Malaki Anthology #2 - "A Class Project" - Worldbuilding Excerpt

"What was it like? Well, I remember arriving in the dead of night- the original Patrons of the city were very intentional about keeping the location of Malaki a secret from those not allowed to make the pilgrimage. It wasn't until the next morning that we were able to see the city for the first time, and the memory burns in my mind like the morning sun did on that day."

"The first thing I remember, of course, is the tower. It still strikes me with awe to this day, but I will never forget the way it glistened in the morning light on that day, standing solemn and proud as a beacon of refuge to those who found solace in its shadow. The city was still quiet then, as quiet as a city can be I suppose. My father had used his connections and secured us a modest apartment near the governmental district, before the money found its way to those districts and began building monuments to the old ways... what? Oh, yes, the casinos and resorts. I would have just as well let them die with the old world if I had a say in the matter."

"There was a simpler way of life in the early years; many who were fleeing the threat of Armageddon didn't bring anything with them and had to rely on neighbors and community to get by. Our neighbors at the time were a kindly couple from Lithuania. Before the Empire standardized everything, the only communication we had in common were smiles and broken Common English and yet somehow we made due. When dad never made it to the city, I remember how the old man- Dominykas was his name- I remember how he brought us 'grybukai' as a gesture of sympathy and kindness. I wasn't partial to them, but his effort wasn't lost. I still wonder what became of them when they moved away."

"Where was I when I got the news? Let me think for a moment...yes. Mother, Kira and were in the market purchasing provisions for the week when the announcement went out. I don't remember exactly what was said, I was very young, however I do remember the stillness. The bustle of the marketplace was replaced by a stunned silence, I don't think anyone actually thought that the bombs would fall so soon. I remember that the shock was replaced by grief in the wake as those with family on the outside realized what the news meant for them. Mother wept inconsolably for days after."

"Malaki is growing now, we've all heard the rumors of the third sub-level being prepared for residents in the coming decade. It is strange to me that Malaki represents what is left of humanity, that the earth beyond our wall is broken and scarred from the terrible might of man being unleashed upon it. It is by pure blessing that our great Ark remained a secret and survived. Never again will it face a threat from beyond its walls, a comforting and unsettling thought. Hmm? Yes, I'm aware that's a paradox, but many share my sentiment if you ask them. Now, is there anything else I can answer for you, young man?"

An excerpt from a recovered interview with a founding resident of Malaki
Cir. 2154

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Hello steemians!

Today I give you another glimpse into the world I'm building through an anthology work. If you're intrigued, I'd highly encourage you to swing by my blog and catch up a bit on my introductions and other anthology works (Malaki Anthology #1 - "I wasn't there"). Incorruptible, title WIP as of current, will release here first on steemit sometime in the near future, so stay tuned!

Catch you on the flipside,

~ Mako