Walter Thompson's Office, Federation Headquarters.
Walter Thompson leaned back in his chair, skilling through the flood of reports from various departments.
His secretary, a reserved and diligent man, stood nearby, ready to summarize the day's briefings. Walter waved his hand lazily, his sharp eyes betraying an impatience for routine.
"Skip the usual updates," he ordered, his tone edged with authority. "Get straight to Evan's matter."
The secretary nodded, quickly shuffling through his files. "Sir, he refused."
Walter raised an eyebrow as he leaned forward, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Refused?"
"Yes, sir. He flatly declined the Federation's proposition."
Walter let out a long, deliberate sigh before leaning back once again. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished wood of his desk absentmindedly. A heavy silence fell over the room as he processed the implications.
