Dr. Zimmermann called the meeting back to order, and I could feel the shift in energy as everyone settled into their seats. The casual conversations of the recess gave way to the focused tension of high-stakes diplomacy. This was it—the moment where everything I'd been building toward would either succeed or catastrophically fail.
"Before we were interrupted," I said, standing to address the room, "we were discussing a fundamental question about global governance. I'd like to return to that core issue: should I, Reynard Vale, be regarded as a viable candidate to challenge the current World President?"
The directness of my approach seemed to catch some delegates off guard. Several shifted uncomfortably in their seats, while others leaned forward with renewed interest. I'd essentially forced up to speed up our decision regarding my own candidacy, which was either bold or suicidal.
Valeska was the first to respond, rising gracefully from her seat.
