I leaned forward slightly, hands clasped, gaze sweeping the room. Letting the silence settle just long enough to make the next words land.
"Both of you have given strong suggestions," I said calmly. "Ideas that I like —that align with the greater vision we're building here."
My voice didn't rise, didn't waver. But it carried.
"But before I make any decision… I want to hear all voices."
I scanned the room again — admiralty, research heads, tech leads, and even the representatives from the Void Earth Star Alliance.
"If anyone has more to add — speak now. Let us hear it.
This is not just a decision for the Empire, but for the legacy we'll leave behind."
"So… speak. Let every stone be turned."
As I expected, once I gave them the space to speak — they did.
At first, hesitation lingered in the room like mist.Maybe they thought my interest in Elira and Ryn's proposals was final.But when I said, "Speak," I meant it — and they understood.
