Celestria - Book 1

"The child will rise. Wandering on land that isn't their own. The child will speak tongues, languages that have long been forgotten. The child will see the injustice and heal the ground around them. Guiding the people, to greener pastures." Mashuze carefully...

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 - The Rise of the Federation

The Gods have long been seen wandering the lush, green expanses of Earth. Our history has been forever changed since the great battle that took place 3,000 years ago. Some say they fell from grace, believing it was humanity that turned its back on them, while others whisper that they became mere legends, lost in the conflict between the Gods and their rivals. Time would pass as it always does, and whispers of the night would claim that the rivals to the Gods had been, in fact, kin to their lineage. If this were true, they would be more like strangers than kin. For blood doesn't shed the blood of kin.

The origins of the battle remain shrouded in theories, some truths and a lot more allegations. A few people believed that the weak-minded were swayed by the words of the rivals. What promises were given ... land, titles, and a position among their ranks. This was believed to be the cause of the old Gods' loss of power. Meanwhile, others argue that the rivals lacked true strength and resorted to cunning tactics to eliminate the Gods one by one.

Regardless of what transpired, one undeniable fact remains: the Gods were no more, and the rivals had seized control.

And in just a few years, the people had transformed their ways. Devout worshipers would harshly judge anyone who didn’t follow the same mentality. These fervent worshipers had become the mouthpiece of the Federation, mere puppets executing their demands.

The once-revered Gods have been replaced by a regime that rules with an unyielding iron fist. The Federation draw its power from our oppression. When they first came into power, the word was that the Federation had come dressed in white cloaks, presenting themselves as benevolent angels of light. They claimed their only desire was to lead us out of the darkness. However, their gentle demeanour was merely a facade, hiding their true intentions. By the time the truth began to surface, it was already too late!

Anything that was related to the old Gods had been taken over. Temples erected in the Gods' honour were either destroyed or taken over. Artifacts and script were damaged, allowing no one to read the words that were once spoken.

Generations would be created! The new laws and orders crept into each household. Those families that did not bow were forced out of the community to the outer edges of the holdings. Became outcasts in the communities and were treated as if they were a plague. If they were to try to speak to those they once knew, the devout followers of the Federation would turn their backs. Behaving as if they were ghosts.

Those who witnessed the events have become but shadows dancing on the wall, like grains of sand lost to the passage of time. For many families devoted to the old Gods, the absence of their Gods was a tangible reality. A haunting reminder of what was ... once their happiness, love, and laughter. The guardians of our ancestors had once revered their Gods and given offerings of gratitude. In return, the old Gods gave protection from what could harm them and guidance that the Gods once bestowed upon them.

Another generation was created, and the Federation began to tighten its hold on shared information, guarding its knowledge and choosing not to share it with anyone. The education that the people received was being filtered. It was solely aimed at training the people to fulfill the leaders’ objectives.

Under the new supreme leadership, offerings were an obligation. It was payment for the Federation allowing the people to exist. To wander around under their thumbs as we struggle to make sense of our purpose, while the Federation profits from our cowardice.

The last thing the Federation had to do was weed out the undesirables, those who were an actual threat. They had been labelled as freethinkers. A threat to the Federation and the people. At least that is what the Federation had told the masses.

The people we're too scared to object. When the Federation says we will own nothing and be happy. They made sure that was the people's reality. And if one should stand out of line, an example was made out of them. Causing the masses to remain in line. Not wanting a fate like the individual who had been publicly shamed.

A constant fear looms over everyone's heads.

A few more generations would go by. Instead of free-roaming humans, the people were slowly turned into slaves. They treat humanity as if we are children, incapable of governing ourselves. Those who dare to speak out often struggle to gather the support they need. They would be labelled as free thinkers and executed in a public manner. As quickly as their little rebellion had begun, it was quickly swept under a rug.

The Federation views itself not merely as rulers, but as enlightened beings endowed with vast wells of knowledge and power.

Their power over technology, resources and land distribution was confined to a select few, while the Federation thrived on the people's obedience. The people's suffering became a tool for them, ensuring their grip on power and complete control over the people's lives. The Federation's relentless desire for dominance left the people feeling powerless and despondent. They were fully aware that they had weakened the spirits of the people, leaving the people incapable of expressing their discontent.

Decades turned into centuries, lies became truths, while the truths became buried. Any new discoveries from the old world are swiftly whisked away, obliterated as though they never existed. The people were compelled to erase any trace of the old Gods. We're told there's no value in looking back; our duty is to move forward and adhere to the prescribed instructions.

As the Federation often shrouds the truth in the shadows of the night, so too do a select few cling to the remnants of the past. They never truly conformed to the Federation's ways. In low, cautious tones, the names of the ancient Gods are shared among them. They are acutely aware that if these words reached the wrong ears, they would be inviting a fate that no one--man, woman, or child would ever want to face.

Anyone who dared to speak the sacred names would mysteriously disappear under the veil of night. When inquiries arose about the missing person, the guards would casually explain that the individual or their family had been sent to the Capital for re-education.

Many said the Federation had to do this, that the numbers of those who dared to stand up against them were beginning to interfere with annual production.

When they came back, it seemed like a light had been extinguished; there was no hope or an ounce of rebellion in them. They were just shadows of their former selves. Where life used to be in their eyes, now it was lacking the warmth that had once characterized them. Their minds had turned into blank slates, scrubbed clean of all thought and emotion, leaving behind an unsettling silence where their spirit had once thrived.

If they had been asked about their experiences, they would never have provided a genuine answer regarding what had happened to them. It was evident that they had been brainwashed into repeating whatever the Federation wanted the public to hear.

The communities lived in a state of constant fear, fully aware that the old Gods were not merely forgotten ... they were being deliberately wiped from existence, and the price of recalling them was far too steep.

A century had gone by, and gradually, the energy was shifting. More freethinkers were emerged out of the bowels of the lands. Words were not being spoken, but the glare in many eyes spoke of what was going on in the minds of those who did not speak. But their actions spoke volumes. They were silent in the protest. Segergating themselves from the masses. Those who did not speak up against the Federation had forged a path that wasn't seen.

With each passing year, whispers become louder. Echoing in the alleys, signs of rebellion rise among the people. Something the Federation was having issues controlling. These actions were not just idle chatter; they posed a real threat to the very foundation of the Federation's firm hold on the inhabitants of Earth.

Beneath the surface of the Federation, a current of dissent is brewing like a hidden fire. In the hidden corners, underground, a group was slowly forming, creating a clash between truth and deception that was leading to hostility.

The Federation had responded with partial truths, and the rest was what they wanted the people to believe. Both sides were now trying to speak over the other. For the people, it was getting harder to distinguish between reality and propaganda. The Federation was quick to seize the people's confusion and carefully crafted a new narrative. Stating that this new uprising was spread by those who were mentally unwell. If spotted, they needed to be captured and undergo the process of re-education to correct the illness before it spread. This was their intention to shape perceptions and uphold control, yet the rising unease was becoming increasingly difficult to contain.

This uprising had caused the people to question the true motives behind the Federation's agenda. The words "you will have nothing and be happy" were continuously being thrown around by both sides. The uprising asked the people to think about everything that was going on around them.

Those who bravely spoke out asked the people if they were truly happy, as the Federation claimed that they were to be. These people were no longer intimidated by the Federation, but now were pushing back at those who claimed to be our leaders.

Those who would normally snitch on their neighbour for having a difference in opinion had begun to turn a blind eye to events they had seen.

In the meantime, a powerful rumour is spreading quickly! One that suggests a stronger rebellion was forming right in the heart of the Capital. Some had even dared to suggest that the leader of the revolution started with one of the Federation's own people.

This rebellion hinted at an ancient prophecy. First uttered by Mystics who were around at the dawn of the Federation's rise. They predict a singular threat capable of tearing apart everything the Federation has built. If these prophecies come to pass, everyone could witness the very downfall of the Federation's rule.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - 19800204 POV

No one can tell me where I was discovered. I have no memories of my parents or family. The language I speak was taught to me, but, strangely, I can understand other languages without any formal instruction. Like the other children, I was brought to this barracks when I was just four years old. None of us knew who our parents were. Whenever we asked the doctors and instructors about our families, they always stayed silent, refusing to share any information.

Each of us was assigned a code that became our name. To ensure we wouldn’t forget it, the doctors tattooed it on our wrists. I received 19800204, and like the other children, I could only respond to that number.

Young girls and boys would be piled into a small barracks. Rows and rows of bunk beds, our names had already been placed on the assigned bed we were given. Each day began as soon as the lights flickered on in the barracks. Our routine kicked off with an hour of language lessons, followed by mathematics. For the remainder of the day, we headed to the training grounds, where our bodies were put to the test through gruelling military drills. If we once complained or even worse, began crying. The instructor would make that individual's life hell.

Every 27 days, we underwent a physical examination followed by assessments. Those who didn’t meet the required standards were placed in the center of the training grounds, while the rest of us formed a circle around them. There, we were made to witness their shame for not meeting the expectations the Federation agents had set for them.

On our seventh birthday, we were moved to a completely different barrack, where the intensity of our training increased significantly. Only the strong could advance, while those who struggled were subjected to regular humiliation. I quickly realized that if I wanted to avoid that treatment, I needed to push myself harder than the rest. Before long, I climbed the ranks among my peers, impressing the instructors with my progress. Despite being smaller in stature, I had one advantage that others lacked ... speed! I struggled to handle the weapons used in our drills. I found that it slowed down my movements, causing me to fumble each time I tried to move. However, I excelled at moving swiftly without a weapon and disarming my opponents. Taking them down this way proved to be much easier.

They called us child soldiers. They sought only the best of the best among us, filtering out everyone except the most promising recruits for advanced training. We were expected to comply with their every command: sleeping when ordered, eating while standing, and speaking only when we were spoken to. Above all, we were taught never to question our superiors.

I had no idea what the purpose of the training was or why we were all grouped in this way. I also couldn't wrap my head around the reasoning behind shaming the children who failed their tests. It really baffled me. Yet, like the others, I didn’t question the situation, nor did I participate in the shaming. When the instructor asked me why I hadn’t followed their instructions, I bluntly pointed out that their methods would be far more effective if they focused less on shaming the students and more on helping them where they struggled. This led to my standing in the center of the circle, the target of my peers' ridicule as they parroted everything the instructor had told them to say. To add to the punishment, I was treated as if I were a mere ghost among them. That day made me realize just how different I was from my peers.

I started to question the actions of the doctors and instructors. It is a logical question that any thoughtful person would want answered. I wasn't being insubordinate; I didn't understand the rationality behind the movements that I was seeing. Inadvertently, this behaviour had put them in a position they weren't equipped to handle. Those higher up the chain got involved, and I found myself separated from my peers, taken to a cell for re-education.

I was placed in a cell with white walls; the floor and ceiling were also white. The small cell was bright with the six light bulbs that were never turned off, leaving me puzzled about its purpose. I listened to the sound of the door closing as I looked around the cell, which had nothing for me to sit on but the floor. I found my eyes scanning the location, much slower this time. In my mind, I could see silhouettes of the past, males and females brought here. Many of them appeared to be in considerable pain. This was odd since they weren't physically injured.

Over the speakers, music began to play. In the background of the noise, a soothing voice repeated phrases that had come from my instructors. This had gone on for hours, like a loop, with the music playing and the words repeating. Bored with everything, I found my eyes growing heavy, falling asleep in the corner as I waited for what would happen next.

As the door swung open, a man with a clipboard entered, flanked by two seasoned male officers. “Have you learned your lesson yet?” His deep voice echoed around the cramped cell.

I remembered blinking several times, staring at them in silence. Gradually, I parted my lips and replied, "Yes, sir!"

Something was seriously wrong with this institution, though my young mind couldn't quite grasp what it was. The man before me was gauging my responses to his questions, while I maintained an expression that was nearly impossible to read. My tone revealed an absence of emotion or thought, which must have satisfied them, as they led me out of the cell to another location. There, I went through further processing. Doctors took my blood and then injected me with something that burned beneath my skin. I turned my head, directing a nasty glare at the doctors, but not a single sound escaped my lips.

From that day on, I resolutely clenched my teeth together. During our drills, I diligently mimicked the motions instructed by our trainers. When asked why I refused to participate in the shaming sessions, I would glare back at them, my eyes unwavering and my lips sealed tight. I had chosen to become a mute. Simple body gestures were my form of communication, such as nodding in the direction of whoever called my name.

This situation must have unsettled the doctors and instructors, as I found myself segregated from my peers. I was slightly disappointed that I hadn't been returned to the cell, but I did enjoy the solitude it provided. Instead, I was instructed to stand in the center of this room I had not seen before, while the first-year initiates encircled me. They took their turns shouting words that would normally bring anyone to tears. Yet, I stood there, a smile forming in my mind as they tried to intimidate me.

It felt utterly pointless, I must say. As their throats turned raw, all I could think was, 'Is this truly all you've got?'

When the first-year initiates failed to provoke a reaction, the officers were called in. I must admit, the drill sergeants had more bark than bite, but I stood my ground like a statue, refusing to give in to their attempts. When that didn’t work, they ordered me to drop to the ground and start doing push-ups. In my mind, I could see their plan. The moment I began the push-ups, they intended to humiliate me by urinating on me.

I wasn't about to entertain their little game of humiliation. As far as I was concerned, they were the ones who were weak. If they thought for one second I was going to lie down and do as told like a good little dog they thought me to be, I was about to ruin their day. All of them, to be precise!

In my mind, I could see what was about to happen. The leader of the group had noted that I was not complying with his order. They were going to attack. Suddenly, they would lunge at me. If they couldn't humiliate me, they were going to try to knock me down.

I didn't think I would have extra training today, but I was up for the challenge!

Every strike they threw at me, I was able to counter effortlessly. If they were truly the best of the best, then I must have been their superior. Before long, the officers were sprawled on the ground while I remained standing. They clearly didn’t measure up to my abilities.

I rolled my eyes as the door was opened. The expression on the commander's face was almost comical if I hadn't fully grasped the reasoning behind their actions. In my mind, I had seen the commander telling these fools exactly what they were to do. They were not given a reason as to why they had to humiliate me, just what to do.

With my five opponents groaning on the floor, I walked toward the commander. "They need more training; that wasn't a challenge at all. Pitty! I was looking forward to a challenge!" I forced a smile, "Maybe next time!"

From that day on, I was separated from my peers and placed in a completely different program, referred to as "elite" training. This program was designed for those who exhibited the same traits I did. They were significantly older than I was; I would estimate they were between 20 and 25 years old.

The commander had left the barracks, and they sneered down at me. They called themselves the best of the best. Demanding that, since I was the newest to the group, I was to bow to their demands. Calling this the pecking order. It's amusing how they believed I would do as I was told! I had little respect for those who called themselves warriors but lacked the actions to back up their claims. I refused to follow their orders, giving them even more reason to resent me.

I studied them like they were my little project to evaluate. In my mind, I had calculated the probabilities ... their statistics ... weaknesses and lastly their strengths. I was able to mithotically come up with a routine that would systematically dominate each attack they sent my way. I found it more invigorating when the elites attacked in pairs; that was a challenge I truly enjoyed.

No different than before, the commanders had noticed my behaviour. I was not forming a relationship with the other elite fighters. Instead, I consistently outperformed them. As I strategically evaluated the commanders, they were doing the same with me. They were having a difficult time understanding the temperament that I was displaying. I was not stepping out of line; I completed each task with precision and accuracy. I picked up skills at a faster rate than all the others. Signalling me out in ways that I did not understand.

The commanders whispered among themselves. Looking over my assessments that had been recorded throughout my years in their programs. They brought in their best personnel, the highest-ranking Federation Agent, to evaluate the situation. They were just as puzzled by my temperament as the commanders.

That Federation Agent had clicked his tongue as he thought on the situation more. Flipping through the pages, "let's see how 19800204 does as a pilot, there are eight spots available." He closed my file as he studied me a bit more.

There was something in his eyes that told me he was dangerous, that he had more sway with the Federation leaders than anyone else I had seen.

One of the other commanders glared at the man who had made the suggestion. "Mishuzo, do you think this is wise? 19800204 had proven several times that she ..."

Mishuzo could read me like a book, well, at least the front cover, that is. He was the first to notice that I was different from the others. I didn't respond as my peers did. While they were forging friendships, I was too busy making mental calculations. Unable to comprehend anything that didn't have a reason for the logic that was spoken. I found these programs to be hypocritical, filled with more errors than I could count. While they displayed emotion, I lacked in that department, as well as in communication skills. Truly, I found conversations with my peers to be unstimulating, daunting and torturous.

Mishuzo glared at me as he spoke, "If you must look over her statistics again ... do so! Pay attention to where 19800204 scores above average. Those are the skills that would best suit a pilot or a bounty hunter. We have plenty bounty hunters but lack pilots. Send 19800204 for training, let's see how she does!"

Once again, I rose through the ranks of this program. Before long, I was recognized as the youngest child ever to learn how to pilot a spacecraft.

To those who spent years mastering this skill, having a child outshine them was an insult to their ego. I could not understand why they found this so difficult. It was a matter of memorization and training the body to move accordingly. It shouldn't be that hard, well, at least for me it wasn't, while the other struggled to match my performance.

Like the other skills I was introduced to, mastering this skill wasn't particularly difficult for me. It was as if I had been reborn with each of these skills already known; in my mind, I could already see what needed to be done. I just needed to get my body and fine motor skills to do the task. During drills, I consistently outperformed those who had been training for years. The instructors even hailed me as a military genius.

They said I would climb the ranks of the Federation army. Skilled, disciplined and in many sections I was above average. There was only one issue that bothered them. In their eyes, I had authority issues! I wouldn’t respond to anyone whom I felt did not possess the capability to be my superior, and that described most of the faculty at this institution. I was told repeatedly that I needed to show respect for my superiors. How could I do that when they gave me no reason to respect them? Many who noticed this reported the potential for future problems, while others only saw the opportunity to advance my career as a child soldier. They viewed me merely as an obedient tool, willing to follow orders as long as the command came from the Federation.

From this point, I was taken to the Capital, where I would be tested. I would continue to outperform those with whom I had been placed. As a junior initiate, I was granted privileges that I had not previously had. And most of all, I finally had a challenge worth partaking in!

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - Mishuzo’s POV

I have dedicated my life to infiltrating the ranks of the Federation army. With positions opening up, I had been given the opportunity to be a member of the Federation's Agents. My aptitude for advancement had been known to our leaders. My skills are unmatched! The ability to adapt in any situation had landed me in a position just below that of the council members of the Federation. I had become the personal advisor to Leader Yarib.

If only they knew!

Leader Yarib exhibited a pronounced inclination toward aggressive behaviour. His actions posed not only a significant threat to the populace but also involved strategies aimed at neutralizing his competition, specifically his sibling, who held a position at the table of thirteen.

I can't say that Leader Yarib's intentions were significantly different from those of his siblings.

Leader Yarib sought my expertise due to my established reputation for implementing stringent consequences and adopting a no-nonsense approach. I was deemed an ideal instrument in his strategy to ascend as the supreme ruler of the Federation. However, for this plan to be successful, he required an operative--one capable of discreetly traversing the land without arousing suspicion regarding his ulterior motives.

This situation ultimately proved advantageous for me. I identified individuals who presented potential challenges to Leader Yarib while concurrently gathering the essential intelligence required for the rebellion. Over the years, as Leader Yarib systematically neutralized threats, I engaged in a similar process of self-preservation.

Recent reports have come to my attention regarding a child who has arrived at the core of the Federation. It appears that the child exhibits behaviours deemed questionable and in need of further examination. Having received the associated documentation, I have been assigned the responsibility of overseeing this situation.

I was not impressed with this distraction.

I was tasked with determining whether she posed a potential threat to the Federation leaders. If this assessment indicated a real danger, it would necessitate her removal from existence. However, if the concerns were found to be unjustified, those who filed the reports could face repercussions for misallocating valuable resources and time.

Something I knew I would push for.

Without being seen, I observed 19800204, a 13-year-old who exhibited behaviour that significantly distinguished her from her peers. Unlike the others, she did not adhere to the expected responses. Her demeanour embodied the characteristics that the Federation actively sought: she displayed a remarkable coldness and emotional detachment. These traits came naturally to her. She elicited a sense of discomfort among the majority of the trainers when in her presence. Her emotional restraint surpassed even the harshness of winter winds.

19800204 possessed an instinctive awareness of social hierarchies, distinguishing between those who were inferior and those who were not. Her gray eyes reflected a profound absence of humanity. A characteristic that the Federation should have duly noted, and one that I could not afford to overlook. During my inquiries, as required of me, I perceived an additional quality in her that warranted recognition ... her intellect. 19800204 was calculated in each task, movement and even the words she spoke.

As I wrote down my findings to bring back to the Federation leaders, I could not help but wonder. This contemplation led me to consider whether 19800204 was the individual that the prophet had foretold. A child for whom we, the rebellion, had been waiting. Might she possess the potential to undermine the Federation's grip on Earth?

After my investigation, the trainers and other ranking officers who were required to be present had joined me in the conference room. With 19800204 standing in the center, her eyes glued on me. I must express my considerable admiration. I have not seen anyone who could mirror my being.

As I had anticipated, the trainers and ranking officers did not concur with my final assessment of the situation. While they perceived a threat, I recognized significant potential. This potential could serve as a catalyst for advancing the rebellion's agenda.

I now had a potential threat to my agenda, Chief General Sirgir.

I was summoned to the Federation Council Chamber to discuss my recommendations regarding the position of 19800204 for a junior pilot position.

"It appears that there is discreptancey in your judgement Mishuzo!" Leader Pulis narrowed his sight on me. "Chief General Sirgir, has presented legitimate arguments against it." He finished off.

I knew exactly what the high general was up to--he was trying to relieve me of my duties and seize my position. That was something I would never allow. Instead, I planned to turn the tables on him, creating an opportunity for an unfortunate soul to step into Sirgir's role.

I straightened out my robes as all eyes were on me.

"I would agree Mishuzo," Leader Lazin's voice boomed off the walls.

High General Sirgil had sought out my position for decades. Waiting for the right opportunity to strike. The most effective sneak attack is one that remains unseen. I already knew that the high general and Leader Grolas were doing everything they could to take power and control away from Leader Yirib. I was the one who maintained Yarib's popularity.

Steadying myself, I articulated my observations. Leader Yarib appeared to contemplate my perspective, expressing a desire to gain further insight. 19800204 possesses the potential to become a formidable asset.

I held reservations regarding the likelihood that 19800204 would be easily persuaded to become an informant or operative for the rebellion, particularly given the length of time the Federation had engaged with her. Nevertheless, I felt compelled to make the attempt. To ensure that 19800204 remained under my influence, I noted, "I have never encountered an individual who reflects my characteristics to such a remarkable extent. I do have concerns that once she reaches adulthood, I may potentially lose my role as consort to Leader Yarib."

This achieved the effect I was hoping for. Anything Chief General Sirgir said was brushed aside with a simple wave of the hand. The leaders were driven by their thirst for power. Someone with such potential would inevitably be seen by one of the leaders as an opportunity to further their own agendas, just as I was for Leader Yarib.

The leaders of the Federation reviewed my recommendations concerning the subsequent course of action. 19800204 was dismissed, and Chief General Sirgir was instructed to vacate the premises.

My interest in 19800204 did not escape the attention of the Federation leaders, who made light of my discomfort. Leader Yarib reviewed the documents before him and noted my evident attraction to 19800204. I scrutinized her photograph, and a thought occurred to me. While it was tangible, I was uncertain whether the Federation would contemplate this notion.

Leader Poltosta locked his eyes on me, "this all makes sense now! The change in your demeanor. And it is about time you pursued the company of the weaker sex!"

It is widely understood that females who do not meet the standards set by the Federation army are assigned to ranking officials. In such circumstances, these females are presented with three eligible male candidates from whom they can choose one to conceive offspring. This process aims to provide the Federation with the next generation of effective combatants for the army that its leadership is developing. My name has frequently been mentioned as a potential mate in these evaluations. Each time, I respectfully declined the proposal. However, I now have a compelling reason to consider becoming a potential mate.

I tried to keep a professional demeanour as I remarked, "It’s difficult not to recognize the potential in a breed like 19800204."

Leader Casaret had laughed the loudest of the group of 13.

Calming down from the roar of laughter, Leader Ole exclaimed, "There’s no greater pleasure than losing oneself deep within a woman’s embrace!" He thumped his hand on the table with enthusiasm. "Then it's settled! If 19800204 chooses you, you shall have her!”

I recommended that 19800204 be considered for partnerships with high-ranking officials. I had proposed Gildundath. A spy for rebellion. Jilet, who was a distant relative of the Federation leaders. I was aware that 19800204 would likely not consider either of these candidates for selection.

Neither party demonstrated an inclination toward establishing a partnership with a female, a fact recognized by the leaders as well as by me. However, I was actively pursuing opportunities with 19800204. Although the Federation leaders had exhibited a lack of discernment in the past, they were not entirely oblivious to my intentions, and they did not express any objections to my objectives.

Three days later, 19800204 was brought before the assembly to receive an explanation regarding the purpose of her summons. The terms were outlined clearly, allowing 19800204 the opportunity to ask any questions. I observed as 19800204 directed a defiant glare toward High Leader Yelvalcu, which indicated her profound dissatisfaction with the situation imposed upon her. She was irate at the prospect of being required to select a mate; should she fail to do so, Yelvalcu would make the selection on her behalf. Rather than express her dissent at that moment, she chose to remain silent and withheld any verbal expression of her discontent.

I briefed my colleagues on the situation before we entered the room. Although they did not express enthusiasm regarding this new development, I clearly articulated the reasons for referencing their names. Gildundath did not respond to the situation with humour; in fact, had he been given the opportunity, he might have reacted aggressively upon learning what was occurring. Conversely, Jilet found the situation amusing and indicated that he would assume the role of an unlikely ally to enhance my prospects.

19800204 was informed by High Leader Yalvalcu that she had been allotted three weeks to make a decision regarding potential matches. The disdainful look directed at him was almost humorous. While maintaining a composed demeanour, I found it necessary to restrain myself by clenching my jaw and keeping my lips sealed, in order to uphold my character.

During each designated week, she would reside at one of our respective locations. It was emphasized that her virtue remained uncompromised. Although should she have taken the initiative to violate the established protocol, she would have been paired with the individual she had chosen to mate with.

The guidelines for engagement were explicitly defined during the three-week courtship period. High Leader Yalvalcu motioned his head toward 19800204, wanting to know if she had anything else to say. Sealing her lips tightly, 19800204 was presented with the opportunity to select her companion for the first week's stay. She indicated my brothern, Gildundath, who subsequently cleared his throat, illustrating his reluctance regarding the forthcoming task.

Stepping towards 19800204, Gildundath extended his arm and gestured towards his private chambers, indicating the way forward.