Two nations that had been rivals for over a century now sat at the same virtual table, forced together by circumstances neither wanted to accept.
On one side of the projection, the Empress of the Silver Phoenix Empire sat on her throne.
Beside her was Princess Ariana, calm as always.
On the other side, the Headmaster sat at the head of a long table in the Academy's war room. General Ironwood stood behind him. Various other military leaders and advisors filled the remaining seats, all looking exhausted.
And there, near the end of the table, sat Jonah and Vanessa.
"Let me be clear," the Empress began. "Your nation's failure to contain a domestic terrorist has resulted in that terrorist achieving the ability to travel and operate across the galaxy."
