Artificial Sky Island, Road Island-
In the spacious, brightly lit central conference room, Road Island's "senior officers" had gathered, taking their seats around the enormous metal round table at its center.
Glowing spheres hung from the ceiling, casting a natural, comfortable light.
At the head of the table sat Bondrewd, dressed entirely in black as always, his hands clasped a short distance in front of his helmet.
Even with his helmet in the way, everyone kept feeling as though his gaze had swept over them.
To his left sat Caesar in a white lab coat. He looked composed, but his darting eyes betrayed his restlessness.
To his right sat the rejuvenated Golden Lion, planted boldly in his chair. He radiated such imposing confidence that he looked more commanding than the Alliance Leader himself. Still, he obediently sat below Bondrewd; only his posture was a little arrogant.
Indigo sat on Golden Lion's side, studying the documents in his hands, absorbed in thought.
"Good morning, everyone. I hope you're all feeling refreshed and ready to welcome a new day..."
Bondrewd's voice rang out as the vertical light on his helmet flickered, as gentle as a teacher addressing a morning study session.
After the Gold City incident, the four captains opposite him had come to "trust" their Alliance Leader more, while also developing a measure of caution and respect that fell short of stiffness.
Hawkins sat in a corner, Tarot Cards spread before him, watching his fellow "colleagues" out of the corner of his eye with an expressionless face.
Apoo was fidgety, his inability to sit still almost physiological. He kept making little movements, like a student who could pull off a dozen feints in three seconds.
Urouge wore his usual cheerful smile as he rolled his Prayer Beads between his fingers.
Drake