Part V - A prohibited marriage

The Boundless

Christine's nature-loving friend planted these flowers himself. If there's one thing he could do all day, it would be dancing in a field of flowers, with the girl he loves.

A girl from the clan, to be specific. Meet Larissa Boundless, they're just married.

Also, they have a little daughter named Paula.

DAY 9

Today Christine visits her friend Anton. Not only for a maternity visit, but also to hear Anton out about the clanmember Larissa, and how come he could marry her in the first place.

Anton tells her Larissa ran away from the clan, cause she didn't want to be part of the mysterious business they're practicing. For more information he refers to Larissa herself.

Larissa says if she spreads any more information, she'll be on the List, which means they have the right to murder her and her baby Paula.

Christine wonders why she is still dressed like one of the clan. Maybe she's still under pressure, or she is a spy. Christine doesn't like any of this. She often hangs out with the clan members, but she knows there are rules. Who was born in the clan, is bound to live their way. Leavers have never returned alive, goes the myth.

DAY 10

The next morning Larissa is called to speak with one of the clanmembers all alone. She hesitates at first, but agrees as she knows she'll probably be in more trouble if she doesn't go. 

"You thought we didn't see you talk with that scientist?"

"What scientist?" Larissa stammers.

"Oh, don't act ignorant. If we catch you one more time, you'll be on the List for social pollution!"

Larissa asks her husband Anton, if he could explain any of this.

He says he might know what scientist the girl was talking about. Christine and he are very close friends and  share everything with eachother.

A gossip is rapidly spread. Innocence surrounds Anton's words while he catches up with his neighbors at the local store...

DAY 11

A friend of Christine called me to visit him today. I thought a new suit will do no harm, after what Christine told me about being discrete.

He looks like a tramp, though I wouldn't say Christine looks that fresh herself.

This planet could use some civilization.

The guy is very friendly and tells me the clanmembers must be very fond of me, since they rarely visit anyone outside their range. I tell him the ladies acted kind of strange, but I couldn't find anything suspicous about them.

"Did you tell them anything of your purpose here?" Anton asks me.

"You didn't. Well, if I were you, mate, I would stay at Christine's for a while. She can cook you a nice meal and you'll be safe, up high in her tower."

I didn't know the kind man very well, but I sure trust my friend Christine. So I went to her tower immediately after I packed some stuff from home. It was a whole climb bringing all my stuff up these stairs.

That night I slept very close to Christine.