Prime Enlightenment: "DIVULGENCE"

Chapter One

"Humanity. A product of selvian influence."

Jevlin gazed out the windows of the Assembly Court, fixated on the elegant garden world that sat gracefully amongst the stars. He spoke with confidence.

"Our influence. How they've come so far in such a short time."

Ragurd was livid, slamming his fists down on the podium table.

"It was a mistake, Brother, and you know this as truth," he yelled. "These charges of treason condemn not only us, but all people of Sylva to the mercy of xenoth forces. The fate of Nebelor is of no concern when compared to the fate of our own world!"

Jevlin took a moment to carefully soak in Ragurd's words – still looking out to the distant Nebelor planet with admiration and concern. Finally, he turned back to face his fellow consuls.

"Brother Jaeto? Play it once more."

He carried out the order and tapped a key on one of the nearby screens, which materialized a hologram in the center of the podium. It took the shape of a large, brutish figure – like the creature was made of mahogany-tinted boulders. A light, armor-like robe was all it bore, outlining the muscularity of the beast.

"Doctor Jevlin Tao." The deep base of his menacing, two-tone voice pierced the silence of the Court. "Warmaster Dregkor of the Tennigon," he greeted with a slight nod. "Per the orders of the Emperor, you are to remain where you are until an audience is had. We've received... interesting reports. If they are accurate, then immediately cease operations on this planet of yours and withdraw on-site personnel back to Mothership O'Nia."

Jevlin still couldn't believe this was happening. The xenoth had glowing yellow eyes that – although frozen and virtual – sent chills down his spine. Ragurd approached and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"They know, Brother," he spoke soft. "We must comply."

Jevlin's face grew warm with temper. "Lenaeia," he sighed, "inform the crew and pinpoint the Tennigon's location. Brother Ragurd, there is a traitor amongst us and I want his head."

Looking one more time at the hologram, he pointed a finger to Jaeto.

"Get this thing out of sight and begin preparations," he demanded with bitterness.

And with that he made his way to the exit, slamming the doors behind him – the Assembly Court silent.

Jevlin laid in bed, deep in thought. As his mind was elsewhere, Lenaeia materialized herself upon his nightstand. The little hologram stood only a foot tall and took on the resemblance of a young human woman. She wore a black-sleeved jumpsuit, with the leggings pulled up a bit below the knees, revealing milky white legs that contrasted well with her red slip-on shoes. She kept her straight, black hair quite long, with sweeping bangs that hovered over her cocoa eyes.

"Hey," she called out, waving a hand to get his attention. "Forgive me if I'm crashing a train of thought here, but I need to make sure you have a plan."

"There is no plan, my little Companion."

"How inspiring," she jibed, rolling her eyes.

"My father would be enraged, Lenaeia. He heralded this uplifting for all his life. Seven hundred years," he emphasized, wide-eyed. "All for naught..."

He sat up on the edge of the bed, his head now in his palms. He dug his fingers deep into his dark, onyx-shaded skin as he let out groans of anger.

"Lenaeia, did we truly violate the Compact?"

"Not sure... One second," she said, manifesting a bookshelf. "I need to find it."

Jevlin always enjoyed how different Lenaeia was. It offered a fresh perspective from the mindset and opinions of his fellow selvians. As an artificial intelligence (AI), she was perfectly capable of pulling up data instantly, but she got enjoyment from pretending to look things up in her 'library'.