Sky Dust

Chapter 11

Vivia took his hand and dragged him outside.

"We need to talk about it. Alone. Outside the village."

Spencer nodded and simply followed. He had to know what was going on.

When all the houses were right behind them, Spencer thought it was the end. But Vivia kept walking, so he just went along without asking questions. They finally stopped next to what might have once been a lake; it was a huge patch of ice with a few holes so round that they must have been man-made. Through the holes, he could see water.

Vivia sat down on the banks.

"You're from Elaset, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Elaset is against sky dust," she stared at him sharply. "One of its biggest haters. We have lots of other countries where it's illegal, but yours despises it the most."

"And that's a reason to kill us?"

"You see, it doesn't want people to even know about the existence of such a thingy. You know, most people would think it's cool... And then they'd try to get it to be legalized. And that's a threat to the government's popularity."

"But why is it forbidden?"

"They think people would go out of control. Stupid! We haven't gotten out of control. Heck, we're more organized than them!" Vivia exploded and raised her hand as if about to hit the snow, but quickly calmed down and spoke more quietly. "A few years ago, around twelve, we offered the world to trade our devices and sky dust for some goods. But people seem to be afraid of change. The normal people would have access to more opportunities thanks to sky dust. But for some reason, they thought that they would use them for evil."

"Well, power does corrupt. Don't get me wrong, this is a cool thing,-"

"Exactly, Spencer. Power corrupts the government, and they don't want to bother with the changes. Yes, of course people can abuse opportunities, but this doesn't have to happen when the people are free. Sky dust is a wonderful thing. It can be used for good, and I think we are the best proof."

Vivia spoke quickly and precisely, a tone of annoyance in her voice.

"So how did the story end?"

"Every single country refused under pressure, but Fadessa is some kind of an exception. In there, sky dust isn't illegal, it's just not sold. If you want the devices, go to the North and get them. And I think it's fair. People don't come often, though."

"So they wanna kill us because we know about sky dust," Spencer concluded, kicking some snow with his foot. He was starting to get cold and tired, but curiosity took over.

"And because you're going to spread that knowledge. And then people will want things to change."