Hosting the reception was Her Highness Brunhild, Queen of the Suluqa, Imperial Privy Councilor, commander of the Dawnstar Sector Military District, and governor of the Special Administrative Region. Among the attendees were the "governor's office officials" under Queen Suluqa, dressed in the uniforms of senior imperial officers, as well as senior officers from the Blue Star Commonwealth garrison occupying the other half of Unity Fortress.
Representatives from several allied nations that had taken part in last year's New Continent expedition were also present. Their forces in the Dawnstar Sector ranged from just a few hundred troops to no more than a division, along with three to five small warships. Still, since the Dawnstar Sector was expected to become the New Continent's economic engine—and perhaps a crossroads for the interests of every civilization in the galaxy—maintaining a basic military presence was worthwhile, even if only to make sure they weren't forgotten.
A grand occasion like this was especially not something they could afford to miss.
Apart from the uniformed hard cases, the boards and executives of the Shipping Coordination Chamber of Commerce and the Development Bank were there, along with plenty of business representatives from across the galaxy.
Whatever the true movers and shakers of the universe thought, and whatever the future might hold, most people in the banquet hall genuinely believed that they were preparing to embark on work that was creative, productive, and profitable.
So, after Brunhild's toast, everyone began discussing the prospects for various collaborations in small groups. Just like that, Unity Fortress was transformed into a bustling business reception.
Brunhild didn't mind the atmosphere. Compared with court banquets crowded with politicians and schemers, a reception devoted to nothing but money might be a little too brazen, but at least it felt more down-to-earth.
Of course, there was