The Helix Concord's central habitat hummed with tension. Veyra stood in the observation chamber, her androgynous frame outlined against the glowing bio-panels.
Faction leaders argued in the main hall. One group pushed hard for deeper ties with Purity, claiming the bloom enhancements created dangerous dependencies.
Veyra didn't buy it fully, but the numbers looked bad. Habitats were reporting higher strain rates among aligned units. She sent the encrypted message to the family that morning.
Sabrina and Elizabeth arrived under diplomatic cover two hours later. Their shuttle docked in the private bay, and Veyra met them alone.
"The split is worse than reports," Veyra said as they walked the living corridors. The walls pulsed faintly, responding to their presence. "Some of the younger bio-engineered are rejecting both sides. They want out."
Elizabeth kept her face neutral. "Show us."
