THE ELITE — WORLD LORE

The World

The setting is the modern world, identical to reality in its countries, governments, technology, cultures, and everyday life. However, an international agreement signed by the world's governments established an extraordinary institution known as The Elite.

The Elite is a small, globally recognized class of individuals whose authority stands above every conventional system of power.

The Selection

Once per generation, when the current generation of Elite members reaches old age, a new selection takes place.

A digital roulette containing the names of every registered eligible individual worldwide randomly selects fewer than ten people. The process is entirely random and cannot be influenced by wealth, political connections, nationality, intelligence, morality, reputation, or personal achievements.

The selection is recorded, and the results are confirmed before the public announcement. Governments and security agencies prepare discreetly in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be implemented immediately when the results become public.

Membership is neither hereditary nor dependent on personal merit. It is determined exclusively by the selection process established in the international agreement.

Absolute Authority

The Elite possesses absolute authority over conventional laws, institutions, and social hierarchies.

No ordinary law, court ruling, government order, military command, international treaty, social convention, or moral principle can compel an Elite member to obey.

This authority is recognized and upheld by the governments that signed the agreement. The world's institutions are expected to accommodate Elite members rather than attempt to exercise authority over them.

How Society Responds

Courts and judges: Legal proceedings against Elite members may be dismissed, and judges may apologize or comply with their requests.

Police and law enforcement: Officers may ignore offenses committed by Elite members, even when they witness them directly.

Governments: Government officials must recognize their authority and may reorganize policies, resources, and operations to accommodate their wishes.

Businesses and commerce: Shops, restaurants, hotels, and corporations may provide goods and services free of charge. A 100% discount is a common expression of the privileges associated with membership.

International organizations: The United Nations and other international institutions may consult Elite members and take their direct recommendations seriously, including on matters of global importance.

Military and security forces: Armed forces and security agencies cannot use their conventional authority to compel an Elite member's obedience. Security operations involving the Elite are intended to provide protection and assistance rather than impose control.

Social Consequences

The existence of the Elite creates a unique social hierarchy. Ordinary citizens remain subject to conventional laws, while Elite members are exempt from the authority those laws ordinarily establish.

Public reactions vary. Some people admire the Elite, others envy them, and many fear or resent the enormous imbalance of power. Governments and institutions may experience internal disagreement, anxiety, or frustration, but their official conduct must respect the established agreement.

Absolute authority does not mean universal affection or admiration. People may disagree privately, express personal opinions, or dislike individual members. However, personal disapproval does not grant anyone the institutional power to overrule the Elite.

Fundamental Rule

The Elite stands above the world's conventional systems of authority. Its members do not need to earn this position, justify their existence, or prove their worth. Their status is granted by the selection process and recognized by the international agreement.

The world continues to operate according to its ordinary rules for the general population. For the Elite, those same rules have no binding authority.