Chapter 101: Rankings

"The ranking system will determine how well you are treated within the commune. As more and more creatures join, I am sorry to say, but I won't be able to give each and everyone on of you the attention I have been giving all along," he started.

"Of course, photosynthesis will be provided to all working members of the commune, but it might not be in my presence. There simply won't be enough space for it to happen, and frankly, I won't have the time to go out of my way to see everyone," he explained.

Having a session with him would mean that they would grow at an increased rate as he had catalyst absorption. But once the commune grew to the size of a few hundred, holding sessions that big will become both a logistic and safety concern.

"Also, benefits such as names and cruxes are expensive, and soon it will become too much for me to give to every single person. So cruxes, names, along with other blessings, as I'm going to be calling them, will be distributed according to ranking," he announced.

Giving cruxes wasn't the problem, after all, they cost about 1000, and he made 2,000,000 helios on average these days. The problem was the sobriquets, which were a requirement in order to receive a crux. They cost a million each, meaning he would only be able to hand out 2 a day, that's if he decided to throw growth out the window of course.

"Now, since every department will be given different tasks, the ranking systems ought to be different as well. So don't worry if the names seem different," Lucius explained before gesturing towards the first watch, to come to the front.

"With all this explained, today we will be holding the first of many ranking ceremonies," he announced once everyone quieted down.

"To Alpha, for the role of leadership, and working towards keeping the commune safe. I award the rank of Guard Second Grade, two grades above the entry point in the Department of Internal Security," Lucius explained.

In turn, Pagan made a gesture, and everyone genuflected. Lucius was beginning to suspect that Pagan had held some sort of bowing class or something.

Lucius helped Alpha to his feet, and the others stood up as well.

"Next, the first watch."

"For your role as acting leader during Alpha's absence, and for protecting the commune, I award you the name Artemis, and the rank of Guard Third Grade," he said, calling Alpha's right hand to stand in front of him.

Once again, Pagan made a gesture, and everyone genuflected.

Lucius called out the others from the first watch as well, six in total. Their names were Avril, Harold, Richard, Mark, Eleanor, and Miles. All names he had taken from respected soldiers back on earth. Each of them was awarded the rank of Guard Fourth Grade.

"Next, Pagan," once Lucius said that everyone genuflected without a missing a beat. Lucius had no idea what Pagan had been spewing into their minds, but he had done a great job at manipulating them.

"For your role of defending the commune from multiple threats while I was gone. I award you the rank of Raider First Grade, the highest grade in the entry point of the Warring and Special Operations Department."

After a few moments, Pagan let out a pulse from his crux and stood up. The others stood up shortly after.

~Visual effects?~ Lucius thought, not wanting to ruin Pagan's over-dramatic promotion.

"And lastly, Asclepius. For your role in the experimentation and research you have done thus far, I award you the rank of Novice Fourth Grade," Lucius said, having to shove Asclepius a bit to stand in front of the others.

The leaflings genuflected, and Asclepius was wide-eyed. This was a first, and it felt good.

"That's it for today. You guys will be allowed to talk to the Premiers shortly, I just have to have a quick word with them," Lucius said, before calling all the Premiers for a quick discussion.

"Okay, I know that I didn't tell any of you that you would be getting roles today, but that was all part of the surprise," Lucius explained quickly.

"The leaflings will soon come to you guys to ask about what your different departments entail, and possibly join as well."

"Alpha, I'm sure you already know what your department is all about, I don't need to explain anything, right?" Lucius asked, turning to Alpha.

"That's what I am confused about, Captain. Why aren't I in Pagan's department? I don't even have to lead, or be a Premier, I just want to be a part of it," Alpha replied.

"I'm sure you'd would be a great fit, but your people need you. You've developed a good relationship with the first watch, and for now, you are worth more in that role than as a fighter," Lucius explained.

It was clear that Alpha wasn't in full agreement, but he couldn't argue with Lucius's authority.

"Asclepius, you asked for helpers, this is your chance. Frankly, I don't know much about herbs, so explaining what your division in the department entails will be up to you," Lucius said, turning to Asclepius.

"Hannibal, even though you two are in the same department, your division is a little different from his," Lucius continued.

"She," Hannibal interrupted.

"What?" the sounds of confusion came from everyone except Pagan, and Asclepius.

"Asclepius is female," Hannibal explained.

"Asclepius?" Lucius asked, turning to look at... her.

"I didn't think it mattered. I told Pagan, but he didn't seem to believe me. Though, I have no how this one found out," Asclepius said, turning to look at Hannibal.

"You have a pouch, just like Ghost and some of the others. I noticed it the first day I saw you," Hannibal explained, pointing to a small pouch on Asclepius's back.

"Aha, okay, not important," Lucius whispered, quickly dismissing the many questions that everyone had.

"Hannibal, your division will be focused on the research of other materials and world concepts. I'll try to help you in explaining what it's about, but I'm sure you get the general idea," Lucius said, to which Hannibal nodded in reply.

"And Pagan, if anyone approaches you remind them they can't join, got it?"