Chapter 1619  Worldwide Sorrow

Author’s Note: Unedited Chapter

————

Elyn looked troubled. “But how? The unrest is growing, and people are losing faith.”

Frambultin took a deep breath. “I will address the people and call for a summit of all leaders and factions. We need to come together, now more than ever.”

The playback showed scenes of unrest and division across Planet Humbad. Protests erupted in the streets, clashes broke out between opposing factions, and fear and uncertainty spread like wildfire.

It looked like history was repeating itself once again.

In one scene, Gustav watched as a group of dissenters gathered in a secluded space. Their faces were filled with anger and frustration, their voices hushed but intense.

“We cannot trust Frambultin the 88th,” one of them said with a tone of conviction. “His methods are weak, and our survival is at risk. We need strong leadership to protect us.”

“But what can we do?” another asked, her voice trembling. “The barrier is failing, and we are running out of time.”

Kaldor spoke up; “We need to take decisive action. If Frambultin will not lead us well, then we must lead ourselves. We must find a way to restore true unity, one built on strength and resolve.”

As the unrest grew, the barrier continued to weaken. The ashy sand-like matter pressed harder against it, the dark force swirling and writhing, seeking a way through. The cracks continuously spread.

Frambultin the 88th addressed the people from the Great Hall. “My fellow Slarkovs, we face an existential threat. The barrier that protects us is failing because of the divisions among us. Let us put aside our differences and work together to restore our unity and strengthen the barrier.”

The summit of all leaders and factions began in the Great Hall. Representatives from all sides gathered around a large table. Frambultin the 88th opened the summit with a heartfelt plea for unity.

“We are all Slarkovs,” he began, his voice steady but impassioned. “We all want the same thing: to protect our world and ensure our survival. The barrier keeps failing because we are divided. We must find a way to come together, to work as one.”

Tarek, a community leader, spoke up. “We need to address the root causes of our division. People feel marginalized. Not everyone is satisfied with the Frambultin leadership. We must ensure that all voices are heard and that our society is built on cooperation.”

Kaldor, the fierce dissenter, countered. “We need strong leadership, not appeasement. The barrier is failing because we are weak. We must take decisive action to protect our people.”

The debate continued, with each side presenting their views and concerns.

As the summit progressed, Frambultin the 88th worked tirelessly to mediate and find common ground. He listened to each side, offering compromises and solutions.

Slowly, some progress was made, and a tentative sense of hope began to emerge.

In one scene, Gustav watched as Fraumbultin the 88th met with Tarek and Kaldor in a private chamber. The atmosphere was tense, but there was a glimmer of understanding.

“Tarek, Kaldor,” Fraumbultin said, his voice sincere, “I know we have different views on how to protect our people. But we must find a way to work together. The barrier is failing, and our survival depends on our unity.”

Tarek nodded. “I agree, Chief Fraumbultin. Unity is our objective.”

Kaldor, though still defiant, softened slightly. “I understand the need for unity. But we must also be strong and decisive. We cannot afford to be weak.”

Fraumbultin smiled, a sense of relief washing over him. “Then let us find a way to balance strength with compassion. Together, we can restore our unity and protect our world.”

“The only way that works is if you step down as Chief,” Kaldor words caused his smile to vanish instantly.

“But why?” Chief Frambultin the 88th questioned with a low tone.

“It is quite obvious that your methods have failed to fooster peace and unity whereas your father’s worked. The Slarkovs need a decisive leader that will continue your father’s legacy not some weak willed leader who is unwilling to get his hands dirty,” Kaldor stated with a strong look of disgust.

“And if I were to step down who would take on the mantle of leadership?” Frambultin the 88th inquired.

“I shall,” Tarek stated.

“Shut up Tarek! You’re clearly too not eligible. I will take up the mantle,” Kaldor voiced with a condescending look.

“And what is the first thing you will do when you step into power?” Frambultin the 88th questioned.

“I will get rid of every single Slarkov who disagree with the methods of our previous chief. The barrier will no longer weaken if everyone that is left remains under the same banner of agreement hehe,” Kaldor pointed out.

“If that is the case then, no. I will not be stepping down. I have sworn to put an end to the ruthless tactic my father used during his reign and I will make sure it never happens again.”

Immediately after saying this, Frambultin the 88th turned around to leave.

“Ptoi! You’re a disgrace to your father’s name!” Kaldor spat in his direction with a tone of disgust.

“Be that as it may… I will not let Humbad be ruled by tyranny,” Frambultin stated before completely leaving the scene.

Soon, the situation on Planet Humbad reached a critical juncture.

Despite Fraumbultin the 88th’s best efforts to heal the divisions within Slarkov society, the unrest continued to rise at an alarming rate.

The barrier, weakened by the lack of unity, began to falter more visibly. It’s light flickered under the relentless pressure of the ashy sand-like matter.

Frambultin stood in the command center, his expression grave as he observed the holographic display of the barrier.

The cracks were spreading faster now, and the dark force outside seemed more determined than ever to consume their world. He knew that if they did not find a solution soon, the end of their species was inevitable.

He gathered his advisors for an emergency meeting in the Great Hall. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of their dire situation pressing heavily on everyone present.

“My friends,” Fraumbultin began, his voice steady but filled with urgency, “we are facing an existential threat unlike any we have encountered before. The barrier is failing, and the unrest among our people is tearing us apart. We must find a way forward, or we will be consumed along with our planet.”

Seran, the seasoned advisor, spoke up. “Chief Frambultin, we need to consider all options. If we cannot restore unity and strengthen the barrier, we may need to evacuate the planet.”

Elyn, the young and passionate advisor, looked conflicted. “But where would we go? This has been our home for millennia. Leaving would be an admission of defeat.”

Frambultin nodded, his expression resolute. “I understand your concerns, Elyn. But we must prioritize the survival of our species. I have made a difficult decision. We will prepare to evacuate the planet.”

The advisors exchanged uneasy glances, but they knew that their leader was right. The unrest was too deep-rooted, the divisions too entrenched. Staying on Humbad would only lead to their extinction.

Fraumbultin addressed the people of Humbad in a broadcast from the Great Hall. His voice echoed through the city, reaching every corner of their world.

“My fellow Slarkovs, we face a grave threat. The barrier that protects us is failing, and our unity is crumbling. We have tried to heal our divisions, but the unrest continues to rise. For the survival of our species, we must make a difficult decision. We must prepare to leave our beloved planet.”

The announcement sent shockwaves through Slarkov society. Families gathered around screens, their faces filled with  fear. Gustav watched as the playback showed scenes of the reactions across Humbad.

In one scene, a group of Slarkovs gathered in a public square, their expressions a blend of anxiety and hope. “Leaving our home,” one of them said, their voice trembling. “It feels like giving up.”

Another Slarkov, an elder with wise eyes, placed a reassuring hand on their shoulder. “It is not giving up,” they said gently. “It is choosing to survive. We carry the spirit of Humbad within us, wherever we go.”

However, the decision to evacuate was not universally accepted.

The Slarkovs had divided into two factions: one faction, led by Chief Fraumbultin the 88th, agreed with the decision to leave the planet for their betterment.

The other faction, led by Kaldor and his followers, believed that they should stay behind and force Dimension Six open, hoping to employ its power once more.

In a heated debate in the Great Hall, representatives from both factions argued passionately.

“Leaving the planet is cowardice!” Kaldor shouted, his voice filled with conviction. “We must force Dimension Six open and use its power to protect ourselves. Abandoning our home is not the answer.”

Fraumbultin the 88th remained calm but resolute. “Kaldor, we have tried to reason with Dimension Six. It has locked itself away. Our priority must be the survival of our species, and that means evacuating.”