The Assembly Hall was packed, every seat taken and every wall lined with people pretending they weren't craning for a better view. Low whispers buzzed through the air like static.
MJ leaned forward, catching bits of conversation drifting past.
"—military liaison is livid, apparently—"
"—Cox wants a full project audit—"
"—Maxwell himself demanded to be here. Said it was 'non-negotiable.'"
"Big turnout for a Phase 1 update," he snorted and muttered under his breath.
Jake, beside him, didn't look up from his light brain.
"Half the execs even came just to see if the orphan golden boy finally messed up." He flicked his screen with lazy disdain.
MJ smirked. "That's bound to fail."
Jake just shrugged. "Looking at them, you would think he personally insulted their ancestors."
Neville Hope walked up to the podium, and conversations died instantly.
No grand posturing. No dramatic pause.
