Sarah Schiffgens and Siana Park-Pearson

November 2016
Green group
Chapter 1
It is James second day on the cliffsides of Vk Mrdal. He had set our earlier this
morning hoping to capture photos of something other than sprawling fields of dewy grass
scattered with sheep. Alexander, his gracious host, had packed him a small lunch of skyr and rye
bread and pointed him towards a cairn site not too close to the thrashing water and rocky coast.
He had managed to take a few pictures of the waves, but the wind had begun to interfere
with his camera setup. Huffing and puffing, James begins talking to himself.
Ha! The windll pick up later, he said. You should be fine for most of the day, he said.
Well guess what Alexander! While youre doing fine and dandy with your mug of coffee and
dozens of sheep to keep you company, Im out here freezing my-
The wind sends a huge gust his way, knocking his small messenger bag out of his hand
and James off his feet. He immediately scrambles to collect himself and stand up, slightly dizzy
and cursing under his breath. The winds loud whistle dies down slightly, and he manages to look
over the cliff.
The sun is squeezing itself under the cover of the horizon. The sky is covered with dark
blue, intermingled with yellows and oranges, interrupted by streaky gray clouds. He hears a dog
barking in the distance. Now calm, he picks up his camera bag, thermos, and empty lunch box.
This is how life should always be, James whispers to himself.
He thinks of his entire family in the states, most likely lying awake, wondering how they
would survive the next five, ten, maybe even fifteen years of the depression. He isnt with them
though, in the US. He is here in Iceland, content with his sunsets, sea salt air, and dozens of
cloud-like sheep and their respective farmers. James smiles somberly to himself, and sets off
even further down the coastline.

Sarah Schiffgens and Siana Park-Pearson

November 2016
Green group
***
Stars are beginning to appear in the sky, now a deep indigo. James had barely taken any
photographs today, preferring instead to enjoy his simple meal and wander aimlessly beside the
ocean. Despite the knowledge of his solid deadline and incredibly demanding field of work,
procrastination is still James's forte.
Perhaps I should go back, James says to himself. He shrugs: Better luck tomorrow.
He turns around, heading back the way he came. Before long, he trips over a pile of
pebbles.
Bloody hell. Ill sure be glad to be back down in the valley after this mess.
He kicks the pebble across the terrain, barely noticing how rocky it has become. Looking
up from his feet, he spots something in the distance: a strange, gray heap he had not payed
attention to earlier. Upon further inspection, it is a large, incredibly precarious cairn sitting atop
an even larger boulder. The structure seems to form a low hill with a steeple topping it.
Why of course! I completely forgot about the cairns.
The towering, disheveled rocks may create a special image. That is, if the sun can stay up
for another few minutes. He scurries to the site, eager to capture the magnificent structure, and
climbs to the top of the pile.
Leaning forward in anticipation, James peers over the edge of the boulder slope. A gasp
escapes him. There it is, completely and absolutely implausible, a city in the midst of a wild
terrain. Several beautiful wooden structures scattered across a flat stretch, with roofs covered in
moss, interconnected by streets of stone, all leading to a magnificent edifice in the heart of the
city. Squinting, James strains to spot any people, but sees none. A burning curiosity awakens in
him as he scrambles down the rocks to view the city up close. Nearing the site, he unpacks his

Sarah Schiffgens and Siana Park-Pearson

November 2016
Green group
camera equipment. This could be his big breakthrough, and the prospect of his upcoming fame
fills him to the brim with excitement. Adjusting the angles of his photograph, James attains the
perfect lighting and framing and at last, takes a satisfactory picture. Click. As he bends over to
check the film, a sharp voice jolts him in surprise.
What, exactly do you think youre doing?
Turning around, his eyes meet the cold stare of a woman about fifteen years older than
himself. Shes impeccably dressed, a loose fitting dress and a dark fur draping over her
shoulders. He is also surprised by her accent; she is an American. The woman glares at him,
clearly running out of patience.
I-uh-well, you see here, Im a photographer, and I just happened to come across this
amazing city youve got here and I couldnt help but take a picture.
Her eyes narrow, Who are you. How did you find us?
Clearing his throat, James answers with more confidence, I am James Harrison, an
American photographer currently based in Iceland. I was photographing the boulders you see
behind me and this city caught my eye. But who are you? What is this place?
She pivots and begins to walk swiftly away from him, towards the city. Pack your things
and come with me.
Dumbfounded, James scrambles to pack up his equipment and chases after the
mysterious woman. He eventually catches up to her, breathless. Together they walk through the
towering arched gateway, into the city.
Welcome to Paper Planet. I am Paper Master Seven, Clarice Widdleton. This is your
home now.

Sarah Schiffgens and Siana Park-Pearson

November 2016
Green group
James comes to a halt in a moment of surprise and utter horror. Either he heard her
correctly, or he is just going crazy.
What do you mean this is my home now? Ill be heading back now, thank you.
James frantically turns back to the gateway but is stopped by Clarices hand gripping his
wrist.
You cannot leave, those who know of Paper Planet cannot leave...ever. That is the law.
Together they stand in silence, as James digests the reality of the situation. He isnt sure
what Clarice is capable of, and doesnt want to put himself in harm's way anymore than he
already has. So, he obliges, and turns around to face Clarice, his face contorted in worry.
With a huff of approval, Clarice continues navigating him through the city. He sees
civilians now, people dressed in the best 1930s fashion, layered in fine cloth and poised with an
air of superiority. There arent many children: everyone seems to be around Clarices age. They
approach the imposing dome structure James had seen from the boulder.
The building has two floors: the second one designated only for the Paper Masters. The
first floor however is a public space and appears to be a massive meeting hall. James is taken to
the second floor where Clarices office is located.
I understand that our society may be quite a shock to you, but you will adopt our
lifestyle soon enough. You will be living on the South-East side of the city and everything is
move in ready. Your room will be stocked with cans of food and your daily water supply can be
found at the storage unit in this building. Here is the map. She hands him a small scroll.
Ms. Widdleton, please tell me, why arent I allowed to leave?

Sarah Schiffgens and Siana Park-Pearson

November 2016
Green group
With a sigh, Clarice responds, My dear sir, we cannot afford to have our society exposed
to the public, if the American government finds us, we will be in great trouble, and I will not
allow those photographs you took to be shared with anyone.
Why would you be in trouble? I still dont understand, why does this place even exist?
You may want to sit down James, its a long story. As you know, the world is currently
suffering from a great depression. The American economy has crashed and people are living in
severe poverty; starving and unemployed. Now how do you think the wealthy felt about all this,
watching their countrys downfall? We were threatened, our taxes were getting higher, we feared
losing our hard-earned riches, we feared a lower class rebellion. We saw what was happening
and we didnt want to be there when everything finally crashed. So, we left. Over the course of a
year, us rich and educated gradually left the country, refusing to pay our taxes, and sneaking out
by bribing sailors for passage to the Icelandic Coast. We took a highly skilled team of artisans
and architects with us, and the local villagers helped us build the homes and pave our streets in
exchange for American materials. We spent two years creating a city where the elite could keep
what was rightfully theirs and live in peace amongst each other. Paper Planet is our very own
utopia, and we will not allow anyone, especially a meddling outsider, to risk blowing our cover.
Do you understand now boy?
James looks around the room, averting Clarices icy glare. He wonders about ways to
escape, if hell ever see the main town again. Still confused and utterly petrified, he replies with
a short yes.
Im glad, Clarice says with a curt nod. Lets get you settled then.
Chapter 2

Sarah Schiffgens and Siana Park-Pearson

November 2016
Green group
Clarice has spent her entire week teaching the boy how their society functions. Shes
been forced to recount their entire history and book of rules: every single detail established two
years ago had to be recounted to a pathetic, curious wanderer. She is, quite frankly, sick of it. As
Paper Master Seven, her duties as a leader are slightly more limited than those of Jacob, Thomas,
or Marie, Paper Masters one through three. She is in charge of scheduling city meetings, sending
out messages, and taking care of newcomers. No one had ever managed to find the city before
James, so it was actually her first time doing the latter.
Clarice sits in her office, typing out letters on her grandfathers ancient typewriter. She
has left her entire family in New York, believing that she would do better on her own. In
actuality, she misses them constantly, but never bothers to convey her feelings to her co-workers;
she considers that unprofessional, too personal. She keeps to herself, and the others dont bother
her. Maybe they just despise her...not that she cares about such materialistic things.
Clarice, are you finished with those letters yet? Our meeting is tomorrow the people
must be prepared. This isnt just another-
Yes Thomas, Im aware of the meetings importance. And yes, I just completed the last
letter. If you would be so kind as to take them over to the postmaster, I would be grateful.
She hands her stack to Thomas, turning back to her desk immediately after. Thomas
leaves, a frown on his brow indicating his annoyance.
Clarice had aided in the planning of town meeting occurring tomorrow. The idea is to
divide the society into smaller groups; the citizens will call it a downgrade, a creation of the
lower class. In the perspective of the Paper Masters, it is simply an organizational tool. It is fairly
obvious by this early point in Paper Planets history that workers are needed; they had gone off

Sarah Schiffgens and Siana Park-Pearson

November 2016
Green group
the skill of artisans and the money of the Icelandic government for long enough, and so it was
finally time to become completely self-reliant.
Furthermore, the new system would give Clarice more control over her city. The changes
would divide the population of approximately 500 into 10 different groups; each Paper Master
would solely control plus or minus 50 people. Clarice is adamant on making her fraction of the
population the best, the brightest, and of course, the most obedient. She had not been chosen as a
leader figure for no reason, and tomorrow, she would have the chance to prove it.
***
The town is clearly unhappy with the new decision. The Paper Masters arent interested
in sparking a revolt, and in an attempt to satisfy demands and make amends, they have stretched
the one meeting out for multiple days. It is now going on five.
What in the world do you mean? I wont stand to be put down, not in this city!
Agreed! I helped build the damn place so why dont we have a say in its so called
organization?
Shouts and murmurs in agreement spread in waves across the meeting hall. Clarice sits,
stone faced, in her large wooden chair. She had experienced such debates in New York, and isnt
extremely worried. Her fellow Masters, however, are wringing their hands in doubt.
Marie pips up, attempting to appear resilient. Please be orderly, my friends. Once you all
allow us to finish our side of the argument, Im sure youll understand.
Friend? Oh please Marie, as if youre a friend of any of these people. In fact, all you
Paper Masters just want more power. Well, what if we want power too?
More yelling. Clarice has to do something, show she was better than a bystander.

Sarah Schiffgens and Siana Park-Pearson

November 2016
Green group
If you dont follow our new set of laws, you will be punished severely. Mark my words,
I...we are not playing around with this.
A hush sets over the room. The other Paper Masters look proud, but also slightly scared.
Clarice isnt one to joke around, and it was unlikely she was starting now. Despite the fact that
punishment was not part of the plan, they follow along. The crowd begins to whisper again.
A younger woman speaks. Damn you! Damn this entire city! I came here to escape class
division and tax payment, not participate in it. Im leaving, if anyone wants to join.
The woman stomps through the crowd, a smirk on her face at her bravery.
Clarice whispers frantically to a man standing beside her, and before the lady has planted
her feet outside the doors, a gun goes off. She stumbles to the floor with a blunt smack, a red
pool forming with ease at her head.
Clarices heart is beating; she has just killed someone. Well, not directly. She shakes her
head and stares into the crowd, making eye contact with each citizen. Anyone care to join her?
THE END