The Council of Engineers

Eventually, the recruits were led through a grand set of double doors with their boots clicking against the polished floor. The council chamber was embedded with yellow Lumina energy that flowed smoothly in between the lining of the walls. Massive gears turned slowly in the high ceiling, releasing the same soft bursts of steam into the air.

At the center of the chamber was a semi-circular table, behind which sat the Council of Engineers—seven distinguished members clad in elegant robes of yellow and gold. 

One of the councilors, a stern-looking woman with dyed brown-yellow hair, leaned forward. “Welcome, emissaries of the Blue Clan. You stand before the Council of Engineers. State your business.”

Renjiro stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Thank you for seeing us. My name is Renjiro, and these are my companions: Yumeru, Kairro, Emi, and Taro. We’ve come seeking the Solaris Empire’s assistance in stopping the Red Clan.”

At the mention of the Red Clan, a ripple of unease passed through the council. One of the younger members, a man with short-cropped hair and a thin mustache, narrowed his eyes. “The Red Clan is not our concern. Why should we risk our resources and people for your war? And if we risk our resources for your cause, what guarantees do we have that your clan will compensate us once this is over?” 

Kairro’s fists clenched, but Emi placed a steadying hand on his arm before stepping forward. “This isn’t just about the Blue Clan. The Red Clan has been attacking relentlessly, not just our territories but human villages as well. They leave destruction in their wake and take prisoners. Ignoring their actions won’t protect you—it only gives them more time to grow stronger.”

Another councilor, an older man with a mechanical monocle, chuckled dryly. “Human villages? Their suffering is regrettable, but it does not concern the Solaris Empire. We have no obligations to meddle in conflicts that do not directly threaten us.”

Renjiro stepped forward, his voice calm but resolute. “With respect, this isn’t just about the villages. The Red Clan is seeking something—something powerful. We don’t know what it is, but if they find it, no one will be safe. Not the Blue Clan, nor Verdance Clan, nor will your  Empire. You don’t understand—every moment we delay, more lives are lost. I've seen what they're capable of, we all have. I’m not asking for charity. I’m asking you to stand with us before it’s too late.

The council fell silent, exchanging uneasy glances. Finally, the woman who had spoken first raised a hand, silencing any further discussion. “We have heard your plea, but the Council of Engineers must deliberate on such matters. You will be escorted to quarters where you may rest while we consider your proposal.”

The guards led the group out of the chamber. Renjiro’s mind churned with thoughts of the council’s response—or lack thereof.

“‘We’ll deliberate,’” Kairro muttered under his breath. In other words, they don’t want to get involved.”

“They’re just being cautious,” Emi offered, though her tone lacked conviction. 

“They will,” Yumeru said quietly, her gaze steady. “Whether they like it or not.”

The guards stopped in front of a set of rooms and opened the doors. Each room was modestly furnished but clean, with a bed, a small table, and a window that offered a stunning view of the floating city.

“These quarters have been prepared for your stay,” one guard said. “You will be informed once the council has reached a decision. Do not leave the premises without escort.”

Renjiro nodded curtly. “Understood.”

As the guards departed, Taro collapsed onto the bed in one of the rooms, letting out a groan. “Well, that went great,” he muttered sarcastically.

Renjiro leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. “We made our case. Now we wait.”

“Waiting won’t stop the Red Clan,” Kairro said, pacing back and forth. “We need to make them understand what’s at stake.”

Yumeru sat at the table deep in thought. “They’re not wrong to be cautious. The Yellow Clan has survived by staying neutral. Asking them to risk that isn’t a small thing.”

Renjiro sighed, running a hand through his hair. “If they don’t join us, we’ll figure something else out. But for now, let’s rest. We’ll need it.”

The group exchanged weary glances, each retreating to their respective rooms to reflect on the council’s decision and the uncertain path ahead.

Hours had passed as the group sat in silence, the hum of the floating city outside a constant background noise. Renjiro leaned against the wall of the guest quarters with his arms crossed, staring out the window.

“This is pointless,” Kairro grumbled, pacing back and forth. His irritation had been growing steadily since they’d returned from the council chamber. “We’re just sitting here, doing nothing, while the Red Clan gets stronger.”

“We were told to stay put,” Emi reminded him, seated at the small table with a book she’d taken from one of the room’s shelves. Her tone was calm, but there was an edge of annoyance.

Kairro scoffed. “What are they going to do, throw us out? They already don’t want to help us. I’m not going to sit here and twiddle my thumbs while they ‘deliberate.’”

He headed for the door.

Renjiro straightened, his brow furrowing. “Where are you going?”

“Exploring,” Kairro replied, not bothering to look back. “Might as well see what else this place has to offer.”

“You’re going to get us into trouble,” Emi said sharply, closing her book with a snap.

“Then don’t come with me,” Kairro shot back, smirking as he opened the door.

Yumeru stood, her movements calm and deliberate. “I’ll go with him,” she said. “Someone needs to make sure he doesn’t get us all banned from the city.”

Renjiro frowned. “Yumeru—”

“I’ll keep an eye on him,” she said simply, already stepping toward the door.

Renjiro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You both heard the guards. We’re not supposed to leave this area. This isn’t the time to mess around.”

Kairro shrugged. “Then don’t wait up,” he said, stepping out with Yumeru following close behind.

Taro groaned loudly, leaning back in his chair. “I’m starving,” he declared.

“You’re always starving,” Emi muttered without looking up.

“No, seriously. I need food.” Taro stood, stretching. “They’ve got to have a kitchen somewhere, right? I’ll just grab a little something.”

Renjiro turned toward him, his expression hardening. “Taro, sit down.”

Taro raised his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, general. I’m just looking for a snack. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“You better,” Renjiro said firmly. “If you get caught wandering, don’t expect me to bail you out.”

Taro grinned, already halfway to the door. “Noted. Be back soon.”

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Renjiro and Emi alone in the room.