8:00 IST, Ninth Day, Sixth Month, 3079 PV | City Stelarum / Space Elevator Anchor

  “Hey Ko! Do you think they'll like the city?”

  “I mean, I'd be surprised if they didn't laugh and have at least a little fun. They aren't monsters I don't think.”

  “Hmm, I guess you're right, darling.”

  “The only thing to do is wait for them to arrive, they should be in one of these cars.”

  Ray (who is super cute), Emil, Initae, Rigar and I are currently standing just outside the anchor point of the space elevator. We also have a fair bit of support staff that are prepared to work today’s festivities.

  What are today’s festivities exactly?

  I'm glad you (didn't) ask, because I'm going to write it down, just in case you're curious.

  Simply put, The Quartet Confederation, that being; April, Geo, Brian and Marcos, four other contestants, are about to arrive. In a diplomatic maneuver, they are coming to visit us at our colony. I'm sure we will talk about lots of cool things (and drink a fair bit of alcohol.

  Of course, in turn we will visit their colony at some point.

  We have an unexpected bit on our itinerary though. We will have to discuss and explain to them the whole inae thing, and how the whole branch of humanity thing is being formed. After all, they are humans too. Its likely that at least two of them actually has some potential to manipulate inae.

  Unfortunately, for all but the strongest wielders, it is virtually impossible to actually determine if someone has potential without a proper examination.

  Most Initiates are wild exceptions that have well above average potentials, like myself and my triple extreme affinities. It can also just be basically random chance of whether or not someone with potential happens to get picked up by the Order’s scanner system.

  By the way, apparently not even I am allowed to know how that functions. It's only Initae, and the sage/ascendents of the branch of initiation that are allowed to know. Which is quite curious, I mean, am I not like their boss? Shouldn't I know this information. I feel like I am being left out of a lot of super cool technical knowledge. I shall have to bring it up with Initae at some point.

  Just as I am about to start thinking about all the cool stuff that Inae could make, the anchor point erupts into a bit of a fanfare.

  All around us, people turn to look at what is happening, only to then quickly go back to their work. It's nice seeing people with such dedication, we really picked some good ones. The youth of these days are usually so lazy, they just laze about in bed all day.

  Though, I'm sure it's only because we picked the absolute best. Plus, under our wonderful governance, the only ones that can be blamed if everything fails, are the people. After all, plans made by the Moonlight Duo are impeccable.

  Anyways, the fanfare is caused by none other than the Quartet finally arriving.

  They, along with what I presume to be some members of their new government. Remember, they have done basically the exact same thing we just did, though I'm sure they went about it a completely different way.

  They strut out, looking very… businesslike. They are each wearing suits with some combination of their colors; brown, blue, green and red. With their emblem located somewhere on the outfit.

  Notably, unlike us, it seems they each have their own uniform design. I can also notice that several of the staff are wearing uniforms that correspond to one of the Quartet.

  I guess this would be where the ‘confederation’ part of their faction name comes from. They are working together, but still maintaining their individual efforts and ideas. Up until now there hasn't been much chance to actually divide, but I guess they have finally started to do so.

  I can't imagine what their government structure must look like, it must be a nightmare. But I guess with all the newfangled tech, running a confederation form of government isn't nearly as horrific as it has been in past eras.

  In fact, nearly every type of government is represented in the universe. Thanks to technology and diversity, even if you want a total dystopian dictatorial state, you can find people that are thrilled to live under it.

  By the way, we have dubbed our government a feudal representative duoarchy. Meaning, a large amount of our colonies/holdings will basically be individually managed by governors that we trust. But they will all swear allegiance and pay taxes and whatnot to Ray and I, the duarchs.

  Some form of feudal system is common throughout most of the universe. In fact, five of the seven sovereign empires have a feudal system. The only exceptions are Itokin, which has a sort of federal, three-pronged republic, similar to the old country known as the United States of America I think. I'm not sure, I kinda skipped all of my pre-modern history classes.

  In addition, the Zekan sort of functions as a direct democracy type structure. Thanks to their highly digital nature, they can actually hold votes on practically everything and get responses quite quickly. Of course, they do have some high-ranking representatives and such that handle things like politics and overseeing the voting systems.

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

  I apologize for that sudden aside about political structures, I just thought that it would be important information for your future understanding. Given this section of my journey has been involving governments and political stuff.

  Now, back to the action (also known as social interaction, which is gross).

  The ever super cute Ray steps forward, dragging me by the waist. I try to resist and run away to hide in a dark hole to play some netgames, but she has an iron grip. The more I try to resist, the greater the force becomes. Naturally, I do intentionally resist a fair bit.

  The moment we make contact with their group, it's almost as if reality itself changes. Suddenly, the air fills up with bubbly conversation as various peoples start interacting. Probably doing various political maneuvers and collecting information from each other.

  Remember, the IEC has some pretty ridiculously complicated information restrictions placed so that we don't just instantly know what all is going on in the galaxy. How they do this, I have no clue. Which I guess is the point, If I knew then I'd try to get around it.

  Most notably among the conversationalists are Ray and April. Like seriously, it's like they interact for the first time in months and instantly act like they have been constant companions for decades.

  The three guys approach me, surprisingly they actually start a conversation!

  Marcos starts off, his voice seems to have gotten a bit deeper. Perhaps he has seen some things on his journey that have affected him. Or he just wants to sound more authoritative.

  “Greetings, Mr. Ducker, it sure has been a fair moment since our last time of meeting.”

  “That it has, what a fine day for our reunion. If I may say so myself, it is also a great venue for such an occasion!”

  Geo:”It is a mighty fine planet indeed. You folk have done a good job at selecting and developing it.”

  Brian:”It is a great planet, but by my estimations our planet is about 33.43% better. Atleast, statistically speaking. I have looked at some of your-” Marcos doesn't hesitate to put his hand over Brian's mouth, thereby silencing his nerd rant.

  “I apologize for my comrade here, he has a bit of a long-winded nature once he gets going. I also concur that this is a fine planet, I commend your factions’ efforts in establishing it so quickly.”

  ”Yeah, this shindig is a real hoot compared to ours. Our little place is still a bit of a work in progress you could say. This place feels like one of dem paradise hotels you'd find in terran orbit.”

  “I still think that the street layout is about 32.32% unoptimized, if you just adjusted this street in the west by about three degrees, your traffic would improve about fifteen percent. Given standard models of course.”

  “Hmm, that is quite an interesting theory. Mr. Klein, how would you like to be plugged into a computer and used to build cities for us? You'll get an all expenses paid stay, you just gotta sell your brain to us. How about it?”

  We burst into laughter. Brian of course, just looks kinda mad/sad/confused. I guess he isn't good with jokes, though he eventually joins in laughing. Always nice when you can peer pressure people into laughing at themselves.

  “Anyways, I, along with all of our friends, welcome you to City Stelarum. We hope you enjoy your stay, and sample the many pleasant experiences that are available!”

  I nail the sales pitch. Then I proceed to converse, but with minimal input from myself. A perfect strategy that I have developed after years standing at Ray’s side.

  Anyways, Ray and April tone down their conversation a bit and the staff starts to guide us around the city. We have organized a perfect schedule.

  First, we walk around the city, encouraging the quartet and ensemble to stop in shops and sample various foods that we have developed from local flora and fauna.

  Next, we proceed into several hours of intense meetings. Like, really intense meetings.

  They involve lots of drinking and laughing. Many stories of our adventures are told and retold. We even get around to a few of the important matters. Though, we don't manage to get to them all. Oh well, we had fun, that's all that matters (though Initae and several ministers disagree).

  In summary, we have worked out some trade agreements. As well as some mutual defense stuff, should we ever be attacked by any outside forces that aren't a part of the trials. It seems they are very interested in our alcohol brand, and the potential of our entertainment company. All in all, the meetings were very beneficial for both sides.

  I know I should probably be more proactive and try to stop the rampant drinking. I'm supposed to be the responsible half of the duo after all. But where's the fun in that? Chaos all around I say!

  Hmm, maybe I understand a bit why Initae is always annoyed at us.

  Anyways, third, we tackle the big topic that has been looming over the entire encounter, unbeknownst to the Quartet.

  To put it in simple terms, we spill some of the beans about the Order, Inae, humans apparently common potential for it. Yadda yadda.

  Naturally, they all give appropriate responses once we are done with our slideshow. After their jaws recover from hitting the core of the planet.

  Somehow, they take it quite well. Aside from Brian, he seems quite distrustful of the whole inae thing. I guess when you're so rooted in physics or whatnot, seemingly magical phenomena is a bit hard to believe.

  So naturally, I give the best example that will assuredly convince him.

  I lift everyone gathered in the room several meters into the air. It's quite difficult to manage so many objects, especially when many are totally freaking out and trying to escape my hold. I safely set everyone back on the ground and we resume talks like civilized human beings. Also known as, the liquor continues to flow.

  We further explain inae and whatnot. Then Initae and people from the order step in to go over stuff that is necessary for them to address. Naturally, the Quartet accepts the Order’s assistance in training and management of inae stuff gracefully.

  It seems now two of the three contestant factions are now involved in the soon to be formed branch of humanity. Fantastic!

  That concludes all the meetings for the day.

  Naturally, to end the visit, we attend an Idol concert! It's the Starlight Septuplets second concert ever, so it's a pretty big deal!

  April and Marcos seem to really get into it, they even get a pair of glowsticks and start waving them around. They must be natural idol fans, it truly brings a tear to the eye to see our guests so happy.

  I'm sure that whatever comes next. Ray and I will overcome it together. Plus, even if we can't, we have friends and allies to help us! So, bring it on.

  End of Chapter 69

  Next: Chapter 70 | Planet City Stelarum

  A/N: Hiya dear readers, just wanted to remind you that if you forget who any of the old characters are, or what they look like. You can find such information in the preface for this volume. You didn't skip it, right?

  Also, if you're enjoying the story, do be sure to comment/review/rate/share it with a friend. It is always appreciated!

  Anyways, until next time. Author out.