The Solution (2nd Edition)

Chon

Since Xen announced The Contingency and the revelation to forge Dwarven Earthian Star, more things had developed.

    New Year's really was something to remember, as The Coalition ushered in 2049 with style. The Recall was implemented on an enormous scale, which saw millions of us return in dramatic droves with the hope of becoming, 'Eligible'...

    After that came February, which saw Xen and Lee swallow their pride so that cooperative transparency could be implemented with the UN. Strategically, we'd keep them informed on progress and in return, they'd honor our sovereign affairs by stemming outside interference and threats. It wasn't all hugs and kisses though... Regarding interference and threats, O-Kenai wasn't about to let any ruin her orbital escape plan. Strategically, she'd instructed all Rising Clan mercenaries to assault perpetrators by ways of, 'genital dismemberment'. Once her mandate was in place, all aspects of interference and threat literally stopped overnight. But in the greater scheme of things, none of that mattered anymore. As I saw it, it was in the past. And all concerns were now on The Lottery Draft and its life-changing implications...

    Rightly so, this was to be no ordinary day at BTV and as I postured myself in front of Mikey and Sarah's AV-Holo-Suite, the reality was, a serious game was about to begin. Worst of all, it was a game I doubted many would have the emotional resilience or the intestinal fortitude to play... Nevertheless, I'd spoken up once Dieng had instructed me to over mind-message. "...Coalition citizens, good morning," I started. "Today is March 1st and the day of The Lottery Draft. In a few minutes' time the selection process will begin and reveal those of us who have been randomly selected as, 'Eligible'. Furthermore, I'm told that my next words are updates from The Coalition on The Lottery Draft process...which will now transpire over a one-hour period in each global time zone."

    I'd looked past their holo-equipment and gulped. Then before continuing, I'd prayed for my friends and me. "In approximately sixty seconds, The Coalition's official A.I.D.A will take control of all biotec nodes," I continued. "Next, she will generate Personal Designated Alerts. Individual citizens must then hold wrists aloft - and wait for their specific alert...

    "If an iDot remains normal and colorless, then that citizen has been unsuccessful in The Draft. They will remain Ineligible. And Base Team opportunities will become available via hotbox.

    "However, if an iDot illuminates golden in color, then that citizen has been successful, and henceforth, will be known as an 'Eligible Patron'. Additionally, Eligible Instructions will become available via hotbox. Everyone, I'm also being told that the first Eligible Instruction will surround The Medical. Apparently, Eligible Patrons will spend the up-coming weeks detoxing, strengthening and conditioning their bodies. Finally, if an individual meets the health requirement, they will then board either The Wealth Core, or one of two Converting Vessel Freighters, with the collective aim of venturing out into deep orbit, and forging our converted and interconnected sanctuary, Dwarven Earthian Star. To every single Chinese National in The Coalition - good luck - we are all going to need it... This is Chon Lai, from BTV, for BTV."

    As soon as I'd finished, Mikey and Sarah dematerialized their Holo-Suite and had tumbled out of the morning studio alongside me. Together, we'd then made our way up to the tenth floor with haste. As we ascended, so did everyone else from BTV's lower levels who probably didn't want to waste time waiting on crammed elevators. Once we'd reached the tenth, we burst through into the technology plain and joined the rest of the wider team all gathered in the conference room and trying to bundle towards the holotron at its center.

    Thanks to Mikey imposing his heavy frame, we did advance closer. And it wasn't long before he'd found Michelle, while I'd positioned myself next to Sarah and embraced her closest hand. I had done so in desperation.