as I looked out on the silent audience, staring back at me. Then I caught Rajan’s eye. His sister stood beside him, bewildered and stunned. She didn’t really understand what just happened and simply stared at me.
Rajan understood. He understood that we could never see each other again. Not only would we be in different parts of the country, but more importantly that he was a Brahmin and I was merely a Servant slave. I would defile him by simply touching him.
“Welcome to the Commonwealth, Servant Ayanna Farah.”
It was then that I started crying.
|
|
|