Time Remaining: 30 Days, 01 Hour. (Status: Core Frequency: 46 Hertz. Thermal Margin: Critical.) Location: The Citadel - The Sanctum of Synchronization.
The Sanctum was quiet. The only sound was the rhythmic click-click-click of the Prime Governor spinning at exactly 50 Hertz.
Director Kael stood before the control pedestal. He had removed his gloves. He held a heavy brass key in his right hand. Beside him stood the Chief of Imperial Infrastructure, a man named Haddon, who held the second key. Behind them, Overseer Silas held the logbook, his pen poised over the page.
There was no ceremony. There were no speeches. The time for debate had ended in the Council Chamber two days ago. Now, there was only the checklist.
"Defense Grid Status," Kael asked, his voice level.
Silas checked the relay box on the wall. "General Rylan reports the Reserve Guard is in position. Twenty thousand men on the outer walls. Manual batteries are primed. Visual range is clear."
