A few hours after the Unified Division received the final blueprint from Dr. Jarir, the atmosphere at Fortex Intelligence headquarters turned ice-cold.The air grew heavier—every breath seemed to carry the invisible weight of responsibility.
This was not just another meeting.It was a sacred ritual: the Oath of Allegiance—a classified procedure that only a few in Fortex's history had ever undergone.
But unlike most ceremonies, this oath would not be taken in unison.One by one, they were summoned into Hall 9—a cold, black steel-lined chamber, dimly lit, with a single, rotating Fortex hologram casting a pale glow into the air.
Inside the room stood an unyielding figure: Dr. Jarir.His hand clutched the Oath Document, his face locked in a stony, expressionless mask.The air itself felt like it could freeze your skin.
The first name was called: Zafran.With a calm yet pressured stride, he stepped in.The metal door sealed shut behind him with a heavy click—locking out the world entirely.
Dr. Jarir spoke with a flat, emotionless tone:"Zafran. Do you pledge your life to the success of Project Interstellar-X? Are you prepared to fulfill your duty with absolute loyalty, without deviation, without betrayal?"
Without the slightest hesitation, Zafran placed his right hand on his left chest and replied in a firm, tense voice:"I swear."
Dr. Jarir raised the oath document and began reading the sacred text, which Zafran repeated with unwavering intensity:
"In the name of the honor of Fortex Intelligence, in the name of global safety, and in the name of truth,I swear to dedicate all my abilities, time, and mind to Project Interstellar-X.I swear to protect this secret from anyone outside the project.I swear never to betray the trust that has been given to me.I swear that under any circumstance, I will see this project through to the end—even if it costs me my life."
As the oath concluded, the Fortex hologram glowed brighter for a moment—recording the vow into Fortex's classified archive.
Zafran did not leave the chamber.Instead, he was instructed to stand at Dr. Jarir's left—a living witness for the oaths that followed.
Next, Furqon was called.He entered the chamber with a blank expression, almost machine-like.The same oath was recited.Furqon's voice was deep, as though it shook the thin air in the room.
Once he finished, he took his place to Dr. Jarir's right, standing tall beside Zafran.Now, they were pillars of witness.
Then, one by one, the other members were summoned.Each step echoed on the metallic floor.Each second felt frozen.Each word of the oath hung in the air like frost.
Each person had to look into the eyes of Zafran, Furqon, and Dr. Jarir as they swore—under gazes cold enough to pierce lies.
No smiles.No mercy.Only oaths, loyalty, and steel-forged resolve.
Once the final oath was made, Hall 9 fell silent again.Dr. Jarir looked into each face before him—all now bound by a sacred tie that could not be broken.
With a voice nearly devoid of inflection, he closed the ritual:
"You are no longer individuals.You are now part of humanity's last bastion.Failure means betrayal of the world.Be ready. You've chosen this path."
The door of Hall 9 slowly opened, allowing them to exit—but the air outside felt just as cold as the decision they had made.
That night, Project Interstellar-X was no longer just a project.It had become a living oath.