The Grand Assembly Hall on Aetherion-9 buzzed with a tension so thick, it seemed to crackle in the air. Traders, ambassadors, security officials, and even distant watchers from galactic syndicates had gathered for the public unveiling of the Aetherion Quantum Trade Nexus—an initiative led by Orion Drake, one that promised to revolutionize interstellar commerce.
Yet beneath the grandeur, uncertainty brewed like a hidden storm.
Orion stood on the elevated observation balcony, arms folded behind his back as he surveyed the hall through the reinforced energy glass. From here, he could see the sprawl of delegates moving like ants—each a node in the vast network of interests, rivalries, and ambitions he was about to entangle in his web.
Behind him, Ophelia's heels clicked softly across the marble-like alloy floor. "You shouldn't be standing alone before a major speech," she said. "The Nexus Council awaits final confirmations."
