More than a day had passed since the explosion.
More than a day since thousands of people died in what should have been a celebration of humanity's youth.
The Federation remained in shock.
Every screen still showed coverage of the disaster – interviews with survivors, casualty lists growing longer as bodies were identified, memorials forming spontaneously in public squares across all five regions.
But beneath the grief, something else was building.
The Chairman's speech had planted seeds that were already growing, spreading through forums and conversations and quiet discussions in homes where families gathered.
"VENGEANCE!"
The word echoed across the Federation like a war drum, repeated in whispers and shouts, in messages and rallies, in the kind of unified rage that transcended class and region and political affiliation.
The emergency session of the Federation Council would convene soon.
And everyone knew it would change everything.
****
