Burning Embers

Prologue

The Great Collapse

The year 2080 marked the beginning of a period known as the Great Collapse. The world, already strained by population, climate change, and resource depletion, was plunged into chaos by a series of catastrophic events. Natural Disasters, pandemics, and global conflicts erupted simultaneously, overwhelming government and infrastructures.

Amidst this turmoil, emotions ran high. Fear, anger, and despair became the dominant sentiments, leading to widespread panic, riots, and violence. Societies crumbled under the weight of their collective anxiety and grief. In the midst of this anarchy, a powerful coalition of surviving nations formed the Global Federation, with the goal of restoring order and rebuilding civilization.

The leaders of the Global Federation believed that emotions were the root cause of chaos that had nearly destroyed humanity. They argued that irrational, emotional-driven decisions had led to wars, environmental destruction, and social unrest. In order to prevent a repeat of the Great Collapse, they concluded that emotions should be controlled.

A large screen dominates the chamber, displaying the stern, unyielding face of the Federation, the omnipresent leader of Tranquilis. His image casts a commanding presence over rows of attentive citizens.

"Citizens of Tranquilis..." His deep and resonant voice resonates all throughout the speakers within the city, devoid of any emotion or inflection, commanding attention.

"In the late 21st Century, the scourge of war ravaged nations and scarred the earth. The Philippines, once serene, became a battleground. The source of this devastation? The insatiable Greed and the blinding Pride of leaders in every corner of the globe- simply said, emotional-driven decisions, driven by the relentless pursuit of power and prestige, tore civilizations asunder. Leaders, intoxicated by ambition and ego, led their people into the abyss of conflict..." It carries a commanding authority that demands immediate attention and obedience.

"Those of us who survived knew mankind could never survive any more war broke outs. That our own volatile natures could simply no longer be risked. Tranquilians, to safeguard humanity, to eradicate war, we have suppressed the source of man's inhumanity to man: his ability to feel..." Each word is enunciated with precision, as if every syllable has been carefully crafted to convey a sense of unwavering control.

Rows of citizens stand in line, expressionless, as they receive their daily dose of Serentium, a drug that suppresses emotions. The process is efficient and mechanical.

"The Government's solution: Serentium. A revolutionary drug that suppresses all emotions. It is mandatory for all citizens. Feeling is a crime punishable by death. But it is a small price to pay to ensure man's ultimate survival..." Each sentence is delivered with a commanding tone, with slight pauses for emphasis on key phrases like "mandatory for all citizens" and "crime punishable by death".

The streets were lined with military enforcers, standing at attention in perfect formation. Their uniforms were pristine, adorned with insignias of authority, and their expressions were stern and vigilant.

"To uphold this law, an elite group of law officers was formed: the Peace Enforcers. Their duty is to seek out and destroy those who would feel. Those who would threaten this new peace." Highlighting their authority, determination, and the stark contrast between their world and the underground resistance that opposes them.

As the large screen fades out, life in Tranquilis resumes its orderly pace. Citizens go about their daily routines with practiced efficiency. Some commute silently, while others engage in work with focused determination. The presence of Serentium is palpable in their subdued demeanor.