The Dreamer (𝓒𝓞𝓜𝓟𝓛𝓔𝓣𝓔)

The Dreamer (1)

*~*Dedicated to my kids, who like stories... *~*

*~*Special thanks to Grey Starr for the language of my hero.*~*

"We all dream; we do not understand our dreams, yet we act as if nothing strange goes on in our sleep minds, strange at least by comparison with the logical, purposeful doings of our minds when we are awake. "

~~Erich Fromm

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

~~Harriet Tubman

I was born Delarie Sokera Trient in the seventh month of the two thousand twentieth year of recorded history of Nolagrath. My parents were technicians working on the field generators owned by PrimePower which provided power for Caltrop, the capital city of Lagano. Lagano was the first and largest of the subsidiary colonies in the northern sector of the planet. There was nothing to set me apart from any other citizen of Nolagrath, at least outwardly. My hair and eyes were dark, and if my skin was not as dark as some, neither was it what might be termed pale.

For almost seven years I was a normal child with a normal childhood. I attended the same day care as all the rest of the PrimePower employees' children, ate much the same food and wore the same general style of clothes. While not in poverty, my family was not well-to-do either. I had toys and clothes, but nothing expensive or fancy. I loved my mother and father and occasionally wished for a sibling. I was told that I was intelligent and that my vocabulary was extensive for my age.

It was in the second month of the two thousand and twenty-sixth year that disaster struck. A fast moving electrical storm came through the area, frying several generators—along with the techs that were working in them, including both of my parents. At least, that is what I am told—I don't really remember it. According to the doctors, I have blocked it out of my memory.

Aside from a few hazy recollections of warmth and laughter, my earliest memories are of the orphanage. PrimePower Inc. ran the place—officially called the Orphaned and Unwanted Children's Home—but the children all called it O.U.C.H.. It was begun by Merill Magnus I, the great grandfather of Merill Magnus IV, the present owner of PrimePower Inc. The founder's picture stood in a prominent place in the main hall of the central building. The picture showed a large man, stern and unapproachable. It was no surprise that the orphanage was a huge, antiseptic place, unwelcoming and impersonal.

A woman I did not know had come to the day care and taken me to a small room in the back. There she had told me that my parents were dead. Precisely what that meant, I wasn't sure, but no more was forthcoming. The rest of the day was a blur of strangers and fear. I was allowed my clothes and six toys, along with blankets and a pillow. The only other item I was allowed was my little jewelry box my father had given me and the trinkets inside. I was taken to the orphanage and deposited with the staff, who soon had me registered. I was now a ward of PrimePower Inc.

I was turned over to a matron—who was senior staff—and was shown to a room with four empty cots and a single bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet. The matron told me that I could choose which area I wanted, as I was first in the room. By each of the cots were sturdy chests of drawers and a small side table with a small drawer in it. They were all the same, but I chose the one by the window, so I could look out and see the stars while in bed. I put my meager belongings away and then sat on the bed until a care aid—secondary staff—brought me a tray for supper. After picking at the food, I was told to shower and get ready for bed.