Color indicates power and importance; breaking this pattern causes confusion in the public's mind.

- Policies for Public Communication, Policy 63.2

I looked down at the number that was on my screenpad. 1337. I sighed, examining the number as I continued to wait in line.

The woman in front of me looked at her screen, flicking it up, causing it to flash red as she walked out of line and toward the exit. I looked down at my screen. My number had been replaced: 1335. My best guess for how long this would take was about 15 hours, so not too long. I stared at the walls, examining the pale blue color that every bureaucratic office had.

My guess was correct. 15 hours later, I was at the front of the line; the number on my screenpad was 5. The line continued to move forward until I was at the very front.

“Next!” A middle-aged man shouted, motioning for me to come to his desk. I nodded and walked towards him. "What is the nature of your bureaucratic inquiry?"

“I am Aden Opalle. My name was drawn in the lottery.” I placed my hand on the table, lights ebbing from it as the computer verified my identity. The light across the room flickered and turned green as a door to the far left opened.

“Understood. Head to your left and walk through the door.” The man motioned towards the door.

I stepped through the door and everything felt different. The air was fresher, lighter, and overall nicer. I looked around, my eyes wincing as I grimaced.

“Mr. Opalle! Over here!” A woman with shimmering, milky green eyes waved me toward her, the blonde bob that rested on her head bobbing side to side as she moved. I sighed and walked over to her. “Hello, Mr. Opalle. I am Mya V, your assistant.” She started to walk, leading me down a hall.

“Uh... what does the V stand for, if you don’t mind me asking?” I pursed my lips, my eyes darting between the walls. The walls were green with a speckled pattern. I straightened my posture and cleared my throat. “Sorry if that was rude; you are owed your privacy.” I tilted my head towards Mya.

“Indeed, I am owed my privacy. My name is none of your business.” Mya walked through another door labeled ‘Dockyard’. My eyes scanned the sign as I stopped for a second.

“Wait, we’re going off planet? Why can’t we just stay here?” I winced as the words left my mouth, my eyes darting towards the walls.

“Well, you are the leader of the society now; we need to ensure you stay safe now, and that means being on the constant move. A spaceship is much easier to do that with than being on a planet.” She motioned me towards the spaceship that stood in front of her; an IST-AUR, a mammoth of a ship with decent movement. "Come on and explore your new home." She opened the door and stepped in, waiting for me to join her, which I did.