The Tower

Theios tightened his grip on the viper head as he approached Solwell Tower, its long, spiraling structure casting a shadow over the crowded square. The smell of sweat, stale water, and desperation filled the air as hundreds of people shuffled forward in endless lines, their faces sunken with exhaustion. Three long queues stretched toward the tower’s water dispensaries, while a shorter fourth line was reserved for trades. Even the trade line, usually shorter, snaked farther than Theios had patience for.

All around him, the citizens of Solwell Dome endured the heat with varying degrees of grace. Some huddled under torn umbrellas, others shielded themselves with scarves and woven shawls. Most stood silent, resigned to the daily routine of survival.

Tower officers weaved between the lines, scanning IDs with gloved fingers and steel-eyed indifference. Their expressions were unreadable, their uniforms clean and crisp despite the oppressive heat. Theios joined the trade-in line reluctantly, his gaze darting around for an official who could speed up the process. Spotting one walking by, he called out.

“Hey! Can you get this to Director Hill?” Theios asked, lifting the viper head like a grotesque troph.

The official paused, raising a skeptical eyebrow. He looked young, sunburned, maybe new.  “Do you have an appointment with the director?”

“No, but—”

“Then you'll have to wait in line like everyone else.” The official dismissed him with a wave and continued down the line.

Theios groaned in frustration, scanning the crowd for another official. "Seriously?"

His attention was drawn to a commotion at one of the water lines. An official, clearly a blend by his slightly elongated limbs and sharp eyes, was arguing with a human man.

“You have already collected your share today,” the official said firmly, holding up the man’s scanned ID.

“I told you,” the man snapped. “My wife just gave birth yesterday. She’s weak, and we need extra water for the baby.” His voice cracked with desperation. “This rationing is unjust!”

The blend official remained stoic, focused on his task.

“Azurians and blend don't need much water so why are you hoarding it for yoursleves?” the man snapped. “The little nothing you give is only granting us a slow death. The tension escalated as the man’s fists clenched, and he looked ready to fight.

“Enough,” came a steady voice from the front of the line. Another official stepped in tall, calm, and commanding. Theios looked away.

It was Director Haelo Hill.

“Don’t put your frustrations on someone just doing their job,” said Direcor Hill, placing a calm hand on the man’s shoulder. “If you want more water, change the rules or bring something to trade. At least one of those is in your power.”

The man hesitated, his anger softening. Haelo reached into his pack and handed him a small canister of water. “Take this. I’ll want it back tomorrow,” he added with a faint smile.

The man nodded, clutching the canister with gratitude before walking away.

As the crowd settled again, ducked behind a pair of older women shielding themselves with shawls as he pretended to study the ground. He moved closer to the officer from before, trying one last time to -

“Good day, Director Hill,” the officer said, straightening.

“Good day,” he replied, but his eyes immediately locked onto Theios. A grin spread across his face. “Theios? Is that you?” Theios doesn't answer. "Who thought you such bad manners?"

“It isn’t me,” Theios muttered, turning his head.

The official looked between them, confused. “You know him, sir?”

“Know him?” Director Hill strode over and playfully smacked Theios on the back of the head. “Don’t ignore your old man!” Hill said loud enough for people to glance.

Theios rubbed his head with a pout. “I answered you.”

The official shook his head in disbelief. “Wait..you’re the director's son?”

Theios didn’t respond, his expression a mixture of irritation and embarrassment.

Director Haelo Hill chuckled, throwing an arm around his son. “Rebellious kids, Officer Brian. They want nothing to do with their parents.” He gestured toward the viper head. “Brian, process this for me, will you?”

Officer Brian nodded and called over a transport officer. Four hover bots zipped into view, cables slithering out like tongues. They surrounded and locked onto the viper head, punctured the hide, and began hoisting it up in a steel net. With a low hum, the bots lifted the head. The creature’s mouth hung open like it had died mid-snarl.

As the bots drifted off toward the Tower’s side entrance, Haelo turned to his son, his tone becoming more serious. “Still hunting alone?"

“I handled it,” Theios replied curtly.

"Not everything is solvable by yourself, son."

"This I can do by myself."

Haelo’s eyes narrowed. "The fangs are missing. Did you get a good price for them?" Theios hesitates to answer. "You’re not exactly the best salesman.” Haelo smirked.

“It was a good price, but-” Theios began, but his father’s attention drifted over his shoulder.

Theios followed his gaze and caught a glimpse of a black-cloaked figure disappearing into an alley.

Haelo refocused, his smile returning. “We’ll have to hunt together sometime. I’ll show you again how to negotiate a good price.”

Theios rolled his eyes. “I’m fine on my own.”

Haelo ignored the remark and reached into his jacket, pulling out a small, sealed envelope. “Your mother wanted this yesterday, but it absolutely slipped my mind. Can you drop it off, please?”

Theios frowned, "Oh no, can't. I've got night plans." 

“It won't take all night,” Haelo replied evasively slipping the note into Theios' pocket.

"Hey!" Theios scrambles to get the envelope out of his pocket. "You can't just do that, dad." His father was already well out of sight. 

“See you for dinner,” shouted Director Hill through the crowd.

“I’m not staying for dinner,” Theios muttered under his breath, staring at the crisp envelope.