Maple Nation Warzone — Permanent Underground Facility.
"Mr. President... we've failed. They didn't leave us enough time to evacuate Earth."
Crash.
Parlenzo smashed the wine glass in his hand. Around him, ministers and elites exchanged despairing glances. No one spoke—they all knew the end was near.
After a long silence, Parlenzo stood up, face dark and unreadable. He turned to the base commander.
"Take me to the Astrologer."
They passed through more than ten heavy titanium-alloy blast doors, eventually stepping into a hidden inner sanctum.
Hundreds of elite researchers moved with methodical precision, their hands occupied with intricate tools and measurement devices. Not a single one paused to acknowledge Parlenzo's arrival.
At the center of the chamber, two massive metallic spheres floated, suspended in place.
"Initiate the sequence!"
