The Benefactor's Reach, Pt 1

Foundation, The People’s System, Hegemony of Free Peoples

Matriarch de Jardin walked down the spacious corridors of the Eternal Hall with lengthy, purposeful strides. Alongside her was one of the Grand Parliamentarians, who despite his age was able to keep up with her pace.

Trailing behind the two of them was a handful of their aides, assistants, and personal guard. There was even a Parliamentarian Voice among them, though he did his best to stick right by his charge. The ‘crowd’ was not for him.

Max was also among the Matriarch’s retinue, though he looked far less busy and intent than literally everyone else around him.

All their footsteps clicked and clacked on the polished marble floor, which echoed up and down the expansive halls.

“I know I never cease asking, but I wouldn’t if it wasn’t important,” began the Matriarch. “Program Blackball is in the absolute final stages of production, however we need to secure extra funding to overcome a few problematic hurdles.”