The Sénat chamber buzzed with tension as senators filed in. Brice adjusted his collar as his fingers brushed against his neck. He'd fed well before the session, ensuring his complexion wouldn't raise suspicions.
Senator Jean-Pierre Gicquel, a large man with a receding hairline, took the podium first. "Colleagues, we stand at a crossroads. The United States seeks mining rights on Io, a moon we've rightfully claimed. Their audacity knows no bounds!"
He slammed his fist. "Those Americans think they can waltz in and take what's ours? We've had our eyes on Io for decades. Our scientists, our engineers - they've poured their blood and sweat into making that rock habitable."
He paused, scanning the room. Some senators nodded in agreement, others remained stoic.
