Far away, back in the Federation's beating heart, the halls of governance carried a different tension. Inside a chamber vast enough to echo a pin drop, the Governor sat before four of the mightiest figures alive: the Golden Arbiters.
Abraham and Sarah, the aged couple whose strength still defied time. George Franklin, an old powerhouse whose very stance carried the weight of mountains. And Christopher Benjamin, the quietest of them, but no less lethal.
They all stood as Governor Akira entered. Despite being the youngest in appearance, his presence dwarfed even theirs. With a faint smile, he gestured them to sit.
"I'm glad you all could make it."
It was George who spoke first, bowing his head with respect.
"It is our honor to be in your presence, Governor."
The others nodded in agreement, their expressions solemn.
