I was 16 when they inexplicably came to save us from ourselves, a nuclear war that few even knew was on the horizon was apparently about to break out and they put an end to it or so the story goes. They then provided us with technology to combat global warming and the ecological collapse of the earth.

I was 17 when the Du'atha announced the price we had to pay for their intervention that day and also the consequences of non-payment.

I was 18 when the first System Trial Lottery occurred.

I was 19 when the bodies of those selected by the STARS devices, from amongst those randomly chosen by the first year's System Trial Lottery, started being returned to us.

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I was 20 when the last of their bodies were returned.

I was 21 when my girlfriend was chosen by the lottery and selected to take part in the System trial.

I was 22 when her funeral took place.

I was 23 when my best friend was chosen but thankfully not selected.

I was 24 when the seventh System Trial Lottery occurred.

I was 25 when I was selected as one of the 5 alternative participants in my zone encase any natural deaths occurred amongst the others selected by the Lottery that year.

I had just turned 26 when the fifth primary System Trial Lottery winner died the day before the selection ceremony was to take place.

My name is Zakkery Valentine and I am a survivor or so I hope.