ASTAKSA - Preamble

10 - Glory to Astaksa

Gondes had been giving a presentation for the last two hours to his ministers over a circular table. The projection of Gondes' presentation was shown in the middle of the table, creating a 3D effect that floated over the table. It showed the layout of the large city in sky-blue colour. One section in the north of the city was coloured in a tint of red. Pop-out texts and graphs described the overall wealth of the Jupiter District.

"...therefore by focusing our budget towards industrial sectors, we should be ready to once again introduce Astaksa to other dimensions once the portals are ready. Any questions?"

The seven ministers stared at each other, waiting for one of them to propose a question. The Minister of Jupiter nodded solemnly with hands on his chin. Others shrugged ever so slightly, making a fold on their immaculate silk white robes. They whispered things that Gondes couldn't hear.

"Ladies and gentlemen of The Septarchy, we've come all this way rebuilding our beloved city. Our interwoven network will need to be strong enough to endure what's about to come. Big steps are what we need to bring our knowledge and prosperity to other worlds. Going forward is the only option. Doubt will only lead to setbacks."

The Septarchy listened for a millionth time, nodding and looking towards the man who had ruled Porta Minerva for four decades. There was little sign of age catching up to him thanks to the sophisticated rejuvenating technologies. Signs of wrinkles on his cheeks, gone. Eyebags, nonexistent. Nothing but a sharp chin and nose that citizens would picture him as the man who would bring prosperity to the land and other universes. A timeless face since the year 101.990. If death did catch up to him, it would be a diplomatic mission gone wrong at worst, or so what citizens ought to believe.

Gondes was not all about democracy, however. It was hard keeping up with a ruthless dictator that suppressed many of the media to hide the cruelty of war. Its information division had broadcasted a newly-opened jet research site and factory down south. It was indeed news, and it successfully overshadowed the advancement to the south a few weeks prior. Being in the high ranks, The Septarchy, allowed greater personal freedom at a cost of a lifetime of dedication to the dictatorship, simply for the greater good of spreading Gondes' influence to other worlds. A simple pilgrimage, a noble cause, a destined purpose for humankind of Astaksa with Gondes as its leader.

The man himself clasped his hands in front of him. "If that is all there is to it, the meeting is dismissed. Glory to Astaksa."

"Glory to Astaksa," the ministers said. Their voices overlapped with each other.

They stood up to bow then left the room in a line, leaving sounds of footsteps hitting the marble flooring. After the room was empty, Gondes turned off the projection on the table with a remote. With another press of the button, the dome-shaped ceiling slowly turned transparent, converting it to an observatory chamber. Gondes squinted his eyes to adjust to the sunrise. He solemnly admired the view of countless skyscrapers towering below, few managed to challenge the incredible height of The Cloudpiercer complex. Private jets dropped off their VIPs on the rooftops and logistic jets delivered goods on the middle floors. They conducted their morning routines as they slowly filled up the Cloudpiercer airspace complex. Underneath the metropolis city, shades and streaks of orange painted the horizon, casting long shadows from the tallest of buildings. Not a single lump of cloud dared to block the majestic view of an unusually clear day. This brief serenity, however, was interrupted by another set of footsteps, rushing to the room. It wasn't his ministers.

Gondes confirmed his suspicions when he caught sight of his secretary. His slim appearance donned in a simple formal silver garb, which was different to his ministers and himself, was no stranger to Gondes. He reverted to his calmer, yet appalled, side, much to the secretary's relief.