Chapter 44: Simon

On Earth, in the outskirts of the city of New Ork, Ethan gazed out the car window, taking in the sight of the secluded community. The houses were enormous, their walls made of sturdy brick or stone and their windows lined with black steel bars. 

Each residence was surrounded by a high wall or fence, and several had gates with imposing metal spikes. The streets were wide and well-paved, lined with carefully trimmed trees and landscaped gardens. Ethan noted that there were no parked cars on the street and only a few people walking around. 

As they approached the community center, Ethan saw that it was a spacious building with a large open area in front, surrounded by benches and flowerbeds. 

Ethan sighed. So this was where his new life would begin.

"Ethan, I really don't think this is a good idea,'' A voice broke him out of his thoughts.