"Hey, Luna, I'm Ethan Matthews. So, you're our commander, right?" he said with a grin, attempting to break the ice.
"Actually, I'm 19," she replied, also trying to smile. But even the camaraderie felt orchestrated, like they were all dancers in the same grim ballet, moving to the emperor's tune without real thoughts of their own. It was unnerving, and deep inside, her instincts screamed that none of this was right. Yet she was just one of many, trapped in a world she didn't choose, following orders without question.
After all that, the emperor was still unsatisfied. His insatiable hunger for control led him to believe that brainwashing was the only method to ensure absolute obedience from his subjects. After all, a legion of mindless followers would heed his commands far better than any individual with thoughts and feelings. Unbeknownst to them, this was just the beginning of a dark transformation.
Soon, they arrived at an imposing, large white door and were instructed to enter. Without a hint of hesitation, they complied, stepping inside and sitting down in sterile, organized rows. A helmet-like device was placed firmly on each of their heads, and their hands were bound tightly, leaving them vulnerable. As panic welled within them and they struggled against their restraints, the room was soon filled with glimmering specks that enveloped their senses, allowing the emperor's voice to echo clearly in their minds.