The room fell silent after the intense discussion that had just taken place. Finally, as usual, Jupiter was the one to break the silence.

"I think we need to send a search team," Jupiter Turko said, nervously tapping his index finger on the table.

"A search team? Not a chance," Chancellor Bostic dismissed, promptly shooting down the proposal before it could gain traction.

"Well then, what do you propose?" Madam Jessy challenged, her tone sharp.

Bell glanced at her before lowering the hand that had been stroking his beard pensively. "I suggest we wait for the report from the control unit and see if the drones we launched a few hours ago have uncovered any clues."

"That's useless," Jupiter retorted mockingly. "The sooner we approach the site, the more evidence we can collect. Isn’t that standard protocol for a crime scene, Bell?"

"It is, which is why we sent the drones in the first place," Bell replied thoughtfully. "Going there unprepared risks another failed mission."

"But we have to do something," Chancellor Shallow interjected nervously. "Rumors are already spreading about the previous mission's failure."

"Leading another high-risk mission isn’t the solution," Bell stated firmly, silencing the Chancellor.

Tension filled the room.

"Waiting isn’t going to help," Jupiter pressed. "What if the drones find nothing? That spacecraft took years to build, and we need it to bring people to the space station. We need to start the evacuation soon!"

Bell interrupted, "What exactly are you suggesting, Jupiter?"

"I'm still suggesting an expedition," Jupiter replied with determination, raising an eyebrow at Bell.

"If they could take that spacecraft, a small ship or a flybat is nothing," Chancellor Bostic complained, his eyes wide in disbelief as if witnessing something extraordinary.

"They?" Madam Jessy asked, looking at Bell incredulously. "Don't tell me you believe that nonsense about Bermuda."

Chancellor Bostic’s words hung heavy in the air. "We’ve lost five flybats, one submarine, and three ships trying to explore the Bermuda area over the last fifteen years. In total, we’ve lost more than twenty flybats since Octagon Verenda was formed," he explained grimly.

While Bell raised valid concerns, Jessy smirked at him, further agitating the already tense atmosphere.

Elsa chimed in, "I read your last expedition report on Bermuda. It states that disappearances increased significantly after 2050." Bell nodded in agreement.

"Yes, that’s correct. Everything before 2050 was mostly media speculation, but the disappearances since then are substantial. Anytime we’ve led a mission over that particular spot, we’ve lost one or more ships or flybats," Bell elaborated.

Still, Madam Jessy scoffed. "Oh come on, it could be due to natural causes." She was reluctant to acknowledge any serious concern.

Bell’s brow furrowed. "I don’t know the cause, but there's clearly something to be wary of. That’s why I warned against considering that area in an emergency—yet you still flew our most vital asset right over it." He slammed a file against the table, frustration evident. Jupiter and Jessy exchanged looks.

"Calm down, Bell. Your anger isn’t helping. We can’t expect it to just pop up from the ocean. We need a search team, and that team will include the best students from each sector, considering Bell's beliefs," Chancellor Jupiter concluded, his voice dripping with condescension.

Bell clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin. How could Jupiter be so foolish in such a serious matter? This issue deserved the full attention of the chancellors, not a game of ‘who’s smarter.’

"Kids?" Elsa interrupted.

"Wait, wait, wait. Are we talking about sending kids there?" Chancellor Kane Johnson asked, incredulous.

"Sounds like your mission to Asia! You killed 50 innocent people by exposing them to a highly radioactive area. We are not going to do that again!" Bell shot back, trying to steady himself. He knew the importance of this meeting, and storming out was the last thing he wanted to do.

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"We’re not talking about another suicide mission, right? Because I’m not voting for it. I’m done killing innocent people for your reckless missions," Elsa said worriedly, echoing Bell’s concerns. She still remembered Jupiter's suggestion to send people to Asia to check its habitability—a disastrous failure for the Octagon Council that they kept secret to avoid public uproar.

"That’s rich coming from you," Bell replied, drawing everyone's attention. They all knew about the ongoing feud between Elsa and Bell, though the reason remained a mystery.

"What part of it is funny to you?" Elsa snapped, her blue eyes blazing. She sensed his attack coming.

"It was you who approved Jupiter’s idea to send people to Asia, which led to the deaths of 50 innocent people and ruined your friend Penny's family. Remember why the Turner kids ran away?" Bell pressed, hitting her sore spot.

"Bell, please! It wasn’t her fault. My husband died trying to release sensitive information to the public and start a riot. Diane died because she followed in her father's footsteps. Elsa has nothing to do with it," Penny pleaded, her face weary. The room was tense; everyone understood how hard it was for Penny to confront the painful memories of that mission.

"Bell, this is no time for this," Jupiter warned, shaking his head.

"This is the right time. We’re discussing another suicide mission. Last time we did it secretly, and that was practically murder. What’s this time? we lie?" Bell said, his frustration boiling over. It was clear to everyone that he was fed up with reckless missions. His brown eyes reflected doubt, and his arms were crossed defensively.

"I swear we’ll be honest this time—no more lies about the mission," Jupiter insisted earnestly.

"Even the fact that this island won’t last more than 13 months?" Bell asked, his tone incredulous.

"Bell, you’re not thinking straight. If you breathe a word of this, it will be your last. We only tell people what they need to know. We can’t afford another panic. They will know they’re going to Bermuda, which is already risky enough. They’ll also be searching for a spacecraft that holds the future of humanity. Do you have any more questions?" Jupiter snapped, his tone hardening. Bell understood the implicit threat: raising suspicions could cost him dearly, so he chose silence.

"Bell, you know every area except this island is radioactive due to the nuclear wars. The only thing keeping us alive is the Nano cover. If Parasols blows up, we’ll all be dead. Therefore, the space station is our last hope, and we need that spacecraft. We have no other choice but to pursue this," Jessy explained softly, her tone grave. Bell let out a heavy breath and eventually nodded in agreement. He recognized the truth in her words, no matter how much he wished for mercy. As a leader, he had to make the hard choices.

"Let me clarify," Jupiter began, outlining his controversial proposal. "We’re discussing sending our best-trained students to join a scientific team. Scientists are typically more knowledgeable in this field than soldiers. It’s important to note that no students under 18 will be involved, and we’re not forcing anyone to participate. We’re simply calling for volunteers."

"What if there are no volunteers?" Madam Jessy asked, her concern evident.

"We’ll discuss it then," Jupiter replied, dismissing her concern.

After considering the suggestions, Chancellor Bell finally asked, "So which sectors do you propose we involve?"

"Well, the Security sector is necessary—only soldiers know how to operate a ship or submarine properly," Jupiter replied.

"Why not use a flybat instead? It’s faster," Madam Evens interjected.

"A ship makes more sense," Bell explained. "We haven’t thoroughly explored half the sea area inside the Nano cover because of the Bermuda issue. We could collect valuable data."

"That’s a great idea," Madam Browns, Chancellor of Hydrology and Farming, chimed in enthusiastically. "We really lack detailed information about that sea area."

Elsa eyed Jupiter suspiciously. "So what other sectors do you suggest?"

"Medical is essential in case of emergencies," Jupiter continued. "The Farming and Hydrology sector, Mechanical and Communications, in case repairs are needed on the spacecraft. The Chemical sector could also be beneficial."

At this point, Kane Johnson interrupted. "What does the Chemical sector have to do with it?"

"It could be a chemical reaction causing the issues. We don’t know for sure." Jessy stepped in explaining.

"Nano sector in case anything related to the Nano cover is involved. Before starting to build it, there wasn’t anything like this," Jupiter added.

"Well, environmental science has nothing to do with this. Sea and weather are studied under Hydrology and Astro sectors," Jessy said dismissively. Elsa and Bell shot her disgusted looks, while Jupiter stared at her, surprised.

"OK, fine. Is that it?" Jupiter asked, looking around.

"Yeah, but I still say we need to delay. We can’t risk another failure," Bell insisted. Jupiter nodded after spending a moment tapping on the table.

"Well, we’ll wait until our report comes in. Will it be ready tomorrow?" Jupiter asked.

"Of course," Bell replied.

"We’ll send the team after the report, but we’ll call for volunteers today," Jupiter declared authoritatively.

"Sounds good," Kane Johnson agreed.

"And no one under 18 will be involved," Elsa added, her blue eyes holding a firm gaze.

"Yes," Jupiter nodded.

"Shall we vote then?" Madam Evens asked, looking around the table for confirmation. Firm faces gave her the nod.

"Who agrees to the idea of the expedition?" she asked, scanning the room. After a few moments, Jessy Terko, Jupiter Terko, Kirstein Evens, Kane Johnson, Edward Shallow, and Bell Bostic raised their hands.

"So, the majority agree, which means the decision is made," Jupiter said, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.

"I’ll be releasing a message to the communication system soon," Madam Evens said, standing up and exhaling heavily. Was it relief? Sadness? Who could tell? Jupiter nodded, while Bell stared at the table, frustration etched on his face.

**Flybat is a type of aeroplane, It looks like an advanced creation of drone technology. It looks like a bat that's why it's called a flybat.

*Parasol is an active volcano situated in the middle of the island. It is supposed to blow up within thirteen months.