There was silence in the grand hall of the Federation's headquarters. The air was heavy with the choices that had been made during the meeting. Chancellor Helen stood at the arched window, her sharp profile contrasted with the orange tones of the setting sun.
Helen's fingers tightened around the windowsill. The meeting was over, but her mind refused to rest. Every team had their tasks—intelligence was chasing shadows to locate the broadcast's origin, the defense unit was bracing for the predicted spiritual energy surge, and communication teams were scrambling to keep public order intact.
Yet, despite all this, unease clawed at her thoughts, a nagging voice whispering that they weren't prepared enough.
She let out a slow breath and turned away from the window, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor as she strode to her chair. Sitting down, she pressed the intercom button. "Call Prof. Peter to my office. I need to discuss something."