Once upon a time,there was no rules and regulations in the second planet of the solar system,Venus. Everyone could do whatever they want,no strings attached. Really.

It's venustastic!

Imagine visiting all the plants in the galaxy and meeting aliens,if they're there, ofcourse! I'd love to leave this putrid piece of shit and travel all around gathering..knowledge.

They say it was the 'dark days' when there were no rules and regulations,because it was chaotic.I say it was the only golden days. Rules ruin all the fun.

Everyone needs a little fun In their life.

Seriously. Who needs rules?

"You are never to look at,or even think of trying to see the other planets.Knowledge is the biggest sin."

Mrs. Star looked at me pointedly as if saying 'yeah that one's for you' while reading the same 'ol Regime that they practically shove in our head.

Because, of course, you are never ever to go against the authority. It's what we do!

We are mini robots of the authority,ready to wag our tails anytime they please.

Getting out of my mental haze,I gave Star a I-dont-know-what-youre-talking-about look.

But ofcourse,she didn't fall for it..

Ha. Guess she knows better than to fall for my innocent looks now.

I must say she is one of the kindest VA to let me live for as long as I have already,even after she caught me trying to accidentally sneak-a-peek in the grand room which is a kill-on-sight zone for us maggots.

I stared at the green sky of Venus, I know it's a dangerous game to play for a low breeder like me to try to look at universe, perhaps even deathly..but I don't know. It's like I have to see it for myself.

Even if it cost me my life.

The teacher was in middle of a lecture when the grand bell rang, making all the students jump from their seats and I could feel everyone present in the room look at me,with that What-has-she-done-now look.

"I didn't do anything.what,got any problem?" I raised my eyebrow at the kid in front who flushed, and turned away.

I swear,being the problematic-kid ain't no easy job.

"Aww c'mon man,let me go! I didn't do anything!"

And suddenly, just like that,a wrecking shiver ran through me as the sound rang through my ears,again and again and again as if I'm in a nightmare.

Please dear Benjamin, don't let it be him..

Sure enough, I saw two guard bots dragging in a very dirty boy draped in a layer of..oh shit.Don't tell me, it's silver necter...

I wanted to slam my head in the bench, couldn't he be more obvious?This is bad.

"Agent 6632, this is Xeon Quad reporting. I found.." the guard bot started muttering in a monotone voice as he slammed the little boy's head to the bench hard enough to draw blood,as if it's his warming up call. "This maggot named Zacharias Easton in the third quarter, trying to grab onto the bottle of the silver necter."

Then he did something that made my blood pressure rise up dangerously,he kicked Zach in the ribs making him cry harder than he was already doing.

"Did you caught him red-handed,agent Xeon?"

I didn't have to look to know that Star has her hawk eyes on me when she said those words."Maybe there was some misunderstanding,by any chance?"

"No,agent 6632,I found him trying to grab onto the jar myself."

The bot tapped his chest,as if he has a heart there and smiled as it handed Star a disc that supposedly has the evidence.

"Very well,then."

The whole room was so silent I'm sure you could hear a pin dropping as I watched Star put handcuffs on Zach. His right eye was swollen blue,and the cut in his forehead had made a bloody mess on his face. But that wasn't what made my skin crawl, it was the way he was looking...right at me.

Save me.

It was written all over his eyes.

A sob made it's way out of my chest,and before I could stop it,a fat tear dropped from my eyes. I clenched my fists by my side as I stood by all the students that is looking at Zach, with a somewhat anxious and yet amusing look as he begs Star to let him go.

Bullshit. This is all bullshit.

I didn't wait around to see them drag him down the corridor to the secret sectors where they torment the rebellious maggots.

I just grabbed my backpack, and rushed out the window.

"Andy!Save me..."

I heard a thundering sound and his voice was lost as I kept running the other way.

It's always been like this. **** the Venusian Agency! **** their rules!

I rushed till I was away from the people's (and bots) eyesight before slamming backpack to one of the pillars.

I kicked at the rubble, making a good 3 cm hole in the floor as I kicked at the floor again.

They're just waiting for us to try, only so that they can kill us like some bloodthirsty demons!

They don't give us any privilege, and they want us to be their good pet! That's what it's always been.

You're born a maggot, don't question anything, don't see anything, and follow the damn rules..or you die.

Fucking convenient.

I sat down beside the piller and slammed my head, I can't believe they would do that to Zach.

He's only 14 years old, just got his birthday the past day even. I haven't known him for long,but the little guy is very curious about things,so I told him what little I have known about the planet 4, and the universe.

Since then he used to come to my house everyday, and we would always look at the sky and talk about the world. That has been my hobby for years now.

He's like a brother for me,the only person I can call family.

"I'm not letting you die down there like that,little guy.I will save you."

I whispered to myself,my mind suddenly clear as daylight as if I've been rebelling the agency for years.

I mean,sure. Stealing silver necter and being a pain the *** of the academic students is a thing,but trying to rescue someone from the hands of hundreds of deathly robots that can kill you in a flash, and the Elite guards that guard the torture chambers is completely another thing.

However,they don't have something I have this time. The undeniable fact that he's family.

I don't know if it's because he's like a brother,or just that he's alone like me..or the fact that the source of his curiosity which fucked it all up in the first place is me, I feel obligated to save him.Responsible,even.

Even if I don't live this down, I'll make an example in the normal people.

"Hey look,it was that crazy maggot who got killed by the mighty bots because she tried saving another maggot. Talk about hopeless! Don't ever think of breaking the rules,or you will end up like her."

kicking open the door, I thought.

Well,suicide mission,here I go. I'm coming for you VA.

With the happy thought, I walked inside.

Sitting cross-legged on my bed with my backpack on my lap, I stared hard at the map of the academy as if that would suddenly give me any clue of what I'm supposed to be doing.

The third sector of the academy is secured for Elite guard training centre. Huh.

It's gonna be a pain in the *** to get to the third sector,much less pass it by where I'm supposed to find the doors to the underground station which is a total no-no for us normies.

And there's the thing that I'll have to take a train,go to the secret lair which I have no idea about and rescue Zach.

I dodge killer bots everyday! This is gonna be easy peasy.. piece of cake.

Even if this is a suicide mission, I need more information than I have right now..which is next to nothing.

The VA is very secretive about what they do, and where,so I suppose what I've got isn't true anyway. I can't just barge in like that. That would got me killed in vain.

I need a.. reliable source. Someone who can give me knowledge in the interior. Hmm.

Then,like being electrocuted, a idea sparked it's way inside my brain which had me grinning like crazy.

I can only imagine the chance of getting killed on spot when I ask her about it,which is roughly 97.3% but I still have the 3.07% chance of winning and getting out unharmed.

I gave my head a good shake. You know it's hopeless when you're going to a VA in hopes of getting some information.

"School is gonna be.. interesting tomorrow."

I whispered to my empty room as I hid the map and my tools in my backpack.

You don't know,you could get killed tomorrow.

I shook my head again,this time at my conscience which is letting me know about the risk factors..what an angel!

You could just go to school like a normal person tomorrow, forget that anything happened and live a normal life.

I cringed as the thought crossed my mind. I mean,sure, I've always felt an maddening impulse to do something about the cruelty going through Venus,but I never acted on it. Or thought of acting on it

Now that I think about it, I still have the other option.. to forget.

But for how long? Till the next person dies? Till Star gets bored of my cheap tricks and decides to torment me to death? Till I find myself alone and all of my people gone?

I sighed, lying on my back as I stared up at the tiny amount of sky visible from my window.

What do I have here anyway? What should I live for ? What's the purpose of my life?

This house? It's not even mine, I don't even have a family.. I don't have a reason to live.

Maybe that's the reason I felt the unbearable urge to bring justice. Which is,dare I say very heroic of a maggot..

Blowing out a harsh breath, I closed my eyes. If I can't do anything else, I'd like to be a example to others,good or bad. It doesn't matter.

With that thought, I closed my eyes.

-----------------------

Dropping my bag in the last bench, I sat my sorry *** down just as Star entered the class.

Atleast I'm not late today.. barely,But still.

I woke up late today,like all the time and had to rush through the streets as I had my breakfast.. just a normal day.

'cept that it's not.

I felt my eyes like a hawk, scanning the room for anyone looking at me,or with as much nervous energy as I do.

Maybe someo else is thinking the same thing I am, and perhaps,is thinking of going on a rescue operation too..

Even as I said it, I knew no one would be stupid enough to act this impulsively.

They don't even have the cheek to pull pranks,much less this..oh no,they are much better gossiping about guys and who would die next.

I wonder what they think about me. Just a maggot, different from other maggots. A weirdo,freak, troublemaker, piece of shit..or some other adjectives.

Frowning at the people all around me, I directed my attention at Star.

She looks.. just like she does everyday. Poised. Dangerous. Graceful.

That's the three words to describe agent Star. I've never seen her lose her shit in the past few years I've known her.

Even when I did all the shit I did.

Someone wouldn't have noticed the tapping of her heels and the occasional frown she throws at the sky when she thinks no one's looking at her made me wonder what's been bugging her.

I would say it's something unimportant,like a fight out session with her husband made her all jittery,but as far as I know her, she's not someone who loses her shit easily..

Not a good sign. I've only seen her lose it twice.

One when I almost got myself killed as I tried rushing into the grand hall,if only she hadn't pulled a quick stunt and dragged me outside before anyone else noticed, and two,of course,when agent Xeon dragged Zach in..

"I wonder what's bugging you, Star." I whispered low enough so nobody would notice.

I looked at her again, and caught her staring at me for a moment,she mouthed I need to talk to you before she looked away and continued with the class,as if nothing happened.

I don't know what it is about,but for fraction of moment,it sparked hope in me.

Maybe Star is thinking the same thing too,and maybe she would help me !

I banished the thought at once,as if VA would ever go against authority, I thought.

It was completely silly,but that made me smile,even when my name was called in a warning.

"Miss Andromeda Galaxy, I wonder what you're so happy about."

I stood up for once, wiping the smile off my face as I faced her.

"It's just..a little of this and that."

The whole class laughed at my answer,which made Star's pupils dilate into tiny slits as she glared at me.

"I want you to have a private chat with me. After the class."

She hissed through her teeth at me,which made everyone but me drop their gaze at the floor.

"Yes ma'am. I'd be happy to be of company." I saluted with my hand on my heart,the royal sign of submission here and sit back.

Guess today will be interesting after all, smiling at the sky I thought.

I'm coming for you, little guy. Soon.

Staring at the black and white walls of the academy, I waited for the bell to ring so I can have what I've been planning for all day..

I swear five hours never felt so long!

I fumbled with the straps on my bag, tapped my nails on the bench and my knee and whatnot, don't even ask.

I've got absolutely no studies done the whole day,stared at the day and contemplated how the so-called meeting would go.

So far, I've thought of some of the best and worst case scenario,none of them seem particularly appealing to me.

Glaring at the bald head dude teaching Venusian history to all the dumbasses nodding their head as if that's the most amazing thing in the world I waited for the bell to ring.

Hey,our Venusian history is so legit! We killed people like fucking animals and had silver necter every night to celebrate our almighty!

Right then, I heard a very annoying sound of the bell that seemed like music to me..

I jumped over the bench, and was out of the class before the teacher could even realise.

By the time bald head was screaming my name, I was rushing the other way students normally go.

Well, normal students go that way. I obviously don't have anything to do with normal, and breaking a minor rule is currently not in my priority list.

I've got better shit to do than that.

Throwing my bag over the fence of the abandoned sector 1,or what's left of it anyway I climbed up the fence, dropping lightly on my feet on the other way.

I grinned, rubbing my hands in anticipation ad I stared at the building that used to be the elite training ground a few years back. There's a few handy things when you're athletic,after all. Eh?

I couldn't stop the euphoria that I felt when I looked around and realised I'm the only one here so far.

Time to discover...

Grabbing my backpack from the ground on my way, I jogged around the compartment.

Nothing seems unusual,so far. I don't see anything but empty necter bottles rolling around,broken fence and a few rats to entertain me..

I must say,Star knows what place to choose.

This is one of the place where normal civilians would never even dare to peek into,much less break in...

I was going to walk Inside to investigate some more,when I heard her voice.

"I would have expected you come here early and try to poke around."

I have no idea what they teach these agents,but they sure as hell teach them to be sneaky.

Experience have taught me,when get caught act like a lost kitty.

So I put on this big dope smile on my face and faced her.

"I didn't realise you were here."

I shrugged my right shoulder in the nonchalant way I do, raising my eyebrows.

She gave me one of the tight lipped smile before leaning over and whispering,

"If I were a few seconds late,you would be a chopped maggot in the doorstep of this fucking abandoned sector."

I tried to keep the gasp that bubbled up in my throat, but by the gleam of her violet eyes, she caught me.

I had nothing to say,so I kept my smartass mouth shut and let her continue.

"This place may look like shit,but trust me. They got plenty of surveillance cameras hidden in here, and this is well guarded."

"Then why did you even tell me to come here in the first place?"

I tried not to snap,but my mouth had another mind of it's own. The words just flew off my lips.

"That,is for more than just one reasons. Let's just go inside so we can talk. But please, don't try to touch anything on your way."

I smirked, raising my hands in a surrender.

"After you, agent Star."

And with that,we marched into the courtyard.

I have always admired Star for her cool and calm attitude,but as I saw her walk through the courtyard, her six inch Katana sword in hand, I was truly amazed.

She picked up a pair of bottles n threw it at the door, and sure enough,a pair of ultrasonic lasers came out of the door and burst it into nothing but white ashes.

I scratched my head..sure enough,if she weren't here, I'd be maggot kebab.

Yummy.

"You see,we like to keep everything hidden from view."

Star smiled for a fraction of moment as she took in my baffled look,but the next moment she was shoving the Katana through the tiny slit in the door, that I'm sure weren't here before.

I stared awestruck as the laser beam retreats and the door opens just a little, barely enough for us to squeeze through.

She made a hand signal saying all clear,so I pulled my jaw up from the floor and squeezed in through the door.

She took me to a.. empty room. Except for a table. No chairs.

"So..this is where you wanted to 'talk'?"

I asked, looking around the room.

"You're almost right." She nodded at me,then continued, "but not quite. I brought you here so I could warn you."

Straight to the point,huh?

"Let's cut to the crap. You know what I'm thinking to do. Am I right?"

"That wasn't quite hard to figure out."

"So you know why I'm here,am I right?"

"I'm aware. However,the point is, I'm here to stop you. By force if be necessary."

I felt all the blood rise to my temples.

Say what?Stop me? Who does she think she is?

"Since you know everything about my plan already, just know I'm doing this. Whether you help me,or not."

Just as expected,she maintained her cool.

"I understand you think highly of Zacharias Easton, but the sooner you accept it, the better. You've got a good life ahead of you. Theres no point in throwing it away like this . "

"Accept what? That you guys are fucking animals killing innocent kids like it's nothing?"

I made my voice low as I realised I'm close to screaming. However, I couldn't control my nails digging in my palms.

"You think it's funny don't you, Star? I've got a "good" life ahead of me,huh? Enlighten me,Star! What's a good life? Seeing everyone die in front of me so you guys can sate your fucking bloodlust? Or wait till you get bored of my shit and try to kill me for a change?"

Losing all my resolve as I did right now, I should be trying to control myself,but heaven forbid I have lost it.

I shoved her to the wall, momentarily catching her by surprise as I glared at her.

"I'm so fucking sick of you guys taking everything away from me! Zach..Zach was only fourteen years old for God's sake. He doesn't know what good and bad is! You could save him, I know you could. But no! what's the point in getting your hands dirty, right?"

For a moment, I felt her resolve break..and thought, that's it for me. I'm so fucking dead now.

"I had nothing to do. It was all your fault, and you know that."

I released her,more like shoved her before stepping back.

"What's my fault? Wanting to know about the things that you guys keep well hidden inside your comfortable cocoon? The things you kill us for? Well, can't help it. My bad."

I kicked at the table, before looking deep into her eyes with a murderous resolve in my eyes.

For that one moment, I felt..good. Powerful.

As if I could conquer anything.

"Agent Star. I don't fucking care if you help me or not. All I thought was that if you did help me, I would have a higher chance than none at saving Zach. If you don't,fine. Either you get to kill me now and here,or get the **** out of my way."

She shook her head.

"You're going to get yourself killed. That's all you will accomplish. It's suicide."

At that, I started laughing. Laughing like I've completely lost my sanity.

"I wish..I wish I cared. But really. What's the point? Why would I want to live? I got nothing on me,well, except Zach. I'd much rather swipe my life with his. If that's what it's worth,so be it. I'd happily die for him. The only thing close to family I ever had."

She sighed at me, wiping her face as if I'm just a untrained dog.

"You won't save him. There's thousands of professional killers in your way. If you try, you die."

"I don't care either way. If I can't save him, I'll die trying rather than sucking my thumb. I'll be an example to the kids to never ever cross the VA. Help me,or not is completely your choice Star."

After that, the place was silent for a whole 53 seconds where I stared at the floor,too wound up to say another word.

"You remind me of her. That need for justice.."

I heard her muttering,when I looked at her I saw her staring at her hands.

Huh. She's talking to herself. But who?Who do I remind her of?

"Tomorrow. At sharp three twenty two. Meet me at my apartment. I'll text you the address. Bring your hoodie and a notepad. We will need it."

I didn't fully register what she was saying before she was out the door and vanished in the shadows.

When it finally got to me, I stared at the half opened door.

Sometimes even monsters have hearts.