Chapter 56: Ch 56 Council
The three goddesses briefly glanced around the Council chamber, which—for some reason—had fallen completely silent the moment they appeared. Their radiant eyes swept across the assembly before finally settling on the 18 Divine Pilots seated directly in front of them.
The pilots, in perfect unison, gave respectful nods toward the goddesses—a gesture that was calmly returned.
Next, the goddesses turned their gaze to the Celestial Designers, who likewise acknowledged their presence with silent reverence.
Only after these silent exchanges did the three goddesses finally take their seats upon the floating thrones. Yet, none of them spoke—not immediately. A heavy, expectant silence hung in the air, as if the very chamber held its breath.
"Respected Tier-1 Council members of the Human Federation..." the Goddess of Wisdom began, her voice smooth and measured—layered with a subtle harmonic resonance that deepened the silence already present in the chamber. Even those lost in private thoughts found their attention drawn instinctively toward her.
"I thank you all for coming, despite the sudden summons, and for taking time from your already busy schedules."
She paused, letting her gaze sweep gently across the chamber. Many nodded in acknowledgment of her words, and the minor irritation some had felt at the abruptness of the call began to fade, soothed by her sincerity and calm demeanor.
Yet not all were so easily placated. Among the 24 Council members, a group of 10 to 18 simply smirked—still harboring their displeasure for reasons unknown even to their peers.
The Goddess noticed them, of course—but chose to ignore it. They were irrelevant to the matter at hand. No matter how they felt or what games they intended to play, this Council meeting would proceed exactly as she willed.
Nodding gently, the Goddess of Wisdom continued,"Though this meeting was called without warning and lies outside your usual routines... the matter at hand—one which will be explained further by an existing Tier-1 Council member—is of existential importance."
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle.
"If I may be direct—this could be humanity’s and the Federation’s only chance to break free from the stagnation and mounting crises we face along the Federation’s border zones."