Astro Nova: A vast galaxy where the fabric of reality is woven with the threads of magic, technology, and the divine.
Location: Capital city of the planet Delano 5 in the Delano space Territory, The Novustrum Empire.
Imperial year 158y25, day 27 of the first quarter, a Wednesday…
In the heart of the bustling Capital City of Delano 5, the morning sun cast a desperate glow upon the towering spires and glittering domes. Streets thrummed with urgency as citizens hurried about their daily routines, oblivious to the small girl darting in and out of the crowds, her breathing ragged, her heart pounding with fear.
With a fleeting glance over her shoulder, she saw the shadowy figures of her parents closing in shouting her name, their expressions twisted in anger. The girl's camouflaging abilities slowly faded, her once-concealed form now exposed amidst the throng of people.
Ignoring the ache in her limbs and chest, fueled by adrenaline and sheer willpower, she sprinted towards the towering structure ahead—the testing center. It loomed like a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, promising sanctuary from the torment she sought to escape.
As she reached the grand entrance, anxiety gripped her, but she knew there was no turning back. She opened the ornate doors with shaky hands, her heart racing as she stepped into the grand interior. Amidst the flurry of activity, she steeled herself for the trials ahead, knowing that her journey toward emancipation had only just begun.
…
In the bustling corridors of the Testing Center, two imposing Drakorian men, their scales and wings glinting subtly beneath the artificial lights, strode forward, their tails flowing behind them. Flanking them was a young Drakorian boy, his sliver skin shimmering with anticipation. Lord Maximus Valerius, the retired Duke of the region, stood at the forefront, his dark gray skin marked with the wisdom of countless cycles. Despite his retired status, Maximus remained ever vigilant, his keen eye always on the lookout for promising talents among the youth—a cherished hobby that fueled his sense of purpose.
Beside him walked his son, Lucius Valerius, the current Duke of the Territory, his presence commanding respect and authority. Together, they guided Maximus's grandson, Alexander Valerius, through the bustling throng of people of various species. Alexander, with his silvery complexion, bore the legacy of his esteemed lineage with determination and pride. This day held special significance. They are accompanying the young man to a pivotal meeting with the Organizer, an advanced AI believed to be connected to all things, including the Gods.
They soon met up with the Lord’s Aid, an older grandson of his. “Greetings Your Grace, Your Lordship, and Young Lord. I have prepared a temporary office for you.”
“Thank you, Percy,” he nodded to the young man.
Just as Maximus was about to go to his office to engage his grandson in a discussion about his progress and expectations for the meeting, a sudden uproar erupted at the parents' drop-off area, disrupting the usual calm.
Maximus turned to Alexander, "Xander," Maximus said in his deep, authoritative voice, "I need you to investigate the commotion at the drop-off area. Find out what's happening. It might be nothing, but it's best to ensure everything is in order."
The young Drakorian nodded, a mix of eagerness and responsibility in his gaze. "Of course, Grandfather," he replied, before quickly making his way toward the source of the disturbance.
With Alexander on his mission, Lord Maximus and Duke Lucius exchanged a look. Maximus placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Lucius, I've been observing Alexander for a while now. His growth and potential are remarkable, even for a Drakorian." Drakorians are known for their great intelligence and slow aging, allowing them to learn a great deal before adulthood.
Lucius nodded in agreement, pride evident in his eyes. "Xander is dedicated, Father. He's attended years of Zenex Academy, but I fear it's no longer enough for him. He's ready for more. He wants to enroll in Zenex's sister school, the Exent Military Academy."
Maximus considered his grandson's aspirations. "Exent, you say? It's an honorable path. We shall discuss it further, but first, let's ensure that commotion doesn't disrupt our plans."
As the Valerius men continued their conversation, Alexander ventured toward the source of the commotion. As he goes near, he hears a lot of yelling and sees two panicked adults pulling on a terrified little girl, trying to drag her away. He took a deep breath and shouted “Enough!” fortifying his voice with enough psychic power, called dominance, to stop everyone in their tracks. He steps closer, looking at the three. “What is the reason for all of This?”
A chubby man in his mid-40s noticed the boy was wearing expensive clothes and stepped forward. “Young man, it’s just some family drama, you need not involve yourself.”
“Help m . . . “ The young girl tried to speak, but a woman covered her mouth with a hand.
Alexander gave a threatening glare that made the man flinch. “I’ll be the judge of that. Let the girl speak.” He looks at the girl. She is about 3 feet tall, with gray messy hair and iridescent purple eyes, dressed in dirty clothes. He could tell she was frightened, so he tried softening his expression. “You can talk now.”
“Please help me. My parents are abusive! I am here to seek emancipation! I can’t go back; they will hurt me. Please help!” The 2 adults both tried to interject, but the boy shot them a warning look.
“If this is true, then you came to the right place. Come with me.”
“You can’t believe her! She is a chronic liar. Please, let us take her home where she can’t cause any more trouble.” A skinny woman in a tacky dress wined.
“If she is lying, then we will find out soon enough. Now let her go.”
They stand still, trying to think of their next move. Alexander, growing impatient, growled, “Let go now, or I will have you arrested for interfering with an investigation.”
“You. . . have no authority,” says the man, though you could hear the doubt in his voice.
The young man gave a menacing smirk, “I am Alexander Vontae Xanthos Valerius, son of Duke Valerius who owns this planet. So yes, I do have authority here.”
“I’m sorry young Sir! Of course, you can take her.” The two practically shoved the girl away as they bolted for the door. He signaled for security, “Contact the city police to keep an eye on them, but don’t arrest them yet.”
“Yes Sir “.
He held out a hand to the girl. “Come on.”
Alexander returns with a trembling little girl in hand.
“Alexander, Report.” Said the Duke with a firm but calm voice.
“Father, she wants to be emancipated from her abusive parents, and it was her parents who caught her and tried to drag her back.”
Lord Maximus Valerius and Duke Lucius Valerius exchanged concerned glances before Lucius knelt to the girl's eye level. Her gray, messy hair and iridescent purple eyes were indeed unusual, and Lucius's keen senses told him there was more to her than met the eye. In a soothing tone, Lucius addressed the girl, "It's all right, little one. You're safe now. Can you tell us your name and what happened?"
The girl hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between the three Drakorian men. She took a deep breath before finally speaking, her voice trembling, "I'm Ella... Ella Astraelos. My... my parents, they hurt me. I want to be free from them, please.”
“Emancipation is a serious thing, come into my office,” the Lord said. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Lord Maximus Valerius's mind as he led them into his office. They walked ahead, the young aide following behind, and Ella with Alexander guiding her. He watched Ella intently, curious about her story.
Once inside the office, Lord Maximus addressed Ella with a stern but compassionate tone. "Stand there," he beckoned. When she stood within a circle marked on the floor, he asked her a crucial question, "Do you know what you're standing on?"
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Ella, her eyes filled with trepidation, nodded slowly and answered, "Yes," she swallowed nervously, "A lie detector."
"Correct." Lord Maximus leaned forward, his gaze penetrating. "So please, speak truly. I do not tolerate lies. If what you say is correct, then I will help you proceed with the emancipation."
Lord Maximus was determined to uncover the truth and take the appropriate actions to ensure her safety. "So, speak, what is it that you risk so much for?"
"My parents, I mean my mom and stepdad, are part of a religious sect that emphasizes human DNA purity... Well, I'm not fully human. My birth dad is of mixed species and altered genetics but looks human enough if you’re drunk. Anyway, when my stepdad found out, he tried to kill me as a baby, but mom made him not... I thought it was because she loved me, but no. They wanted to sell my credits. She cut off my tail and one of my antennas (she was sobbing) I was only 4! They treated me like a slave. They only allowed barely enough school, so they don’t get in trouble with the credit bureau. I could only eat 1/4 of my portion if they were in a good mood, and my siblings and mom hurt me when they were upset... I tried to go to the police, but they were friends with my dad and didn't believe me. My teachers couldn't help because they are in the same church. They didn't want to get kicked out. So, they helped me get my recommendation letters. I found my birth dad a few years ago, and he gave me a recommendation letter. He was going to take me in officially, but he died of illness. He was a veteran and summoner. The police sent me back without listening, calling me a runaway.”
Ella paused to catch her breath, her hands trembling as she pulled out her documents and ID, revealing the painful journey she had undertaken to seek emancipation and escape the abuse she had endured for so long.
As Lord Maximus Valerius meticulously read over the documents, Ella's nervousness became palpable. She anxiously wrung her hands together, a nervous habit that had developed over the years, and inadvertently produced a clear gel from her palms. Her anxiety heightened as she noticed the Duke, who had been standing quietly behind the Lord, raising an eyebrow at her.
"I'm sorry!" Ella squeaked, her voice trembling.
Concerned, Alexander, who had been quietly observing, spoke up, "What is that?"
Ella hesitated for a moment before responding, "I'm not sure, but my hands make it. I... I use it to climb or make bubbles. I can make it super hard if I want to, see." She demonstrated this by blowing a large bubble in her hand and flicking her fingers, causing the gel-like substance to harden, producing a distinct clinking sound like glass. “Here.” She handed it to the curious Alexander.
The Duke's expression grew pensive as he observed the unique substance. "Where have I seen that before?" he mused aloud, his memory stirring with recognition.
Lord Maximus Valerius continued to examine Ella's documents, his thoughtful gaze shifting between the papers and Ella herself. “Born Ella Smit 13 years old. Human mix, Daughter of Martin and Laura Smit. But I see here proof of genetic relation to Nikos Astraelos, your true birth father.” He posed a crucial question, "So, do you want to take your birth father's last name of Astraelos?"
Ella nodded resolutely, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. "Yes, please."
The Lord's sharp observation skills did not go unnoticed, as he remarked, "I thought the last name and eyes were similar. Was your father once a fighter pilot?"
Ella nodded again, confirming the connection, "Yes."
Duke Lucius Valerius observed, "I vaguely remember him, a damn good pilot,"
Lord Maximus Valerius carefully considered Ella's situation, her documents, and the letter from her father. He then addressed her with a solemn but compassionate tone, "Your father's letter speaks highly of you. I'll grant you the change of name, and I will investigate your mother's family more thoroughly. However, the next step is up to you."
He continued, explaining the crucial test that lay ahead, "To be emancipated completely, you must prove to the Organizer that you can survive. It's a series of tests. If you pass, the Organizer will give you advice on what to do next. But if you fail, you will need to be adopted by another family. Evil remains no matter how the duchy, or even the empire, tries to safeguard its children."
Lord Maximus concluded with a heartfelt wish, "I wish you the best of luck, little girl."
"Thank you, sir!" Ella said, with tears in her eyes.
Lord Valerius turned to his aide. “Percy, grab a staff member to escort the young girl to the beginning. “
“Yes sir!” He scurries to leave and quickly returns with a staff member in tow.
“Come this way please, I’ll show you where to go.”
The path toward emancipation was now set, and Ella faced the challenge with determination. Her determination and relief radiated from her as she followed him toward the line of others awaiting their turn.
During the whole exchange with the little girl, Alexander was perplexed. His heart keeps beating oddly fast as Ella shares her harrowing story and faces the pivotal moment of seeking emancipation. Alexander couldn't help but experience a tumultuous mix of emotions. His gaze held a blend of pity for what Ella had endured, anger at the injustices inflicted upon her, and curiosity about her unique abilities and past. He had been taught to listen to his instincts, but he was unsure of what they were telling him.
As he was deep in thought, he didn't even realize he had the hardened bubble still in hand.
He turns to have his interview with his grandfather. The meeting held its significance as Alexander discussed his aspirations and the path he wished to take, particularly enrolling in the prestigious Exent Military Academy. As the interview with Lord Maximus Valerius and Duke Lucius Valerius continued, the Duke shared his thoughts on Alexander's progress and special training as his heir. He expressed optimism, stating it was going better than expected, and he held high hopes for Alexander's future role within the family and the territory.
However, the reaction of the aide, who happened to be Alexander's cousin, was less enthusiastic. Visibly perturbed, the cousin emitted a quiet snort. It was well known that the two were rivals, despite the several years of age difference. Percy Montague was bitter to have not been chosen as the next heir.
It was then that Lord Maximus Valerius noticed something in his son’s hand. "Xander, what's this you're holding?"
Alexander looked at the glass bubble in his hand. “Ah. I liked it, it was interesting. So, I thought I should keep it,”
"I see you've become attached to that homeless rat." Percy Mocked.
"That's no way to speak, especially not in this office. Show some respect." Lord Maximus Valerius scolded his aid.
"I can't take it with me to the meeting with the Organizer." Alexander reluctantly hands the bubble to his grandfather for safekeeping.
As the conversation continued, both Lord Maximus Valerius and Duke Lucius Valerius congratulated Alexander again for his graduation from Zenex Academy. They expressed their hopes and support for his aspirations to enroll in Exent Military Academy, recognizing the significance of this next step in his journey.
…
Ella followed the staff member to a large room with several rows of chairs in front of a podium. “Please take a seat, the orientation will begin soon.”
She nervously sat down at the end of a very full row and began playing with the gel in her hands. More and more people entered, mostly adolescents like her, though some were older. She was not accustomed to crowds due to being locked away. Once the room was sufficiently filled, a woman in a silver robe with rainbow trim, stood at the podium. “Welcome everyone, to The Testing Center. I am Priestess Yuliana. You are here in this room because this is your first time through. So, we will be going over a few things. Most of this is general knowledge, but some of this may be new.”
She pushed a button on the podium, and a huge display appeared on the wall behind her.
“In the empire, there are five rights that the empire must give to each sentient being. The first is Basic Education. From an early age, education is guaranteed for everyone, from childcare to adulthood. If you wish for any education beyond that, you are expected to pay for or provide services to receive extra training and knowledge. A lot of knowledge is free. The second right is Basic Safety. As taught in school, everyone has the right to protect themselves and their property. Police are public, security guards are private, and the military is controlled by the government. The third right is Basic Nutrition. Basic bare minimum nutrition is free for each registered member, just enough to live. You can save food credits, or get better food, by growing food or buying it with money. The fourth right is Basic Housing. Everyone gets housing credits, simple bare minimum public housing costs low credits, and better housing costs high credits, or money. The fifth and final right is Basic Healthcare. From birth, everyone gets basic health care, just enough to live, but not that great. Elective and cosmetic surgery costs a lot of money. On this planet, we pride ourselves on giving each person a chance to receive perfect health up to 4 times! Usually received at birth, and before you meet with The Organizer.
The Organizer is an advanced AI gifted to us by the Gods of Light. At certain times in a person’s life, you can meet it. It will scan all information about you, scan your brain, including your memories, and give you several suggestions to direct your life and job, find a mate (romantic partner), a planet to call home, match orphans with new families, or just overall advice if you need it. It directly helps government officials with making or changing laws, and offers fast information and tactics in times of war. The Organizer controls all the information on the Cortex, the vast web of knowledge.
Today, you will begin the process of meeting The Organizer. First, you will need to become clean and purified. Then, if needed, you will be healed to perfection, and followed by testing your knowledge. Scanning your memories, as well as testing you on the application of that knowledge. Be prepared, this will take a long time, and you will be tested and tried to the edge of your abilities. This is so the Organizer can witness your full potential.
We wish you the best of luck! Please line up at this door and follow all directions given to you. Relax. And know that you are in good hands. May the blessings of light shine upon you.”
Everyone began standing up and slowly formed a line.
Ella just reached the head of the line when a healer aid handed her a large egg-shaped box with a shoulder strap, and was told to place all her ID, documents, and other personal items in it. Then, Ella was guided to a counter where a quick blood sample was taken, for identification or health assessment purposes.
Following this, she was provided with a nutrient slushy and some nutritional biscuits, along with specific instructions: "Don't share your food and make sure you finish before the timer on the side goes off. Next!"
As Ella quickly finished her meal and complied with the instructions, she was then directed to wait in line. Subsequently, she was taken to a different room, one with many curtains and beds. Here, Ella was given a gown to change into. Behind the first curtain, the process began. She was told that she would be given a complete health makeover, which everyone is entitled to. However, it requires one to be VERY clean.
First, she underwent teeth cleaning to ensure her oral hygiene was in order. When they reached the point of shaving her head, Ella expressed concern about her remaining antenna, requesting them to be cautious.
Anxiety began to build within her as the pr