The cocoa trees swayed gently in the greenhouse's artificial breeze, their luminescent pods pulsing with an almost hypnotic rhythm. David adjusted another parameter on the harmonic resonator, watching as the dimensional fields stabilized around the failing specimens. The withered pods seemed to respond slightly, though their recovery remained uncertain.
Yue circled him like a predator stalking prey, her childlike features twisted into an expression of frustrated curiosity. "Alright, enough dancing around the subject," she declared, planting herself directly in his path. "You didn't bring me here just to perfect your chocolate cultivation. What's your real plan for Salomonis?"
David paused his adjustments, meeting her ancient gaze with calculated honesty. "We need to determine if Duke Ephesians is acting alone or if someone's pulling his strings. His behaviour doesn't match his established character, the man I've studied wouldn't resort to such political manoeuvring."
