The Endeavour in Sector H

Chapter 3

Sen was analyzing the test results of Ruler's Trials. The first 3 tests were concluded and only 2 left. He was particularly interested in the results of his Advisor's son. The threat they were facing will need a different kind of Ruler than the one will be chosen in this decade. His own sons didn't have that ambition nor capability. A youthful cockiness which could be turned into a strong backbone but also high intelligence backed by hard work. The boy had a high IQ and worked hard in the gym. His youth was currently blinding him to have the same attitude towards all aspects of Ruler's life. He also should put hard work into his studies. He didn't have a good grip on his emotions, something he'll have to achieve until the next Trials. But he was fearless and would take big risks if the award was high enough.

A knock on the door announced Maqel's arrival.

They greeted each other with hugs, a sign of respect and closeness. It was forbidden to touch the Ruler but he could grant an exception. Usually reserved for his wives and children.

Maqel's attention was drawn to the screen. Lnar's results were displayed. He frowned when he saw the disappointing scores of 88% and 67%.

"Yeah, his path isn't straightforward but he wouldn't have caught my eye if it was."

"Do you see my son as a Ruler, then?"

It wasn't uncommon for a Ruler to search for possible candidates for the Ruler and then follow their progress through years.

"He has a good pedigree, good starting qualities but still a lot to work on himself if he wants to be on the top."

"I'd rather see Kawer as a Ruler. His head is more on his shoulders and he knows the laws very well."

"That's it. We're in a time of big uncertainty, we'll be changed as a society from the ground up. We need someone who can bear such a load and not break. Rules will have to change, some might even disappear, totally transform. We don't need a rule follower but a rule creator."

"That's madness. A path to chaos. We have our differences but I'm surprised you'd propose such a course of actions. It'd break us as a society." They were a race who seldom changed laws and loved even more following them. Sen's words were shocking and blasphemy in a certain way.

"We'll break for sure. Only question is if we'll have a Ruler to pick up the pieces and glue it together."

"So you want Lnar to be the chosen Ruler in the next Ruler Trial. I don't buy it. He's a troubled 16-year old, a black sheep of the family. He'll never amount to greatness. Sen, what is really going on?"

"There's a rumor one ship got away, landed on one of the inner planets. Don't know which one."

"What else? Name of the ship? Where did it come from?"

"Nothing. We're still collecting info. Our intelligence agency is working around the clock."

Maqel was now taken aback. His Ruler was scared on the basis of the unconfirmed rumor. Sen has changed. He was now thankful a new ruler will be chosen. In times of weakness they need to project strength or the potential loss of women could turn into the loss of the Empire, their enemies attacking while they're dealing with the biggest crisis the Empire has met.

"It can still be a diversion from our enemies. They must have realized why we are blocking the outer rim planets. Let's proceed with caution."

"We will, old friend. We will."

The Ruler sounded much older than his 58 years of age.

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Lnar looked around, the first several hours of survival exercise were the most crucial. Lots of people got hurt or died if not careful enough. There were 3 planets full of life but uninhabited for the most part. Only time when there were people was during the survival exercise. Before the Trial would begin, one of these planets would be chosen for the survival exercise, then it'd be set up with different traps for the test. Between planets' wildlife and nature's wrath (active volcanoes, hurricanes, tornados and other niceties) , man-made traps and contestants, it was hard to stay alive. The goal to reach the end point was unreachable for most of them. Survival rate was 30% and around 7% of contestants would determine to proceed to Ruler's Matches. This meant 200 men would claim they're fit to be a Ruler.

Lnar's body was still in the recovery process, so staying alive was the most important activity for him. He knew he had no chance for anything more. In the last 2 weeks his arrogant behavior was matched with his failures and this grounded him to the floor. His ass hurt from the fall of his high horse. He met his father before he departed to this god-forsaken planet and he wished he didn't. His father didn't give him any encouraging words, just more of his judgement and a "You should forfeit, only death awaits you." So much for a caring and supporting father.

Lnar was hiding in the trees, waiting for other participants to move further from the starting point.

"There you are."

A man in his late 30s was standing at the foot of Lnar's tree. He looked familiar.

"Come down, I was looking for you. My father sent me."

Lnar stayed quiet, assessing the situation. Dano was Sen's son. He was also a rewarded general of the Empire and a potential candidate for the Ruler in Lnar's eyes.

"I'm here for your protection. You can choose between me dragging you down or keeping your dignity and coming on your own."

The truth was, if Dano wanted to kill him, he could do that easily. Lnar wasn't any threat to him.

Lnar climbed down, careful not to put weight on his right side which was more hurt.

"Good decision."

Dano was now towering over him. He was one of the tallest guys Lnar has ever seen.

"Why are you here?"

"My father wanted to make sure you'll survive."

"Why?"

"Why, why, why, what are you, two?"

"It'd make more sense for you to compete for the Ruler position than babysit me."

"It would if I wanted it. My ambition is elsewhere."

"So, I'm stuck with you for two weeks?"

"Kid, don't make me change my opinion and disobey my father."