The chamber was filled with a tense silence as representatives from both councils stared down at the royal family, gathered around the circular table. For a second, Jason thought the screens had frozen.

Shalamorn's and Mera had reacted the same. After the initial shock had passed, they had debated whether to keep the existence of the halfling a secret. Their first instinct had been to protect the knowledge, to avoid political instability, but in the end, reason had won out. He also recalled—somewhat amused—that he still needed to figure out what this revelation meant for him and Neri. If conception was possible, did they need to think about precautions? He shoved the thought aside for now—there were more pressing concerns.

"A halfling," Councilor Chianba finally said, her eyes wide. "How is that possible?"

Zheri's expression went from shock to open disgust at the implications while Sherkat only curled his lips, clearly sharing her sentiment. Jason could not tell if the other councilors felt the same way. If they did, they were better in hiding it behind flabbergasted or in Pietre's case, neutral expressions. When he met Zheri's eyes, she quickly adjusted and straightened her back. Even she wouldn't dare to openly voice an offence towards the prince consort, despite refusing to recognize him as such.

"We believed only Kh'seem, my daughters, and Kal survived the crash," Shalamorn said. "But perhaps someone else did. We need to review the records of the people who were on board."

"And compare their DNA records against this ... halfling," Diric continued Shalamorn's thought and nodded. "He needs to be brought in and questioned."

De Souza, arms crossed tightly over her chest, let out a sharp breath. "First of all, he has not been proven cooperative. What makes you think he will submit to your questioning? And second, he is facing charges against humanity and that still falls under my jurisdiction. I won't and can't just hand him over."

"We have no choice," Diric responded. "If he truly is a halfling, then his very existence is an anomaly that demands study. The Pyramid's interface might provide insight."

"We need to understand what exactly he is," Councilor Chianba added. "And whether there are others."

"More importantly," Shalamorn interjected, "we must know how he came to be. If he is the result of a natural process, or of a secret project we don't know about. Also, a halfling who was involved in this attack ... That has political ramifications we cannot ignore."

Jason noticed the muscle in De Souza's jaw tighten. "I assume my objections mean nothing, then."

Shalamorn gave her a measured look. "Your concerns are noted, but this decision stands. I will personally oversee the transfer."

"Another secret." Neri spoke softly but still immediately had the attention of everyone in the room. "This needs to stop."

"We need to get them into the open," Jason agreed. "Go public, force them to respond in a public way that helps us investigate. It's risky but we can't wait any longer."

"We are a far cry from being able to present our planet as a united species," Pietre replied. "Who will represent us and what kind of information will be published? And how?"

The silence that followed was a thoughtful one, but the weight of yet another unresolved dispute was suffocating. Jason let out a slow breath, glancing around the room at the three factions—Shalamorn and her council, the Separatists, and De Souza representing Earth.

"We're caught in a downward spiral," Jason finally said, breaking the heavy stillness. "Every time a new revelation surfaces, it drives another wedge between us. The more we hesitate, the harder it gets to move forward. We need to break this cycle."

Diric folded his arms, nodding reluctantly. "You're right. But how? The moment we attempt to address one issue, another fractures the fragile diplomacy we've built."

Shalamorn sighed, her regal composure wavering. "For too long, I ignored the voices of the Separatists," she admitted. "I still see myself as the queen of our people—a role I was anointed into through a tradition spanning millennia. That cannot simply be cast aside. Most of our kind still follow the old ways."

She turned to De Souza, her gaze measured. "But tradition alone will not hold us together. We must find a way to govern that acknowledges all factions. A multi-party system with a governing chairperson—"

"You're proposing an Earth system now?" Sherkat interrupted, frowning. "We are not humans. Their governance is not ours."

"It is not about mimicking Earth," Pietre interjected before tempers could flare. As a Separatist himself, his voice carried weight. "It's about ensuring representation. Even Malakat wanted a freer, multi-voiced system—"

Gerron scoffed. "Malakat committed atrocities. His ideas have no place in this discussion."

Zheri stiffened, responding instantly. "Malakat has yet to stand trial. His crimes are still allegations, not proven facts."

Jason cut in before the argument could escalate. "That," he said firmly, "is exactly why we need to change course. We can't keep falling into the same patterns. Shalamorn is the anointed queen—whether we like it or not, her position is recognized. If we truly want progress, let's use that structure to stabilize a new system. She would serve as chairperson, not a ruler."

There was a long pause as the Separatists exchanged glances. "The liaison you planned to send for the Pyramid's research," Jason addressed them, "are they an acceptable representative for your party?"

"Azhani," Zheri said after a pause. "She is of noble lineage."

Shalamorn straightened, regaining her composure. "Then it is time for each faction to draft a clear list of priorities—what you seek from this alliance, and what you are willing to compromise on. The more voices involved, the more drawn-out and difficult this process will become. That is why each faction must choose a single representative for the negotiations."

She paused, looking at each of them in turn. "As chairperson, I will not represent any one faction. My duty will be to oversee the final agreement, ensuring it serves all our people."

Jason released a slow breath. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it was a start.

"About going public…" Brett hesitated, as if unsure whether he should speak. "I might have an idea. I could put something together. A plan."

After collecting nods from the room, Shalamorn gave him a smile. "I'm looking forward to hearing it."

"Azhani will arrive on Earth in about three of your days," Sherkat told them. "She will be ready for the negotiations in seven."

Jason rubbed his forehead, recollecting the issues they had to put on the agenda. The trial, dealing with this halfling, saving the ecosystem of the Oceanplanet, guidelines for the publication of information ...

It took him a moment to realize that every set on eyes in the room was resting on him, waiting. Some looks were simply expectational, some impatient. Diane had a weird, mixed expression of resignation and pride. Mera's face betrayed no emotion which told him she wasn't sure if she agreed with this choice. Neri gave him a smile that told him, she was grateful, followed by the tiniest nod showing her support.

Jason's eyes looked on to Chianba's. She had been the least agreeable towards him, had fought him every turn.

"We'll be ready as well," he replied but mostly speaking to Chianba. Her nod settled it.

For the first time, they had reached an agreement—one that wasn't built on fragile compromise, but on an actual path forward. It wasn't a perfect plan, but it was more than they had before.

Yet, as relief spread across the room, Jason felt the weight settle deeper in his chest. The knot in his stomach didn't loosen—it tightened. He had helped achieve a step forward, but now the future of an entire planet rested, in part, on his shoulders. He caught Shalamorn watching him. There was gratitude in her gaze, but also something else—relief. As if she had placed another piece of the burden onto him. Jason forced himself to hold her gaze, but deep down, he wasn't sure how much longer he could carry it