"Thank you very much for coming, Director John."
After a few brief compliments from both parties, the presenter, Basil, rearranged his posture and his smiling face transformed into a serious one as he looked at the camera.
"They're pretty good at creating suspense," Alex nodded at his sister's statement.
"…But, Mr. Director, we have not come to praise ourselves, have we?"
With a serious face, Basil looked into John's eyes and in turn into his designated camera. Of course, this was all part of the strict script provided by the Confederation, yet Basil's years of experience made it seem like a completely fluid conversation.
"…Of course, Mr. Basil, the Confederation is currently preparing the 'Pordo' project, which, as all citizens well know, in the official language of the Confederation, Esperanto, means 'door.'"
The presenter Basil smiled slightly as he saw the uncertain faces in the audience. To be honest, he was also curious about the announcement from the man sitting in front of him.
"…Hmm, 'Pordo' project, very interesting, Director John. Could you explain to us what this project consists of?"
Alex focused on the small conversation between the presenter and the director. Since the Confederation was established three years ago after the war, the official language they established, Esperanto, surprised the entire world. It was a language that only linguist professors spoke.
Although strange, people accepted the fact easily, especially because Esperanto is one of the easiest languages to learn in the world.
"…Of course, that's why I came here today. Hehehe, the 'Pordo' project is a project developed by the Confederation and the space agency that I currently direct. It will consist of three stages. The first is the construction of a rocket with a capacity to carry 300 people."
Basil was surprised. The project was truly ambitious. The ship with the largest known crew capacity was from a private company, with a capacity of 100 people. What the director was saying was that they would triple that capacity.
"…Ahem, Director John, we're talking about the rocket still being in development, right?"
John, with the same professional smile on his face, answered Basil calmly.
"…Mr. Basil, currently, the rocket has already been completed."
Basil's eyes widened. For a moment, he forgot he was presenting on a television show. He quickly regained his composure and coughed a few times.
"…My apologies. As the director understands, this is quite incredible news to hear."
John nodded understandingly and continued.
"Hahaha, don't worry, Mr. Basil. Even I was surprised when they told me. Now I will proceed with the second and most important stage."
Alex and his family looked at each other. They knew there was something strange about the so-called "Pordo" project, yet it is worth noting that they had managed to get them hooked on continuing to watch the program.
"The Confederation has decided to establish a base on the moon. Specifically, the plan will be launched after the launch test, that is, within two months."
Hearing John's casual words made all the spectators surprised. It was completely incredible. In two months, they wanted to accomplish a feat that even the world powers before the great war had been unable to achieve.
"…Please don't be so surprised, since the most important information is that it has been decided to use a special program in this regard."
Basil's eyes shone. He knew this was his moment.
"…Mr. John, could you give us a little information about this... special program?"
John looked into the presenter's bright eyes, smiled slightly, and stood up from his seat.
"…But of course, Mr. Basil. That's why I'm here. To begin with, the Confederation believes it's time to broaden horizons, so the first round of launches will consist of taking a small advance group. It will consist of a team of 150 people, who will be in charge of the construction and maintenance of the lunar outpost."
While John took a short break to drink water, Alex and his family had a hard time believing what they were hearing.
"D-Dad, is this some kind of joke?"
Alex's father Frederick was also surprised.
"No, it shouldn't be. It's not a topic that should be treated so lightly."
Alex nodded in agreement with his father's response to his sister. He knew that saying something like that on television, considering the short existence of the Confederation, would be a topic that could shake the credibility of the Confederation, something that all groups hostile to the Confederation would celebrate.
"…On the other hand, in the Confederation, we believe that it is the youth who have to carry the baton. Therefore, in collaboration with the army, an academy will be opened at the lunar base. The academy will welcome children between 15 and 17 years old, with a course duration of three years, resulting in them leaving with a position in the army."
John's words caused a stir throughout the audience. Some people were happy for the opportunity, and others became angry due to the obvious double intention of wanting to indoctrinate children.
"…Of course, not just anyone will be accepted. They will have to be the best from each institute and authorized and recommended by parents and/or guardians."
Alex's eyes shone. He knew his family's financial situation. His father could continue supporting them, but he was getting older and couldn't keep up forever. This was an opportunity to give his family the break they needed.