And now, a story from Rosine’s past…

 

Rosine flopped a suitcase on her bed and began carefully organizing various belongings inside. Her friend Cass stood nearby with a concerned expression on her face. “Rose…I know you’re excited, but isn’t this dangerous? You don’t even know anyone where you are headed…”

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Rosine smiled at her friend, “I know and its marvelous. Just think Cass, freedom to be who I want. I get to start fresh.”

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Cass sighed. She was a dark skinned Yillian, nearly the elusive black color that most Yillian craved. She gave a slight shrug. “I like being around people I can trust…”

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Rosine turned from packing, “Cass…I didn’t mean it that way. I do like you and trust you.”

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“Then why are you leaving? What’s in the core that’s not here on Yillith?”

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Rosine sighed and shut the suitcase. “Do you want to come with me Cass?”

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Cass paused as she thought, “No…no I don’t think so…”

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“Then why do you care? Just wish me good luck or something. The center of the galaxy is where stars are made. In a couple of years, I’ll be famous.”

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Cass nodded, “I just have a bad feeling Rose… I don’t think the world is as safe as you think.”

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“Hey, I’m not stupid. I’m not going to be tricked by some sweet talker.” Rosine laughed playfully, “In fact, I’ll have them all wrapped round my finger.” Cass still seemed unconvinced. “Ok Cass, what do you think I should be doing?”

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Cass looked around uneasily. “Well I…a family… starting a family seems nice.”

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Rosine couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “You would. And where’s this superman that will take care of you?”

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Cass looked to the ground, “Well I met a guy…”

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Rosine’s eyes widened, “And you didn’t tell me? Wow!”

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“Rose, you wouldn’t like him. He thinks much differently from you.”

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Rosine’s face scrunched in concern. “Cass, you make it sound like you’re with a real weirdo…”

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Cass shook her head. “He’s not weird. He’s wonderful in fact. He just thinks differently than most… I like it…”

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“Don’t make me drag it out of you. What does he think that’s so—”

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“He doesn’t like how Yillians work by selling our bodies…” Cass interrupted. “He doesn’t want that for me…”

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Rosine grimaced, “Like what entertainment? Advertising?”

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“Yeah—”

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“And you think that’s wonderful? Cass that’s just because you are shy. You gotta show some skin if you want to get anywhere in life. We’re lucky the rest of the galaxy likes the way we look… If you aren’t deformed or something, you can get a job anywhere, especially Yillian women.”

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Cass looked down. “I don’t like it… It makes me feel like an object. He sees me as a person…”

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Rosine stared at Cass for a good while. “Ok, well good luck with that Cass. When your little ‘family’ delusion falls apart, come look for me in the core. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.” Cass seemed hurt by Rosine’s remark. Rosine walked over and hugged her close. “I’m sorry… I really do hope things work out. But look at my parents…they haven’t spoken in years. They mostly ignored me. If that’s family I’ll pass.”

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Rosine smiled and went back to the suitcase. “Help me pack. I’m leaving early tomorrow.”

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“Alright Rose, you win…” Cass said with a sigh. “But I still feel bad about this. What’s the name of the cruiser you’re taking?”

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Rosine smiled and presented Cass with a travel brochure. “Horizon. It’s massive. It even has a pool.”

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-End