The crowds in Octagon Veranda were working tirelessly, hoping to achieve their daily tasks and gain a promotion or some privilege by the end of the year, by the time when suddenly, the broadcasting screens across the bustling community flickered to life, capturing the workers' attention. Everyone paused, knowing this had to be an important announcement, likely regarding the much-anticipated space mission. The whispers started to spread but soon they were quiet by Chancellor's voice.

  On the screen, the stern face of Chancellor Jupiter appeared, his voice echoing through the speakers.

  "Citizens of Octagon Veranda, I require your full attention for this crucial announcement." He paused, the weight of his words palpable. The crowds were dead quiet anticipating some bad news about the spacecraft confirming that the rumour was true.

  "As you may have already heard, the spacecraft H-1129 which we have been developing for years has gone missing, a very important joint project of all our sectors, along with invaluable data and samples from the newly constructed space station, 'Terminus'."

  The crowd erupted in whispers, a wave of murmurs rippling through the audience. They had been working so hard, hoping their efforts would be rewarded, and now this news threatened to upend their plans. How could such an important mission fail?

  Jupiter raised his hand, silencing the chatter as if he forecasted it while recording the video. "I want to assure you that we are doing everything in our reach to locate and recover the missing spacecraft. To that end, we are assembling a specialized team to investigate the circumstances of its disappearance."

  He took a deep breath before continuing. "The success of the Terminus station, a decade-long joint project of all sectors, and the future of Octagon Veranda itself depend on the recovery of this spacecraft. This team will comprise the best and brightest scientists, engineers, and guards from across all our sectors except the environmental science and energy sector."

  The workers listened intently, their eyes fixed on the chancellor's every word, their dreams of advancement hanging in the balance. They knew the failure of this mission meant more years of working hard to rebuild a new spacecraft if they failed to recover H-1129.

  After another wave of murmurs Jupiter raised his voice carrying authority. The workers listened intently, their eyes fixed on the screen as Jupiter spoke.

  "I want to be clear - this will be a dangerous mission, and we cannot guarantee the safe return of all participating. However, the future of our community depends on the success of this endeavour, as that spacecraft holds important details. Also, we hope to investigate the sea area at the far end where the spacecraft disappeared"

  There came another wave of murmurs quickly silenced by the Chancellor's voice.

  "We are calling for volunteers, aged 18 and above, willing to take on this challenge. Anyone who participates will be honoured with hero medals and promotions, and well, let's say, lifelong glory!" Jupiter's eyes gleamed with determination. "This mission will be the most important in the history of Octagon Veranda, as the very future of our community depends on it. Do not miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of something truly extraordinary."

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  He leaned forward, his voice rising with conviction. "The applications are open in the chancellor's offices of each sector, except for the environmental science sector, until midnight. Sign up now and be part of an adventure that will owe you glory!"

  The screens went dark, leaving the crowd abuzz with a trepidation and anticipation. They were furious, excited and exhausted at the same time. A mission failure which cost another many years of working hard! An expedition! An honour medal! That's something that rarely someone's gifted which adds you to the list of people likely to be in power in people's minds.

  "Can't believe they risked such a mission"

  "Far end? Did they mean that stupid spot called Devil's Spot"

  "Why did we even vote for these stupid people if they can't lead an important project right?"

  "An expedition?"

  "Did they say honour medal? Sign me up!"

  "Don't be an idiot! It's a suicide mission!"

  People had a lot to say. It was an exceptional moment in Octagon Verenda for people to be this distracted from their duties. Each one was trained to work under lots of pressure after going through a handful of exams and training. But at this moment, even the toughest people seem to be distracted. The majority of them rejected even the thought of volunteering. However, not everyone was equally affected. While the majority dismissed the idea of volunteering for such a perilous mission, there were a few exceptions. One such individual was a young man in the Astro sector, his green eyes weary from a day's toil.

  "That's... a thing to consider," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the now-darkened screen.

  "Nonsense! It's a suicide mission. Can't believe that idiot of a chancellor ruined the spacecraft we've been working our butts off for years!" a man standing next to him exclaimed angrily.

  The green-eyed young man, unfazed by the outburst, crossed his arms as he often did when deep in thought. "Yeah, Jupiter's an idiot, I know that. And ruthless."

  "Said by the guy who has the chancellor's attention," a new voice chimed in.

  "I don't care for his attention. He's ruthless. He probably wants me to be bait in his games. But this mission sounds good - I mean, an honour medal," the green-eyed man, named Marcus, continued.

  "Dude, you're seriously not considering this, right?" his friend asked, confused.

  "Well, I mean... what else is left for me in life? No parents, no family... glory sounds good to me," Marcus said, running a hand through his dark blond hair.

  "Marcus, what the heck? You're throwing your life away over a breakup? Tara is just another girl! There are plenty of fish in the sea to catch," his friend, Ethan, said, his voice laced with concern.

  "I'll catch the fish I want with the honour medal," Marcus said, determination in his eyes.

  "Only if you live to catch the fish! You idiot, look at yourself! A handsome 22-year-old astronaut, wasting your life over a girl? Doesn't that sound pathetic? Don't be a bait! You said that yourself!" Ethan pleaded, his words dripping with urgency.

  At that moment, someone interrupted, walking towards them. "Marcus, did you hear? Curie's going to sign up!"

  Marcus snapped his head up, his expression shifting to one of curiosity. "Curie?"

  "Yeah, the same Curie who beat your record as the youngest astronaut," the newcomer said, smirking.

  "Guess she's after glory this time?" Ethan mused.

  "She's obsessed with cutting-edge science, you know. Curious girl," the newcomer remarked.

  "Too late, Ethan. I'm signing up. I'm not letting her beat me this time, too," Marcus said, striding forward.

  "Are you truly kicking your life out over this idiotic girl?" Ethan shouted, but Marcus was already too far gone to hear.