senflanka

It was unusual to see the Astral Chain Headquarters so empty. The luxuriously high dome ceiling just made the main hall feel even emptier. The only evidence that anyone else was here was the wordless footsteps of their fellow world leaders behind them. 

Polaris sauntered down staircase after staircase of velvet-carpeted steps amid rows and rows of vacant desks and chairs. Ursa Minor’s desk was closer to the top, so they hadn’t fully grasped how tedious it was to traverse the whole room.

Once at the bottom, they opened the door to their right, letting everyone else enter the smaller meeting room before they went in, closing the door behind them.

This room was much more compact, with windowless walls that did not extend much further than the long oval table in the middle of the room. Everyone sat down in seemingly random seats.

“Well, let us commence our discussion,” Alphard began.

Today’s meeting — which was more like a discreet gathering — pertained to the growing tensions between Hydra and Argo Navis, which appeared to be heading towards a full-fledged war. The attendees consisted of several world leaders that would be likely allies to Alphard, including Sirius, Theta Centauri, and Denebola. Each person was given a turn to share their thoughts, ask questions, and finally state their country’s position on the matter.

“Polaris, you may go,” Denebola declared, marking the end of her own statement; she had agreed to lead Leo into the war on Hydra’s side.

Polaris nodded politely, and without hesitation, calmly gave their own verdict in one short sentence:

“Ursa Minor will remain neutral.”

Disbelief-filled interjections arose from the others almost immediately. Polaris just looked around stoically, apathetic to all the outrage.

Finally, the clamoring subsided enough for Acrux to get a word in.

“Polaris, your nation and mine are crucial for navigation! I thought the point of our alliance was that we enter conflicts together!” She objected.

“Exactly,” Polaris said. “We are crucial for navigation. Therefore, we shouldn’t let politics control us. Dozens of countries, whether they’re on your side” — they motioned to Alphard — “or not, depend on us. You’re all acting like I just joined Argo’s side without even understanding my actual point.

“Ursa Minor does not plan on cutting off existing trade relations with any other countries. We’re just not going to go above and beyond to fuel the war effort. Moreover, we will not promote war-related propaganda that favors either side. Is that clear?”