The weight of that absence had been sitting in the hall since the session opened, waiting for the moment someone with the nerve to use it decided to.
Orion's faction used it with exactly enough delicacy to make it sound like historical context rather than an accusation.
"The Night faction has represented the complete Starweaver family in the absence of its 'Day leader' for more than a year," the representative said.
No drama. The tone of someone establishing necessary background so that the arguments to follow could be understood correctly.
"During that period, the Night faction has assumed the majority of active defensive functions in Starweaver territory, including the northern Yino sector during the recent attack, where our verified contribution to flow control and to repelling the contaminated giant artifact exceeded the elimination counts of nearly any other contingent present."
Julius raised a hand before the representative could elaborate.
