A/N: First want to say thanks a thousand for your comments, peoples. I had a bit of trouble getting this chapter out, but the next couple should be up and rolling in soon time. Again, you all are awesome, and I'm glad you're readin'. Behold!

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Book One – Chapter Six

2514 – Six years ago

‘UNIFICATION’

The word sent a distinct shiver down River’s shoulders and back. Carved into the stone monument, the word seemed to have been forged there by the gods themselves. Underneath it was the same word in Chinese; underneath that was the word in Arabic.

Green grass. Much greener than the grass on Osiris. These colors seemed to shine their own light, making a beautiful picture of luminescence in the rest of the courtyard. Nothing like this grew on any planet she had ever been to. They didn’t even look like they had been cut. Every blade seemed to grow the exact right length.

River knew that they must have been genetically enhanced, likely using Foxxilin or Neothemia, but they smelt and felt just like natural grass.

She looked up at the stone monument. It was some sort of abstract sculpture of the solar system, with a tablet with the god-like words hanging above it. The stones themselves appeared to be shining.

All around it there were other students, all of them older than she.

“River!”

River turned at her name to see Counselor Ioseph motioning over to her with two other gentlemen, both of them wearing white suits. And striped ties. She obediently made her way over to the three men, smiling shyly.

“River,” Counselor Ioseph said, “I’d like you to meet two of our directors.” He motioned toward the younger of the two. “This is Doctor Samuel Mathias.”

“How do you do?” Mathias barely even looked at her. He seemed to be in a heated discussion with the older man. The older man wasn’t taking part in that discussion.

“I’m well, thank you,” River responded warmly.

“And this,” Ioseph said, motioning to the other