Prologue *READ FIRST*

1945. That was the year the second – and last – world war came to an end. After witnessing the horror known as the capability of the human heart, leaders around the globe knew something had to be done. Such heinous acts should never happen again, and in order to ensure that, there’d need to be a powerful governing body to do the job: That’s when the International Peace Union was born.

The IPU quickly grew, bringing all the countries together and restoring order – and after order came stability, and after stability came wealth, and after wealth came rapid technological innovation. In just a few decades, the IPU had taken over for the better, resulting in centuries of everlasting bliss and prosperity. That brings us to now, in the year 2300, what I’d consider to be the world’s most successful period – then again, I’m sure that the years afterward will prove to be even greater.

“Red? Or blue?” Shiloh asks, holding a dress in each hand.

“They both look fine to me,” says Jasper, apparently having no idea what he’s talking about.

“Go with the red one, the blue is too cool toned for your hair and skin color. It won’t flatter you as much,” I say to her.

“Hm, dunno… I do like blue,” Shiloh looks between her two options once more before saying, “Yeah, I’m picking blue. Sorry, Calla!”

I let out a displeased huff as she walks off into the boutique’s changing room. What was the point of asking, then? Whatever, I suppose it’s her own choice, but she should listen to me – after all, we’re preparing ourselves for the most important event of the year: The annual IPU Convention. We’ll be surrounded by some very prominent figures; politicians, celebrities, scientific geniuses… Showing up looking anything less than perfect is simply not appropriate for such an occasion.

“This is my first time, you know, at the Convention – I’m kinda nervous,” says Jasper.

“Just don’t be all weird about it and you’ll be fine.”

“Gee, thanks.”

I shrug. “I’m not trying to be blunt, but it’s true. Walk in with a smile, make small talk, show some confidence, and there, you’re golden.”

“Easier said than done… Will Professor Katz be there?”

One of the most brilliant inventors we’ve ever known. He’s the mastermind behind so many of our recent advancements; like upgrading our golems to safely use every type of weaponry, removing them from the hands of people and thus reducing the risk of violent crime. There was some pushback against this at first, but Professor Katz assured us that the golems can distinguish threats, so we won’t have to worry about them. His monorail is another; it literally lays its own road as it travels from above. We’ll be taking one to get to the Convention, too.

And right now, Professor Katz is working on what he calls the “The Racer,” a portal that can pass through time. If everything goes to plan, it will be his best creation yet.

“Duh, why wouldn’t he be? Do you want to meet him?”

Jasper’s eyes light up as he inches closer to me on the ottoman. “I could meet him? Seriously?”

“Of course, you’re going with the president’s daughter. I can make arrangements.”

“Wow, that’d be so cool! Thanks, Calla!”

After Shiloh fits on and is satisfied with her dress, I pay for all our garments at the checkout. My friends aren’t upper class like me, so they can’t afford to shop here without my help. I don’t mind it, I’d be embarrassed if they showed up to the Convention looking like commoners – but of course, Shiloh had to ruin it with her tacky dress. Next time, I’m picking the attire beforehand.

“Thank you, come again,” the droid at the front desk says to us, its voice plain and monotone.

“Freaky, I’ll always think they’re weird,” Shiloh mutters as we step outside into the brisk air, standing at the edge of the sidewalk as we wait for the monorail. “If it were up to me, I’d never let a droid outside of the back.”

“They don’t, usually. It’s only there until they can replace the lady who used to work there, she got put to sleep.”

“What did she do?” Jasper asks.

“I caught her stealing a dollar from the register, so I reported her.”

Most people don’t speak up about minor offenses like that. But in my eyes, there’s no such thing as “minor.” Big or small, a crime is a crime, and the system agrees. That’s why all lawbreakers face the same penalty. It’s the only way we can ensure a safe society, turning a blind eye to anything is detrimental.

It doesn’t take long for the monorail to come. One by one, the holographic tracks appear in front of it, and vanish at the rear once the monorail passes through. We step inside, and I recognize some other students from my university. But as soon as they notice me, they scurry off to another corner like mice.

“They’re so overdramatic.”

“Hey, with your record, I’d do the same thing if I didn’t know you!” says Shiloh with a laugh, giving my shoulder a playful nudge. “You’d report someone just for breathing wrong.”

I roll my eyes and respond, “I’m doing what everyone else should be,” then after casting a sharp glance towards the runaway cowards, I continue, “It’s what the IPU expects of all of us – complete adherence to the law. No exceptions.”

Shiloh and Jasper are always telling me to take it easy, but they just don’t get it. They don’t comprehend how fragile we are as humans – how easy it is for us to be influenced, to be corrupted. So easy, in fact, that the IPU has banned every source and outlet for said corruption – alcohol, gambling, uncensored media, harmful words, sharp objects, free press… The rules go on, but we need all of them. If not, we risk falling back into the dark ages, the long-forgotten days before the IPU.

So, if I have to be a little “over the top” for the sake of our good, then that’s the way it’s going to be, and nobody is going to convince me otherwise. Especially if I’m going to be head of the IPU one day.

The monorail, traveling at a speed of over 300 miles per hour from the heart of the capital, soon comes to a stop at the city’s most famous landmark; the IPU Headquarters. It reaches 100 feet into the air; its walls and pillars are dressed in silver, with a golden rim on all its edges. A lawn surrounds the perimeter, and stationed within it are the hefty golems made of steel, our protectors.

Tonight being the night of the Convention, cars are lining the streets, while crowds of people approach the big green doors leading into the building. The highest officials, like my dad, should already be in by now. Shiloh and – Jasper mainly – are hesitant to follow me down the path, not being used to scenes like this; but I didn’t buy those clothes for nothing. Taking them each by the hand, I guide them through the swarms of attendees and for their first time, into the Headquarters.

Commotion is all around us. My friends are mesmerized, but the people are my least favorite part of the Convention. All they do is talk endlessly, and it’s draining. What I’m actually interested in is the main spectacle of the night, which takes place in the auditorium right down the hall. On that stage is where our leaders across the board will show off the country’s top achievements of the year. There’s nothing more satisfying to me than seeing how we improve as time goes on – and once I take over, I’ll make the IPU the best it’s ever been.

“Are you ready­­?” I ask the two of them behind me, before we join the others stepping into the auditorium, then we depart, since I’ll be sitting in the box seat with my parents where we can get the best view of the presentation.

But even though I expect nothing except for good news tonight, there’s something that’s been bothering me since this morning – what that “something” is, I don’t know. I’m rarely ever anxious, yet no matter how hard I try to ignore it, I’ve been feeling uneasy. For some reason, today feels very… Familiar. Like déjà vu, almost.

“You look troubled, honey. Are you okay?”

“It’s nothing, Mom. I think I’m just tired,” I say, sitting beside her.

Yes, that’s probably it. This feeling will be gone by tomorrow morning after a good sleep. Until then, I’ll enjoy tonight in peace. The room turns dark, and a spotlight shines on the stage. The audience claps when the IPU president, Anthony Hartwell – aka Dad – steps up to the podium. He silences them with a wave of his hand, then speaking into the microphone, he says:

“Evening, everyone. Let us begin.”