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In this chapter Clarke and Bellamy will learn about the civilization they will soon meet.
Bellamy took the seat next to Clarke. The shuttle was a four-seater and different to all the rockets and vehicles he had been in before. It was spacious enough to stretch once legs and the seats where covered with a soft fur. There were no wires or metal plates. Instead the upper part seemed to be glass at least you could see through it and the lower part was a smooth white surface. Bellamy frowned. From the outside it had not been possible to look inside. Carefully he touched the glass and then looked over to Clarke. She was also busy screening her surroundings and was focused on the console which consisted of a few buttons and a large screen. Suddenly a small shrill noise happened, and the shuttle door slowly closed in a fluent movement. The two passengers looked at each other. „Do you think they expect us to fly this thing back to their place? "
Before Clarke could answer a voice started to speak. „The flight will be operated by the auto-flight system. So don´t worry and just enjoy it. I am your personal assistant Malvera. Are you content with me turning on the video transcription? "
Clarke searched for Bellamys eyes and found them immediately. There had to be microphones in this shuttle. And probably there would be some anywhere they would go in the proximate future. Suddenly Clarke was glad to have Bellamy besides her. As much as they had grown apart, sometimes a look was still enough for them to communicate. She turned back to the console. „Hello Malvera. Please do so."
It took less than a second before a brown haired 30 year old woman was visible on the screen. She smiled. Politely and calm. „Welcome in the newest version of our ALF-Shuttle. An automated low flight shuttle used for long distance and high-speed travel. I am happy to greet you on board. Is it correct that you are Clarke Griffin the first ambassador of the ELIGIUS four arrivals and Bellamy Blake the second ambassador? "
Clarkes gazed shortly to Bellamy before she turned her attention completely to the screen. He had leaned back in his seat without showing any indication that he was planning to take the lead in this conversation.
„Yes you are. Thank you for the welcome. "
„My name is Malvera Alicante and I will be your personal assistant during your time with us. I will give you all information needed and also answer your questions, if possible. Please feel free to contact me anytime you feel like it. Our flight duration will be 8 hours. For your comfort there are refreshments and food in the minibar under the screen. The position of your seats can be changed using the buttons on your armrests. If you have no questions currently I will let you get accustomed and enjoy the scenery. I will get back to you in one hour to start filling you in about our live on Elysion." When the woman looked questioning first to Clarke and then to Bellamy Clarke forced herself to smile. „Thank you I think all questions can wait. "
Malvera smiled as well. „Well then see you later. If you have any need of assistance, please press the yellow button next tp the screen. " With this words the monitor went black again and the two friends were left in an uneasy silence. They looked at each other. IT was clear to both of them. Every word said in here would be listened too.
„Well. This is some interesting technology. " Clarke, not wanting the silence to stretch, tried to start an innocent and meaningless conversation.
Bellamy stared at her for a second than he chuckled. „ Indeed. Now I know why our favorite mechanic was sulking for not being included. "
Clarke smiled as well. "Elysion mh…" Bellamy continued. "You know..."
Clarke nodded. "Yes. There must have been a fan of Greek mythology, who felt quite blessed to survive the apocalypse."
Bellamy gave here a crooked smile. "Lets just hope it is less exclusive."
The next hour they spent watching the new planet fly by under them and checking out the minibar, which was filled with unknown drinks and food. When Bellamy looked hesitating at a bottle, Clarke took it out of his hand, taking a large gulp. She looked at him with a smile and gave it back with a nod. She did not believe that poison was a threat, at least not for now. Bellamy also took a sip. The beverage was too sweet to his liking. But it reminded him of berries, that they had eaten on earth.
"Hello again." The voice even though familiar made Bellamy jump and Clarke freeze in her seat for a second. "Are you content with me turning on the video transcription? "Clarke turned her face to the screen. Why this pretended politeness? She was more than sure that they were not just listened to, but also watched the whole time. But as long, as she did not know these people better, she would go along with it. "Please do so."
The face of the woman from earlier appeared with the same content and formal smile. "I hope all is to your satisfaction and you are enjoying the flight?"
Both Clarke and Bellamy felt out of place with this kind of talk. When was the last time any of them did small talk? Finally, Clarke took the lead again. "Yes thank you."
Malvera continued as if she did not think anything of the late response. " I put some thought into how to best brief you regarding our society and planet. I decided to do it chronologically. Are you ready?"
After getting a nod from both of them she continued. "Our founders left earth 40 years before the Apocalypse. When they arrived here and awoke from Cryo sleep the end of the world had already happened and as no one answered their calls, they assumed that no one on earth had survived. They kept trying to call for the other Eligius ships but there was no connection possible. They landed on this planet in 2061 and as it was the only survivable planet mankind new about they decided to stay and populate it. The first 100 years were hard. This planet has different rules, even some different physics, different creatures and so many new wonders, that we still do not have discovered all of them. The 400 people who landed on Elysion decimated to 250 people in the first 100 years even with children. But since then we made some impressive progress. Today we call this world our home and have reached a population of 1907 people. 20 percent of those are younger than 20. This growth is thanks to an extensive birth policy and an absolute non-violence policy. I am happy to tell you that in 150 years only two people were killed by another person. We are very proud and protective of our peaceful society."
Malvera took a break here and even though the smile was still visible it was clear to Clarke and Bellamy that they just got there first message. The good one: Those people did not want war. The bad one: they would protect what they had built, and the newcomers could either accept their rules or leave because they already had found a way to grow. They did not need them. At least that was Clarkes interpretation and when she met Bellamys gaze she got the feeling it was also his.
"Such a society is a great achievement. We are excited to learn more about it. Peace is also our first priority." Clarke attempted herself in diplomacy. She did not know if this was, what the woman wanted to hear, but it was enough to make her continue with her speech.
"Our ancestors brought all what was necessary to start a life on a new planet. By now we have three mines for different metals and materials, two wood camps and 40 farms producing enough food for the whole society. Everything belongs to the community and our system achieves prosperity for all of us. The technicians and engineers work day and night to make life easier and reproduce the technological knowledge level of the old days. We thrive because we are united by a common dream and everyone contributes to the best of his abilities." Malveras smile had grown wider and wider and by now her face had lost its calm. Instead it seamed to glow and her eyes sparkled with real excitement. "You will see all of it in the next days. I have a big tour planned and you will be able to convince yourself how great we are doing here." Her smile had subsided again and now she looked at them more like a beneficial mother.
"Can you tell us how your political system works? Who makes the decisions?" Clarke looked to Bellamy and then quickly back to Malvera. Would she be angered by Bellamys question? It was the first time he had said anything to the woman since they entered.
But their personal assistant only nodded and kept smiling. "Of course. We are ruled by the Council of the Wise. It consists of nine members. Those members are the top members of the nine different areas of life. Strategy, Medicine, Law, Information Technology, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Planet Science, Mining , Facility Management and Agriculture. The head of Strategy is also the head of the Council of the Wise. Every ten years a new contestant can challenge the current member of the council. With their knowledge and their experience, the members of the council are able to make decisions that are best for the community and the future of our society. This system and our law were created in 153 years ago and has proven its worth ever since."
In the next 2 hours she explained further what the different areas of life meant and how every member in the society did it´s share for the good of the community. Clarke could not help but be reminded of the stories about a society model from the old time. Communism. It had not worked back then, but maybe this model was different in the right ways. Clarke could not help being sceptical, but she also felt excitement bubbling up inside of her. And a hope, that she had believed lost, enflamed once more. Could it be possible. Could they all live in peace and work together? Could the human race be capable of something like that? No hate, no envy, no greed. It felt surreal, but from the picture the woman painted for them, that was what awaited them on the end of their flight.
"I think this is enough for today." Malvera finally concluded her lesson. "I will let you rest and talk to you again shortly before your arrival in Dos Estrella." The screen shut off.
"Wow that was a lot to take in." Bellamy stretched his neck and back. He looked as tired as Clarke felt.
"Yes it was. But do you think…."
He looked at her with a questioning look when she did not finish her sentence, but it did not take him long. "No… Even so I hope it." Clarke nodded and leant back into the comfortable chair. "It would mean that Jasper was wrong."
Bellamy did not answer. He did not have to. Hope had not been kind to them in the past. If it was allowed to rise again then only very carefully.