Chapter 15 - "The Summit"
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The underground conference chamber beneath Geneva was lit only by cold blue holograms. No windows. No escape. Seven shadowed figures sat around the circular table.
The first silhouette rose — tall, slightly stooped.
**Dr. Elias Moreau**
**US President**
"What do we do next?" he asked, voice calm but heavy. "Mana breach frequency up 37% last quarter. Breeding programs stable but stagnant. We need Y-chromosome sources. Viable ones. Now."
Next silhouette leaned forward — lean, precise posture.
**Dr. Lukas Brandt**
**EU Executive**
"We are on the correct path," he said. "Controlled integration, accelerated research on natural males. But numbers remain critically low. Perhaps 200 confirmed globally. We need hundreds. Thousands. Without stable Y-chromosome population, collapse in three generations."
A broader, more imposing shadow spoke next — voice like gravel over steel.
**General Nadia Volkov**
**Russian Federation Executive**
"My country holds the largest intact landmass. Siberia alone could sustain ten times current population—if we had males. 200 is not enough. If current methods fail, we do it another way. Force. Relocation. Whatever is necessary."
A slim, perfectly straight silhouette raised a hand.
**Minister Aiko Tanaka**
**Greater Yamato Territory Executive**
"We cannot afford war," she said evenly. "Rare-earth elements depleted. Fusion fuel critical. Semiconductors scarce. Mana-cave research already drained us. Another conflict ends what the Cataclysm began."
A younger, sharper silhouette laughed — short, bitter.
**Dr. Priya Sharma**
**Indian Republic Executive**
"Oh, look who speaks of caution. It's because of you we're here. 45th summit — majority voted no cave exploration. You pushed. You won. Now mana radiation everywhere, men gone. Congratulations, Minister Tanaka."
Another figure nodded — posture rigid, voice cold and clipped.
**General Lin Mei**
**People's Republic Executive**
"She is correct. And you annexed my territory illegally. The Korean peninsula was never yours. But I have suggestions. Northern American enclaves remain sealed. African continental pockets too. They have males. Small numbers, real ones. We can retrieve them."
Dr. Moreau raised both hands.
"We know they have males. But we cannot attack. Not openly. Not yet. Focus on peace. Diplomacy. Trade. Shared research. Force creates only enemies."
Priya's silhouette leaned aggressively forward.
"Peace? Those who attack nations they dislike, fund terrorists, then preach peace? Spare me."
Nadia snorted.
"I think it was best decision for Dr. Sharma to secure full control around neighbors. Stability through dominance. Sometimes necessary."
Lukas sighed.
"We are here to decide, not fight among ourselves."
Aiko spoke last — voice low, final.
"We have plans. But I will not discuss them here."
Silence.
Everyone waited.
"I will speak to each of you individually. Privately. Only then do we move."
Holograms flickered.
"Meeting adjourned."
One by one the silhouettes vanished.
Darkness returned.
But the unspoken tension remained heavier than the concrete above.
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*End*