The throne room hummed with the faint resonance of Orbis' core energy, a low, steady pulse that matched the rhythm of your thoughts. Across from you, Plavo leaned against a console, their sharp eyes darting across a holomap of the galaxy that floated between you.

"We can't keep waiting!" Plavo said, breaking the silence, "If this planet is going to hold, we need to leave for Galactica now. Delay any longer, and they'll see it as weakness—or worse, disinterest."

You stood, hands in the sides, staring at the swirling stars projected in mid-air. "I'm well aware of what's at stake, Plavo. But abandoning Orbis while there's a threat on the galaxies near us? That's a risk I can't ignore.

Plavo sighed, "You're the monarch of Orbis, not a soldier. Let the Council handle planetary security. Galactica is bigger than us—it's about the entire sector. If we lose our nearby positions..."

Their words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken consequences. You glanced out of the massive window overlooking the capital city. Beneath the shimmering energy shields, Orbis pulsed with life—hovercraft zipping between towering spires, citizens moving along glowing walkways. It was a fragile peace, and it was yours to protect.

"And if we don't return?" you asked, turning back to Plavo. "What happens to all of this?"

Plavo's expression softened, though their resolve remained firm. "Then we make sure it's a sacrifice worth something. But staying here guarantees nothing. Out there—" they gestured to the map, where Galactica's shining beacon marked the neutral meeting point— "is where we secure Orbis' future if it's in destruction."

You exhaled slowly, the weight of the decision pressing down. "Prep the ship,"

Plavo nodded, their lips curving into a rare, satisfied smile. "I'll see to it. And... for what it's worth, I think this is the right call."

The two of you stood there for a moment, the hum of Orbis' core filling the silence once more. Plavo's excitement was almost palpable, a spark of optimism in the face of uncertainty. Somewhere beyond the stars, danger awaited, but so too did hope.