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Chapter 252 Bargains Behind Closed Doors
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Lyra bowed repeatedly, typing fast as she went, pouring out stream after stream of gratitude and flattery.
One supreme judge held up a hand quickly to stop her. “Ms. Kaelin, you are the Federation’s most vital person right now. There is no need for such formal deference toward us p>
A second supreme judge smiled.
“That is true. Truth be told, we are counting on you to secure the Federation’s stability for years ahead.
“You have pushed yourself hard today. Please, sit p>
The Sentinels who had undergone purification were helped away shortly afterward.
Lyra clenched her hands tight. Looking equal parts thrilled and uneasy, she walked back to her spot and sat down slowly.
She pulled on a mask of bright, overjoyed excitement, her eyes shining as she faced the assembled high-ranking officials.
“Thank you, sirs, for showing me such leniency.
“I swear I will give everything I have for the Federation p>
The men laughed.
Their gazes turned pleased, much like hunters watching prey stumble straight into a trap.
The heavy tension in the room eased at once.
“It humbles us older men to see such selfless courage in someone so young,” one official said.
“The Federation’s future depends on all of us pulling together. You are far too modest, Ms. Kaelin p>
“You may well be our greatest hope for what lies ahead p>
“Are you settling in comfortably over at the White Citadel p>
Lyra smiled and exchanged pleasantries with every man present.
In this room, she watched people flip between two faces as easily as flipping a switch.
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After small talk wrapped up, the senior officials turned back to serious business.
“Ms. Kaelin, you may not realize this, but rebel forces have grown bolder by the day.
“They have looted multiple cargo starships one after another, and blown up several Federation military outposts.
“Even here on Core Prime, their spies have infiltrated many layers of society.
“To keep you safe, we will conceal your real Tier-3S rank. To the public, you will be presented as a newly discovered Tier-25 Guide.
“Only those of us in this room, plus the prime minister, will know the truth.
He nodded toward Yannis and the others who had run Lyra’s power assessment.
“We have given strict orders for every person involved in your testing to keep their lips sealed.
“If word leaks out, examiners from the Judiciary have full authority to summon and investigate every single one of us.
“And should the leak originate within the Judiciary itself, Commander Knox will step in on the prime minister’s behalf to hunt down the traitor.
“Of course, that is merely a worst-case scenario. I have full faith that every soul in this room shares complete loyalty to the Federation p>
A flicker of dry sarcasm crossed Rainer’s eyes.
Lyra understood their unspoken offer. They were giving her room to operate-so she could eliminate their political enemies for them.
She nodded as though deeply moved, typing out warm thanks for all the trouble they took on her behalf.
Seizing the opening, Lyra pressed for answers.
“Sirs, could you tell me what the exact process at the Black Spire will be p>
The men fell into thought.
“Your true status must stay hidden for the time being.
“To avoid drawing unwanted attention, we recommend you keep your purification workload roughly equal to a regular Guide’s daily assignment.
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“When you work on those Sentinels, you should also make sure you appear no different from any other Guide p>
That last point Lyra could accept. But only two to four assignments each day—and that count included her regular White Citadel duties.
Even if she pushed through her required coursework faster, she would still need at least half a year to finish processing all the contaminated Sentinels held here on Core Prime.
How long would she have to wait before she could reach her friends locked away inside the fifth Black Spire?
Silent and lost in thought, Lyra sat still.
“Is something troubling you, Ms. Kaelin?” one supreme judge asked.
Lyra glanced toward him.
She dared not push for looser limits. If she did, their suspicion about what made her different would flare up again.
She needed to bring up other practical topics to distract them and gloss over this critical sticking point.
She shook her head and typed her reply.
“I was just recalling what Yannis told me. Guides can earn merit points for service.
“If I fulfill my assigned objectives, what kinds of requests can the Federation grant me p>
The cabinet president paused and smiled.
“As our Tier-3S Guide, the honors available to you go far beyond what any other Guide can receive.
“What is more, every resource the Federation holds will be placed at your disposal, should you require it.
“Frankly, we do not even know what we could offer to satisfy you p>
In other words, she should count herself lucky and ask for nothing more.
Lyra dropped her gaze and smiled faintly.
“I hold no personal wishes for myself. I once witnessed the horrors unleashed by psychic monsters on the Grade-two planet p>
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She tilted her head upward toward the grand, lavishly decorated domed ceiling arching high overhead. Then she typed again, her tone innocent and full of longing.
“Here, psychic monsters cannot get anywhere near us. I do not understand what advanced technology makes this safety possible. I only keep thinking-what if people living on Grade- two, Grade-three, and Grade-four planets could all have this same peace and security p>
Her words landed among the dozen high-ranking officials seated around her.
Some admired her selfless vision in their hearts. Others privately scoffed at her naivety.
Without rigid class divides, what would become of their social order?
Why would people from outer sectors still crave Core Prime?
What reason would the working poor stuck on Core Prime have to keep laboring away?
And how would wealth keep flowing steadily toward Core Prime?
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Feral Sentmels Obey Only Her
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.