Kaal stood before the mirror in his apartment, adjusting the collar of his sleek gray suit. His heart pounded, though not from nerves. This was excitement—raw, unbridled excitement. Today was the beginning of something greater than himself. By pulling the right strings, making the right friends, and always staying a step ahead of his rivals, he had secured a coveted seat on the committee tasked with rebuilding the destroyed cities of Slaver's Bay. This was more than a career move; it was an opportunity to solidify his place among Eden's elite and shape the future of the world.
He tightened his cuffs and smoothed down the fabric, admiring his reflection. It had been a long journey from the refugee camps outside Eden's gates to where he stood now, about to walk into the room where history would be written. There had been doubters—those who thought he was too ambitious, too eager. But he had silenced them all.
The committee's first meeting was to be held in one of the towering administrative buildings in Eden's Second Ring. The building was a symbol of efficiency and control, all sharp lines and gleaming surfaces that reflected the city's perfection. This was where decisions were made, where the future was planned. And Kaal was now part of it.
He left his apartment, moving briskly through the orderly streets of the Second Ring, where every building stood immaculate, every person walking with purpose. Kaal felt a surge of pride. This was what civilization looked like. This was what they would bring to Slaver's Bay. The thought filled him with anticipation.
When he arrived at the building, the atmosphere was serene, businesslike. He made his way to the appointed room, his polished shoes echoing through the halls. The conference room was vast, its walls lined with displays showing Eden's future projects and recent conquests. At the far end was a massive screen, its black surface waiting to spring to life. Kaal was the first to arrive, and he took a seat near the head of the table, allowing himself a moment to absorb the gravity of the task ahead.
Not long after, the other committee members began to trickle in. Kaal greeted a few of his colleagues, many of whom he had worked with before. He made a point to smile and exchange pleasantries with them, his charm smoothing over any lingering tension from past rivalries. This was the time to forge alliances, not enemies.
As the room filled, Kaal noticed the arrival of Davan, the man who would lead the committee. Kaal had not met him before, but Davan carried an air of authority and competence, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
Kaal stood and extended his hand. "Davan, it's an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine," Davan replied with a nod. "I've heard good things about you."
After the introductions were made and everyone was seated, Davan stood at the head of the table. "Before we begin, the Supreme Leader has a few words for us."
The room quieted immediately, and the massive screen at the far end of the room flickered to life. Kaal's breath caught as the image of Mark Lantrun, the Supreme Leader of Eden, appeared. He was seated in a beautifully manicured garden, the lush greenery behind him perfectly framing his commanding presence. On his lap rested a sleek white cat, which he stroked idly. Beside him sat Saint Clara, his mother, her regal composure matching her son's. Together, they embodied Eden's power, grace, and serenity.
Mark's voice, calm yet brimming with authority, filled the room. "Members of the committee, today marks the beginning of a monumental task—one that will be remembered for centuries. You are not merely rebuilding cities. You are reshaping the world. From the ashes of Slaver's Bay, where greed and cruelty once reigned, you will create a shining beacon of hope and progress. A city that will reflect the purity of Eden's ideals and stand as a testament to our vision for the future."
His hand paused on the cat's back as he leaned forward slightly, his eyes seeming to pierce through the screen and into the hearts of every person in the room. "The world watches us. They doubt us. They whisper of our power with envy and fear. But we shall show them the truth—that Eden is not merely a force of destruction but a force of creation. Where there was chaos, we will bring order. Where there was darkness, we will bring light. Londonium will rise as a beacon of our perfection, and through its gates, the people of this broken world will flock to bask in our light."
Saint Clara, her voice soft yet filled with a calm certainty, spoke next. "You are entrusted with this sacred duty. You are not just building a city; you are building a legacy. Londonium will be more than a place—it will be a symbol of what the future can be, of the peace and prosperity that Eden promises to those who embrace our vision. The people of Lhazar and beyond will come seeking shelter, stability, and the greatness that Eden can offer. And we will welcome them, for in doing so, we bring them into the fold of a new era."
Kaal felt a thrill run down his spine. The words were inspiring, yes, but more than that, they were a call to arms. They were being asked to build something beyond comprehension—an empire of perfection, one that would stretch across the seas and reshape the world as they knew it.
Mark leaned back slightly, the faintest of smiles on his lips. "You are the chosen few. You will make Londonium the jewel of this world—a symbol of Eden's might and mercy. And when the world looks upon your work, they will know that Eden is the future."
With that, the screen went dark, and the room sat in silence for a few heartbeats. The weight of what they were tasked with was palpable. Kaal's pulse quickened. He wasn't just part of this—he was essential to it.
Davan broke the silence, his tone serious. "Let's begin. Our first order of business is the railway lines. Construction is already underway, but we need to ensure it stays on schedule. The railway will be the lifeline of this new city, connecting it to Eden and allowing us to transport the materials and workforce necessary for the next stages."
Kaal nodded as Davan continued to outline the logistical aspects of the railway. The tracks, which would stretch across the desert and through the remains of Slaver's Bay, would be the first major step in connecting Londonium to the heart of Eden. Without it, their efforts would be stalled.
"Once the railway is operational," Davan said, "we will focus on decontaminating the land. The nuclear strikes have left a legacy of devastation that will take time to cleanse. The land must be made safe before any serious construction can begin. After that, we will build a city that spans the length of Yunkai, Meereen, and Astapor—a single, unified metropolis."
Kaal's mind whirled at the scale of the project. A city that spanned the three once-proud slaver cities would be a marvel of human achievement. And he would have a hand in creating it.
Davan continued, "The Supreme Leader believes many of the people of Lhazar will seek refuge in Londonium. Due to the unstability that the Dothraki cause and Eden can provide them with the stability they crave. We are to welcome them with open arms. They will be the first to witness the future we are building."
The meeting progressed swiftly after that, with detailed discussions of logistics, timelines, and resources. Kaal remained focused, absorbing every detail. His thoughts danced between the practicalities of construction and the larger vision they were creating. When the meeting finally adjourned, it was with the understanding that their next gathering would take place once the railway was operational, and in the new headquarters of Londonium itself.
As Kaal left the building and stepped out into the clean, crisp air of Eden, he felt an undeniable sense of purpose. This was more than just another project—this was the beginning of Eden's expansion, a symbol of its unstoppable progress. And Kaal would be there to witness it all.
He walked with renewed confidence through the Second Ring, the sun casting long shadows across the pristine streets. Soon, those streets would extend beyond Eden, into the new world they were creating. And he would be at the center of it all.