"It is almost time to start today's agenda," a cybernetic humanoid said in a monotonous voice. The conglomerate of leaders, representatives, advisors, and their respective factions began to silence themselves. Everyone moved toward the center of the circular room where a scanner from the ceiling began to lower. As it touched each individual, names and other data were listed on the holographic screens present around the room.
Zone scanned the holographic screens for key figures he had learned about from his tutors and father.
Zzzzzt
"Xiang Wang: Patriarch of Wang Family and Wang Industries: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: 5'9 (177.8cm): resident of the Dystopian Continent...etc."
"That's a name to remember," Zone thought, processing the data on the screens.
Zzzzzt
"Jason Wang: Eldest son of Wang Family and Executive Director of Wang Industries: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: 6'2 (188cm): resident of the Dystopian Continent...etc."
Zzzzzt
"Lia Wang: Eldest daughter of Wang Family and Executive Director of Wang Industries: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: 5'6 (167.6cm): resident of the Dystopian Continent...etc."
"They're a family that propelled nanotechnology and are leaders in the medical field. I'll have to keep that in mind moving forward," Zone thought as his eyes shifted to the next group of names.
Zzzzzt
"Ivan Patrov: CEO of Patrov Products: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: 5'10 (178cm): resident of the Dystopian Continent...etc."
Zzzzzt
"Ibrahim Aziz: Patriarch of Aziz Family and #1 supplier of aircraft fuel: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: 5'10 (178cm): resident of the Dystopian Continent...etc."
Zzzzzt
"Satō Dai: Patriarch of Satō Family and founder of Satō Company. #1 supplier of consumer products and major contributor to advancing holographic technology and transportation: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: 5'10 (178cm): resident of the Utopian Continent...etc."
Zone took a deep breath, letting his eyes roam over the endless streams of data. The holographic light reflected in his gaze as he categorized everyone in his mind, laying the groundwork for future analysis.
"Where should I begin? Continents. There are three:
First,
The Utopian Continent established itself on the foundation of preserving human culture and 'humanity' in general. They did not eradicate technological advancements, but they placed their physical well-being, autonomy, and culture above the Dystopian society's sense of technological progress.
Therefore,
Those from that faction will be more inclined toward actions that preserve human life and traditions.
Second,
The Dystopian Continent, where the Rose family and other influential families are from, is vastly different. This society was built on the foundation of perpetual human advancement. Disregarding human emotions and other factors that hinder logic, the Dystopians seek to push technological progress at any cost, even if it means losing their humanity.
Additionally,
In terms of military prowess, the Dystopians are ahead of the other continents. The Great Calamity reinforced this narrative.
Third,
The Nomads—"
His thoughts were interrupted as the ceiling began to lower. The chrome-like structure shimmered faintly before emitting a soft hum. Everything it touched was enveloped in a faint glow before disappearing, transporting the assembly to a new location.
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"I can never get used to teleportation," murmured a member of the continental congressional assembly, rubbing their temples.
"Everyone is now accounted for. We will begin shortly," the cybernetic figure announced, its unblinking gaze scanning the room.
A massive holographic screen flickered to life, displaying the desolate expanse where the Wall once stood. Jagged cliffs lined the fragmented coastline. The land seemed to pulse with an eerie glow as the ocean's surface churned with a strange iridescent film. Debris from the Wall jutted out like broken teeth, casting long shadows over the lifeless marine creatures floating on the water.
"To begin, you can all ascertain as to why this assembly was called for. The Wall's sudden destruction and the effects it created have been felt throughout these vast lands. Currently, you are to deliberate on what actions need to be taken in response."
"Is it not obvious? We need to advance on the land and gather more information about what lies on the other side of our planet, which has been out of reach for as long as we've existed as a species," Xiang Wang said firmly, his voice cutting through the tense silence.
"We, the Aziz family, also believe we should push forth immediately," Ibrahim Aziz added, his tone calculated. "Such an opportunity should not be wasted by waiting around needlessly. Our spacecrafts require immense resources to maintain—those lands surely hold untapped wealth."
Zone watched intently, cataloging every word and subtle gesture.
"Surely you jest," Satō Dai interjected, his voice calm but sharp. "Do you think such a devastating event at the Wall would leave an environment hospitable to us? We do not know what caused that explosion, nor do we know if it will happen again. The best course of action is to proceed with caution."
Zone noted the measured, deliberate nature of Satō Dai's argument, a stark contrast to the aggressive enthusiasm of the Wang and Aziz factions.
"Hmph. Of course, the Wangs would want to foolishly embark on foreign land," Darius Rose declared, his voice cold and commanding.
"How dare—" Jason Wang began, his anger boiling over, but his father silenced him with a curt wave.
"Enough," Xiang Wang said.
"I stand with Satō here," Darius continued.
"Really?" Satō replied, raising an eyebrow. "I would have thought you of all people would oppose my reasoning."
"You do not climb to where I am by taking foolish, impulsive actions. Some things require deliberation and skillful execution to achieve one's goals," Darius said, his eyes narrowing as if daring anyone to challenge him.
Zone smirked slightly. "Interesting."
"In addition," Darius added, "I'm sure we have more information about the surrounding area of the Wall...am I correct?"
"Affirmative," the cybernetic figure responded.
"As you can all see, the area is devastated. The topography has been greatly altered. The land has fragmented into floating debris scattered across the ocean. The water itself is contaminated with an unknown substance—dead marine life is evident across the surface."
Murmurs spread through the room.
"In addition to the devastated environment," the cybernetic humanoid continued, "our drones and other surveillance systems deteriorate as they approach the Wall's former location. It is hypothesized that this phenomenon is directly related to the Wall's destruction."
"That is further reason to go and investigate the land," Wang said in protest, "if whatever substance is in the area were to spread, the damage would be astronomical to not only the Dystopian continent, but the Utopian continent as well. This entire side of the planet would be facing a great threat."
The other representatives were being swayed. Murmurs of agreement could be heard.
Zone was running the past conversations through his mind again and thinking, "we obviously would benefit from advancing on this newly discovered land, so why would father..." all of a sudden it clicked. Something made sense to Zone. He looked at his father who was staring adamantly at the holographic screens that showed the state of the affected area.
"So that's it," Zone thought, "I guess I get it from you."
"I understand all of your concerns, " a tall man with a stern face said, "There is a clear need to explore the land beyond where the wall previously stood, however, there are clear dangers in doing so. In order to minimize casualties, I suggest a joint operation with military personnel from each of the respective representatives present today."
Zone recognized the man and filtered through the information he had categorized in his mind. "The man was General Alaric Draeven, Supreme Commander of the Utopian Defense Forces (UDF).
What else," Zone thought.
As Zone was going to traverse through his information, another man replied.
"I am in agreement with General Draeven," another tall man with an imposing stature said, "this joint operation could utilize our androids, so human lives will not be in immediate danger from the unknown terrain or potential inhabitants. In addition to appeasing the Utopian Continent's concerns, this would appease the major concerns of other Dystopian Continent representatives of monopolization of resources/data."
Murmurs of agreement began to circulate.
Zone eyed the man. "This man's name is Alexander Greaves, Military Strategist and Commander of the Dystopian Special Forces." Zone thought.
"This is most acceptable," Wang stated, trying to hide his happiness regarding the outcome.
"Regarding the details of the operation, information of the plans will be conducted between the family heads of the dystopian continent and Utopian continental congress representatives . It is up to you if you will disclose this information to those under your jurisdiction. Updated images of the current geology/topography of the area and other details will be sent to the androids after discussion between those aforementioned. Everyone else is dismissed," said the cybernetic humanoid.
Zone lingered briefly, watching the room empty. His gaze shifted to his father, whose expression remained inscrutable while he was seated with the other representatives. A flicker of understanding crossed Zone's mind as he thought, "Father has always played the long game. This is no different."