Grandmama Tai Sui strode gracefully from her seat and paced to the front of the stage, her flowing imperial robe shimmering with iridescent threads that reflected the light from the holographic displays surrounding her.
Her mere presence drew the undivided attention of the scattered children below.
The Empress Dowager of Astral was a revered figure, a symbol of power and wisdom that transcended time and space.
Although she rarely made public appearances, her aura of reverence and authority demanded obedience from the essence of their beings.
No one really knew how long she had lived, but anybody who was anybody knew that she was a power never to be trifled with.
"Dear children,"
She began, her voice ringing clear and strong despite her age.
"I understand that many of you are confused and frightened by what has transpired. But be at ease, for you are not captives nor prisoners. We have orchestrated a series of abductions to ensure the secrecy of our operation."
