The silence in the upper hall of the Sky Palace felt heavier than usual. Flow conduits pulsed faintly along the curved walls, casting soft blue light that responded to Arron Kael's presence. The palace itself, built from memory-bound crystal and directed thought patterns, opened its chambers only for him. Its spires sang when he walked past. Its doors shifted without a whisper.
He didn't walk in alone.
Vel Marrek followed, his footsteps loud in contrast. His obsidian-plated skin glinted under the palace's reflective ceiling. He didn't speak. He never did unless needed.
Arron stopped before the Grand Reflection—a wall of solid resonant stone, polished to a mirror-sheen. Not because he wanted to look at himself, but because it was one of the few places the Palace didn't record.
"It's time," Vel said quietly.
Arron didn't answer. He raised a hand, palm hovering just above the stone. It pulsed back—a heartbeat in reply.
Outside, Zavren City shimmered beneath the light of two Radiant Suns and the pale Wraith Sun, which hovered low on the horizon. The city was alive with movement: transport gliders soared between towers, market paths twisted with scent-vapor trails and music from floating choirs. But above all, the city waited.
They didn't know it yet. Not what he had set in motion.
Vel tilted his head. "You still doubt them?"
"No," Arron replied. "I doubt the timing."
Another voice entered.
Lira Ven, his aide, stepped into the chamber with silent precision. Her white robes trailed just above the crystal floor.
"Your guests have arrived," she said. "All six."
Arron gave a slow nod. "Take them to the Observatory Ring. I'll meet them shortly."
She paused. "The Felari representative brought an offering. It pulses with bonded energy. I suggest caution."
"Noted."
Lira bowed and left.
Vel glanced at him. "You trust her?"
"I trust her memory. Not her intent."
---
In the Observatory Ring, the air shimmered with layers of filtered starlight. Arron walked in last, as planned. The six guests stood in a slow semi-circle—none quite looking at each other.
Professor Teyra Lom of the Felari, draped in neural silks, her four eyes glowing faintly.
High Strategist Korr Malek of the Lurien, claws glinting against his cloak.
Speaker Vael of the Zytheran Consortium, his translucent skin shifting colors with emotion.
Minister Aryen Sol of the Elyari Choir States, wings folded neatly.
Director Vok Thae of the Siliari Aquatic Colonies, encased in a water-pulse suit.
And Vel Marrek, standing beside Arron.
Arron didn't greet them. He lifted a data crystal, inserted it into the ring's core, and activated the projection.
A globe. Not Kewaa.
Another world.
Zarconis.
The projection spun slowly, glowing with atmospheric readings, wildlife patterns, and dormant energy spikes.
Teyra Lom stepped forward. "Is this real?"
"It is," Arron said. "Confirmed three Zyreni Cycles ago. Accessible through the constructed Gate."
Korr Malek frowned. "Why now?"
"Because its orbit is aligning. If we wait another Cycle, the path collapses."
Minister Aryen narrowed her eyes. "And the risks?"
"Unknown," Arron admitted. "Which is why I've only chosen twenty-seven."
They all turned to him.
"Twenty-seven what?" Vok Thae asked.
"Volunteers," he said. "Or sacrifices. Depending on your view."
The room chilled. Even with the artificial warmth of the observatory.
"You intend to send a team?" Teyra asked.
"I intend to go myself."
Vel shifted slightly but said nothing.
"I built the Door. I shaped the team. I will not watch from here while others risk themselves."
Speaker Vael's skin shifted to a dull gray. "And what do we call this operation?"
Arron's voice was calm.
"Project Zarconis."
No one responded immediately. Until Korr Malek nodded once.
"Then let it begin."