Invictus

The earth is a dot of light from here. The fourth ring gives the best view, but there’s not much to see, even if we’re closer. It is now a husk of what it was - its vast oceans frozen over, a singular arctic biome.

109 years ago the sun began to dim. It started with only a few degrees here and there; winters were a bit chillier, summers not so aggressive. Global Warming deniers used it as fodder for their campaigns for the first couple of years. But soon it was clear the international cooling was more than brisker Decembers.

First to board were those necessary to the migration. Then nations’ leaders and government officials. Then public figures. Then the lottery. In total, of the remaining 6.6 billion humans, only 3.4 billion boarded. Scientists projected those that were forced to stay behind had a good 15-18 years before life was completely unsustainable.

In pursuit of warmth, the rings found their orbit around the sun, drinking in its heat before it extinguishes.

*THE STORY SO FAR*

On Ring 4, Miles, a solar panel mechanic, is raised by his grandmother, Gigi, who are both struggling to survive under the terrible conditions of the 4th ring. Beyond the bitter cold, the limited electricity, strict curfews, and power-abusing law enforcement, nearly everyone on the 4th ring has severe Hypovitaminosis D: vitamin D deficiency. For Gigi, this has developed into a severe case of Osteomalacia.

As her condition worsens, suddenly an Unknown voice speaks to Miles through his comms chip, telling him there is a specialist on Ring 1 who can help. The problem? No one from Ring 4 has been to Ring 1 in decades. Travel between the rings is strictly illegal with the exceptions of delivery, repair, or legal proceedings. Not to mention the voice has requested a "favor" of Miles: decipher the tech notes Miles' abusive, alcoholic, dead father left behind and bring them to the Unknown voice on Ring 1.

Miles, desperate to save the last remaining member of his family, has no choice but to trust the voice and make the perilous journey across the rings.

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