Star Dust

Chapter One - Following Father's Footsteps

*Faye Azal - Main Character*⤴

Six years after my father's death, I'm sitting at a desk in a special, teenage school. I turned fourteen yesterday. When somebody turns fourteen, they are required to take a placement test. It will decide what pre-job they will fit into. It's very important for our society. I sit there, pencil In hand, starring at the test in front of me. Everyone knew who my dad was. The great Kalmin Azal. He was a famous researcher for astronomy.

When the accident happened, he put the lives of his colleagues before his own. He saved everyone, but during all of it, he didn't survive. He was a hero. I wanted to be just like him, but... How could I? How could I compare myself to my father, Kalmin Azal? I will never be like him, I convinced myself. Over and Over, I repeated this in my head. I will never be anywhere close to how great he was.

I hold the gemstone necklace in my hand. This is all I have left him... I take a deep breath and start the test. This will decide my future, I thought. I have to do my best... For my father. Three hours go by, and the test is finished. I'm sitting in a room, with many others my age. They whisper to each other. "The daughter of Kalmin Azal? THE Kalmin Azal?" "Do you think she's as great as him?" "I didn't even know he had a daughter." "Poor kid... She lost it all." I close my eyes and ignore what they say. They don't know anything, I say in my head. I sit there patiently. They don't have a clue of what I've been through...

Suddenly, the heavy glass doors swing open. Everyone gets up and walks out. I join them. We all walk into a ceremonial room. The prime minister of our prized, perfect, society walks to the podium. "Welcome. You are here today, to seek out your future. To become apart of our great society. To become young adults." He says. "You have all taken the placement test, to see what your role is in our way of life." He holds several pieces of paper in his hand and starts reading off names.

"Keidi Nova, engineering class." He announces. All of us clap and cheer. "Rose tikie, mechanics class." More clapping and cheering. And it was pretty much like this the entire time until he calls my name. "Faye Azal, astronomy class. Your father would be proud, young one." He says. Everyone cheers once again, and I find myself blushing with embarrassment. A few minutes later, we were all dismissed to our homes.

As I get up to leave, the prime minister makes his way to me. An emotionless mask finds its way into my face. "Faye, it is an honor to meet the daughter of an old friend. You look so much like him." He says, bowing his head. I bow back. "Thank you, but I'm nothing like my father minister," I reply. He straightens and puts his hand on my shoulder. "I would have to disagree. You have a bright mind, and tenacious spirit, Faye Azal. I look forward to working with you, as a partner and a friend." He says, walking away. His bodyguards lead him out of the building. As the door closes, my mask falls and I sigh in relief. I never really liked the minister. Something about him just felt... Off.

I'm alone, I thought. Finally. I sit down again and hold the gemstone necklace tightly. "I did it... " I whisper. "I made it into astronomy. Where dad used to work." I pause. " I... I hope he is proud." I let go of the necklace, get up, and walk out the door. I find my way to the city bus, and climb on. As it starts to move, I watch as city buildings move past me. All I could think about was telling my mom I made it in astronomy. Will she be proud of me? I wonder... Or will she be terrified, because that's where... I gulp down my fears and shake it from my head. But I stand there and continue to puzzle on how she will react.