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Part 7 - The Gathering Will Begin

SITNALTA

"Berwyn." 

Omree's sober voice resounded throughout the Council chamber. 

"Are the capsules ready for occupancy?"

The collective focus of the chamber's occupants centered on the Science Order Overseer, a diligent elderly man.

"Yes," he said with gentle authority.

Semylyn sat next to her father and listened as he fielded questions and gave assurances. It seemed that everyone had an opinion to voice, save one.

Slouched in his seat with an arm stretched across the table, Troyak tapped a steady cadence with his fingers. Though she'd tried not to, she couldn't help looking in his direction. His dark eyes watched her through the whole meeting, and she felt their heat even when she looked away.

"These Sun-Dwellers — will they be, safe? Are they of sufficient age to deal with the task ahead of them?" This question came from Lady Owena, head of the Archivists Order. Semylyn flicked her gaze toward Troyak again just in time to see his jaw muscles ripple as he clenched his teeth.

"Yes," Omree quickly answered, "these are young adults who have all reached the age of eighteen years. Originally, we planned to initiate the Gathering when they were twenty-two. However, at their present age, they are mature enough to understand the crisis before each of our peoples, their enhancements have proven to be successful, and they are of bonding age, as well."

With this last factor spoken aloud, a few of the Council members glanced in Semylyn and Troyak's direction, and then swiftly looked away.

Semylyn felt the first flush of heat reach her cheeks. They all understand, she thought.

"Why are we even discussing this Gathering plan while the Prime is in danger? Shouldn't we focus on that problem?" Oarket, the Head of the Order of Habitation Representatives asked with a cautiously raised hand.

"As I'm sure you're all aware, if we don't find a way to stop the Prime's degeneration, its penetration will result in all of Earth's ecosystems breaking down," Omree responded. "In a few years, life above the waters will be irrevocably damaged and could go as far as extinction."

A moment of silence followed Omree's last word, extinction. The cold, dark reality needed a moment to take seed.

He continued, "If that happens, it will seal Sitnalta's fate. Extinction will be our end as well. Our peoples and our heritage will simply stay submerged beneath the earth's waters. No one will ever know that Atlantis still lives through us, her progeny. We must bring the Sun-Dwellers to Sitnalta. We must ensure our own survival. I know better than most that this plan is self-seeking and devoid of any regard for the feelings of those involved, but our people's welfare is my foremost concern. Once the Gathering is completed, we can work on both problems facing Sitnalta at the same time."

Though the expressions of many were grim, Semylyn saw heads nodding all around the table. Xerell, his eyes on Omree, gave a solemn nod even as he puffed a mighty sigh of discontent.

"Then it is decided. The Gathering must commence at once," stated Omree

He stood, Semylyn rising a few seconds after. In smooth succession, the remaining Council members came to their feet. Last, of all, Troyak rose in one fluid motion that belied his rigid stance. His smoldering gaze captured hers as Omree began the Council Meeting's closing decree.

"In Unity of Decision, we are Bound by Law." The Council members repeated the sentiment, and with their collective oath, they sealed her and Troyak's destiny.

Omree turned to his daughter and placed a warm hand on her shoulder. "All will be well," he murmured.

Semylyn nodded, but inside, a sickening dread hit her stomach. Panic rose like bile. She'd secretly hoped in the deepest recesses of her heart that some other solution would surface, that somehow she and Troyak would be spared this fate. All her childhood memories congealed together in one tumultuous yearning. She choked back a cry and sought a way to get away from the crowd.

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