Liliana walked down the crowded streets of the Core's capital district. Everyone seemed to dress in suits and formal wear as she walked by, wearing her cadet uniform that resembled a dress.
Liliana thought, "I wonder what these people are doing and thinking. Each of them is a person with thoughts and ambitions just as important as my own. I wonder what it would be like to pick apart their minds and learn about what they do and desire. I'm just an 18-year-old girl from The Fringes; I am nothing compared to these prestigious businessmen and politicians. I wonder if they have even heard of Kynor or the Sche system. Would any of them be able to relate to my struggles? If I tell them my story, would they be impressed, or would they walk away and not care? Does it even matter which reality would come to fruition? Nothing is going to become of my life anyways. All I secured for myself was a good position in life, not a legacy. At least I am no longer in the jungles of Kynor. At least I am not a slave. I need to focus solely on my life and stop caring about others. That is what the officers at the academy told me. It is just difficult not to get invested in ambiguity."
Eventually, the girl reached the doors of the galaxy's palace. An alloy named Ruszik made up the structure. The material's durability allowed the building to survive for 10,000 years without many renovations. It looked just as refined and sturdy as it had the day of its construction. Many considered it an architectural marvel, but Liliana only saw it as a destination.
She walked through the palace doors into the building's lobby. As she stepped inside, she saw a sign that said, "Stay in this room. Every other room is forbidden to enter. Failure to respect these restrictions could result in execution."
Liliana looked around the massive room of people and thought, "I wonder what the chances are that some idiot disrespects those orders. That sign could tempt the treacherous to kill themselves. At least there will be enough room here to breathe."
A large banner was also hanging from the ceiling saying, "Congratulations to our graduating cadets from across the galaxy. The Core wishes them luck on their future endeavors." Many young men in military uniforms were walking around the room, preparing for the celebration. Although Liliana knew The Core only invited the most accomplished cadets, she was shocked when she saw another sign that said, "Congratulations, you are among the 100 greatest cadets in the galaxy."
Immediately, Liliana thought, "Do I even belong here? Was there a mistake? I hope not." She was also anxious, seeing that the only girls in the room were waitresses.
Liliana walked to a table where multiple other graduating recruits were sitting. It was a fancy and reflective round metal table. Fifteen men sat at the sixteen chairs around the table, so Liliana took her seat in the only open space. Once the girl took her seat, everyone focused their attention on her.
As everyone stared at her, Liliana sat at the back of her chair and crossed her arms to seem submissive. She also thought, "Why are they all staring at me? Haven't they ever seen a woman before?"
After a few minutes of silence, a man with short brown hair said, "I did not expect to see a girl here. I wonder how many women usually graduate in the top 100. She probably barely made it in."
Another man with darker brown hair laughed and commented, "She probably only made it in because of her looks. Look at her flowing, light blonde hair and pale skin. Her breasts also look like they are going to burst through her clothing. She looks like a fantastic piece of eye candy." The embarrassment overcame the young woman, and she blushed with her head down as people discussed what they had just heard amongst themselves.
A shorter man with light brown hair disagreed with the previous man and responded, "Who is to say that she didn't come because of merit? She has a badge on her uniform that signifies her as a master sharpshooter. Cadets only get that if they snipe a target from at least a mile away. That is an incredible accomplishment. I can also trust that they would not just let anyone here. The Core claims to have a tight vetting process. Also, don't fire at glass houses; you are General Gleptin's son. People could accuse the Core of nepotism just as much as they can accuse this place of prioritizing beauty over skill." Liliana looked up from embarrassment and hoped people would trust the new opinion as they discussed it.
The general's son looked at the shorter man and replied, "Why are you taking this seriously? I know you don't know her. That was just a joke. If what I said were true, there would be more girls here than there are now. Are you just defending her because you are attracted to her? Do you want to take her to your apartment and have sex with her? I bet you wouldn't even be able to satisfy her." Liliana felt uncomfortable with this comment but was happy that people were no longer staring at her.
The shorter man became visibly angry about the accusations and furiously said, "You are only projecting. You are the one who called her eye candy. I wonder what you would do if you were alone in a room together."
The general's son got angrier and said, "You have no right to say that. I was only making an observation. I bet you will act as her savior after this conversation and make your advances. This chick probably doesn't want you."
Liliana saw that the conversation had gotten more personal, and she shyly asked, "Can you please stop talking about me? I didn't come here to have people talk to me like that. I am a virgin and plan to stay that way. I don't know your intention, and I don't want to. Please, just talk about the event and not my body."
Both men heard the woman's statement and stopped talking, knowing that they were going nowhere and wasting their time.
Liliana tried not to make eye contact or interact with anyone. She desperately desired isolation. After a few minutes of the others ignoring the girl, she thought she was finally invisible.
Liliana thought, "At least they finally left me alone, and as long as nothing major happens, it will stay that way. I wish I were back in my apartment reading about this galaxy's history. I would get more out of that than sitting here with a bunch of arrogant successes who think they are better than everyone else. It will be interesting to see who is correct in their pride."
Eventually, Supreme General Duffold walked onto the stage. His aging and worn appearance made him look weak, but his reputation made the audience think of him as the strong man he once was.
The old general walked to the microphone and cleared his throat before speaking, "I am pleased to see everyone here today. I remember when I graduated only a few decades ago. I was young, searching for a purpose in life, and my official entry into the Core's military finally gave me answers. You were all at the top of your classes and are among the most brilliant people in the galaxy. In the military, people like you are working toward a similar goal. I know you will all go on to do great things and make a significant impact in whatever you decide to do. Many of you will rise to the ranks as I did and succeed in my position. As the current leadership ages, I know the Core will be in great hands after we pass on from this field. I am sure your generation will have many stories to tell as ours do. You will write the next chapter of this galaxy's story. You will be the ones who keep the peace in times of trouble; You will be the ones our amazing citizens look toward for help and guidance. You will also train the generation after you, keeping the Core alive. Now, none of this will be easy. Previous generations had to endure various obstacles throughout the Empire's history, and I am sure you will have your share of problems. Though, as a people, we always prevail. The values instilled in you will help you continue this legacy. I know you all want to impact the galaxy around you, and I assure you will have those opportunities. With time comes opportunity, and those willing to use that time chasing greatness will always go further than those who waste it. Time is always fading away, so it only makes sense to spend it on something meaningful because, when we die, the ones who did something meaningful with their lives will leave a legacy, while those who wasted their time will be irrelevant. Not all of you will achieve everything you want, but that ambition and drive will lead you to outcomes you never thought possible. You will find yourself through hard work and learn more about the world around you. There is always more we need to discover. All it takes is one person to find something incredible. I have hope in all of you that you will achieve greatness for the Core. Your training was sufficient in training you, but you will never know everything. There will always be something to discover about yourself. When you rise to prominence in the Core, I will know our legacy will be in great hands. Today, I welcome all of you into the Core Officer Corp.."
After the speech, everyone started applauding, but when the general leaned toward the microphone again, the palace became silent.
Grand General Duffold picked up a metal medal in the shape of a star and said, "I am also here to award the most achieved cadet in the Core the Grenald Award. This award took on the name of General Henry Grenald, who led the Core in a successful campaign in the neighboring systems to ensure our safety and security from opposing powers."
Liliana thought, "Whoever gets this isn't going to stop talking about this. I am happy for whoever was great enough to get this award. I'm sure they deserve the award. I just want to know when this will finally end, so I can return to reading my book. The galaxy's history is fascinating."
The General continued, "I am excited to give this award to"
Liliana continued, "I'm sure this will end in a few minutes. I just don't want to be anywhere near whoever wins this."
The General finished his announcement, "Liliana Denton from the planet Kynor in the Sche system."