Chapter 2 - Transfer
Grand Reception Hall.
A monumental chandelier hung from the center of a finely sculpted rosette, adorning the ceiling of the immense hall. Carved from the purest white gold and encrusted with prestigious diamonds, it diffused an immaculate light, renowned for soothing even the most tormented soul. This adamantine clarity mingled with the bluish light of the vessels, creating an atmosphere both numinous and soothing.
The diamonds of this region of space were renowned for their incomparable radiance, so dazzling they could permanently rob one of sight. Many who had gone in search of them had lost their minds. Their virtue was well known: they had the power to erase pain and heal the deepest wounds of the soul. But their purity went beyond the visible. It exposed deep intentions, becoming a balm for the noble heart and a curse for the greedy mind. Only the Master Jewelers of the Empire held the secret of their incandescence and could cut them without damaging their vision. A legend told that they had received this knowledge from the dragons of the Inner Lands, who, upon probing their minds, had perceived something rare: a simple aspiration, devoid of personal interest or covetousness.
The futuristic architecture of the hall blended naturally with older, luxurious furnishings. Precious fabrics, elegantly crafted seats, and sumptuous carpets adorned the space without ever breaking its harmony. In the center of the hall, a large circle open in the floor offered a direct view of a majestic, stable, and present planet occupying the space below: Terra. Micrometeorites glided here and there through its atmosphere, following its curve with grace and bringing a fluid movement to this still landscape. Their trajectory seemed to rest upon an invisible material, even softer and more delicate than water and ice. Enveloped in white clouds, the planet appeared to live gently, in an eternal peace surrounded by stars and bathed in a mosaic of aquatic blues.
Beneath the diffuse light, several seats remained unoccupied within the assembly. Some of the parents sitting on the Council tried to conceal their sorrow, but on their faces could be read that mixture of sadness and duty characteristic of the High Mandates. From a door of dimensions worthy of Giants, the parental couples advanced progressively, one behind the other, in silent order. In the distance, the capsules descended, little by little, in an almost continuous silence, barely crossed by a slight high-frequency crackling, almost electric. Soft murmurs ran through the assembly, each exchanging a few words of comfort in low voices.
The High Intendant finally entered the room accompanied by the various representatives in charge of the transfers. He advanced slowly, his expression grave. The intensity was palpable. Without uttering a word, he looked at each member of the Assembly. Then, in a single calm gesture, he bowed before the parents, placing his right hand on his heart in a solemn reverence. Despite his posture, one could measure the full weight this unprecedented event represented for him. He straightened his torso, his face tense, and turned toward the transfer vehicles completing their migration.
He paused for a moment, giving everyone time to gather in silence, then nodded. Everything around them stopped. This was the signal for departure — the last moment to say goodbye. A melancholic chant rose then, carried by the voices of the parents. From the very first notes, the light bursting forth from the jewels awakened, trembling, sending a powerful shiver through the entire hall. With one unified voice, they intoned this ancient liturgy to accompany with their love the souls about to cross over. The chant swelled, in that seraphic tongue, carrying within it the full vibration of generations past. Their voices intertwined in high and angelic harmonies, revealing a celestial melody. Each held back their tears as best they could, yet crystalline drops could be seen pearling at the corners of their eyes, with reflections worthy of the most beautiful jewels. Once everything was sealed, the transfer vehicles were directed to another level and sent out one by one. Soon, only points of light could be distinguished, shining like the Morning Stars.
All… except one.
