Legacy (The Biodome Chronicles)

by Sundin, Jesikah

  Mundane – an object or person that does not belong to the fictional game or setting, such as a cellphone in a medieval community, or the President of the United States in ancient China. In the LARP and role-playing subculture, mundane also refers to one’s “real” life versus his or her character life/world.

  Visual Kei (“visual music” or “visual system”) – an alternative rock music movement in Japan that features band members who typically try and emulate a unified androgynous appearance. They embody unique makeup, hair styles, and clothing that is punk in nature with mainstream success and influenced by western concepts such as glam rock, goth, and cyberpunk. Some argue that Visual Kei is no longer about a music genre but about a subculture of individuals who reflect this fashion style and trend.

  TRANSLATIONS

  The young noble reached out and placed a hand on Willow’s arm, saying in a low voice, “Je suis désolé que tu ne savais pas cela jusqu’à maintenant, Oaklee. Père m’a fait promettre de ne pas partager jusqu’à ce que ce soit absolument nécessaire.”

  Translation: I’m sorry that you did not know this until now, Oaklee. Father made me promise not to share this information until it was absolutely necessary.

  “And so you chose to share it with him?” She shrugged off Leaf’s hand and stepped aside, creating space between them. “Je suis déçu de toi, Leaf. Je pensais que je pouvais te faire confiance.”

  Translation: I’m disappointed in you, Leaf. I thought I could trust you.

  “Dokka ikanaide. Boku ga chekku shiteiru kara,” he said with a sly smile.

  Translation: Don’t go anywhere. I am checking.

  “Baka mon da.” He took the ID back, and then spit on the ground, giving the bouncer an annoyed look before stepping inside.

  Translation: Stupid man.

  He turned faintly to give his sister a side-glance, and then said in a low command, “Moshi mitsukarenakattara, kanojo no Cranium wo motte kitara, ore ga hakku suru.”

  Translation: Find her real ID and check that. If you don’t find it, bring me her Cranium and I’ll hack it.

  “S’il te plaît reste calme et ne réponds pas à ses provocations,” Leaf said to Willow, who clenched and relaxed her fists, over and over again, as her eyes began to water.

  Translation: Please remain calm and do not respond to his taunts.

  With a sigh, she said, “Voici un témoignage de mon affection, conservez-le bien.”

  Translation: Here is a token of my affection, guard it well.

  He respectfully placed a hand on his heart and offered to her what little he possessed in reply. “Korekara zutto, ore no jinsei wa anata no mono desu. Zutto eien ni sasagemasu.”

  Translation: “I now see that you have always owned my life, and always will. I give it to you.”

  MUSIC PLAYLIST FOR “LEGACY”

  and DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  A message from the author:

  Music transports me to other worlds, and I envision stories and experience feelings while living in the mundane. In a way, my mind engages in role-playing due to the sounds, beats, tones, and melodies. I become a character in a story, feeling the emotion and experiences of another. And sometimes, I connect to myself, finding a piece that was missing or finally able to express what has been burning inside of me.

  Here is the music that specifically influenced “Legacy” as well as “The Biodome Chronicles” series. What do you think? Can you see it? Feel it? Or do you have different music ideas?

  Email me at thebiodomechronicles@gmail.com or leave a message on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thebiodomechronicles). I’m curious about the songs you feel would be perfect for this book/series, and any scene ideas you envision while listening to that particular piece of music. I might feature your suggestion in another book’s playlist with credit. You can email or Facebook me with your thoughts to my questions below, too. I would love to hear from you! Music is a huge part of my life, and I always enjoy discussions on this topic.

  —Jesikah D. Sundin

  1) “Elements” by Lindsey Stirling

  This song is a classical crossover mixed with dubstep. The story line behind the video as well as the sound made me ponder, “What if an old world society existed today purely because of new world technology?” And that is how you get a LARPing community inside a Mars prototype. “Elements” kickstarted this adventure and brought all my characters to life.

  Which element is your favorite in this song?

  2) “Map of the Problematique” by Muse

  Ever been so over your head or so obsessed that you’ve lost all control and function? This song explores the anxiety and grief born of loss, which has been interpreted due to greed, power, control, a breakup, and even mental faculties. Each of the main characters in the book are struggling with sensations of emotionally drowning and desperately wish for the feelings of isolation to end.

  Which character—Leaf, Oaklee, Fillion, Coal or Lynden—do you think of most when listening to this song?

  3) “The Race” by 30 Seconds to Mars

  This is an emotional anthem about feeling saved through another’s personal sacrifice and the willingness to stand and fight for what is right. Through the death of something meaningful, the singer shares that he has found life and new purpose. But we must fight for that life and rebirth. The lyrics express that we won’t die of a broken heart or the pain it gives us, instead it can make us stronger. (Did you notice the name of the band? Hmmm...)

  Does this fit the motto of New Eden? Which character believes their life will be saved by another?

  4) “Numb” by Linkin Park

  This is a gripping song about shutting down until the breaking point from not fulfilling the manipulative, judgmental, and unreasonable expectations of parent figures. Although, I believe this is true regardless of who is doing the emotional, psychological, and perhaps even physical abuse. This song helped me channel Fillion’s journey with his dad and with his generation, as well as Leaf’s as he compared his ability and worth to his father’s.

  Do you think this describes Oaklee’s free fall experience as well? Do you think she feels this way with Coal? Which character did you identify with most when listening to this song?

  5) “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day

  When we face trials, many times we feel messed up, that we walk alone, and that no one else understands what we are going through. However, during times of isolation, we are given an opportunity to really see ourselves and face the deepest, darkest areas we would rather keep hidden away. This song was instrumental in writing the scene when Fillion walked from New Eden Enterprises to The Crypt, when he hacked into Messenger Pigeon before running into Oaklee, and when he arrives at the Salton Sea and sees the pomegranate tree for the first time.

  Can you think of another time Fillion may have felt this way in the story? What about Leaf? Oaklee?

  6) “Crystallize” by Lindsey Stirling

  This song reminds me of Oaklee. It is mournful, reflective, and then, suddenly, a flurry of emotion. The old-world sound of the violin mixed with the new technology of dubstep is a perfect blend of the culture and environment she was born into. I listened to this song when writing the “free falling” scene leading up to Coal’s introduction, and when Oaklee sits in the tree reflecting over her life before she discovers Leaf and Ember.

  Is there another soundtrack moment in Oaklee’s life where this song could be heard?

  7) “Comfort Zone” by General Fuzz

  To me, this is the sound of New Eden Township—ancient, mysterious, and beautiful. The ambient piece is a masterful blend of old-world and new-world sounds. When I listen to this song, I close my eyes and I can envision an ancient culture trapped within a Mars biodome, or a high technology culture grasping for connection to their roots to remain emotionally alive. If books had cinematic songs playing in the background while reading, this would be the one for Legacy.

  What scene in the novel did this song especiall
y bring to mind?

  8) “Fortune Days” by The Glitch Mob

  This is the song I listened to when I wrote the scene in The Crypt. The tribal beats, electronic dance mix, and old-world feel sucked me in, and I felt I was in the middle of an underground rave. One could almost imagine zombies rising from the graves in search of life—or at least, a young crowd dancing with holographic confetti falling over them, raging against their culture.

  What part in the song do you think is when Fillion noticed Lynden and Pinkie?

  9) “Breakdown” by Seether

  Judgment is something that Fillion faces continually as the child of a corporate world leader. The world has painted a view of who he is and what he’ll become, and Hanley feeds those wounds with his expectations and actions against him. But just as Willow says, Fillion is not what he appears. He is wounded deep inside. I really love this song because it shows the pain of being judged and a man internalizing the wounds and damage, but also recognizing that he is so much more than meets the eye.

  Do you think Fillion believes he is more than what others say about him? Or, do you think he is still imprisoned by all the lies? Have you ever felt judged in such a way it wounded your sense of identity? Do you believe you are more than meets the eye?

  10) “Moonlight” by The Piano Guys

  Edgy, mournful, and cinematic, this is a modern variation of “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven. This song captivated my imagination when writing the “sneaking out” scenes for Leaf and Oaklee. It is the perfect soundtrack for the journey they take physically and emotionally each time they visit the secret basement. Additionally, this song seemed like a perfect “death march” through the North Cave at the end, leading up to the Exchange.

  How did the song make you feel? Could you feel Oaklee’s grief and fear as she ran through the night with her brother?

  11) “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day

  This song is an incredible expression of love and loss. Originally, it was written to honor a band member’s father who died when the band member was ten years old. It is also a song written in honor of those who lost loved ones during the 9/11 attack. The message is to value life and treasure the gifts of love given, and to take the loss and pain and turn them into something that makes you stronger.

  Did this song convey the love and loss that Leaf and Oaklee feel regarding their father’s death?

  12) “Lying From You” by Linkin Park

  This is such an intense song about anger, depression, and feeling powerless, especially in a relationship. Every time I hear this song, I envision Fillion raging inside about being trapped in his dad’s world, feeling he is becoming his dad, and also the torment that he feels in playing a role to protect Leaf and Willow. Through the book, he constantly changes who he is to fit different situations, depending on who he is with and what they want from him.

  What scene did this song make you think of the most? Do you think this is what Fillion was expressing when he told his dad that he would never be like him? Do you think Fillion feels this toward the media and social networks, too?

  13) “Madness” by Muse

  Such a great song about feeling haunted by someone, not sure if what is going on is real, and then realizing in the end that you need to jump off the cliff and fall, taking the risk to be loved. The ending of this song is fantastic when he sings that he needs to love and begs her to come and rescue him, and that their love is madness (heart sigh).

  Did this song remind you of Fillion’s battle with his delusional memories of Willow and the present reality of falling for her?

  ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

  What character do you connect with the most? Why?

  Which element—earth, fire, wind, or air—best describes your personality type?

  Do you want to belong to the Anime Tech Movement of the Outside world or the medieval culture of New Eden?

  Does Fillion reflect a sense of chivalry even though his culture does not support such a notion? If so, give examples.

  Do you believe chivalry still exists or should still exist? Why?

  What do you think Leaf meant by a man shouldn’t take what isn’t theirs to have? Do you agree with Leaf? Or feel confused like Fillion?

  Have you ever felt like Leaf, wondering how you’ll step forward on your own two feet instead of living in the shadow of your parents?

  Do you think Oaklee is justified in how she feels toward Coal?

  Is Hanley a narcissistic sociopath? Or is Fillion not seeing his dad correctly?

  The theme of the book revolves around death. Have you ever experienced a death (emotional, psychological, or the physical kind of someone you know)? If so, how did it make you feel? Did you find the companion of hope to partner with your sorrow, as Della Jayne Nichols recommends? The blessing through the grief, as Rumi shared during the Middle Ages?

  SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

  Margaret Augustine. Space Biospheres Ventures project brochure, http://www.biospherics.org (September 1993).

  Brandon Bishop, “From Prototype Mars Colony to Earth Science to Earth Science Laboratory: A Sketch of Biosphere 2.” Field Notes and New Finds, http://terrascientist.wordpress.com (October 6, 2012).

  Dave Funk, “LARP Definition.” LARPing.org, http://www.larping.org/larp-definition (accessed November 13, 2013).

  Erica Gies, “Life Inside the Biosphere Bubble.” Wired, http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2006/10/71942 (October 18, 2006).

  Jordan Gwyther, “LARP can save the world!” LARPing.org, http://www.larping.org/larp-save-world/ (May 3, 2012).

  Jane J. Lee, “Psychological Challenges of a Manned Mission to Mars.” National Geographic Daily News, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/02/130227-manned-mission-mars-psychology-space-science/ (February 27, 2013).

  Lawrence A. Palinkas, “On the Ice: Individual and Group Adaptation in Antarctica.” Unpublished manuscript, http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/bec/papers/Palinkas_On_The_Ice.pdf (retrieved October 29, 2013).

  Kara Rogers, “Two Years Under Glass: The First Biosphere 2 Mission.” Britannica Blog, http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2011/09/years-glass-biosphere-2-mission/ (September 26, 2011).

  Rivenfae Wolf, “For those who thought yesterday was fun...” Wolf Woods, http://rivenfae-wolfwoods.blogspot.com/2010/11/for-those-who-thought-yesterday-was-fun.html (November 10, 2010).

  Robert Zipplies, “Eco Funerals, Pt 2: The Circle of Life.” The Green Times, http://www.thegreentimes.co.za (March 30, 2012).

  Jesikah Sundin lives in Monroe, Washington, with her husband, three children, Russian-speaking Pekinese dog, red-footed tortoise, and four gerbils. She has a performing arts background in theater and voice, loves earth sciences, coffee, and walking in the woods. This is her debut novel, and she looks forward to filling bookshelves with more novels to come.

  www.jesikahsundin.com