by K. Makansi
“I’m relaxing now.” She frowns. “Or I would be if I had a glass of wine in my hand. What’s taking Miah so long?”
We’re hosting our first party at the Waystation, a combination Fall Equinox celebration and homecoming for all our friends—at least all those who can make it. Some have new responsibilities; so much has happened since the day of the march, it sometimes makes my head spin.
Vale held the post of interim chancellor for less than a week. He’d nominated Dr. Oahu to take his place, but because of her history with the Board, several members were reluctant to consider her. That didn’t last long after she and other Resistance members from the capital—including Kenzie’s and Jahnu’s parents—told their stories before members of the Security Committees from both the Colleges of the Deans and of the People. My dad was called to testify, and Eli spent hours retelling his story as the investigation into the SRI massacre was reopened. Even Rhinehouse testified, albeit reluctantly. He’s back to his cranky old self, telling the legislators he had lives to save and didn’t have time for politics. “They’ve got enough old bones to pick over,” he’d growled. “They don’t need mine.”
And of course Soren and I testified about our time as prisoners. We were all questioned for weeks. It was exhausting. Bear was grilled on his role at Round Barn and on hijacking Sector trains and organizing an illegal march. But with Linnea’s prodding, now back at work at the ONN, Bear became a media sensation and she had reporters following him around for weeks, even going with him and Rose to visit Luis, who was on his way to a full recovery. Now, Bear can’t keep up with his fan mail. He’s one we’ll miss today since he’s with Zeke and Reika, still working on supply lines to move produce throughout the Sector. Linnea testified at length about the virus she infected Eli with. Charges were considered against her but eventually dropped when she volunteered to work on the urban farms as Sector service. Bear thinks Linnea’s aiming to run ONN someday. Maybe even merge the sports network with the news network. Some things never change, and Linnea’s ambition is one of them.
“Hey!” Firestone shouts, rolling a barrel around the corner of the house. “Valerian, get your lazy ass over here. I’ve got somethin’ for you.” Soren shakes his head dramatically and puts a finger to his temple, pretending to pull the trigger. Firestone stares daggers at him. “Don’t you give me that, you ingrate. You think you’re too good for my homebrew?”
“No, Mr. Firestone, your honor. Certainly not.”
“Good, ’cause this isn’t even made with my recipe.” Another man, distinguished looking with silver at the temples, rounds the corner pushing a second barrel. “Meet Jamison Fitzpatrick. Co-founder of the Firestone Fitzpatrick Brewing and Aeroship Design Company.”
“Fitz!” Vale’s eyes go wide. He’s carrying a case of wine in his arms and gestures toward Firestone with an elbow. “How the hell did you get mixed up with this miscreant?”
“Hello, Vale. I only associate with miscreants—everyone else is too damn boring. By the way, we could use some seed money if you can see your way to investing in our little venture.”
“See why I like him?” Firestone laughs. “He’s a man who is willing to get right to the point.”
Vale fakes a businessman’s tone: “Give me your sales pitch.”
Jamison and Firestone exchange a glance, then Jamison says, “I don’t know about no sales pitch, but our wise advisors Elijah Tawfiq and Jeremiah Sayyid have assured us that we will be rich men in under a year’s time. They say they know people with deep pockets. I’m assuming that’s you.”
Vale shakes his head. “Let me taste what’s in that barrel first.”
“Eli should be arriving soon with the Phoenix in tow. May have a few other friends with them—I’m assuming that’s okay with our hosts.” Firestone rolls the barrel to a stop at the edge of the food table and starts fussing with the pour spout.
Osprey perks up, bringing her empty glass over to the barrel. “Well, shall I begin? Someone’s got to taste test, after all.”
And so the party begins. After an hour of drinking, the final guests arrive fashionably, yet uncharacteristically, late, their arrival marked by the elegant whoosh of a sleek airship setting down on the water by the dock.
I hear the distinctive bass voice of Kofir Bunqu—“After you”—and see Soo-Sun and Chan-Yu emerge and step down onto the dock. They head straight to the food table where they unload some boxes and bags brought in from Okaria.
Last time I saw Onion and Chan-Yu, both were quiet, self-confident men whose faces hid more than a hint of sadness. There are no traces of sadness now, and it’s clear that their friendship is far more intimate than either of them led us to believe.
“We’re so glad you’re here.” I have to stand on tiptoes to kiss each one on the cheek.
“We couldn’t celebrate the Equinox without you,” Vale adds.
My father’s resonant voice breaks through the various conversations as he stands. “Now that we’re all here, everyone get something to drink—Jahnu, get Kenzie some more lemonade.” He waits as glasses are filled, and then everyone gathers around him. With his back to the fire and the evening sun shimmering through the trees, he looks every bit the wise poet that he is. He raises his glass. “To old friends and new, and on behalf of Remy, Vale, Eli, and me, welcome to the Waystation.”
“Now, I know you’re hungry, but I hope you will forgive a writer for a bit of speechifying. I’ve been working these past months on a poem for this gathering, but I must admit, I came up short. I’m still getting used to not having my muse by my side, but looking out at each of you, I am inspired anew.” We hold our glasses up, ready to drink, but he continues. “Since I couldn’t find the appropriate words, Eli threatened to wrest my duties from me and make the host’s toast so we could all just get on with it. But no luck, I’m afraid.”
Eli looks around at the group and shrugs his shoulders as if to say, I tried. “You’re not planning to recite the Illiad or some other epic poem you’ve memorized,” Eli says, and my father—our father—arches a dark brow at him.
“I’m going to recite a line from another Sector poet, a line that has touched me deeply. Remy told me about it, and although it is short, I believe it symbolizes what we’ve all been fighting for: a yearning for truth and honesty in our dealings with each other and with our environment. And so, with no further ado …” He raises his glass and tips it toward Bunqu. We all turn toward the general as my father says, “Listen to the forest floor.”
A sheepish smile spreads across Bunqu’s face, and then he turns, eyes wide with alarm, as Chan-Yu begins to recite the full poem:
“Listen to the forest floor
Smell the flowers blooming near
Taste the rivers running clear
Touch the wind in the trees
See the starlight burning bright
Breathe in, breathe out, the beauty of the earth.”
Bunqu laughs. “I knew I never should have shown you that doggerel. I’m going to have to lock up my plasma from now on.”
Chan-Yu shakes his head. “I can pick any lock you’ve got, my friend.”
The general then turns toward me and shakes his finger. “And you, Remy Alexander, are forbidden from ever again reciting any of my poetry to your father.”
“Listen to the forest floor!” Eli raises his glass high, and finally, we all drink.
“Too bad Rhinehouse couldn’t make it,” Vale whispers, wrapping his arm around my waist, as everyone heads toward the table. Jahnu and my father help Kenzie up out of her chair, and Miah holds an arm out for one of Saara’s friends, as if he’s an Old World courtier.
“I’m not surprised, but I’m sure Soren is disappointed.”
Vale chuckles. “I think he sees plenty of the old man. Rhinehouse has him and Osprey running all over the Wilds collecting botanical samples. Maybe they’ll be the next Kanaan and Gold. Exploring far beyond the bounds of our little world.”
“Would you like to go explorin
g?” I look up at him.
He pauses and looks out into the distance. “Maybe someday. Right now, I’m just happy to be home.”
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Acknowledgments
THE SOWING: We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us by reading our drafts and giving us feedback, helping us understand the science we explore in the novel, working with us on our social media platform, agreeing to read and review, contributing amazing original artwork, or just giving us an encouraging word. Among those who’ve helped along the way include: Rachel Adler; Alex Augustyn; C. G. Ayling, Kenneth Barr; Ken Floro, III; David Johnston; Zoe Maffitt; Jason Makansi; Elle Opitz; Prashant Parmar; Peter Samet; Sarah Sarber; Imran Siddiq; Kathy Smith; Rachael Spellman; John Sternberg; Matthew Steffen; Jamey Stegmaier; Sam Stragand; Aaron Till; Regina Till; Kevin Weitzel.
THE PRELUDE: Soren Skaarsgard: We hope you enjoyed it and we’d love to hear from you. I’d also like to thank those who first brought me into the world of Okaria, Kristy and Elena Makansi, my co-writers in the Seeds trilogy. Alexander Augustyn, newly minted PhD, deserves my eternal praise, as he is the rock I turn to when I’m in over my head on the science part of science fiction. And Daryl Rothman and Peter Samet, my beta-readers and editors, both fellow writers and no doubt more talented than I, to whom I will always be grateful for their role in shaping this story.
THE REAPING: We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us by reading our drafts and giving us feedback, helping us understand the science we explore in the world of the Okarian Sector, contributing amazing original artwork (we’re looking at you Kevin Weitzel and Elle Opitz), or just giving us an encouraging word. With three co-authors, we each have particular people we’d like to thank.
From Amira—To the brilliant friends, talented authors, and wonderful people who answered science questions, critiqued the manuscript, and supported me along the way: Alexander Augustyn, Charles Ayling, Jonathan Paul, Daryl Rothman, Nillu Nasser Stelter, and Jessica West.
From Elena—I want to thank my dearest friends who agreed to beta-read: Anjuli, Becky, Maggie, and Natali, y’all rock big time. A great big shout-out to my co-authors (and family) who encouraged me to continue working on The Reaping despite the craziness of ending college and entering the “real world.” Many thanks to Dad, I love you so much. Sun, moon, and stars: thank you for reminding me that the universe is vast and beautiful and endlessly inspiring.
From Kristy—Thanks to my mother who believes I can do anything, to my sisters who believe in making every day better than the one before, to my husband who puts up with me, and to my daughters for believing in and exploring my dream, for bringing Remy and Vale (and the rest of the gang) to life, and for going along with me on the most gratifying adventure in my life.
THE HARVEST: We’d like to thank all our readers. There is nothing more exhilarating for an author than discovering people you don’t even know have fallen in love with the characters and the story that you’ve worked so hard to bring to life. Thanks to every one of our friends and fellow authors who have read early drafts, or who have helped us understand the science we explore, or who have given us an encouraging word. With three co-authors, we each have particular people we’d like to thank.
From Amira—To the brilliant friends, talented authors, and wonderful people who answered questions my questions, gave us ideas, and supported me on this strange and wild journey, with particular thanks to Kristen Scheitler-Ring, Alexander Augustyn, Prashant Parmar, Lori Buchanan, Jason Finkes, Daryl Rothman, Jess West, Nillu Nasser Stelter, Jonathan Paul, and many more. A special shout-out to the fir trees of Oregon, the green rolling hills of California, and the sweet blue water of the west coast for keeping me grounded and inspired as we brought these books to life.
From Elena— I want to thank the sun, moon, and stars for always reminding me what’s truly important. Much appreciation to friends who supported me on this sometimes arduous and many times enlightening journey of writing books. Special thanks to my sister and co-author Amira who pushed me through to the end and who daily inspires me with her passion and perseverance.
From Kristy—Thanks to my mom and my two sisters, to Jason for putting up with me, to my steadfast friends who believed in me, and to my amazing daughters for helping me bring Remy and Vale to life, and for going along with me on the most gratifying adventure in my life.
About the Author(s)
K. Makansi is the pen name for the mother-daughter writing trio of:
Kristina Blank Makansi
Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Kristina has a B.A. in Government from University of Texas at Austin and an M.A.T. from the College of New Jersey. She is founder and publisher of Blank Slate Press, an award-winning imprint, now part of Amphorae Publishing Group, and also helps self-published authors on the path to publication through Blank Slate Communications. She has also published Oracles of Delphi, an historical mystery set in ancient Greece. Learn more at her website.
Amira K. Makansi
Amira is a wanderer of foot and spirit. After earning her bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Chicago, she traveled across America and France to learn the trade of winemaking. While traveling, she found her passion for writing through her journal and her blog, The Z-Axis. She is never far from her notebook or journal, and nearly always has a glass of wine or beer in hand. When she’s not writing, she can be found with purple hands in the wine cellar, or out walking among the grapevines or live oak forests of the Central Coast in California. Amira has big projects in the pipeline after Seeds, so stay up to date and find her online at https://thezaxis.co/.
Elena K. Makansi
Elena graduated from Oberlin College where she concentrated on food justice and food system politics. She won several writing and poetry awards and scholarships and attended the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio and the Washington University Summer Writers Institute as a teenager. Elena works as an editor and a cover designer for Blank Slate Communications. As a vegan, she is interested in intersectional food justice politics and animal rights—and in seeking the nirvana of the perfect avocado. Visit her website at elenamakansi.com.
Full Box Set Table of Contents
The Sowing by K. Makansi
Map of the Okarian Sector
Prologue - TAI
1 - REMY
2 - VALE
3 - REMY
4 - REMY
5 - VALE
6 - VALE
7 - REMY
8 - VALE
9 - REMY
10 - VALE
11 - REMY
12 - REMY
13 - VALE
14 - VALE
15 - REMY
16 - VALE
17 - REMY
18 - VALE
19 - REMY
20 - VALE
21 - REMY
22 - REMY
23 - VALE
24 - VALE
25 - REMY
26 - VALE
27 - REMY
28 - VALE
29 - REMY
30 - VALE
31 - REMY
Did you enjoy The Sowing?
The Prelude: Soren Skaarsgard by Amira K. Makansi
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
THE REAPING by K. Makansi
Cover
Title Page
Dedication
Prologue
Epigraph
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
What's Coming Next
The Harvest by K. Makansi
Copyright
Dedication
Prologue
The Harvest - poem
1 - Remy
2 - Vale
3 - Remy
4 - Vale
5 - Remy
6 - Vale
7 - Remy
8 - Remy
9 - Vale
10 - Vale
11 - Remy
12 - Remy
13 - Vale
14 - Remy
15 - Vale
16 - Remy
17 - Vale
18 - Vale
19 - Remy
20 - Vale
21 - Remy
22 - Vale
23 - Remy
24 - Vale
25 - Remy
26 - Vale
27 - Remy
28 - Vale
29 - Remy
Acknowledgments
About the Author(s)
Table of Contents
The Sowing by K. Makansi
Prologue
Epigraph
1 - Remy
2 - Vale
3 - Remy
4 - Remy
5 - Vale
6 - Vale
7 - Remy
8 - Vale