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    The City in the Stars: Professor Cookie
    The City in the Stars: Professor Cookie
    The City in the Stars: Professor Cookie
    Ebook276 pages3 hours

    The City in the Stars: Professor Cookie

    By Shantnu Tiwari

    ()

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    About this ebook

    A thousand years ago, Earth received an alien signal, inviting us to a perfect Earth like planet. A ship was sent to investigate it, but it vanished.

     

    Today: Saki is born in the perfect city, where everyone is telepathic, and a computer takes care of all your needs. The only problem is, non-telepaths like Saki aren't expected to live longer than fifteen years. Saki turns fifteen next week.

     

    The perfect city is actually a perfect prison: No one can leave. Even the dead are imprisoned as ghosts in the desert.

     

    Saki finds the only way he can survive is if he can find the mythical City in the Stars. But is it even real?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherShantnu Tiwari
    Release dateOct 7, 2014
    ISBN9781502202659
    The City in the Stars: Professor Cookie

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      Book preview

      The City in the Stars - Shantnu Tiwari

      1

      Saki had the dream again.

      He was floating somewhere; he wasn’t sure where. It was dark, and he could see a few rays of light somewhere near the horizon. He knew he was missing something, something very big and important. Moving his arms like a lazy swimmer, he swam through space, letting his body glide through the zero gravity. Just for fun, he flipped his body around till he was facing the other direction. And then he saw them—millions of stars. All glowing like diamonds lighting up the sky. Seeing them sent shivers down his spine.

      The stars called out to him. Come, Saki. Come to us…

      Saki laughed. He tried to touch the stars. They were just beyond the reach of his fingers.

      He found himself floating towards them. The stars were twinkling like they were laughing; laughing from joy because they could see him. And below him, he saw the planet, a magnificent orb glowing with radiance; and on the planet, the most beautiful city in the world. He knew the city was the mythical City in the Stars, the place where humanity would finally find peace. For the moment, Saki was floating like a god, stuck between the heavens and the earth.

      The stars called out to him. Come to us, Saki! Come, come come come…

      The stars were like angels, waiting for him to embrace them. Their voice was like a magnet, pulling him in. His whole body tingling with pleasure, Saki reached forward to touch the stars. The stars opened their arms to welcome him.

      And then he woke up.

      Saki opened his eyes. They were still falling.

      Speed, thirty thousand kilometres an hour, and increasing! said Dolphin from the computer terminal.

      You know what I need? asked Professor Cookie.

      Saki looked down. He could see the planet coming at them really fast. At this rate, they would crash within seconds.

      A falling-from-space-in-a-spaceship-rescue-service?

      Yeah. That. And also a pizza. I’m hungry.

      Where are we going to get you a pizza? The nearest pizza parlour is two hundred billion kilometers away, said Dolphin.

      Saki laughed. The Professor smiled too. Actually Dolphin, I was hoping you could bake me one.

      Because I’m a woman?

      What? You are going to bring that up now? We are about to die in, he looked at his hand and realised he wasn’t wearing a watch, oh about any time now, and you want to discuss woman rights?

      Professor! shouted Dolphin. The ship!

      And as if to agree with her, a part of the ship broke away and fell.

      It’s fine, everyone. Everything is fine. That was the good news.

      Sorry professor, said Saki, but how was that the good news?

      That part was dragging us down. Without it, I can balance the ship more easily.

      They were free-floating now, and Dolphin grabbed a desk to stop herself from flying out. I hate to ask what the bad news is.

      The professor tucked in his shirt. That’s simple. The part of the ship that broke was the only surviving thruster. We have no engines now. Our chances of survival have gone from 0.0001 percent to 0 percent.

      You had to answer that, didn’t you?

      But don’t worry. I have a plan. And the professor smiled.

      But all Saki was worried about were the stars. He had been so close, he could have touched them. And now, he was being pulled away from them again.

      2

      Amonth earlier

      Location: The City

      Saki was sitting in the fields, looking at the stars. He didn’t want to go home, as he knew his father would be angry. Every day, Saki hoped he could escape his life. But there was no escape. The City was protected by a dome, and there was no way to leave. At least, no way Saki had found. There was no way around the dome or through it. Going through the sky seemed to be the only way to escape, if only he could find a spaceship. Sighing, he brought his attention back to the ground and saw someone.

      Oru was walking home, and he knew he, too, would have to return. He couldn’t stay out forever. Oru pushed his hand.

      Saki! She ran and hugged him and started dragging him home. What did you do today?

      Nothing. Helped Papa on the farm. After that, just sat out in the park. How was your school?

      Good, said Oru. We got a new maths teacher.

      That old man retired? He was quite old, even when I was there.

      Saki tried to remember school. It had been seven years since he had been kicked out. Sometimes, he missed it. He also missed having any friends. Oru saw his sad face and hugged him.

      Don’t worry. I’ll always be here for you.

      They walked back into their house. Their father was waiting for them. He was angry but didn’t say anything. Instead, he started speaking to Oru.

      Are you hungry?

      Yes. Saki is hungry as well.

      Father ignored him. He got two plates of food and gave one to Oru and kept one for himself. He ignored Saki. Saki went to the kitchen and poured some food for himself.

      Father talked animatedly with Oru, ignoring Saki completely. After lunch, when Oru went to wash her hands, he came and sat by Saki.

      You know what I’m going to say, don’t you?

      Saki’s face went red and he kept staring at the ground.

      You missed your telepathy training class again.

      Saki whispered something.

      What? Speak up.

      It doesn’t work, Father. The teacher hits me every time I make a mistake.

      His father threw his hands up. How else will you learn? Do you think life is easy? That food drops from the sky? He banged the table. But you are so careless. You don’t care. We have been forced to leave the main city and move to this village, just because of you. When will you learn?

      Father was practically shouting now. Do you know how long children like you live? You’d be lucky to survive another year. Your mother died of a broken heart because of you. But do you care?

      Saki stared at the ground and didn’t say anything. Father’s shouts drew Oru. She hugged their father and started crying.

      Papa, please. I love you, Papa. Please be cool, Papa.

      Father felt embarrassed and left the room. Oru came and hugged Saki. I love you too, brother.

      He hugged her back. I love you too, Oru.

      They stood there, holding each other for a few seconds, till both of them had calmed down.

      Brother, if you don’t mind me asking, when did you find out about your problem?

      He smiled and asked Oru to sit by him.

      It must have been seven years ago, when I was around seven. By three or four years of age, most children show limited telepathic powers. They can pass their feelings and emotions to others, and start talking to the animals. I could do none of that. I had gotten away for so long, because people assumed I was a late bloomer. But by the time I was seven, it was hard to make any more excuses. The doors in the school were now opened by thought, and I couldn’t open them. Other kids played with their animals and could control small machines while I walked around staring stupidly at everything. It was the local doctor who finally cleared everything. He said I wasn’t born with the brain organ we use for telepathic communication. That I would never be telepathic. But Papa refuses to accept it.

      So he took you out of school?

      The school kicked me out. Said I was stupid and wasting the time of the teachers. Not to mention a bad influence on the other students. Father was humiliated, and no wonder he’s been trying to discover a cure for me. We left the city and came here, as father couldn’t stand the taunts of the neighbours.

      Their conversation was interrupted when Father came in. Saki, come with me. We need to buy groceries. Oru, do your homework. I want you to top your class, like you did last year.

      Yes, Father.

      Saki followed his father out. They got in their car. Father touched the telepathic rod and the car moved forward.

      Do you want to try to drive?

      It’s fine, Father.

      Come on. Maybe you can move it a little?

      Saki just sat there with a bowed head. He was trying hard to hold back his tears. Father, you know I can’t.

      His father looked away. I have written a letter to the biggest doctor in the city. Hopefully, he will be able to cure you.

      Father, you know I have no cure. The village doctor said I was born this way and nothing can be done.

      That negative attitude is the reason you haven’t made any progress. The village doctor is an idiot. No wonder he could never leave the village. Get ready; we will leave in a few days. Keep practising your exercises till then.

      They reached the market. Most shop owners turned away when they saw Saki. Even though he wasn’t telepathic, he could feel their looks of contempt and hatred. A few children started following them and jeering them.

      Cripple! C-r-i-p-l-e! Cripple!

      Saki turned to them. "You spelt cripple wrong. There are two p’s."

      The boys looked at each other in fear and then ran away. They entered a shop and Father started ordering things—telepathically, of course. Saki just stood there while the adults talked in their minds. And then, something happened. He felt the room go very cold. His father’s face became red and he grabbed the shopkeeper by the throat.

      You say another word about my son, I will kill you! No matter how he is, he is my son. Never forget that. His father had spoken out loud, something he rarely did.

      The shopkeeper started apologising, again with his mouth.

      Sorry sir, I meant no harm. Forgive me, sir. He turned to Saki. Forgive me, young man. Saki never found out what he was apologising for, as his father dragged him out. They made their way back, having bought only half the stuff they had come for. As they made their way home, Saki looked out into the horizon and suddenly, tears came to his eyes. He wiped them quickly before his father could see him. But his father saw him and spoke in a soft voice.

      What is it, Saki?

      Saki tried to force back the tears. Nothing, Papa.

      Father hugged him. Don’t worry, son. You are not alone. Every attack on you is an attack on me.

      I try to take it in good humour, but sometimes, it gets too much. It hurts, even when I laugh about it.

      You can cry. It will help let the emotions out.

      Why am I different, Father?

      Father sighed and looked away. I don’t know. Children like you are born once every hundred or so years. No one knows why the computer would make a mistake, but it does. Father ruffled his hair. Don’t worry. There are ways to induce telepathy in children like you. I will do everything I can. Just don’t give up hope. Remember, this isn’t your fight alone. We are with you.

      Saki wiped his tears and smiled at his dad. If he would have known that this would be the last time he would see his father, he would have tried to say more, to tell him how much he loved him. As it was, he walked silently into the house.

      That night, Saki had disturbing dreams. He had betrayed his family, and they were all ashamed of him. He started crying in the dream. Finally, he woke up and saw that he was actually crying . He got up to get some water.

      And felt something was wrong. For one, there was a strange smell in the air. Second, he could see an orange light in the corner. His father woke up too.

      Fire! We need to leave the house now.

      He picked up Oru, and they ran to the door. Just then, a part of the roof fell down and blocked their path.

      What now? he asked.

      Father threw Oru out the window. He then picked Saki and threw him out too. Saki looked back and saw the fire had spread all over the house.

      Father! Come on!

      But the fire was too strong now, and the way was blocked.

      His father looked at him with eyes full of defeat. Take care of Oru, son. And always be good.

      The next second, the whole roof collapsed and Father was buried under the flames.

      Saki screamed and ran forward, but strong hands grabbed him and pulled him back. He was thrown into the grass. Unable to stop his tears, Saki collapsed and passed out.

      3

      He didn’t remember much of what happened the next day. People came to see them, a lot of comments were made, and there was a general state of confusion. But all Saki remembered was holding Oru and crying. They both hugged each other and refused to let go. People brought them food, but Saki couldn’t eat anything. Neither could Oru. And then a woman came from the city. She said they both had to come with her.

      And the children were bundled into a car. Saki looked at his old house. He was taking nothing but the clothes he was wearing. They had no memento of their father, nothing to remember him by. He waved their burnt-down house goodbye. Oru hugged him, and they both started crying again. No one from the village came to say goodbye.

      It took them almost the whole day to reach the city. The things they had heard were true. It truly was the most magnificent city that could have been built. Huge towers and spires could be seen rising from the ground. The city had been built on a mountain, and the mountain looked over a huge and beautiful forest on one side and the sea on the other. Normally, the siblings would have been awestruck by such a sight. Today, they couldn’t care less. He felt Oru hug him, and he stroked her hair.

      Don’t worry, Oru. I will protect you.

      The car stopped at the entrance to the city, and they were both asked to get out.

      We will go to the orphanage now. Follow me.

      They started walking after her when she stopped and stared at Saki. Where are you going?

      You asked us to follow you.

      The woman made an impatient gesture. Not you. Just your sister. Stay by the entrance to the city. Someone will come get you.

      Oru stopped walking. Brother, will you leave me?

      The woman grabbed her arm. No one is leaving you. Your brother is going to a different place.

      And she started dragging Oru away. She motioned Saki to go back to the entrance. Stay there. Someone will come for you.

      Saki ran and pulled Oru back. No. We stay together.

      The woman looked at him with a mixture of amusement and contempt.

      Young man, I know what you are. You are a Zero. Someone with no telepathic powers. Do you know the average life span of a Zero? Fifteen years. Ninety-five percent of your type die before they reach the age of fifteen. How old are you?

      Saki tried to fight his tears. Fourteen.

      The woman smiled triumphantly. No one will adopt you, as you are a gone case. Your sister, on the other hand, has a bright future. What do you want? That your sister starve to death on the road with you?

      Saki felt weak and moved back. The woman dragged Oru away. She turned to looked at him with blaming eyes.

      Will you let me go, brother?

      But Saki couldn’t say anything. Oru’s crying face was breaking his heart. Unable to think clearly, he walked back to the city entrance. Only after a few minutes did he realise what had happened. After promising to take care of his sister, he had let her go. Saki sat down, feeling terrible. It was almost sunset.

      Four hours later, he was still sitting there. No one had come for him. The place had changed its decor completely in the night. There was a nightclub nearby, and drunks were coming out regularly. Fights broke out, and more than once, Saki had to move to avoid being attacked himself. It was also getting cold and he hadn’t eaten anything since last night. He took off his shirt and tied it around his stomach to stop it from rumbling.

      That’s when he saw the man again. He had walked by a few hours ago and was now back. He seemed to be dressed very well and looked out of place. The man saw him too and came over.

      Why are you sitting here? This place isn’t safe for you.

      I have no place to go. Briefly, Saki told him his story.

      I see, said the man. And they abandoned you here. Not very nice of them. Children your age are required to attend school. The orphanage was expecting someone from the school to get you, but no one told us. I am Professor Gyan, by the way. I am the headmaster of the school nearby.

      Saki said hello.

      You know what, come with me. I’ll take you back to my place. I have a spare room. Well, it’s more of a garden shed, but better than sleeping out here. And tomorrow, I’ll take you to the school.

      4

      Oshoya raised her veil and covered her mouth to stop the sand going in. The desert wind was blowing hard and visibility was low. She still couldn’t believe this had once been a rich forest, and that the sand was full of the dead bodies of the people who had died here. Her master, Anp, looked at her.

      Are you ready?

      Yes.

      Good. Today, we have an extra mission. Something is going on in the desert. The ghosts are restless even more than usual. And the City is worried they may be up to something.

      They can’t cross the Laks Line, can they?

      No. If they could, they would have killed everyone in the City. No, it’s not that desperate yet. But we still have cause to be worried.

      Oshoya scanned the desert. The ghost hunter came empty.

      We are clear. So what are we looking for?

      Anything out of the ordinary. Keep your eyes open and stay alert.

      She nodded. Putting on glasses to protect her from the sun, she crossed the Laks Line and entered the Region of Ghosts.

      She had taken precautions, of course. She had a handheld ghost scanner. In addition, the two generals were with her. She checked with them.

      Any hostiles?

      If by hostiles you mean ghosts, no, said General Lee.

      I see no enemy, either, said General Sam.

      Oshoya made her way deeper into the desert. The sun was shining really strong here and the temperature was scalding, but Oshoya kept walking. She knew she would always find a ghost if she kept looking. And she did not have to wait long. Her ghost hunter beeped, and General Lee spoke at the same time.

      Ghost at three o’ clock. Seems pretty weak.

      Thank you.

      Oshoya laid out a trap. It would attract the ghost and capture it. No ghost had been able to resist the trap yet. This one was no different, and soon she had the ghost trapped and it started squirming.

      Relax, she said to the ghost. I got you.

      That’s what I’m worried about, said the ghost.

      Please. Tell me your name.

      The ghost was silent for a moment. I’m Jason.

      Hello, Jason. I’m Oshoya.

      Hello Oshoya.

      "Hello.

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