The Mech Touch

6902  Hymn of the Trees

The banquet hosted by the Devos Ancient Clan took place at its seat of power on New Constantinople VIII.

Sandan had never been the same after the institution of martial law. Although the restrictions were lighter in the capital city of New Constantinople VIII, few Terrans were in the mood for leisure after witnessing human civilization collapsing at the edges.

Even if New Constantinople is still safe enough from the ravages of the Red War, how long would it take for the fighting to reach their star system?

Many people who cherished their lives over their new homes had already been looking into relocating.

Unfortunately, not even the first-raters were able to move so easily anymore. The Terran Alliance and many ancient clans had not been shy about using the cudgel of martial law to keep vital workers in their places.

This was hardly the first existential crisis the Terran people had faced. The threat posed by the native aliens of the Red Ocean may be among the most existential to the people who found themselves cut off from Old Earth by 50 million light-years, but the citizens still showed a sense of duty and collective responsibility that kept them focused even if death was looming over the horizon.

Due to the partial withdrawal of leisure and civilian pursuits, Sandan lost much of its liveliness, especially at night.

Yet today, one of its most luxurious garden retreats had become uncommonly active.

The floating green resort floated above most of the structures of the city like a divine island.

Spotlights placed around the city shone their radiance upon the floating structure, causing it to look like a beacon of hope in an era of darkness.

Many other structures received directives to dim their own lights to a fraction of their usual levels.

The Devosans made sure to disable any form of gary advertisements and other discordant distractions. The entire city of Sandan had to present its best face to the guests that had been invited to the banquet.

It turned out that the Devos Ancient Clan invited more people than just the Larkinsons. Envoys from other ancient clans and organizations came as well.