"Kisaka, what do you think I should do?"
Kisaka considered the question carefully before answering.
"Lady Cagalli, as things stand, you shouldn't do anything."
The answer surprised Cagalli. She searched Kisaka's eyes, hoping to understand why. After thinking it through, he explained.
"There have been demonstrations and armed resistance, but those people make up only a small fraction of Orb's population.
"Most people are still living peaceful lives.
"But if you step forward and support either side, you'll bring terrible suffering to the people of Orb. You'll drag Orb back into an endless war!"
Kisaka took a deep breath before continuing.
"So I think your best choice right now is to do nothing and wait to see how things develop."
Cagalli reflected on his words. After a long while, she nodded in agreement.
"You're right."
With those words, Cagalli lowered her eyes, pulled down the brim of her hat, and turned toward the hotel. Kisaka pulled down his own brim, drew his coat tighter, and followed her inside.
In a conference room at the Defense Committee office building in District One of Dissenbell City, on PLANT's home territory, another series of knocks rang out. Knock, knock, knock!
Felix and the others looked toward the door. Their discussion stopped at once.
The secretary opened the conference room door, and a staff member entered carrying another document.
Felix looked at him and asked gently,
"Does the Standing Committee have new instructions?"
"The Speaker convened a full session of the Council with the standing members. A show of hands passed a resolution to deploy troops and suppress the unrest!"
Standing before Felix, the staff member reported the Council's decision. Felix nodded at how quickly the decision had changed, then dismissed him.
Once the staff member had left, Felix gave his orders, his expression