《Boundless Galaxy》


 Prologue

    Galaxy, a countless amount of celestial objects that were gathered in one place by the rules of the universe. A cold and dark place, in which life may exist. Hundreds of billions of stars that were born eons ago illuminate its darkness. And after millions of years within such darkness, planets began forming. Many of them were uninhabitable.


    Some lacked ingredients, ingredients that were necessary in order for life to form. Others, despite having all the needed materials, were orbiting violent stars. Stars, that regularly purged the life with pulses of radiation.


    There were some planets that had all the conditions fulfilled. But, even if the life appear, it might not have enough time to evolve into an intelligent one.


    Impact events, ice ages, global extinctions, floods, volcano eruptions. There are just too many ways in which life could meet its end. Just like it is a miracle for life to form, it is an even bigger miracle for it to survive.


    But, despite all the adversities, there was one such planet. The life on its surface has emerged from the seas that enveloped all the globe. Through the millions of years of evolution, it has evolved into many forms. One of such forms began exploring the surrounding world. With the passage of time, it developed. It learned how to harness the fire. How to create tools made out of rocks and flints. Despite the beasts that hunger on its flesh, it has kept going forward. It became an intelligent race.


    Several thousand years have passed and they conquered their own world. They had no natural enemies left. That race dominated its own planet not with their strength, but with their wisdom and knowledge. Their wisdom that stem from their desire of explaining the unknown, from their innate curiosity.


    And, that curiosity led them to the skies. They wanted to reach the stars and reveal their deep hidden secrets. In order to do that, to gain the knowledge and fulfill their dream, they began tearing up the fabrics of reality itself. Years have passed, and they succeeded in creating the thing they needed the most - faster than light technology.


    Within several thousand years, they spread out their influence throughout the galaxy. Their efforts were focused on a search for extraterrestrial life. They hoped to meet the others, who, just like them, could appreciate the beauty of creation. To no avail. Instead of finding worlds bustling with life and intelligence, they found nothing. At that time, apart from themselves, there were not any other lifeforms they could call intelligent. On most planets, the only thing that was closest to life were simple amoebas and bacteria. They were alone within the boundless space of the universe.


    Many might have plunged into the darkest pits of despair at that sight, knowing they were alone in a cold and lifeless universe. In a universe in which nothing and no one would remember them after their time passes. Many would have questioned the very reason they came into existence. A reason which didn''t exist. But, they did not.


    They knew that the life will definitely be born somewhere in the future. Not within a year, not within a century, not within a hundred of millennia. Maybe not even within their race''s lifetime. But they hoped that sometime in the distant future, something or someone will be born. Someone, who would just like them, gaze into the stars at night and question the reason they exist. They hoped to meet them. And to do that, to seize this abysmally low chance, they made several preparations.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    They knew that letting others go through the same unnecessary hardships they went through would be cruel. That would also lower their chance of survival and might result in their extinction. So to help them, they created monoliths, something that would aid other races with their development. Near indestructible caches in which they sealed their wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge, which was the result of thousands of year of research and many sacrifices. Within them, they included every single piece of knowledge that might be useful to the developing race on every stage.


    Fundamental mathematical and physical theorems which described and explain the chaotic nature of the universe. Guides on how to smelt and process the most basic metal ores, such as iron and copper. Countless diagrams and blueprints that showed how to create machines to harness the power that resides within the steam and electricity. Counting machines that would help them solve the most complex problems. But that wasn''t all.


    They also included their philosophical beliefs and ethics that transcends the time and species itself. Ethics which convey that the virtue was a true value in itself. That no being should be discriminated because they are different. That everyone is, or at least should be, important and equally deserves the right to live. Those were the bloody lessons they learned through the countless battles in their history. They didn''t need to be repeated, they should not be repeated. After all, every intelligent being could be hurt, suffer and cower in fear.


    But most importantly, they gave their most prized knowledge. Their wings, that allowed them to reach the stars, faster than light technology. A technology that elevated their race from mere surface dwellers to the undisputed monarchs of their galaxy. Something that took them hundreds, if not thousands of years of intense research, testing and improvements, was given for free. That was a pure selfless act, they had nothing material to gain from that. That is why it could only imply one thing.


    They created those monoliths and gave away such technology because it was their dream. Their dream, to see the galaxy bustling with life and vitality. Hundreds of thousands of such caches were sent to planets which they deemed hospitable. It was sent in hope to help those who would come after them. To make their lives at the very least a bit better than their predecessors''. To tell them, ''you are not alone''.


    But the universe played a cruel trick on them. Something happened to them. Was that an unknown contagious disease that struck them. Or a war that enveloped their entire empire in the flames of destruction. No one knows for sure. A race that once governed the galaxy was now gone. And the only things that are the evidence of their existence are those monoliths.


    They bear many names, but most beings call them - ''ancestors''. They were like fathers and mothers of many adopted children. Unfortunately they passed away before they could even see them. Before they even have a chance, chance to see their true potential. Instead, they left them their legacy, a some sort of insurance.


    An insurance that would make sure they won''t stray from the right path and have a head start in life. Something, their parents did not have in the past. Guidance from the elders that came before them and paved the way forward, illuminating the darkness of uncertainty. Thus, it wasn''t an exaggeration to say, that they were ancestors of every galactic race.


    Their death was a new beginning for the others. Now, a new story is about to unfold, a story that takes place in the galaxy they left behind.

 Chapter 1

    Night has set on Nova Prime, the stars that were previously hidden by the curtain of blinding light, were slowly revealing themselves. After several minutes, countless white dots of various sizes have appeared on the pitch-black sky. The White Vortex galaxy in all of its beauty has revealed itself.


    But, despite the coming of night, life on this particular planet didn''t slow down, in fact, it seemed even more alive, with all the artificial lights turned on.


    After all, Nova Prime was the biggest and most important out of all galactic hubs out there, it was second to none. There were several reasons for that, but the most important one was the fact that the Galactic Council was located on it. Therefore, it had to be well-connected to countless places in the galaxy, otherwise it would be breaking the fundamental rules of the council.


    On the rooftop of the council, a tall, lone man, dressed in a white robes adorned with golden lines, was looking at the sky. His golden eyes were gazing at the stars as if looking for some answers in them. His face, exquisite, one could not locate a single blemish on it. Silver hair which was longer than the average was touching his shoulders. He looked like he was taken out of the painting, his silhouette was almost ethereal.


    But, the most eye-catching characteristic of his was not his peerless beauty, it was his four pair of wings, silently floating behind him. They were detached, silently levitating in air, and yet, it looked like they were somehow connected to his back, with thin, pure white strands of energy.


    Those glamorous wings of his were the most prominent characteristics of the race he belonged to. And their number was an indication of his strength and age.


    "Looking at the stars again, Seraph ?" The voice of an old man has interrupted his train of thoughts." A pity I could not join you earlier ... today''s meeting was prolonged."


    "Why this doesn''t surprise me ..." A calming, melodic voice flew out of the winged man''s lips. "The negotiations, how did they go ?" He turned towards the old man.


    This old man''s appearance was a complete opposite of Seraph''s. While the winged one looked like the star in the sky, he was similar to the sky itself. His pale blue skin was a contrast to his white hair, which was neatly tied into a waterfall braid. He was dressed in similar fashion as the winged man, but with a different color, that was slightly darker than his skin.


    His blue robes decorated with golden lines fluttered on the wind as he approached Seraph. They shook hands, greeting each other. And a few seconds later, the lips on his face that were hided behind his short beard, curled into a slight smile.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    "No conclusion, as per usual." He laughed, visibly amused by the question. "Another several hours of this old man''s life were wasted on another shitty, fruitless meeting."


    "That was to be expected, such a problem cannot be concluded without at least several meetings." Seraph paused for a few seconds and continued.


    "It is a matter of concern for the two biggest civilizations that resides within the council. And, we serve as mediators between them."


    "Heh, we have such an ungrateful job." Old man rebuked.


    "Ungrateful, but necessary." Seraph answered , leaning on the rooftop''s railing, he looked at the stars once again and resumed his speech.


    "If war breaks out because of this, it wouldn''t be important who would win. But, who would survive. We''re not in the past, where a single war wouldn''t affect other races. If those two empires decides to settle this with force, hundreds of billions of lives would be affected. So, Huginn, which place do you think would be the most crucial and might affect the entire outcome of the war ?"


    "Nova Prime." Huginn answered without hesitation, he certainly knew the importance of his workplace.


    "Exactly, if they were to fight on their own, in some secluded place, it wouldn''t be that bad. Unfortunately, such thing wouldn''t happen. Both empires would try to seize the control of this place as soon as war breaks out."


    He clicked with his tongue and continued.


    "This planet serves not only as the Galactic Council headquarters, but also as one of the biggest trading hubs. It''s a gathering point for many conflicting factions. Do you think they would watch how the two empires decided to have a sparing contest just outside the council, without taking any action ?"


    "No chance."


    "Everyone, whether they would want this or not, would be forced to join the war and pick a side. Our galaxy will be enveloped within the flames of war, that have never been seen before."


    He paused for several seconds, after which he lowered his head, his eyes looking directly at Huginn''s.


    "For the first time in the history, winged ones might have to join the war if it breaks out." Seraph said these words calmly, not showing any emotion, and yet, it seemed like they carried enormous power.


    While pretty much everyone would be shocked hearing them, Huginn was not. He knew the importance of this planet to the winged ones. They were the only race to completely follow the guidance of their ancestors, they would not allow others to destroy their legacy. For them, this planet was almost like a sanctuary, a sacred place that cannot be desecrated.


    "But, I suppose you didn''t come here just to talk about the meeting, or to simply look at the sky. You aren''t that kind of person." Seraph changed the topic. "I know you for quite some time, and I am pretty sure you want to ask me to do a favor for you. Am I right ?"


    "Man, you read me like a book." He chuckled and shuddered a moment later. His robes weren''t suited to be used in the cold of night. "Yeah, there''s something I want to talk about, but can we go inside ? It''s pretty damn cold out here."

 Chapter 2

    The council building was enormous. Divided into many rooms, lecture halls, stadiums and auditoriums, it served as the gathering place for hundreds of races. It was unquestionably the biggest and grandest building on the planet.


    Rooms build from the best of materials, conditions such as temperature, humidity and even gravity were able to be modified at will in order to provide the most comfortable experience.


    In one such room, Seraph and Huginn sat opposite of each other. The silence penetrated the room, the first one who broke it, was Huginn.


    "I am retiring soon." Huginn said, his usual playfulness was nowhere to be seen. "And, after I retire, a new representative would be chosen."


    It wasn''t that much of a surprise for the Seraph. Huginn was already old and compared to the Winged Ones, Idillians'' time was limited. While they could prolong their lives with the newest medical and technological advancements, almost everything has its limits. And it seemed like Huginn was approaching his own.


    "Soon, even more turbulent times will come. I have to make sure, that my successor will be able to handle it."


    "You want me to watch over your successor ?" Seraph asked, though it wasn''t strange for the Huginn to worry about his future successor. After all, being the representative of a race was one of the toughest job one can have. It was an enormous responsibility.


    "Well, yes, but, not only that. You see Seraph, I want you, to make sure that the candidate I know, will be chosen "


    Visible disapproval appeared on Seraph''s face. He knew what kind of dangers were associated with such interference. If the others heard Huginn''s words, it may even lead to war. Especially if those who interfere would be the Winged Ones. A race who always remained neutral.


    "Apart from the fact that you are playing favorites, how do you want me to help you. You should know that interfering in the elections of other races is prohibited. If that somehow became public knowledge, we would face a huge backlash. The entire council would go into an uproar in the matter of seconds."


    After hearing that, a suspicious smile began forming on Huginn''s face.


    "While you''re right that I am playing favorites, you''re wrong thinking that I want you to interfere."


    Huginn still smiling asked out of the blue.


    "Do you know, how we, Idillians, chose our representatives ?"


    That question threw Seraph slightly off guard. He knew how Idillians were choosing their representatives in the past, but now, his knowledge might be slightly outdated. And by slightly outdated, he meant by little more than a hundred years.


    "Public elections ?" Seraph answered in a way which was implying that he wasn''t sure whether his words were still relevant to this day.


    "We used to, in the past." A smirk, that symbolized smugness of the highest degree, formed on Huginn''s face. He guessed correctly that this Winged One''s knowledge was obsolete. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ''They aren''t that all-knowing after all.''


    After a few seconds of basking in glory, he broke the silence once again. "A public debate."


    "Debate ?" The answer threw Seraph even more off-guard than the question itself. Bewilderment appeared on his face.


    "Yeah, but our kind of debate is slightly different from what you''re imagining. Let me explain that to you."


    His smile widened even more.


    "But first things first. And the first thing, or rather the first step towards the succession, is the selection of candidates. There are two ways in which a candidate can be selected. "


    After saying that, he lifted his right hand and showed his first finger.


    "First, is by ranking among the top on the interplanetary exam. It''s basically a massive screening procedure. And to even take part in this screening, there are several strict criteria one has to meet. But, this way is arduous and is not that important. "


    A slight disdain could be heard in his voice, indicating that he wasn''t fond of these procedures.


    "What is important, is the second way."


    He lifted his second finger.


    "A recommendation by someone. Someone who is placed at the very top."


    "Your recommendation ?"


    "Exactly. The head of the department is allowed to recommend someone, who, according to them, is worthy to be their successor. Other department heads, too, can choose one candidate who should become that department head. There''s also a voting within the department itself. Members of said department vote among themselves, to choose someone, who they think, should become their superior. Those who are recommended by the head of departments and members, skip the entry procedures, and can take the part in the debate directly, without any screening process. Well, assuming they belong to our race and have no criminal records. And the debate, or rather debates, are somewhat unique."


    "What do you mean by unique ?" Questioning look appear on this Winged One''s face.


    "There are two rounds of debates. The first round is the debate among the candidates. Candidates are debating over a set of problems that was presented to them by supervisors, and they try to come up with an appropriate answer. The entire debate is being broadcasted for all the departments to see. Then, every single member of those departments vote on five people who, according to them, performed the best during the debate. Those people who get the highest amount of votes, would take part in the next and final debate."


    "But, wouldn''t that make the departments vote on those who were selected by them ?" It was a valid concern. Cronyism was something that could corrupt and slowly destroy the governments from within.


    "You see, here''s a catch." Huginn leaned forward, a weird light flashed through his eyes.


    "No one know the identities of the participants. Each participant during the debate has to wear an exosuit. All the exosuits are the same. Same look, posture and height. The voices of participants are being changed by the voice modulators. The only thing that differentiates them, is a number on their back and chest, which is their ID."


    "If that is the case, then how exactly do you want me to help you ?"


    Seraph asked, if all the participants were anonymous, then the only way for him to help was to either use Aether or some advanced technology. Idillians as one of the most advanced races, would be surely prepared for that. And, he wasn''t that keen on doing something that would go against the law, a law which was set by him and other members of council.


    "I want you, to take care of someone for me for a year or two."


    "Your candidate ?"


    "Yeah, it can even be said, that I want you to take someone under your wing." After saying this, Huginn laughed, he loved that kind of humor.


    Seraph was more than used to it. Without even a slight change in his expression, he asked. "How would that help ?"


    "You were right earlier saying that direct interference is prohibited, but, guiding others is not. A debate is a battle of knowledge and words. And, while you''re in the bottom tier when it comes to expressing yourself in words, you''re in the top when it comes to experience and knowledge. Very few races could rival yours when it comes to longevity, and with long life, comes experience and knowledge. If she were to stay with you for a year or two before the debate, she would learn a lot, and get to know a truly unique perspective, even amongst the Winged Ones."


    "She ?"


    "The one I selected. Let me tell you a few words about her."