world's apart

NEWS

Kilian gazed out of the crystal-clear window, watching the world outside as the elevator smoothly descended from the 98th floor. Shuttle cars whizzed by, in close proximity, offering him a glimpse of the people inside. These shuttles traveled along parallel lines, effortlessly navigating around the towering overseeing building.

This particular structure stood as the tallest among all the surrounding buildings, a characteristic common in every district. Despite the imposing wall that separated them, one could still catch sight of these impressive structures. The high council, with a dedicated floor in each district, used these spaces for meetings, even though their physical presence was unnecessary.

As the elevator gradually came to a stop, the doors opened, revealing a brightly illuminated chamber filled with bustling activity. Technicians hurriedly worked on various consoles, their faces reflecting a mix of concern.

Following his father's lead, Kilian stepped off the elevator, scanning the room for any signs of the other council members. The air crackled with tension, and he could almost taste the anticipation. Whatever awaited them on the 50th level, it was something that demanded their immediate attention.

Taking a deep breath, Kilian steeled himself and walked alongside his father.

Kilian dutifully followed his father towards a weighty door adorned with the council crest. With bated breath, Kilian watched as his father entered a series of symbols on the control panel located to the right of the door. As soon as he finished, the door emitted a beep and hissed open.

Jasper turned to his son, placing a hand on his shoulder before they entered, reminding him of how to conduct himself.

"Listen, son, don't speak unless spoken to. I'm not sure why they require your presence, but I'll handle everything," Jasper instructed.

Kilian nodded, acknowledging his father's commands. His timid nature was evident as he timidly nodded. Jasper sighed, observing his shy son, who always seemed to be confined to his quarters, playing with soil and seeds. He couldn't quite understand why Kilian was so withdrawn, but he was all Jasper had.

As they stepped into the council chamber, Kilian's eyes widened at the grandeur of the room. The walls were adorned with elegant tapestries, depicting scenes of the city's history and achievements. A long table stretched across the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs, each bearing the emblem of a district.

The other council members were already seated, their expressions serious and focused. Kilian recognized some of their faces from previous gatherings, but there were a few unfamiliar ones as well. He could feel the weight of their gazes on him, their curiosity evident.

Jasper led Kilian to a vacant chair near the head of the table, indicating for him to sit. Kilian's heart raced, his palms growing clammy as he took his place. The council members exchanged glances, whispering amongst themselves, and Kilian couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing.

Just as the room fell into a hushed silence, the doors swung open, and the figure of Chancellor Vesper entered. His presence commanded respect, his demeanor authoritative. Kilian had only seen the Chancellor from afar during public addresses, but now he was in the same room as the city's leader.

Chancellor Vesper took his place at the head of the table, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Kilian. He nodded approvingly, acknowledging his presence.

"Esteemed individuals," Chancellor Vesper commenced, projecting his voice with unwavering authority. "We are assembled on this momentous occasion to address a matter of utmost significance. Our vigilant surveillance systems have detected a perplexing anomaly within the far reaches of the galaxy, a region we have designated as redway. It is a well-known fact among most of you present that we have previously struggled to establish communication with one of the planets residing there. This enigmatic planet, aptly named red due to its crimson hue when viewed from outer space resembling a blood moon, has finally broken its silence. Astonishingly, representatives from this celestial body known as pluris rubrum have graced us with their presence here on Earth today, owing to a series of extraordinary circumstances."

Whispers and murmurs filled the room as the council members exchanged concerned glances. Kilian felt a knot tighten in his stomach, realizing that this was indeed a grave situation.

"Prepare yourselves, for soon you will witness the truth firsthand," Chancellor Vesper declared resolutely. "Their intentions remain shrouded in mystery, and we must not underestimate the grave danger they pose. These beings, residing on that distant planet, possess powers and immortality that defy our understanding. The unimaginable truth is that they are what we, on Earth, have come to know as vampires."

As those words hung in the air, a heavy silence enveloped the room. Disbelief and shock reverberated through the council members.

"This cannot be!" exclaimed one council member, his voice filled with disbelief. Others joined in, their voices echoing with fear and disbelief.

Chancellor Vesper empathized with their overwhelming emotions, for he too had experienced the chilling presence of these beings mere hours ago. The memory of meeting the figure, with his piercing gray eyes, sent a shiver down his spine. He knew that what he was about to disclose could potentially spell the end for their species.

"Enough!" Chancellor Vesper's voice boomed, commanding attention and silence.

The tension in the room grew palpable as the council members listened intently. Kilian glanced at his father, who maintained a stoic expression, his eyes fixed on the Chancellor.

"Security forces are working tirelessly to gather every youth and adult between the ages of 15 and up." he announced, his words met with shouts of disbelief and fear. Jasper tightly gripped Kilian's hand, their shared apprehension palpable.

The room erupted into chaos once again as the council members voiced their concerns and objections. Chancellor Vesper, however, remained resolute, his voice cutting through the uproar.

Chancellor Vesper pressed on, his voice steady despite the dismay in the room.

"We have no choice in the matter. We have been given an ultimatum, and the threat we face outweighs any other alternative. Prepare yourselves, for we must act swiftly and decisively."

His gaze fell upon Jasper and Kilian, a mixture of determination and concern etched on his face.

"Jasper, bring your son and follow me." He called out, beckoning them to join him in an adjoining room.

As Jasper and Kilian stepped into the room behind Chancellor Vesper, they found him gazing into the full-length mirror that overlooked the landing docks. From this vantage point, they could catch a glimpse of the vampires' spacecraft, which appeared closer than Kilian had initially thought. He took this opportunity to get a better view of the ship.

The silence hung heavy in the air as Chancellor Vesper let out a deep sigh and turned to face them. "My friend," he addressed Jasper, "there is no easy way for me to say what I am about to say."