Rebel

Constellation

           Unlike the Council back at Polis, the Assembly stood as they discussed subjects. They were respectful and waited their own turns to speak when they wanted their point to get across. I wasn't use to it, blinking with surprise for the first ten minutes that went by.

"Hendrick?"

     I straightened out of reflex, from hearing my last name. I brought my mind back to reality as I forced on the person who said my name. My eyes laid on Juno, who was staring at me expectantly with an eyebrow raised. "I'm sorry what?" I asked, suppressing an eye roll for myself from being so stupid.

"She was saying how is the trade down at Tycen. In Polis." Suma repeated for her. I mentally reminded myself that Suma was the construction leader. I cleared my throat. "Ah well yes, trade in Polis has been growing from time to time. None of us are merchants or have much experience but some of the Plebs do." I rambled to the stocky man.

             Juno slightly cocked her head, intrigued. "What trade routes do you use? Who do you sell to? What do you sell? How come your resources are running out?" She peppered me with questions. I inhaled a sharp breath. All of the Assembly leader stared at me, expecting me to answer.

     I squared my shoulders. "I don't know any of the route names, someone else is in charge of that. We trade crops, clothing, technology devices, and meat. We trade with neighboring regions or even towns. We have a specific day in Polis to allow the merchants in the city so most of the people can trade as well." I paused, trying to remember Juno's string of questions.

"The reason why we're running out of resources is because of the attacks growing near the towns we trade with. There are other Rebels, different than us, harsher even. They've been taking out some places. Most people who are smart enough flee before the danger can start, making each trading more and more farther from us." I said.

            Juno drummed her fingers against her crossed arm. "Do you have a currency, Miss Hendrick?" She asked. I shook my head. "No, most of us have never dealt with money before." She inclined her head with understanding.

     "Is it true you Rebels have created a new Mark for yourselves?" Nuvua asked, peering at me through his circular glasses. I searched my brain. The leader of education. I smiled, knowing he knew many things on history and possibly more.

"Yes, sir. We consider ourselves a community rather than a band of criminals just trying to overthrow the government." I answered. His eyes drifted to my covered arm. "I believe you have it, no?" He asked. I nodded. "Let us see, child." Nuvua said, more of a order than a command.

                I slipped the furs off my shoulders, rolling up my slightly large wool sweater. Small gasps gathered as my upside crown was exposed, right under my Nomadic Mark. Nuvua inched closer, pressing his glasses down to the tip of his nose. "Ah, yes. Very interesting Mark. One could almost say it is an Elite Mark." He sniffed, pulling himself away.

      I let my sleeve roll down and placed the furs back on my shoulders. "Well yes, the idea was to use the Elite symbol and turn it upside down. It means how we stand for everything opposite to the Elite." I explained. Nuvua gave me a small smirk, nodding in approval.

   "You know, Zaila Hendrick," Me-Zahab said, making my skin crawl the way she said my complete name. "I'm sure you know how your little rebellion isn't the only one happening. There are many things you do not know of. But I suppose that is why you're here, correct?" She clasped her hands in front of her.

"Yes."

            "Good. We are here to help you and your cause. We might not bear the Rebel Mark as your people do but we are and have been working against the government for quite some time." Me-Zahab said, a ghost of a smirk playing over her lips as my face slackened with surprise.