Chapter 112: Weight of Command
The councillors murmured among themselves, the weight of the decision pressing heavily upon them. Valeria stood tall, her gaze unwavering. She knew the stakes of this vote went beyond mere strategy; it was a test of her leadership and the Reyes family's ability to navigate the treacherous currents of Confederacy politics.
"Very well," Ellis said at last, his tone resigned but his eyes calculating. "Let us vote."
One by one, the councillors cast their votes, their decisions projected onto the holographic display for all to see. As the final tally appeared, a murmur of surprise swept through the room.
The council had voted in favor of Valeria's strategy.
Ellis's expression tightened almost imperceptibly, but he said nothing. Nadira met Valeria's gaze, a faint smile of approval on her lips. Valeria allowed herself a brief moment of relief before addressing the council once more.
"This council has spoken," she said. "Ensure that our allies understand the necessity of our actions and that our people are prepared for the challenges ahead."
She couldn't help but think of Cassian, her heart heavy with worry and her mind swirling with unspoken fears. Each moment without hearing from him made her more anxious, feeding a growing frustration that she could barely hold back. She knew that when this was all over, she would have to confront him about the promise he made but didn't keep.
He had promised to avoid unnecessary risks, to stay safe for her sake, and now she was left alone with the heavy weight of not knowing if he was okay. She had every intention of reminding him of the life they were supposed to build together, a life that shouldn't be thrown away on dangerous ventures. The future they dreamed of was full of challenges, that much was clear, but she was ready to face them together. She couldn't let fear or anger take over, no matter how hard it was. Her love for him would give her strength, but he needed to understand that his choices had consequences. She would make sure he saw how much it hurt her to be left behind, worrying if he would come back or not.
The bridge of the Radiant Valor was loud with voices, a mix of worried shouts and upset whispers. Officers barked over one another, their tempers fraying like a rope strained to its limits. The tactical hologram at the center of the room displayed the Krasnikov, an ironclad wall daring anyone to challenge its dominance. The ship's ambient hum was lost beneath the storm of egos as senior officers vied for control over a desperate situation.