A single word threw itself against the bars of Semylyn's mind.

NO!

She scanned the expressions of those seated at the table, finally landing on Troyak. She watched his lips part in disbelief and his amethyst eyes darken. 

She flinched as light flooded the chamber and listened to the sound of Sitnalta's power coming back to life.

"Ah," Omree sighed, "I commend your engineers, Laktor." The tall man stationed as Head of the Engineering Order inclined his head.

"This signal of the Prime's weakness is a warning we must address. However," Omree continued as the shock registered on all the Council member's faces. "Now that the immediate situation has been resolved, I release you all to your beds for the night. The Council will reconvene tomorrow to discuss what this means for Sitnalta."

No one moved for a beat, but then the Council members began to stand and, in awe-struck silence, left the Council room.

"Xerell, Semylyn, Troyak...please stay," Omree requested.

Semylyn stayed seated and watched the backs of the Council members as they left, her mind a swirl of confusion. When the doors of the chamber closed with a reverberating echo, she looked toward her father.

Omree's prominent brow furrowed. "Before we address this crisis, we must first deal with another." His gaze encompassed Semylyn and Troyak, "We had hoped to have more time, and were planning on briefing you..."

Xerell's challenging tone splintered through Omree's words. "You can't be initiating the Gathering now are you?" His dissatisfaction solidified like granite as he crossed his arms over his barrel chest.

"The present state of the Prime is dictating this decision. Our personal preferences can no longer matter. We must begin the next step at once." Omree confirmed.

Despite the resolute statement, Semylyn perceived a thin thread of reluctance in her father's voice. Her pulse quickened as she realized she had no idea what he was talking about.

"It is years too early." Xerell countered. "We are not ready." His voice strengthened with conviction. "The Chosen ones are far too young, and we have yet to devise their training program. More important than either of those reasons, is their right to choose. What about that?"

In the silence that followed his father's question, Troyak stood and came further down the table, taking the seat next to Semylyn. He lifted his brow in a silent question. She shook her head with a shrug, confirming her confusion.

Omree nodded his head, not rejecting Xerell's objections. "It's imperative that we act quickly. The Sun-Dwellers have no idea of the Prime's existence, much less the extent of the damage they cause to it by their polluting of Earth's waters. What could they possibly do to remedy their mistake? We are the only ones who have a hope of dealing with this..."

Xerell growled under his breath. "You excuse the Sun Dwellers' responsibility too easily. Their stupidity has jeopardized our home more than once."

"Xerell, there is no guarantee that our scientists can stop the Prime's degeneration. If that is the case, the Sun-Dwellers may face imminent extinction. Once they have grasped that fact, do you think they will react with anything other than their usual chaotic response?" Omree raised a quizzical brow and continued. "If we are to use the Chosen to avert this catastrophe, we must initiate the Gathering. The threat looming above may make it impossible to do so in another four years. If we don't act now, we could lose some of them. I regret we can no longer offer them a choice, but too much has gone into their preparation. We can't start over!"

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1. What most interests you at this point?