Goddess Rising Chapter 1

Silently Tigra and Starla walked down the street, through the maze of roads that made up downtown Metro. Both were lost in their thoughts. Metro is one of the largest cities in the world and there was a lot of downtown. Starla halted Tigra briefly as they passed a shop selling view screens. On each of the screens was an image of a shuttle taking off into space to meet the Galactia, a colony ship bound for one of the nearer habitable planets.

"There go more hopeful settlers, off to make their dreams come true."

"Hey Starla, don't be so glum about it. Maybe one day we will be on one of those ships, and break away from this miserable place."

"Your right Tigra, I should not think about it so much. Let's get going, its getting dark.' Though they tried to stick to the lighted areas, the found themselves looking down a very dark street with only one small light at the end. They were surrounded with tall warehouses, imposing older structures made of brick and cement. Even the slide walk was broke, and Starla did not blame the repairman for not wanting to venture here.

"It says to go to 2202 Paradise lane. This is an awful place though. What kind of business would be here?" Starla wondered but did not want to think about it. Twenty-two oh two turned out to be the last one on the street, it's light illuminating a warehouse with a small lawn littered with mechanical engines and parts covered in ancient grease. Above the door was a hand-lettered sign that declared this Raven's Garage. A gruff voice resounded across the lawn to them.

"State your business or get the hell out. I hate it when people just stand there."

"We've come because we received work tickets for jobs here." Tigra called back.

"Oh have you?" a large man said, stepping out from behind an even larger machine. "Let me see your assignments." The man who addressed them was huge, and reminded Starla of fairy tale ogres. He stood about 6'9" with well-defined muscles. He probably could easily dispose of someone who was bothering him. He did not seem someone to cross, so Tigra and Starla produced their tickets. Them man read them and smiled.

"Welcome aboard ladies. My name is Raven, and this is one of my repair shops." Raven extended his hand and shook both Tigra and Starla's hands. Starla felt odd as Raven's large hand engulfed hers.

"My name is Tigra Jones, and this is Starla Xavier. "

"Hello Mr. Raven." Starla managed to say.

"Just call me Raven. According to this you are to be doing my secretarial work. Tigra, it looks like you will be helping me with the mechanical part of the job. Lets get your things put into your rooms and then we will sit down to dinner so we can get better acquainted." He walked off and the girls followed. Starla smiled to herself, confident that this place would be good for them.

----------------------------6 Months Later------------------------------

"Raven's Repair Shop, how may I help you?" It had been six months since graduation now, and seasons had changed. It was getting much colder as winter took its hold, but Starla was not worried because she had a warm home where she was welcome. She loved being at Raven's and was content for the first time in her life. Everything was looking up. After scheduling an appointment for the caller, Starla closed the book and turned on the answering machine. She hurried to clock out and put the kettle on for tea before the other two came in.

Much had changed in their lives since they had started working for Raven. Tigra worked with Raven as his assistant, and Starla manned the office. In the evening they got time to themselves to do as they pleased, and Starla usually worked on embroidery while Tigra listened to music or watched the vid-screen. Weekends they had to themselves, and for the first time in their lives that had money and the freedom to spend it how they wished. Tigra and Starla were finally getting to do the normal things that many people took for granted, and this freedom was sweet, and things seemed perfect.

Starla walked into the kitchen and filled the kettle. She put it on the stove and was walking to get the mail a wave of weakness overcame Starla and she stumbled. She caught herself on the counter, shaking all over. A wave of dizziness passed over her and she felt queasy. She felt weaker by the second and sank to the floor, unconscious.

The kettle had just started whistling as Tigra and Raven came in. "I really think it is a problem with the power converter." Raven said as he entered the room.

"I don't want to think about it till tomorrow." Tigra replied.

"I wonder where Starla is?"

"She shouldn't be far," Raven said, taking down three cups.

"Oh my god Starla!" Tigra cried as she spied Starla's collapsed form on the floor. Raven nearly dropped the cup as he turned around. When he saw her lying there he picked Starla up and carried her to her room.

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Starla awoke to Tigra and looking down on her, concerned. She was disoriented for a moment but recognized her room at Raven's.

"Are you ok Starla?" Tigra inquired, "I thought they said last year that this would not be happening anymore. Do you think everything will be ok?"

"I am sure everything will be all right. I feel fine." Starla said, and tried to sit up, but only managed so for a moment before lying back down. "I think all I need is some rest."

"If that is how you feel." Tigra replied, looking concerned. "I am really worried about you Starla. You were out for a long time, and last time this happened you did not get any better until they took you away."

"I will not go back there, I just need to get some more sleep." Starla yawned and looked worn. "There is nothing to worry about." Starla fell asleep again. Several days passed though and Starla's condition didn't change. Raven walked into the office one day to see Tigra hanging up the phone, tears streaking down her face.

"What's wrong Tigra?" Raven asked.

"I just called the Orphan Control Center to get Starla some help. They said that they had been looking for us for several months. They will be here in a few hours to retrieve both of us."

"Will you be able to come back?"

"From what they said I don't think so." Tigra said wistfully.

"I am very sorry that we have to leave you. You have been more than an employer to us; you have been a friend in a world that does not want us. We never meant to cause you any sorrow. It was such a shame all this had to end." Tigra stepped up to Raven and hugged him. "Please remember us Raven, and maybe someday we will meet you again." Tigra released him and walked quickly to her room to pack.

Almost exactly two hours later there was a knock at the door. Tigra answered it to find two men in blue suites with the red and gold OCC logo on them. Tigra solemnly carried Starla to the waiting ban while the OCC agents got their baggage. As Raven's Garage disappeared in the distance, Tigra finally gave herself over to crying. For if there was s hell on earth it was the OCC. There is nothing more precious that you can lose than your freedom. Many people have fought and died to keep it, and Tigra and Starla had just been quietly robbed of it.