Business block, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
If yesterday evening was terrible, this morning would have been worse. Bleary-eyed, Dyson joined the other directors, which included Midda this time. Damn, of all the times for him to show his face. It had to be today. Dyson fumed inwardly. However, he kept a civil tongue in his mouth. There was no telling what the mood might turn from relatively relaxed to downright tense.
Director Midda could have spent more time convening them for a final meeting. "We have to finalize the program for the first three weeks of broadcasting if nothing else." He gave them all level stares. "I found those three weeks' worth of activities highly creative."
The directors heaved sighs of relief, along with the experts who'd been called in.
"Now, I want to present you with the list of the newest recruits that arrived this morning." Director Midda shifted his gaze to the 4-D screens that lit up several profiles. "I think this group of 80 should be enough."
The fact that he'd screened eighty profiles meant that Midda was being very cautious. He wanted no repeats of the previous day. "Do take your time looking through these profiles," a sigh escaped him. "In the meantime, we need to ensure that the initial activities, along with the exhibition groups and soloists, are ready to perform for the opening broadcast."
The others were alarmed. They still need to remember those groups and soloists. Fortunately, someone was waiting in the shadows for an opportune moment.
"Excuse me, Director Midda," A duo stood quietly, waiting for their attention.
Director Midda glanced at them. His eyes narrowed slightly as he examined them with surprise. "You two would be who exactly?" He also glanced at the profiles with mild confusion since neither of their faces was up there.
The slightly older young man bowed politely, his black and crimson hair neatly bound in a single braid down his back. Dark green eyes gleamed with slight amusement. "My name is Donner Atkins. I'm one of the song producers for this program. I am in charge of the groups performing throughout the opening broadcast." He stepped backward.
The young man with white-blond hair that was long in the front but short in the back, cold black eyes, and an ashen complexion stood in striking contrast to Donner Atkins. He bowed politely. "I am Lakatos Tang-Rha. I will be in charge of the soloists who're performing for the program's exhibitions."
Director Midda exchanged glances with the other directors in unspoken agreement.
The young man held up a hand. "I do not wish to become one of the trainees," Lakatos shrugged. "I fear I would ruin the reputation of this program." He remained impassive despite their intense scrutiny of his appearance. "I'm unfortunately no longer able to dance or act." He might be able to sing, but he didn't view that as competent.
Director Midda shrugged. "Ah well, there might still be opportunities later if you change your mind." He nodded politely. "As it happens, a few others are of single talent. It is just good luck if one has all three abilities."
The fact that the director acknowledged that it was rare to be a triple talent in this program was something the other directors hadn't considered. They busied themselves with checking out the newest potential trainees.
"Well, shall we call the already picked trainees into the assembly arena?" Director Galleon inquired. "I believe they're becoming restless and prone to causing mischief."
Director Midda's eyes narrowed. "I would like to emphasize that I no longer want to receive reports of that mischief occurring ever again." For the first time, he sounded furious. "At the end of the first three weeks, the junior members and staff of the tribunal will be coming to oversee the formation of divisions."
That warning made all of them stiffen in shock.
"When we've reached the end of four months," Midda swept them with a chilling stare. "That is when the middle and senior ranked Tribunal members will arrive." He shrugged. "If we don't have any progress made, the chances of this place being recognized as an official city-state will become nil."
Hmph, two of the directors merely shrugged. The Zithen, even though having donated the facilities, would've preferred just abandoning the whole complex. However, they knew better than to voice that opinion.
Director Galleon cleared her throat. "So, shall I press the alert?" She chose to focus on the present.
"Since I've approved the schedule beginning today with the first episode to air live," Director Midda inclined his head. "You're permitted to do so." He folded his arms over his chest. "However, the rest of you, except for any auxiliary staff, should remain behind," he pointedly stated regarding the experts and their assistants and aides. "I would ask that you please head over to the assembly arena."
The experts exchanged baffled looks. They weren't sure why they should go out there. Didn't they need to remain behind for the screening process?
Director Midda immediately reminded them of what else they had to check on. "After all, a few of your complicated and ornate stages have been completed." He smiled slightly when their faces lit up with excitement that he'd approved of the construction. "You should inspect the work to prevent any mishaps."
The experts and their aides and assistants bowed hurriedly. "Yes, sir!" They scrambled for the door. Not a single one of them wanted to remain so they could inspect the handiwork of men and women who were also the best in their fields when it came to replicating certain types of microcosms for the program.
The other directors remained where they were. There was no point in them going outside. There was just too much work to get done, even with the schedule for the first three weeks being finalized. That meant nothing in the mid-to-long-term planning for the remainder of the show.
Now, with the threat of the Tribunal hanging over their heads. There could no longer be anymore reputation shredding hijinks such as what happened to cause the purge yesterday. The two Zithen and Galleon directors exchanged glances. They now had a serious challenge cut out for them and needed to ensure nothing went wrong.