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Chapter 78 - Chapter 78: The Watchful Eye of the Galaxy Order

The silence of the Council Chamber was deafening as the representatives of the Galaxy Order, the largest superpower in the galaxy, sat in a tense, careful formation. The massive holo-table in the center of the room flickered to life, projecting star maps and reports from across the galaxy. The lights dimmed, and the faint hum of the star-driven engines that powered the Chamber created an undercurrent of stillness. This was the heart of the Order's influence—an institution that ruled not through military might, but through diplomacy, influence, and the vast economic power that spanned every sector of the galaxy.

At the head of the table, Chancellor Aerin Velarius, the enigmatic leader of the Galaxy Order, stared intently at the holographic projection. The map displayed the war raging between the United Human Union (UHU), the Collective of the Unified Mechanized Corporations (CMC), and their respective allies. Her piercing gaze swept across the lines of the UOP forces pushing against the CMC's defenses. Despite the turmoil, she remained calm. The Galaxy Order was not involved in the conflict—at least, not yet.

"Chancellor," a voice interrupted the silence. It was Talen Dravik, the Order's Chief Diplomat, his voice low but firm. "Our intelligence reports indicate the UOP forces are making significant advances, but the CMC has reinforced its lines with new Juggernaut-class mechs and advanced weaponry. If the war escalates further, our neutral position will become untenable."

Velarius nodded slowly, her sharp eyes flicking to the holographic display. "The CMC is a dangerous adversary, but the UOP is no less formidable. Both sides will bleed until the balance is shifted."

"I've seen the rise of mercenaries, sir," Dravik continued. "One, in particular—a pilot named Dominic. He's led successful assaults, and his mech, Giant Halo, is rumored to be unstoppable. He's a force, even among seasoned military leaders."

Velarius did not flinch. "Mercenaries and pilots are fleeting. They rise, they fall, they are forgotten. The Galaxy Order is built on something far more enduring: stability, influence, and control."

"But if this war grows larger, Chancellor," another voice interjected, that of First Admiral Celyss from the Order's military branch, "the economic and political implications will be felt throughout the galaxy. We cannot afford to remain passive indefinitely. The UOP's victory could destabilize the balance of power. It could shift the delicate alliances we've spent centuries cultivating."

A soft chuckle escaped Velarius's lips. "The Galaxy Order does not react. It observes. It waits. It manipulates events from the shadows, ensuring that whatever happens next aligns with our interests." She paused, her tone hardening. "We are not an empire of soldiers, Celyss. We are an empire of strategy and calculation."

"The UOP's move toward aggressive tactics and the rise of mercenary influence will draw attention," Celyss pressed. "If we do nothing, there's a risk of instability that could bring war to our doorstep. A divided galaxy is a dangerous galaxy."

Velarius exhaled, leaning back in her seat. She had considered this for some time now. The war between the UOP and CMC was a volatile one, but the broader implications were far-reaching. The Galaxy Order had already seen the fluctuations in its trade routes, the sharp rise in the price of essential materials, and the disruption of its own research initiatives due to the conflict. But still, it was not yet time to intervene.

"We will not become involved unless the UOP begins to show signs of winning this war," Velarius said, her voice quiet but resolute. "And even then, we will be strategic. We will not engage directly. There is too much at stake. If Dominic and his allies succeed in breaking the CMC, they will have made their move—our role will be to control the aftermath, to guide the victorious factions into more favorable agreements."

Dravik nodded. "And what of the CMC? They may not take kindly to our neutrality."

"The CMC is desperate," Velarius replied, her fingers tapping the edge of the holo-table. "And desperation breeds weakness. Their influence will wane over time. The corporations they represent are fracturing under pressure. Our quiet involvement will be enough. There is no need for us to tip the scales in either direction—not yet."

She stood, the chamber lights flickering as she paced slowly around the table, her sharp steps echoing in the otherwise silent room. "We are the Galaxy Order. We control information, we control resources, and most importantly, we control the future. The war between the UOP and CMC is but a stepping stone in a much larger game. Our only responsibility is to ensure that we come out on top."

Celyss spoke again, this time his tone a little more cautious. "And Dominic? This pilot... this force of nature—what of him?"

Velarius smiled coldly. "We will keep an eye on him. If he proves to be a catalyst for change, we may... need to offer him a more significant role in the future. But let him fight his war. We do not need to rush."

The holographic map zoomed out, showing the larger picture. It displayed not just the war zones but the trade routes, the colonies, and the shifting alliances that threatened to erupt into open conflict. The Galaxy Order had its fingers in every pie, its eyes on every sector.

"Let them destroy each other," Velarius said, her voice growing colder as she leaned over the map. "The Galaxy Order will pick up the pieces when the time is right."