The bell chimed sharply.
Selene Veyra's chair lifted smoothly from the floor, gliding forward along the invisible path to the central platform.
She stepped off with poised precision, polished flats landing lightly.
Her posture was immaculate—shoulders back, chin lifted, the quiet authority of someone who had overseen the system for decades.
She did not greet anyone.
She began immediately.
"My name is Selene Veyra. I serve as Senior Director of Transitional Systems Oversight under the Male Protection Act framework, with direct responsibility for phase-out coordination, compliance auditing, and long-term stabilization policy implementation. For the past several decades, I have overseen the gradual restructuring of participation systems and ensured regulatory alignment across rehabilitation, contribution, and autonomy pathways."
A brief pause followed, controlled and deliberate.
"Mr. Everworth raises concerns about the transition plan of the Male Protection Act. Allow me to clarify what has already been implemented and the framework guiding its phase-out."
With a flick of her wrist, a holographic display projected in front of the council.
Charts and tables filled the air, showing male participation percentages, reduction of mandatory contribution over time, and voluntary engagement rates.
"Since the stabilization of our population, mandatory participation has been reduced incrementally, with all remaining engagement fully voluntary. At present, approximately forty percent of eligible males participate, and all do so willingly. No one is penalized for choosing otherwise. Choice is respected and documented."
She tapped the display, highlighting the figures.
"Participation is not binary. It is flexible, guided by ability and safety. Younger males cannot engage in high-risk combat or arenas without proven capability, but they retain full autonomy in business, vocational pursuits, and controlled, low-risk training. This ensures both safety and freedom. Marcus, seated among the opposition, is an example: a voluntary participant who has chosen to broadcast and work independently while remaining aligned with the protections offered. The system does not restrict him; it provides stability while respecting choice."
Selene's gaze swept across the room.
"The transition plan includes measurable, verifiable conditions: mandatory participation ends entirely once the male population reaches the defined stabilization threshold. Rehabilitation facilities and monitoring systems continue only until participants achieve full autonomy. Independent oversight is already in place, with internal and external auditing to ensure compliance with these benchmarks. Every step of the phase-out is documented, transparent, and accountable."
She leaned forward slightly, voice calm but firm.
"Financially, the Piao family continues to fund the system fully, covering infrastructure, bonuses, and compensation for voluntary participation. This ensures the transition does not compromise stability or burden the participants. Authority is exercised not for power, but for responsibility, with clear timelines and measurable outcomes."
Selene paused, letting the holograms fade.
"To summarize: the transition is structured, deliberate, and accountable. It reduces mandatory obligations gradually, preserves participant autonomy, maintains safety, and ensures transparency. The Male Protection Act is not indefinite. It will end when the population is stable, when participants are fully autonomous, and when independent verification confirms that the system has successfully phased out."
She stepped back onto her hover chair. It rose smoothly, carrying her back to her original seat with quiet precision.