Hydra Lily & The Swamps of Sulfur, 5th Ed.: The Hydra Lily Series, #1

Table of Contents

The Swamps of Sulfur

Copyright Information:

Titles:

About the Books – A Quick Peek

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Hydra Lily &

The Swamps of Sulfur

Book One

Copyright Information:

All rights reserved. No portion of this novel may be used to train artificial intelligence software, algorithms, apps, or other applications, or be used to generate derivative works based on the intellectual property contained herein.

HYDRA LILY & THE SWAMPS OF SULFUR

5th edition. January 5, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 Carmen Cor.

Images under license: 123RF.com

Titles:

Book 1 – Hydra Lily & The Swamps of Sulfur

Book 2 – Hydra Lily & The Pillars of Iron

Book 3 – Hydra Lily & The Mountains of Khaos

Book 4 – Hydra Lily & The Moonstones of SiO2

Book 5 – Silica Agate & The Amulet of Amber

Book 6 – Silica Agate & The Winter of Darkness

Book 7 – Silica Agate & The Scepter of Solaris

Book 8 – Aqua Regia & The Starship Horizon

Book 9 – Aqua Regia & The Jewel of Asteris Prime

Book 10 – Aqua Regia & The Edge of Oblivion

About the Books – A Quick Peek

The Hydra Lily, Silica Agate, and Aqua Regia book series are three parts of a ten-book set of companion novels exploring a post-apocalyptic world after nuclear war destroys nearly all life on earth.

These offbeat, trope-breaking, genre-bending novels blend elements of science-fiction, fantasy, and romance, and are geared toward upper young-adult readers. They are best suited for mature teens and adults who enjoy stories about science, magic, adventure, mystery, and coming-of-age in academy settings.

Everything from Halloween-themed dances and winter balls to duncleball matches and battles with terrifying monsters are sure to keep readers entertained and glued to every action-packed page. Some of the many exciting adventures that await include hot dates, visits to the zoo, turbo-charged love triangles, narrow escapes from mutant beasts, adventures to find rare treasures, and an epic life or death showdown with a dark lord.

These books follow the progression of society from paranoid bunker-bound survivors living in a cave with oddly futuristic tech, to urban-working, suburban-dwelling, contemporary analogs, rife with enough pop-culture references to make any literary critic cringe.

A large ensemble cast of prominent primary and secondary characters are featured in these books. Their riveting tales are told from an omniscient, third-person perspective that frequently shifts vantage from one point-of-view to another.

The Hydra Lily series focuses on Hydra’s journey through the murky challenges of becoming an adult, discovering the world, and facing the bittersweet thorns of romance against a backdrop of war. Side quests to save friends and loved ones from terrible fates offers a thrilling, action-packed read full of intrigue and wonder.

The Silica Agate series follows Silica’s quest to navigate the perils of young love, and locate a legendary object said to contain a mysterious power capable of wondrous things, all while evading the scrutinizing and forbidding gaze of her mother, and the dangers of a crazed villain hell-bent on taking it for himself.

A follow-up trilogy, a space odyssey focusing on Aqua Regia Tomas and her unique abilities, brings back many of the characters from previous installments for a daring new adventure—colonizing a distant planet and tracking down a rare mineral that may hold the key to interstellar travel and restoring a lost magic, culminating in a final battle against the forces of darkness.

Like a family-friendly sitcom, this intergenerational dynamic gives rise to hilarious hijinks, battles of will, and profound moments of contrast. Hair-raising clashes between young and old highlight the juxtaposition of progress and tradition, the plights of socioeconomic strata, love and a heavy hand.

The content and tone of these books is geared for upper-YA readers, and may include elements found in a typical PG-13 movie. Some parents and guardians might find these novels inappropriate for certain audiences.

These books use a closed-door approach when dealing with certain categories of explicit content. Direct, graphic descriptions of sexuality, violence, death, gore, and abuse are avoided.

Despite this, there are mild to moderate depictions of, and references to the aforementioned, and readers who are sensitive to these subjects may not be well-suited for the potentially triggering aspects of these novels, and are advised to exercise discretion.

References to physical reprimand are included in this series. The author does not condone violence, and encourages readers to review the numerous scientific articles, academic studies, and peer-reviewed works outlining the harms of such practices. Educational literature advocating methods of positive parenting are available at local bookstores and online retailers. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, please speak up. Help is available.

For more information, see the appendices at the end of the final book, which includes a detailed list of characters, biographies, flora and fauna, vehicles, weapons, powers, Q&A’s, and hundreds of miscellaneous facts, backstories, and bonus content.

Prologue

A thousand years have passed since the Day of Brimstone—the apocalyptic nuclear conclusion to events of the Great Warming, also known as the anthropocene extinction event. Earth now exists as vast eerie stretches of harsh barren landscapes interspersed with lush pockets of overgrown flora teeming with strange creatures that have evolved from the vestigial remnants of the era.

Only small bands of human life still exist within the walls of hidden bunkers, having learned to adapt to the harsh conditions of a scorched earth. One group known as the Enclave survives inside a sprawling underground facility, protected by the walls of limestone caves, replete with many advanced technologies that allow them to tame an intolerable world.

The Enclave lives in a rocky red desert consisting of ferrous mountains stained by bands of iron-oxide, wide-open valleys dotted with occasional groves, and swampy sulfurous hot springs that boil and bubble as fumes that reek of rotten eggs rise from their bowels.

Strange monsters inhabit these oases, and a variety of other unusual creatures exist in odd environmental niches. From the skies to the oceans, lands to the lakes, forests to the jungles, planet earth is swarming with new, never before seen life.

The Enclave has survived in these conditions for centuries, delicately conserving their limited supply of resources. Scouting and collecting are highly dangerous jobs that only the best and brightest students of the Advanced Academy are allowed to learn. The harsh realities of survival in the post-apocalyptic era have been the cause of numerous premature deaths. From unexpected illnesses to tragic accidents, nature seems to keep the balance of life in check.

Faced with an existential crisis, four brave students embark on a journey filled with perils to save the colony. Their voyage leads them through many obstacles, hardships, and terrifying encounters with mutant oddities as they discover friendship, love, and heroism along the way. Their quest to find a vital element uncovers shocking truths and sinister plots, and sparks conflicts that will determine the future of the post-apocalyptic world.

Chapter 1

The Enclave

It was a hot summer day when the first drop of rain hit the brick-red sands of the dry mountainous desert terrain of Ilium that Hydra Lily called home. A thick gathering of dark-gray clouds in the distance, and the low rumbling of thunder signaled a coming storm.

A gust of cool damp air and the smell of wet dirt whipped at Hydra’s face as her honey-blonde locks danced in the wind. It would be dusk soon, and their excursion to collect beryllium samples from the surrounding rocks, and large purple and white spotted fruits of the pompoiya plant would have to end.

Rare earth metals were critical to many of the technologies the Enclave used to survive, and the pompoiya fruits bore hundreds of small juicy red seeds resembling pomegranates, with white lining similar to coconuts. They were a favorite of many residents for use in everything from salads to artisan juices. Hydra drew her hood up around her head, covered her eyes with a pair of goggles, wrapped a scarf around her face, and pulled closed a beige-colored jacket to protect herself from the sting of flying sand.

Hey, Hydra, let’s get going, shouted a tall and slender girl standing next to a silver crawler with large black wheels.

Ok, Malika, just one moment. I’ll be right there, shouted Hydra, over the growing howl of the wind.

Malika Rose was a strong, fierce, independent, charismatic, dark-complexioned young woman of seventeen years, and had been Hydra’s friend ever since their induction into Advanced Academy at the age of thirteen. Both of them were part of a team of volunteers that would routinely scout resources on excursion as part of a class designed to teach survival skills.

Electives like this were optional courses that certified every senior-level student in a trade or craft of their choosing. Life at the Enclave relied heavily on every member of society doing their part, and specializing in a job role critical to the smooth operation of the complex machinery that separated their lives from certain death.

Hydra motioned to her partner, busy chipping away at the face of a particular red boulder with thin green streaks of minerals dashing through it. Onyx Tomas was a dark-haired boy, whose lean muscular physique helped him perform a variety of intense physical tasks, which came in handy for mundane chores like hammering at rocks, or lifting heavy supplies.

Hydra and Onyx had been friends since their first year of Jr. Academy, which they were inducted into at the age of seven.

Onyx was a handsome, charming, witty fellow, with a keen sense of humor, who had always come to Hydra’s defense when she needed help. Despite his positive qualities however, she held mixed feelings about him because of his sometimes unpredictable temper and questionable character.

He could be sweet and sensitive one moment, or harsh and callous the next. He didn’t have a problem breaking the rules when it was convenient for him, especially when he felt compelled by his sense of justice. His sidearm, an LP-130 laser pistol capable of firing crisp red rounds or a stunning energy blast, was modified with parts he had scavenged or stolen, and was just one example of his knack for rule breaking.

Come on, Onyx, let’s go. Just leave it for another day, said Hydra, as the clouds overhead thickened.

These rocks will make good specimens for the scouting and geology classes, he replied, holding up large chunks he had broken free from the boulder.

Thick droplets of rain were beginning to pound the surface of their crawler, making a loud clinking sound as they impacted the faded chrome paint. Hydra loaded their gear into the crawler’s rear doors, then hoisted herself into the pilot’s cabin. Onyx and Malika finished loading the equipment into the storage compartment, and joined Hydra in the cabin.

The motor sprang to life as she pressed the accelerator of the electric-powered engine, and the crawler’s enormous black tires began to churn over the landscape, now morphing into a thickened muddy wasteland. As they rolled past swampy hot springs bubbling with sulfurous gases, the reflection of curious red eyes peered out from under the water’s thick putrid surface, and radiated against a background of darkening skies flashing with bright white lightning. Time passed by slowly as they descended from their mountainous prospect, and wheeled into the beaten dirt path of tire tracks that formed a makeshift road.

So, do you think we found a viable source for a new mine? asked Malika, holstering her LPSP-150 that could fire yellow lasers capable of incinerating small rocks.

I’m not sure. The beryllium was really sparse. We’ll have to check again to be sure, replied Onyx.

At least we got a good haul of pompoiyas. My father really likes them, said Hydra.

How’s he been doing lately?

Not too good. He can get up, walk around, and take care of himself, but he mostly just lies around and reads books.

I didn’t know he liked to read.

Books fascinate him, said Hydra, gazing off into the storm.

Have the doctors said anything more about his condition?

No. They’ve only said that the cancer is spreading. There’s not much they can do with the limited resources we have, and they expect he may have less than a year left. We need that beryllium to optimize the magnetic resonance imaging machines in the hospital wing. The doctors want to do an MRI to scan for anomalies. If they locate tumors, they may be able to perform surgery or use localized radiation, which would be more effective than using indiscriminate bombardment. They’re just killing him faster in my opinion.

Cancer was a significant concern for the Enclave. High levels of radiation from prolonged exposure to the sun, elevated counts of radioactive particles in the atmosphere from ancient nuclear fallout, and spending their lives tucked away inside a bunker increased their chances of getting cancer. Heightened levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun contributed to the accelerated evolution of heritable mutations that produced the variety of strange plants and animals that lurked in the shadows. Still, cancer was a relatively rare disease that didn’t occur frequently enough to warrant hibernation, as had been the case for earlier colonists like Group Alpha, the first band of survivors who established the Enclave. The pressing need to acquire resources negated the risks of openly exploring the environment.

The crawler slowed to a halt as it approached a pair of large metal doors sealed shut from the inside. Hydra radioed the news of their return to an internal control station, and requested permission to enter the docking bay.

Identification Code? said a muffled voice, over the radio.

Come on, Locker, you know it’s me. Who else in the world would it be? replied Hydra, in an irritated voice.

He’s such a stickler for protocol, said Malika, with a grin.

Phillium Locker was a rookie radio control tower technician, who had recently graduated from Advanced Academy last year. His orange hair and freckled complexion contrasted his green eyes and radiant smile that were often the source of mischievous hijinks.

Sorry, Hydra. Just doing my job.

Get these gates open. We’re starving! interjected Onyx.

Sure thing, replied Phillium, as the sound of rotating metal cogs pulled back the docking bay doors.

Hydra pulled the crawler into the vehicle bay where a dozen others were parked in a semicircle, locked in place to maintenance stations as they charged. She backed into station number seven and the excursion team dismounted the crawler. Onyx began unloading the gear inside containment boxes from the rear compartment and stacking them neatly behind the crawler.

That oughta do it, he said, finishing the job.

Great. Let’s hurry up, before they run out of food.

Hold your horses, will ya? It’ll be fine.

That’s what you said that one time--

Yeah, yeah, I know.

And then they ran out of tater tots.

The three of them walked through a short hallway toward a single metal door that split open from the middle. They waved their security badges in front of the terminal controls, and proceeded to walk through a cavernous tunnel, the uncovered walls revealing the limestone that their bunker facilities were housed in.

They said nothing to one another as they walked along the metal catwalk that lined the floor. They reached a second door near two glass window panes on each side, housing small control rooms with monitors that displayed live video feeds from the docking bay, the exterior, and other adjacent hallways.

This was a minor control station, dedicated primarily to the excursion bay and the adjacent armory where weapons were kept. Phillium Locker was sitting alone in the control booth, radio in hand, signaling them toward a door that led to the armory.

Here, take mine down to storage for me, will you?

Mine too, said Malika, handing Onyx her laser.

Hydra carried an LP-80 with an embedded silencer that was a gift from her father. It fired a small but powerful light-green laser. Weapons were not permitted inside the main facilities. Only certain law enforcement and military personnel carried them.

I’ll see you guys at dinner, said Onyx, as he walked down the adjacent hall toward the armory.

Buzz us in, Phil! requested Malika.

An obnoxious buzz reverberated off the walls of the narrow hallway as the portal door opened, revealing a multileveled pewter-colored cavern that was illuminated by bright white overhead lights. This was the central lobby, with access portals connecting to almost every section of the Enclave.

Prominent doors led to various sectors such as the hospital wing, the academy, and the residential quarters. A central escalator ferried residents to and from the bottom level, where there was a spacious cafeteria, and a recreation center featuring a gym, a sports center, an aquatic center, and an arcade.

There was also a commissary store stocked with clothes and miscellaneous items, an event center for hosting gatherings, a foyer lined with shopping boutiques, and a confectionery filled with treats that could be purchased with credits. A clerk was seated at a desk in the lobby, observantly monitoring access to an elevator that led to additional locations that were listed on a wall plaque, including the Reactor, Research & Development, Manufacturing, the Office of the Judicial Magistrate, Reformatory, Penitentiary, and Executive.

Hydra and Malika raced off toward the cafeteria, eager for tonight’s dinner special—buttery baked potatoes seasoned with salt, ground black pepper, chives, and sour cream, paired with hot fluffy bread rolls, a chef’s salad with white mushrooms, and a white-sauce rigatoni pasta flavored with onions, garlic, a hint of white-balsamic vinegar, with sautéed red-tipped mushrooms for a kick of flavor.

The cafeteria was bustling with crowds of patrons forming a line that wrapped around the walls, and down a hallway toward the recreation center. Hydra’s face dropped with exasperation.

You know, they might have to start staggering dinners by the hour, said Malika.

They might have to start digging a new hole for a second cafeteria, joked Hydra. They looked at each other and laughed.

"Hey!" said Onyx, in a weird voice, sneaking up from behind.

Hydra jumped from being startled.

AH! Don’t do that.

Onyx chuckled, amused by his own antics.

What took you so long? asked Malika.

I was checking out some cool new gadgets in the armory. They’ve got an arrow mounted with an electromagnetic tip, and let me try it out at the target range. It can knock out electronics within a nine-foot radius around the impact site, he bragged.

Hydra wasn’t interested in weapons, unlike Onyx who found them fascinating. She was more interested in things like biology, life sciences, organic systems, and terraforming.

Despite her disinterest, Hydra used the LP-80 as her primary arm, and sometimes practiced using the traditional bow and arrow at the range. The armory had a large variety of arrows for specialty purposes, such as standard, poison tipped, explosive, heat-seeking, camera equipped, and biopsy.

What would we ever need an electromagnetic arrow for?

Who knows, shrugged Onyx.

There’s no robot army out there.

Better safe than sorry, he joked, with a grin.

It’s just, aside from hunting, law enforcement, and defense while on excursion, I don’t see the point of designing all these new guns. It’s like we’re preparing for war, but with whom?

I’m sure it’s just precautionary. That’s all.

We’re the only people left on the planet, so what do we even need a military for anyway?

For law and order. Self-defense. How do you know for sure there’s no robot army out there coming for us? replied Onyx, with a smile. He looked around, glancing over his shoulders to make sure no one was listening.

"I’ve heard stories from some older soldiers in the military who used to go on scouting expeditions. One guy told me his group came across strange footprints near a lake just outside the farthest reaches of Ilium. He claims if you travel southwest, you will reach a forest where he suspects there are others," whispered Onyx.

Other humans? That could change everything. You’re just kidding, right? asked Malika.

Talk about the possible existence of others was a hot topic in gossip circles that really stirred people’s imagination and worries. The implications of the existence of others included everything from the logistics of a potential merger to warfare over limited resources, and based on Onyx’s description of the weapons being developed in the armory, it seemed like there was more about the outside world than they were being taught in Advanced Academy.

Wouldn’t the Council of the Elders be aware of something like that? asked Malika. You don’t suppose they’d hide that kind of information from us do you?

Onyx nodded, impatiently waiting for the line to move.

I think they would. The Council of the Elders is known for their secrecy and making decisions in the dark.

Surely they’d tell us.

They wouldn’t tell us about the existence of bug spray if there was a flysquito invasion!

They are a bit cagey, aren’t they?

It’s like they’re afraid of the outside world. I mean, how messed up is it that we can’t go outside, except on excursion?

I agree. Something seems fishy.

They’re too accustomed to sitting on their keisters in their golden chairs while we all scrub toilets, complained Onyx.

That’s a bit of an over exaggeration, isn’t it? I mean, we all have roles in the colony. We all do our part to make it a better place to live. I know we don’t exactly have a democracy, and the decisions are made from the top down, but I really do believe the Elders have our best interests at heart.

"Psh! snorted Onyx, dismissively. If you say so, Hydra."

The line had reached the serving station, and the trio filled their plates with as much leftovers as they could get their hands on. Unfortunately, there were only enough servings of pasta, salad, and baked potatoes left for two, and one bread roll.

I told you! complained Hydra. I said this would happen!

Sorry. Duty calls.

If you’d of just came when I said, I’d have a full plate right now. Urgh, now I’ve gotta make do with the scraps.

Alright, chill out, guys, said Malika. I’m sure we can make some kind of deal.

I’ll trade half my pasta for Hydra’s bread roll, said Onyx.

No way.

It’s rigatoni. Don’t you love pasta?

Ok, fine. You win. Here.

I’ll trade you half my chef’s salad for part of your baked potato, offered Malika.

Mmm. Sounds delish. Sold.

The trio sat down and started talking about assorted topics, ranging from their high scores in the arcade room, to rumors about an upcoming formal dance.

I would love it if Zander Cordis would ask me, said Malika.

Zander was a tall, dark and handsome young man, who was athletic, and majoring in military command at the Elite Academy, a revered institution of college-level academia, where students could study under various programs that could lead to high-profile jobs.

Who do you think you’ll ask, Onyx?

I haven’t decided yet. I know that Sarah Perkins girl from horticulture class would really like to go with me, but I dunno…

His eyes wandered conspicuously toward Hydra. She wasn’t paying attention. She was staring off blankly across the cafeteria.

Hey, what’s up with you? asked Onyx. Hydra was staring curiously at a tall boy with light-brown hair and golden undertones who was awkwardly standing there with his tray in hand, glancing around anxiously as he searched for a place to sit.

Who’s that? she asked.

Who? That guy? That’s Thermos Agate. He’s the one I was telling you about. Remember? The one who blew up the beakers in Chemistry 105-L, mixing chemicals?

Oh yeah.

Green foam flew everywhere, and got all over everyone. They had to cancel class to clean up the mess.

I remember now.

He’s kind of a weirdo.

Hydra wasn’t paying attention to anything Onyx was saying. Thermos had sat down by himself at a solitary table and was reading pages from a textbook. He occasionally looked up from his book and scanned the room as if he were expecting something to happen. His eyes scanned the cafeteria, examining the crowds, and came to rest on Hydra. She quickly looked away and pretended she had not been watching him.

Onyx’s wide smile and cheerful demeanor dampened into a jealous scowl. He returned his tray to the cafeteria kitchen, placing it on a rotating conveyor before casually approaching Thermos, who was reading, Geology 109-L: An Introduction to Rocks and Minerals. The page was open to a chapter on various types of agates, a large specimen of bright-orange carnelian illustrated on page 173.

What’ch’ya reading there, Agate? asked Onyx, in a bullish tone, grabbing the book from Thermos without asking.

Come on, man. Just leave me alone.

What’s this? An introduction to rocks and minerals?

Yeah, so?

I’m surprised they’d let you within a hundred feet of a lab class after you blew up those beakers.

It was an accident.

Sure it was.

I’m just trying to get a head start on the textbook because class starts Monday, and there just isn’t enough time too--

Thermos was cut off mid-sentence.

Listen here, dweeb, said Onyx, leaning in closely, so that only Thermos could hear. "Don’t even think about trying to partner with me or any of my friends. You got that?" he said, threateningly, motioning toward Hydra and Malika. Thermos nodded, and turned his head down, staring intently at his book to avoid the humiliating gaze of curious onlookers at nearby tables.

We don’t need you screwing things up again like you did in chemistry class. How you could manage to blow up a box of rocks is beyond me, but I wouldn’t put it past you to find a way.

It told you, it was just a miscalculation--

Stay away, or I’ll pound you into a pulp!

Thermos stood abruptly, folded his book into his bag, and walked away in a hurry with his head down, not bothering to look back, leaving his tray of half-eaten food behind.

What was that all about? asked Hydra, as Onyx returned.

Oh, nothing! Just a friendly little chat. I guess he’s taking Geology 109-L with us starting this Monday.

Cool, said Hydra, nodding.

The friends spent the remainder of their Saturday evening trying to beat their high scores on the pinball machine inside of the arcade, while drinking soda and consuming candy they bought with credits at the confectionery. They also played a few rounds of pool, and only left when forced out by curfew.

Chapter 2

The Academy

Organic Systems 113-L

A crisp, clear blue sky illuminated daybreak as the sun rose over the red desert plains of Ilium, waking residents of the Enclave as bright yellow rays of sunshine shone through a large sunroof in the bunker’s central lobby, where a wall clock at the receptionist’s desk read: Monday, July 3rd, 3189. The caverns bustled with traffic as residents made their way to various jobs, stopping for breakfast at the cafeteria along the way.

Hydra rose from her bed, her warm cozy blankets tempting just five more minutes. She pressed a button on the wall, opening a sliding closet door that contained her outfits, uniforms, shoes, and other miscellaneous items. She didn’t need much time to get ready, because the academy rules required that all students wear items of attire conforming to the standards described in the school’s dress-code policy. During formal classroom instruction hours, uniforms in blue or black were permitted in varying styles.

For safety reasons, courses in military or weapons training required long-sleeve, cadet-style fatigues in navy blue, paired with black boots. Outdoor classes in survival and scouting primarily used tan-colored, short-sleeve, button-down shirts, and brown shorts with hiking boots. The students in Jr. Academy wore moss or forest green to distinguish them from Advanced students. Those attending Elite Academy had the freedom to choose their own outfits according to the dress code with styles that fit their tastes.

Today, Hydra chose a white, short-sleeve, button-up dress-shirt tucked into a knee-length, navy-blue, plaid skirt, paired with a black leather wrap-around waist belt. She finished the outfit with a blue plaid tie that had a small bow and a long double tail.

She also wore black flat shoes, sheen full-length socks, and topped it all off with a blue blazer and a distinct silver necklace with a dolphin charm.

She pulled her hair back shoulder length, and tied it up with a black lace bow, leaving two strands of bangs on either side of her face dangling freely. She threw her bag around her shoulder and left the room to join her father at the kitchen table.

Liam looked sick today. He had dark sullen eyes that stared off blankly into his own imagination as he sat loosely on a recliner. His breathing was long and labored. His dark hair had been replaced by a soft knit beanie to conceal the signs of his radiation treatment. A nasal tube wrapped around his face and connected to an adjacent oxygen tank next to him. Her father used rudimentary sign language to communicate due to an unexplained loss of hearing.

How are you feeling today? asked Hydra, out loud, as she signed the words using her hands.

Bad, signed Liam.

Do you want anything? asked Hydra. Liam stared blankly. Food? she signed.

Yes, signed Liam, as he nodded his head. Hydra heated a bowl of oatmeal and cut small pieces of banana into it.

Here, said Hydra, without signing, handing him the bowl.

Eat, she signed.

Liam took several small bites. She knew that her father was trying to put on a brave face for her. She hated to watch him suffer, and wished there was something, anything she could do to fix him.

Time for school. Nurse coming later to check on you, she signed, unsure if she got all the words right.

She was just about to leave, when she heard her father say her name in a very weak voice. She turned her head as he placed his right fist diagonally across his chest, signing an informal symbol that she and her friends sometimes used, meaning friendship, solidarity,or love, depending on the context.

***

The first class of the day was Organic Systems 113-L, which was an advanced course in the subject of biology, a requirement for admission into Elite Academy programs such as health and medicine, horticulture, terraforming, or research and development.

The L in the name denoted a laboratory-style class where students would be using equipment in controlled environments to perform hands-on experiments.

Courses with an I in the name signified classes containing interactive elements, such as livestock, or culinary arts, while an E stood for excursion. Courses marked as LE were lectures given by professors at the Elite Academy.

Most Advanced Academy classes were classified as L, I, or E because students needed practical hands-on knowledge in addition to theory in order to perform unique job functions after graduation. The Elite Academy also offered internships and apprenticeships for a variety of crafts, trades, and skills.

Hydra entered the classroom, and took her seat next to her assigned lab partner Persephone Vandersmit, a girl with long blonde hair, bright-blue eyes, a slim figure, and an infectious smile.

Many of the boys in the Academy were infatuated with her. She was a heartbreaker,and always got what she wanted on account of her good looks and her father’s status as the Premier, the highest ranking authority in the Enclave, and on the Council of the Elders.

Hydra wasn’t friends with Persephone, and only considered her a lab partner. There was just something about her that seemed to irk and irritate Hydra, causing an unspoken air of awkwardness between the two of them.

Hey, she greeted, casually."

‘Sup? replied Persephone.

Get the homework done?

Yup, she confirmed, offering no follow-up.

Hydra mindlessly tapped her fingers on the shared lab desk, and clicked her pen aimlessly, glancing around the room at pictures of amoebas, bacteria, and viruses plastered on the walls.

What do you think we’ll be doing today?

Isn’t it obvious?

Microscopes, beakers, glass vials, and other assorted items were neatly arranged near supply cabinets filled with miscellaneous equipment. It seemed like they’d be working with germ cultures.

Alright, let’s get started, said the teacher, appearing near the supply closet in the back of the room.

Ms. Agatha Deliah was a tall brunette woman whose white lab coat, black high-heels, and striped knee-length skirt paired with thin-rimmed glasses sent both a message of style and intelligence.

There were rumors going around the school that she and Mr. Brent Nerdal from Chemistry 117-L had a thing for each other.

Hey, did you hear about Deliah and Nerdal? asked Hydra.

No. Why? Is there something going on with them?

They were spotted having lunch together.

So? Lots of teachers do that. Doesn’t mean anything.

"They were looking at each other all…googly eyed."

Yeah right.

I’m telling you, it’s true. There was more than just the smell of grilled-cheese sandwiches and tomato soup in the air.

You saw them yourself?

No, but a friend of mine did.

Please take your seats, everyone. Today we’ll be using our microscopes to explore the effects of small radiation doses on live germs. First, I want you all to read pages 13-15 of Chapter 1 in your textbook,