It took a week for The Seraphyne to sort out every single human that remained after the dominion. Once every human was interviewed, reviewed, and given an official title in how they are viewed in the eyes of The Seraphyne, they were given their jobs, homes, benefits, and wardrobes.
Chosen humans live in protected districts; Laborers maintain infrastructure, and Politicians still existed, but only to administer human affairs under Seraphyne oversight.
Overall, Blue remained as the final authority.
Blue was the ultimate ruler.
Every single human was given a navy book titled "New Laws of The Seraphyne." In silver ink, The laws explicitly told humans why Blue had taken over, what his intention was with them, how humans were categorized, and what would happen if they defied him. Blue generally didn't give second chances -- once you defied him you'd be tortured and killed.
Humans everywhere looked down at the floor in fear or extreme melancholy.
Even Ivory couldn't meet their eyes; but she knew what would happen if Blue didn't feel that she was loyal enough; her life and protecting Lyra and her other future children was her concern.
Every human received the same book before leaving their interview.
It was bound in dark navy leather with silver lettering pressed across the front.
Ivory held the heavy book in her hands as she sat quietly in the library; Blue had finally trusted her enough and had given her access to the mansion, as long as guards were around.
The pages smelled of fresh ink. Every law had been carefully written, organized, and approved by Blue himself. There were no errors. No crossed-out sentences. No uncertainty. Like everything Blue touched, every page had already decided humanity's future.
The first page read:
"The Seraphyne do not seek chaos. We seek order. Humanity has survived long enough beneath inferior leadership. From this day forward, civilization shall exist under the authority of The Seraphyne Empire. Those who accept our rule will prosper. Those who reject it will cease to exist."
Ivory slowly turned the page.
Every law was simple.
Every punishment was permanent.
"Every human shall pledge allegiance to The Seraphyne Empire. Acts of rebellion, sedition, conspiracy, or the encouragement of anti-Seraphyne ideals shall be considered treason."
"Every citizen shall perform the occupation assigned to them. Unauthorized changes in occupation shall result in disciplinary review."
Ivory raised a brow. Disciplinary review? He was running a dictatorship.
"Every child shall attend Imperial Academy where they shall learn Seraphyne history, law, science, and civilization. Human history shall remain part of the curriculum but shall no longer serve as the foundation of society."
"Citizens aware of rebellion or criminal activity must report such information within twenty-four hours. Failure to report shall be considered participation."
"Possession of unauthorized weapons, explosives, or military equipment shall result in immediate arrest."
"Disrespect toward a Seraphyne official shall be regarded as disrespect toward the Empire itself."
The further Ivory read, the heavier the book became in her lap. She already felt a knot in her throat from these insane rules.
Blue had thought of everything!
There were laws governing employment, travel, food distribution, breeding eligibility, and clothing.
Every human was expected to wear robes representing their assigned status within society. The color identified their occupation while the cuffs reflected their importance. Gold belonged to doctors, lawyers, military officers, teachers, scientists, and approved breeders. Silver identified skilled laborers, engineers, craftsmen, and servants. Gray belonged to those whose occupations required little education or authority. No one was permitted to exchange robes without authorization. The warmer weather robes were made of silk and cotton; wool or cashmere for colder weather.
Blue believed order began the moment someone looked at another person.
Then came the punishments.
Ivory hesitated before reading them. She closed her eyes and prayed, because she could only imagine what he had planned.
"First offenses of lesser crimes may result in public demotion, reduction of privileges, mandatory labor, or reassignment. Repeated offenses shall result in confinement within Imperial Correctional Facilities. Acts of terrorism, murder, organized rebellion, sabotage, or treason shall result in public judgment and punishment before the Empire."
She continued reading.
"Sentences issued by the Supreme Ruler are absolute. There shall be no appeal."
Her stomach tightened.
Blue had included one final paragraph.
"Certain acts of treason are beyond rehabilitation. Those individuals shall be removed permanently from society. Their names shall be erased from all Imperial records. Their property shall be reclaimed by the Empire. Discussion of the condemned without authorization shall itself constitute a criminal offense."
Ivory slowly closed the book.
She noticed that Blue didn't specify what would explicitly happen to people once they broke one or multiple laws. An ignorant society was a better one.
The mansion had never felt so quiet.
Outside, humans walked with their heads lowered, their new robes flowing around them. Nobody smiled. Nobody spoke above a whisper. Every person knew the same thing.
Blue had not simply conquered Earth.
He had rewritten what it meant to live on it.
Ivory looked toward the window and watched families quietly return to their assigned districts.
She pitied them and herself. But more than anything, she pitied the children, Because they would never know what freedom had once looked like. She had to be strong for Lyra, her future heirs, and for herself, because no one else would be.