The silence was deafening, and she could feel the twisted anticipation of some of those present, waiting for her to move. She swallowed hard and, armed with courage, took a step forward. But before she could do anything, President Hook raised his arms and exclaimed, —Miss Velsen! It's a pleasure to have you here.— Aryah was surprised by the president's attitude. —I've heard a lot about you,— Hook smiled. Aryah stood frozen on one side of the room. —Come on, please. Come, come, come — said Hook, gesturing with his arm. She hesitantly moved towards the center of the room.

Hook was a middle-aged man, slightly built, with gray hair neatly combed to one side. His appearances marked him as a very friendly man. —Come closer, don't be afraid, we don't eat people... yet — he joked.

—Um... Good morning... Uh, Mr. President, I mean... Sorry — she said nervously.

Hook chuckled. —Don't be afraid, Aryah. Mafius, along with other councilors, have told me that the artificial intelligence calculations position you as a good option to temporarily replace the late Alsadh —

Aryah, confused, responded, —I don't know how... Sorry, Mr. President. But I don't know how I could replace Councilor, Aldh...—

—Alsadh — corrected one of the councilors.

—That's it...—added Aryah.

—Artificial intelligence never gets angry, in most cases... But it's always a reliable source for debating— remarked Hook.

—Among us, we have decided to compile a list with several candidates of different ages and qualities that represent certain sectors of the bunker's population— said Councilor Münhk with a serious tone.

—In any case, you won't be selected— commented Councilor Rivva.

Aryah looked around, listening to all the opinions of the Council. President Hook cleared his throat and addressed Aryah, interrupting the council's comments. —Miss Velsen, allow us to ask you some questions to evaluate if you would be a good candidate for the Council—.

Aryah nodded nervously. —Of course...—

Councilor Münhk was the first to speak. —Imagine there is a disagreement between two factions of our bunker regarding the distribution of resources. Like what happened two years ago between the Tunnel Lions and the Cold Hearts. How would you handle the conflict?—

Aryah took a deep breath. —Hmm... First, I would listen, I believe. Both points of view. Then, I would seek some common ground. Dialogue is key in this bunker if we want to repopulate the world with our values—

The Councilors nodded in approval. But Councilor Samuel looked at her skeptically. —We had to arrest half of the Tunnel Lions; diplomacy doesn't always work. That's why we have guards—

—We try to be democratic and pacifistic, Samuel— President Hook retorted abruptly. —Our values ​​are based on peace and freedom; we must not corrupt those values; we are the humans of tomorrow— he added.

Councilor Rivva spoke up. —And what would you do if one of the factions refuses to yield to their demands, as Councilor Samuel suggests?—

—In that case—, Aryah replied with more confidence, —I would rely on the fundamental values ​​and principles we were taught as children. I would remember that the well-being of the 25 must prevail over the interests of pariah groups. I would seek the help of a mediator... But if that doesn't work, I wouldn't hesitate to use force... Although, to be honest, I'm not capable of killing even a fly... Well, actually... I've never seen a fly around here, but I know the meaning of the phrase— she commented kindly.

Several Councilors exchanged impressed looks. The debate continued with questions on security, resources, laws, and ethics. Aryah demonstrated her ability to analyze, problem-solve, and effectively communicate. Finally, President Hook raised a hand. —That's enough for now, Miss Velsen. We've seen enough. You may leave—

Aryah nodded, confused by the lack of additional comments. She exited the Government Hall feeling unsure about her performance. Perhaps she hadn't managed to impress them after all. Once in the hallway, she leaned her back against the cold metal wall and rubbed her temples, feeling a sudden wave of nerves and disappointment wash over her. Had she ruined her chance? Although, after all, she didn't want that opportunity. But if she couldn't achieve it, perhaps her father would be disappointed... Uncertainty overwhelmed her as she walked away, holding her head in both hands.

2024 © LJ Kauffmann