“I think we should get the bad news out of the way first,” I said, trying to have a small bit of control over the conversation before everything was derailed. I looked at Amelia to see if she would announce my discovery or if she would keep it between us three. 

“Recently, my team found a decrease in human population but an increase in lower quality energy production.” She stated grimly, locking eyes with me and then nodding. 

“I’ve decided to increase the storytellers’ workload to tackle this problem, while being mindful of overworking them. Schools will be required to teach clone illusions to manage the population increase.” With that last statement, a few gasped. Some tried to mask their surprise, others looked outraged. Ciwe was one of those people. 

“That’s illegal! You cannot teach that to our citizens. Teaching clone illusions was banned for a reason!” He reasoned. Ciwe’s eyes locked on mine. Anyone in the room could tell he was furious. 

“Let me rephrase that. To counter that issue, my cabinet has decided to decrease our light consumption by forty percent and increase the amount of stories tellers handle from two to five. They won’t be overworked, because schools will be mandated to teach clone illusions. The light consumption decrease is a temporary solution to give us enough time for a new wave of storytellers.” I replied, sometimes my words came out slightly off. Regardless of my new phrasing, Ciwe and Wiln still weren’t satisfied. Ciwe looked like he was about to speak until someone did it for him.

“Do you think this would be enough? How long will we have to decrease consumption? How long will projects be postponed? Your solution is mad.” A cool, crisp voice said, turning to face me. Wiln stayed quiet unless the meeting got way out of hand, if every Lost Isle ambassador was present, or if it was just between me and them. So for Wiln to speak everyone was a bit shocked. 

 

“I am aware of the cons to this arrangement. But I have consulted with our Light specialist and with my advisor to make the best plan possible. If anyone has any other solution you are welcome to suggest one. Like I said before, my cabinet and I are trying to reach the best solution possible.” I replied, trying to answer his questions flatly to seem in control. When I wasn’t. Right before the meeting Silas and I tried to come up with a better solution to no avail. We had realized some of the ambassadors would not like our plan, therefore arguing against it. Which meant it wouldn’t get instated as a bill, and we would be screwed as a species.

“I see. Well, I do not have any better solutions but I do think we shouldn’t jump to this one just yet. We ought to review other solutions and at our meeting next month confirm which ones will make it as a policy.” Wiln responded to me. Then turned to Ciwe, nodding. As per usual they probably had something else to announce. 

“Seeing as that issue has been pushed to next month, we should clear up other business,” I stated before Ciwe could interrupt with another one of his mildly veiled threats about my rule. “As you may have heard, The Nebula forced me, I mean, demanded that I hold requests. In these requests, two out of five were granted. However, only one of them is something I can realistically achieve. I want to implement new infrastructure such as homes, apartments, and shopping centers. This brings in new jobs increasing the job market and making it easier to get out of poverty in LM. I am aware that we are going to decrease our light consumption from here on out, but I would like to grant these requests first, then start decreasing use at the meeting next month. How are we feeling about that?” Everyone stayed silent. 

There are multiple reasons why I hold requests. One of the important ones is to see which buildings we need next. Citizens only own personal businesses, whether it be clothing stores, cafes, restaurants and so on. Citizens also sell a product; tea, pastries, clothes, etc. This creates a more balanced market, leaving residences, grocery stores, and markets for the government to build. Construction is still done by citizens but the buildings are funded by the government. I can’t exactly remember when this policy started. But I do know that it was to separate Universe from becoming like Earth. 

Mizyn spoke first, “Well no one has any reason to say no. The whole point is to improve public opinion, right?”   

“Typical of you to be the first to agree.” Ciwe spat, rolling his eyes at Mizyn’s comment. “While increasing Mona’s infrastructure is a fantastic idea, what about other countries? Mona should be a foremost priority, but Lumin’s economy has been declining for years. Along with Sol and the Lost Isles. The only countries that have been thriving are Mona and the Wandering Isles with Adelair owned land. A ruler is supposed to look out for the good of all their citizens. Alliance or not.” He stated frankly. 

“I am aware, however, a capital country should be the most exquisite. Otherwise, how would we call ourselves a nation? Need I remind you that all seven Lost Isles ambassadors voted against monster removals and reconstruction? Or that you opposed a light increase to help build more homes because of Sol’s population increase? I foresaw the declining economy for all of those countries. Yet you all did not believe me. I tried to prevent further damage, but you, as your country’s trusted ambassador, said no. So I focused on my direct people and helped them. I’m open to improving the other economies without increased military funding, as Sol has previously requested. I will also not turn a blind eye to you questioning my loyalties. Mona has always been an independent faction. The only time it wasn’t was under the previous rule. I assure you, I am not a biased ruler. If anything, the economic decline was because of the precedent supreme leader. You like to blame me for your supporting Her.” I responded sharply. Every single meeting I have had has been about economic decline. My bill implementations are refused; the reason cited is a lack of military support. We are supposed to be a peaceful planet. One of the few in the galaxy. I ought to meet with the other planet courts. 

"Is your memory failing you again? Everyone here knows we accepted those policies, but they remained un-implemented. Sol kept their harbors open for weeks on end, waiting and waiting. Along with the Lost Isles. You only ever mind your own country and forget about anything else,” Ciwe reprimanded. His face had turned red from anger. “You think the world revolves around Mona. Mona this, Mona that, ‘Mona must be the most exquisite’. It already is! This is blasphemous! How have you so little thinking capacity to understand that you are the previous ruler’s family?! Maybe idiocy runs in your moonlight blood.” He mocked Mona for minutes more after that. Describing everything wrong with my country without looking at his own. I kept a straight face, my eyes remained unwavering. I did not make a single face other than a blank one. A ruler should be able to handle criticism. 

Am I holding a grudge against Solaris? That’s impossible. I gave up my memories of him to prevent that. Did it not work? Did I mess up? Me? No. That wouldn’t happen. I never mess up. Not once have I. From here on out, I must prioritize my planet. Not my country. But my planet. 

“We will take a ten-minute recess before coming back to discuss and finalize.” I stood up from my chair, almost sending it crashing to the floor, and swiftly walked to the door. I needed to regroup and I needed to do it now.

It was finally time for me to open that box.