In the lower districts, where life was always harder, the reaction was different. Quiet fury. Grief hidden behind clenched jaws and narrowed eyes.
Murmured curses toward the Kaelzars. Broken glasses thrown at walls. And yet... no uprising. Not yet. Just the kindling of something deeper.
In the governor's own home district, where his family shrine stood untouched for generations, people began lighting candles despite the rain. Digital flames flickered inside waterproof cases. Offerings of flowers, medals, and even children's toys began piling up along the shrine walls.
Meanwhile, inside the central command of the planetary defense force...
The remaining military leaders gathered, soaked from the rain. The northern and western generals stood before the rest, carrying the wrapped body of the old governor on a hover-stretcher, protected under an energy field.
No one spoke.
