Chapter 62: The Final Briefing
The meeting room glowed with a low amber light, casting soft halos on the glass table. Outside the observation window, Astra Haven shimmered—a near-complete masterpiece orbiting quietly beneath the cloaking veil. Every tower pulsed with faint life; every circuit thrummed like a heartbeat. 97% complete. So close that the hum of construction almost sounded like the city's breathing.
Ava adjusted her seat, glancing around at the familiar faces. Cream Puff's core orb hovered above the center console, radiating calm blue light. "All participants accounted for," it announced. "Commencing final report sequence."
Claire Blackwood folded her hands first, a trace of weariness softened by pride. "Agriculture sector: major farms, greenhouses active, vertical farms producing test yields. Soil synthesis confirmed stable."
Matteo added with a small grin, "And yes, Ava, we even made sure the strawberries survived."
Ava brightened. "(≧▽≦) You're the best, Dad."
