Elara stepped into the observation lounge of the *Bridge of Stars* exactly on time. The viewport dominated one entire wall, showing the long white arcs of hyperspace streaking past like frozen lightning.
No music played. No staff waited with refreshments. Just four chairs arranged in a loose square and the low hum of the ship's systems.
Elizabeth was already seated, back straight, hands folded on the table. Sabrina leaned against the viewport frame, arms crossed.
Lira sat closest to the door, posture relaxed but eyes sharp. Three cycles had passed since the full family council. Tempers had cooled. Now came the quieter work of turning words into policy.
Elara took her seat. "No agenda. We go through the submissions one by one. Then we decide what actually moves forward."
Elizabeth spoke first. "My plan is simple. Stronger central doctrine on core principles—Anchor Rites, stabilizer thresholds, command authority.
