PART ONE: FALLOUT

"Ten Years Later"

The Unified Earth Coalition’s Council Chamber was a marvel of architectural engineering, a massive dome suspended over the Atlantic, with glass floors offering a breathtaking view of the churning waters below. Around the circular table, the leading representatives of the Earth’s major sectors sat in tense silence, their holographic insignias floating above their seats: North-America Europa, Pan-Asian Alliance, Africore Union, and Oceania Bloc. Chancellor Ellian Drex, the authoritative figure who had unified Earth’s fractured governments after the Pulse’s discovery, stood at the head of the table.

Drex leaned forward, his hands gripping the edge of the table. “The Children of the Light have escalated their insurgency. Another transport hub in the Serengeti Zone was destroyed yesterday. They’re targeting infrastructure essential to global mobility.”

“Or Perhaps,” interjected Minister Xian Zhou of the Pan-Asian Alliance, her tone sharp. “ they’re responding to the choices we’ve forced upon them. The Pocket Zones were meant to benefit humanity, which was a good idea. We manipulated the zones for years until we cracked the code. We now effectively use them as means of transport, moving across different sectors but we're still restricting access under the guise of regulation.”

“Regulation is necessary, Minister Zhou,” countered General Marlowe of the North-America Europa bloc. “Without it, these zones would devolve into chaos, people destroy each other to gain control. Let’s not forget the five years of hell we experienced. The Children of the Light are nothing more than anarchists bent on undermining the global stability we have established.”

“Anarchists?” Zhou’s voice rose. “Let’s not forget that ‘these children’ laid the foundation for our understanding of the zones. The grievances they hold are not unfounded. How long can we ignore the truth behind their actions?”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the chamber, but Chancellor Drex raised his hand, silencing them. “The coalition must maintain order and progress. We cannot allow rogue factions to undermine that, regardless of their past contributions. Let’s not forget Minister the part we played, ourselves. The Serengeti incident was a deliberate act of terrorism.”

Before anyone could respond, a holographic display materialized in the center of the table. A striking figure materialized: Jax Toran, leader of the Children of the Light. His silver hair, braided and glinting in the holographic glow, lent him an almost ethereal presence.

“Citizens of Earth,” Jax began, her voice calm yet defiant. “The coalition has turned the greatest discovery in human history, into a tool of oppression, monopolizing the zones to tighten their grip on power. We do not fight to destroy, but to free. Join us, and together we will reclaim what is ours.”

As the message faded, the chamber erupted into uproar.

“Propaganda,” Drex growled, slamming his fist onto the table. “If they still can manipulate the Pulse, we’re facing a dangerous war.”

“That’s something we can agree on,” Zhou conceded, though her expression remained stormy.

Marlow's lips curled into a grim smile. “The network of Pulse inhibitors is nearly complete. Once activated, it will block unauthorized access to the zones entirely. The Children of the Light won’t be able to move without our knowledge.”

“And what happens to the civilians who depend on open access to these zones?” Zhou challenged. “Will you trap them in their sectors, cutting them off from families and livelihoods?”

“It’s just for a while. We’ll still allow movement between sectors for civilians with authorized passes, but control is non-negotiable.”

The tension in the room was palpable. Drex pinched the bridge of his nose, then straightened. “Minister Zhou, your concerns are noted. However, unless an alternative is presented, Operation Firewall proceeds as planned. This Meeting is adjourned.”

As the council members filed out, Zhou lingered, her gaze fixed on the swirling ocean below. A quiet voice interrupted her thoughts.

“You’re right, you know.”

She turned to see Adrian Voste, the Africore Union’s delegate, standing beside her. “The coalition’s heavy-handed approach will be its undoing. They’re dismantling the very progress we’ve fought to protect.”

Zhou sighed. “And yet, they’ll call us traitors if we oppose them.”

Voste’s smirk carried a hint of challenge. “Traitor is just another word for revolutionary. The question is, Zhou—are you ready to be one?”

Deep within the Horizon Rift Zone, far from the coalition’s watchful eyes, the Children of the Light convened. The chamber shimmered with the zone’s crystalline glow, casting prismatic light onto Jax, who stood at the head of the table.

“The coalition’s inhibitors are nearly operational,” Lila his second-in-command, reported. “If we don’t act now, we’ll lose our ability to move freely.”

“We can’t fight their technology head-on,” Jax said, his tone grim. “We need a way to turn public opinion against them.”

“What about Zhou?” suggested Thalia, a former coalition operative turned insurgent. “She’s been vocal about her discontent. If we sway her, it could tip the scales. She has influence over critical programs, including the food distribution network and the new transportation hub.”

Lila nodded thoughtfully. “It’s risky but worth considering. Thalia, can you make contact?”

Thalia smirked. “Already done. Just waiting on a response.”

Lila raised an eyebrow. “How did you manage that?”

“Old connections,” Thalia replied smoothly. “Don’t worry, Lila—I’ve got this.”

Jax placed a hand on the table, silencing the murmurs that followed. “This isn’t just about Zhou or the coalition. This is about our future. We’ve been told we’re too young, too idealistic, too reckless. But what they call recklessness, we call courage. And courage is what the world needs right now.”