Zenith Star, 18 Specks from the 3rd Shard, 38 Turns in the Light of Decay, 8129th Horizon
{Zenith Star – 1/6 period in the Turn;
3 Shards = 3/30 hours;
18 Specks = 90/100 minutes;
38 Turns = 38/50 days;
Light of Decay = 8/18;
Horizon 8129 = Year 8129.}
Opal dragged himself down the empty street. In his current state, someone might have mistaken him for the undead. His back was hunched, bags formed over Turns beneath his weary eyes, long black hair tucked in a messy bun, and the footwork of a drunk old man.
He exhaled, a puff of white mist rising like steam from a boiling kettle. Blinking away the weight of exhaustion, he fixed his mind on a single goal: reaching his bed.
After seven straight Turns at the Forge, a full Turn of sleep was no longer a luxury but a necessity.
To most, seven Turns of nonstop work would have been cause for alarm. But Opal had always been blessed with unnatural resilience, ever since his childhood, a cruel trade, he thought, as it came without the immense physical strength most Dwarves possessed.
At last he reached his door and pressed his palm on to the scanner. A soft click broke the silence as the door slid open. Light automatically filled the large room. He dropped his bag, the door sighing closed behind him.
"Zenith, Master Opal," a robotic voice rang from nowhere particular in the house. Instead of responding he just sighed removing his shoes before heading to the bathroom drawn by the promise of water hot enough to melt away the Forge from his skin.
Seven Turns of soot and metal grit clung to him like a makeshift armour of grime. "I shall prepare your bath for you," the voice rang again, "The usual temperature, I presume?"
Opal sighed again, "Yes, I.H.S." Hot water poured into the tub immediately after he had said that. I.H.S (Interactive Home System) made sure the water was at a perfect temperature as always, adding in scents and oils to the the water in perfect amounts. "I.H.S dimm the lights, please."
As he had asked the lights dimmed and he got inside the bathtub of hot water. As soon as his skin made contact with the water he let out a soft sigh the tension in his muscles melted away along with the dirt.
Opal laid there in silence of a few Specks, his mind returned to its usual haunt. The never ending cycle of exhaustion that was his life.
Any other Dwarf would be grateful to serve the Custodians as the Architect in training. It was deemed a role of high importance and honour, he saw it as more of a leash than anything.
The Custodians always claimed to protect the people but that view had long shattered in Opal's eyes.
'Leeches', he thought, the word burning in his mind, a frown forming on his forehead. 'They're nothing but leeches, feeding on their own kin.'
"Alas," he whispered to the steam, "I have no choice in the matter." His frown deepened as the Architect's voice echoed from memory. He had begged for rest, pleaded that the endless cycle of seven Turns of labor and two of sleep was slowly draining him.
The Architect had waved him off. "We must all play our parts, Opal. The gods have chosen this path for you. We must strive for our fullest potential, lest we become worthless trash."
"That hypocritical old bastard!" Opal snarled. "Preaching about 'playing our parts' and 'fullest potential'. What a load of garbage." He clenched his fists and grit his teeth, "I do all the work, while he rots away behind his desk." Heat flared in his chest. He slammed his fist against the tiled bathroom wall; the reinforced panel didn't even tremble.
"Ow!" He doubled over, clutching his throbbing hand. "Dammit, why did I do that?" Heavy silence fell upon him. "Sometimes I wish I knew what drives me to act so foolishly..." He looked at his aching hand for a brief moment.
He got out of the bath wearing a robe, I.H.S had already drained the water by the time he exited the bathroom.
Dressed again, he crossed the corridor to his room. Opposite his door was Alexandrite's. The sight drew a tired smile, a spark of warmth piercing his exhaustion. His dear Alex was due back soon from his Assignment in the Earthly Wilds.
Opal collapsed onto his bed and lifted his Holo-Frame, a wrist device that projected a faint blue interface, checking his messages.
Alex:[Good rising, love. Mission was a success, as always. The crew's heading back now, we should be there in about 4 Turns.]
Opal:[Great work as always. I shall count the days till we meet again.]
Alex:[Awe! Miss me that much, huh?]
Opal:[Only in your most wildest of dreams.]
Alex:[They say if you chase your dreams long enough they'll come true. So guess you'll miss me as much as I miss you eventually.]
Opal:[Not a chance in Hollow.]
Alex:[Hahahaha! See ya in a few turns love.]
Opal:[Too soon if you ask me.]
Scrolling through the old messages put a smile upon his face. He even giggled as if he was teenager in love for the first time again. Although if ever asked he would deny the accusation as if it were a Plague. He continued reading the turn old conversations he and Alex had the past few turns.
Alex:[Coming back soon. Can't wait to gloat about my amazing accomplishments.]
Opal:[Please don't get too full of yourself. The world and I can only handle so much of you.]
Alex:[No promises love! And don't act as you wouldn't love more of me!]
Opal:[A nightmarish thought I can assure you of that.]
Alex:[You know, even though I'm not there I can tell you enjoyed typing that joke!]
Opal:[What joke?]
A dry chuckle escaped Opal. A final message appeared sent not more than a 6 shards ago.
Alex:[I'll be a little late, Love. The crew wanted to celebrate, and I couldn't say no. I'll see you next turn around New Star. Don't wait up.]
{New Star- 2/6 Star Period}
He wanted to stay awake, to wait. But seven Turns without sleep crashed down all at once. Within a few Specks, Opal was gone.