A New Age

Chapter One

I walk into my history class and go to sit in my usual seat as lunch ends. This is my last lesson with all my classmates from the other Sectors before we leave school for good, which means that we're at the end of our syllabus: the farthest back that we can go in the history of humanity without simply relying on stories. As you go further back, we have less evidence of what life was like and what was happening at the time. This far back, we have but a few broken messages across a failing radio signal and the remains of the seven spacecraft that brought us and all the plants and animals here as evidence of what humanity once was. Of what humanity once did to themselves. Miss Jennings' voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Have I lost you, Sapphire?"

I reply quickly, colour rising to my cheeks. "No - no, miss, I'm listening now. Could you please repeat that?"

She gives me a long, hard look and I turn my eyes down to my desk, unable to meet hers. She can't give me a detention on the last day, can she? I hope not. I've tried so hard to avoid trouble, this year even more than others. I think she sees this, too, as she turns her attention away from me and continues, "As I was saying, there is not much evidence of the time so historians have had to fill in the gaps themselves, make assumptions, piece together theories. The most commonly reached conclusion is this:"

"Billions and billions and billions of years ago, humans lived on a different planet to this one, called Earth. It was once beautiful and full of life, but now the Earth's surface is scorched, and its oceans are littered with debris and rubbish. What made us leave is a mystery, and it is where historians have had most trouble in this story, up until a few decades ago, when they came to a shaky agreement, but an agreement, nonetheless. All the evidence points in one direction, though: that we were the reason that Earth was no longer able to support life."

"Early recordings tell us that in the years before we left, high technology spacecraft were being built in case we had to leave Earth. The first spacecraft was filled with samples of as many of the different animals and plants as possible, along with the necessary information on each one of them. There were six others built for us: one for each inhabited continent."

"No one ever thought that they would be needed: they were just a safety precaution that had to be there but would never be of any use. They were wrong. There are records of weapons - bombs - that could destroy towns, cities and even countries in one fell swoop. They had made so many that they could destroy the entire world several times over. As we fought amoungst ourslves over power and wealth risks ran higher and higher. Tensions exploded - if you'll pardon the pun - and all life on Earth was destroyed. The seven spacecraft now carried not only the last of mankind, but the last of all the animals and plants that had once thrived on Earth too."

"Scientists believe that these spacecraft would've once flown close to the speed of light (though how this was achieved is a mystery), and even then, it took many more years than we can get our heads around before we arrived at our new Earth. When we finally arrived, the biggest problem was the landing itself. No one alive knew how to land the spacecraft and those with a vague idea had no experience. Each spacecraft had to make a crash landing, some more 'successful' than others. The population was practically halved, and only a few families were left whole."

"There was much division amongst the first settlers, for each family created their own traditions and conflict over these ways and traditions was inevitable. As tensions became worse, physical fights began to break out, and fatalities were high on both sides. If something wasn't done about them, then we would soon destroy ourselves. And so, the Circle was born. The leaders of these groups collaborated to create a city with a system that would end the feuds and preserve our existence. The ragged settlements were gradually upgraded and evolved to form the eight Sectors that make up the Circle. These Sectors were formed to separate those with different beliefs, ideologies, traditions and values. This meant that these various groups could keep their traditions and celebrate their beliefs separate to the other groups, so conflict could be avoided. Over time, this system enabled them to respect and trust one another in a way they hadn't done before and all disagreement over these matters quickly disappeared. Trust was built up between them over the years, and to mark the 100th anniversary of Circle's formation, the Shard was built in the centre. It served as the home for the general government, a Town Hall and a venue for inter-Sector events. It was at this point when the eight Sectors received their official names (besides 'Sector 1', 'Sector 2', 'Sector 3' and so on). These names were given in honour of a language much older than ours, called 'Latin'."

"Sector 1 is Fortitudo - bravery. They believe in taking risks and living life to the fullest. The reckless lifestyle of a 1 is not for the faint of heart."

"Sector 2 is Unitatis - unity. Every 2 is part of one collective family, related or not. Everyone supports each other, and no conflict can cut you off from the family once you are a part of it."

"Sector 3 is Donum - gift. They value material things, and believe in the importance of giving and recieving gifts."

"Sector 4 is Fidelium - faithful. They are the most religious Sector. Unlike the 3s, they do not value objects, but good deeds and devotion. They lead simple lives."

"Sector 5 is Cognitionis - knowledge. They reject religion completely and live by facts instead. They value Science more than any other Sector."

"Sector 6 is Veritas - truth. Lying in Sector 6 is as bad as commiting a major crime, and will result in banishment to Sector 8. They will always tell the truth and speak their mind, even when it would be better if they didn't."

"Sector 7 is Gaudium - joy. They value positivity above all else, and playing pranks and joking is common. They will find the good in all that they do and everyone they meet."

"Sector 8 is Perdita - lost. The people, called the Lost, who either don't fit in or are banished for a major crime live here. There is no system or order to things. Every person is out for themselves and their own survival."

"And that brings us to the end of the lesson, and the end of your last year here. Pack up, and when the bell goes you may leave. Good luck for the future and I hope you choose wisely tomorrow." Miss Jennings turns to her desk as the students begin to filter out of the room. On the bus home to Sector 2, my mind cannot help but wander to what Miss said about Sector 8. I better choose correctly tomorrow because I wouldn't last a day there.