Kyrena — Capital City
The morning was as bright as ever. As soon as the elevator doors slid open, Professor Malcolm stepped out. Dressed in his usual corporate wear — a blue suit with matching pants — he strode confidently toward a well-guarded room. Two uniformed security officers stood by the entrance, eyes fixed ahead. They bowed slightly as Malcolm approached.
"Welcome, Professor," one of them said as they pulled open the wooden double doors.
"Thank you," Malcolm muttered, his expression hardening as he walked in.
He maneuvered through the huge room. A long wooden table stood at its center, where all members of the council, dressed in their ceremonial regalia, sat waiting.
"Good morning, distinguished council," Malcolm bowed. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting." He took his seat.
"You're welcome, Professor," the Vatican president replied before glancing at a woman across the table. "This meeting may now proceed."
"Thank you, High Councilor," the woman said, rising to address them. Her silk cultural gown draped to her feet as she stood, her yellow-tinted skin matching perfectly with her dark hair, tied up neatly. She looked around the table with a warm yet authoritative expression.
"As the humble leader of these prosperous lands, I welcome all regional heads, captains of armies, our dignified professor of science, and all members present to this annual regional meeting, which Kyrena is honoured to host." She bowed, and the council followed.
"Today, we discuss matters vital to the future and well-being of our nations and citizens." The Kyrenian president paused.
"Our first highlight concerns the recent alien attack that occurred right here in the capital city, only a day ago."
Malcolm turned sharply toward the superintendent, surprise tightening his chest, as loud murmurs rippled through the room.
The president lifted a remote and turned toward the large screen at the front. A map spread across the display. "The outbreak occurred at a public space — a temple in the region." A red dot blinked on the map, marking the affected area.
"And what has been done to salvage the situation?" the Vatican leader asked.
"The temple has been closed off to prevent the migration of the foreign creatures," she replied. "The use of Nexist devices and techniques began this morning, though at a much slower pace than we hoped. This is due to the high cost and maintenance of the gadgets procured from the Nexist government."
The female leader glanced around the room. "This unexpected occurrence reminds me of the ongoing operation in Vatica's government — the elimination of threats in the region's forest reserve, carried out by our rewired selections. Yet, we are still waiting for updates on their status. Has the mission been successful, or are they still yet to return?"
All eyes turned to the superintendent while Malcolm observed him cautiously.
Superintendent Jeremy hesitated. "The candidates are yet to return," he said. "Though… I believe the mission has been completed." His voice dropped. The council exchanged puzzled glances.
"What are you saying, Superintendent?" the Kyrenian leader pressed.
"They've crossed the Vatican border," he replied.
The Vatican president shot to his feet, palms slamming the table. "They escaped?" He glared at the superintendent. "How did that happen, Commander — and when?"
Jeremy placed a hand on his chest. "I take full responsibility for my officers' incompetence at the point of pickup, sir. They've been gone for three days."
"And why did you fail to inform the council until now?" the female leader demanded.
"I hoped to resolve the situation before this meeting," he admitted. "But now, I seek the council's permission to proceed further."
The Zairan president, who had been silent until now, leaned forward. "Superintendent, what steps have you taken so far?"
"My men have searched beyond the borders, but further search cannot be conducted without permission from all leaders present," he replied.
"I have also spoken with the professor." He glanced toward Malcolm. "As both a council member and parent to one of our participants, I asked for his help in tracking their whereabouts — and for his insight on where they may have gone."
"And what is your response, Professor?" the Vatican president asked.
"At first, I was shocked by the superintendent's reveal," Malcolm said, tone rising. "I believed he had everything under control, especially considering my son is among the group." Jeremy subtly glared at him.
"As for their whereabouts, he continued, one thing is certain: they must be hiding in one of the five regions — excluding Vatica, of course."
"Then what is the way forward?" another female leader asked.
The superintendent stood. "I propose a thorough search of every region until they are found. And I believe we should begin with the closest region to the Vatican border — "Zaire". Professor, what do you think?"
"I agree," Malcolm replied, his expression firm. He turned to the rest of the council. "Shall we vote?"