world's apart

Kilian had never experienced a world where the great wall didn't exist. He couldn't even fathom the stories the older generation spoke of when humans roamed the earth freely without the burden of colonization restrictions. The place he called home was once known as Callings View, a quaint town from the ancient days, but now it was simply referred to as District nine. In the early days of colonization, when the first settlers arrived, it was named Colony one. As more and more settlers joined them, it quickly transformed into one of the largest districts in existence. Stretching beyond District 9 lay the vibrant Orange District, the heart of food production in their society. Specialized domes housed the factories where all their nourishment was carefully crafted and sent out. Unfortunately, District 9 lacked the necessary storage facilities and fertile land to produce food. The surface, once teeming with life, had long succumbed to drought, leaving behind only remnants of buildings, factories, and shuttles. Nature had been replaced by the mechanical hum of industry. Kilian's eyes widened as he watched his father's hurried figure through the glass window. He could see the two figures trailing behind him, struggling to keep up. Curiosity piqued, Kilian shifted his gaze towards the sky upon hearing a deafening boom. The heavens seemed to momentarily split open, allowing a colossal alien spacecraft to gracefully descend through Earth's atmosphere. While it was no longer a surprise to witness such extraterrestrial arrivals, this particular spacecraft held an air of unparalleled intrigue. Its sleek design and intricate patterns adorned its metallic surface, unlike anything Kilian had ever seen. The spacecraft exuded an aura of mystery and advanced technology, captivating the attention of all who laid eyes upon it. Kilian's heart raced with a mix of excitement and trepidation as he joined the gathering crowd, all spellbound by the spectacle unfolding before them. Kilian's mind raced as he connected the dots. The urgency in his father's movements could only mean one thing - he was being summoned by the High Council. As the governing body overseeing all the colonies, the High Council held immense power and influence. Comprised of 120 elected members from around the Earth, they were responsible for making crucial decisions and maintaining order among the various settlements. His father, a respected scientist and diplomat, often played a pivotal role in mediating between the colonies and the High Council. Kilian knew that his father's expertise and knowledge were highly valued, especially during times of alien encounters or significant events like this one. With a mix of pride and worry, Kilian watched as his father disappeared down the glass tunnel, his two companions following closely behind. He couldn't help but wonder what awaited his father in the presence of the High Council and what ramifications this extraordinary spacecraft's arrival would have for their world and the colonies it governed. Kilian had always been fascinated by the inner workings of the High Council, an enigmatic group that held immense power over the colonies. He knew that the Council consisted of 120 elected members, but what intrigued him even more was the system of succession within the Council. Each of the original leading members of the founders of the colonies had a representative on the High Council, ensuring that their legacies lived on. Kilian had heard stories of how these positions were mostly passed down within family lines, with the chair holder choosing their successor from their own kin. This ensured a sense of continuity and stability, as well as preserving the values and principles of the founding members. The High Council was responsible for setting all the laws that governed the colonies. Their decisions held immense weight and had far-reaching implications for every citizen. Kilian admired the Council's ability to maintain order and ensure the well-being of the colonists. However, he couldn't help but wonder about the figurehead at the top of the Council, the one person whose identity remained a mystery. It was rumored that this figurehead held the ultimate authority, yet nobody knew who they were or how they were chosen. In contrast to the High Council, the overseers of each district held a lower level of authority. They were responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws set by the Council within their respective regions. While important, they ultimately answered to the High Council, whose decisions were final and binding. As Kilian pondered the significance of his father's sudden summons to the High Council, he couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The Council's power and influence were undeniable, and the arrival of the extraordinary spacecraft only added to the mystery surrounding the current state of affairs. Kilian knew that whatever awaited his father in the presence of the High Council would have far-reaching consequences for the entire colony system. The black section, on the other hand, was reserved for those who were deemed undesirable by the government. It was said to be a dangerous and lawless place, filled with criminals and outcasts. Kilian had heard stories about the black section, tales of poverty, desperation, and a constant struggle for survival. It was a stark contrast to the relative comfort and stability of the blue section, where Kilian and his father resided. Growing up in the blue section, Kilian had been sheltered from the harsh realities of life in the other sections. He had always known that his father played an important role as an overseer, ensuring that the laws set by the High Council were upheld in their district. Kilian admired his father's dedication and sense of responsibility, but he couldn't help but wonder about the lives of those in the grey and black sections. As Kilian ventured outside the blue section on rare occasions, he caught glimpses of the grey section and the toil and hard work that defined it. He saw the factory workers laboring tirelessly, their faces etched with fatigue. He observed the dock bay workers loading and unloading cargo, their bodies covered in sweat and grime. It was a stark reminder that not everyone enjoyed the privileges and opportunities that the blue section offered. The black section, with its reputation for lawlessness, remained a mystery to Kilian. He had heard whispers of secret societies, underground markets, and the constant struggle for survival. It was a place where poverty and desperation reigned, and where people had to rely on their instincts to survive. Kilian couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and curiosity whenever his thoughts drifted to the black section. As he pondered the stark divisions within the colony, Kilian couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to bridge the gaps between the sections. He yearned for a society where everyone had equal opportunities and where the High Council's laws served the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their section. It was a lofty dream, but one that Kilian couldn't help but hold onto.