The Atlas Six

Beginning

"The class of 2020 has nearly finished their first year at the Alexandrian Society. The knowledge, the power they were given access to changed them for better," he paused for a moment, "or in some cases for worst." He cleared his throat.
"The members of the Alexandrian Society are given a lifetime access to its archive, but in exchange they have to protect it. Protect it against anyone who thinks power should be shared. The Forum, for example, follows this idea. If it were for them, the archives would be accessible for anyone. That would be fatal, so it is their task to protect what is hidden behind the walls of the Alexandrian Society." He paused and took a sip from his tea, then continued.
"Each class is represented by six medians, the best six in the world, all selected by the Society and recruited by its caretaker. Each of them had the choice whether to accept the offer or not, and each of them couldn't say no to such a unique given opportunity. Their mentor teaches them about selected topics in their first year. In their second year, the initiates are free to choose a topic of their research which they all must contribute to the archives, if they will witness the second year of course. A so-called ritual says that one member has to be eliminated by the others. Betrayal at its highest, you could call it." He paused again to take a sip from his tea.
"But what would be life without taking risks? What would be the Alexandrian Society without risking your life joining it?" he put the cup he still held in his hand down again, leaving his questions unanswered.
"Knowledge is carnage, you can't have it without a sacrifice." He paused and turned his head as he heard a chair creaking.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, but have you finished your monologue, Mr. Blakely?" Dalton readjusted himself in his chair. Atlas Blakely took a breath, trying to seem normal, as he hadn't once again got lost in his thoughts. As long as he can remember his current class, as long as his memories won't fade, he can be sure it hadn't got worse. He cleared his throat before he spoke.
"My apologies, Mr. Ellery. I must have forgotten you were still here." Atlas looked through his scattered papers on his desk. "As I was saying, the next study topic for the initiates will be death." He gathered some of his papers and handed them to Dalton. "I'm sure you can still remember it from when we were still initiates," he added.
"I do remember." Dalton confirmed. Atlas checked the time on his watch.
"It is already half past ten, I'm sure you must be tired, especially after you listened to my monologue, I once again apologize for that. Please, feel free to leave my office if you wish to." He gave Dalton a warm smile.
"It is indeed late, I will go to my room now, goodnight." Dalton got up from his chair and made his way to the door.
"Goodnight." Atlas replied before Dalton left his office.