That same night, as Captain One Arm and the others crossed the central plaza, a soft chime echoed across the city. Giant holo-screens flickered to life above the walkways, the seal of the Galactic Treasury glowing gold.
Red Riot sat up straighter. "Hey, this guy. Draykor's speaking tonight."
White Flash nodded. "Good. We need some good news."
The image stabilized, revealing Draykor Helvane behind a crystalline podium in the Treasury Hall. He was dressed in a flawless navy suit trimmed in silver, datapad in one hand, expression warm and composed. The kind of man who could walk into a room and make everyone believe everything was going to be okay.
"Citizens of Deccounia," Draykor began, voice smooth and comforting. "Tonight, I bring good news."
Around the plaza, civilians drifted to a stop, their eyes lifting to the towering screens. Even some off-duty soldiers turned to watch. But it wasn't just civilians.
Several STF squads, returning from training or patrol rotations, slowed as well. A few soldiers even smiled. Draykor had that effect on everyone.
"The first offensive of the War for Iron has brought exceptional progress," he said. "And thanks to the bravery of the Galactic Empire's finest, many of whom returned home today, hope is rising again."
Red Riot crossed his arms, impressed. "You gotta admit… guy knows how to talk."
White Flash nodded. "He always does. He backed two programs that rebuilt my home city after the Third Great War. Without him, it would still be rubble."
Azaryl quietly added, "He funds half the Hero Academy's scholarships. Students adore him."
Captain One Arm said nothing, watching Draykor with a mild frown, the look of a soldier listening for the words not being said.
On the screen, Draykor lifted his datapad. "Beginning tomorrow, we will reallocate reconstruction funds to all damaged worlds along the Iron Front. New medical centers. New schools. New infrastructure. A future built not on fear… but renewal."
Several soldiers applauded. A few even cheered.
White Flash smiled. "See? The guy actually cares."
Red Riot grinned. "Imagine if every politician were like him."
Even Azaryl, usually the cautious one, said, "He's one of the few officials we can trust. His reforms cut through more red tape than any of the others."
Captain One Arm glanced at them, brow tightening. Something about the speech felt… too smooth. Too rehearsed. But before he could speak, Draykor's tone shifted.
"And I promise you this," Draykor said, voice gentle but firm. "The Galactic Empire will not be trapped in endless war. We will find a better way. We will rise above conflict."
The plaza erupted in applause. But for just a moment… in that single sentence… Ian and Optimus, watching from a balcony two levels above, exchanged a look. A quiet, heavy, wordless look.
Below them, Red Riot pumped his fist. "Finally! Someone in the government who gets it!"
White Flash laughed. "If the Greats would listen to him more, maybe we'd actually get some support up front."
Captain One Arm didn't join the celebration. He just stared at Draykor's face on the screen, noticing the coldness behind the smile.
But around him, 90% of the STF soldiers, exhausted from endless deployments, desperate for hope, felt the opposite. They saw Draykor Helvane as a savior. A voice of peace. A symbol of sanity in a galaxy drowning in war.
The screen faded to black. Cheers echoed through the plaza. Civilians applauded. Soldiers nodded approvingly. Only Ian, Optimus… and Captain One Arm stood still.
Optimus exhaled. "He's too perfect."
Ian's voice dropped. "Yeah. And things that perfect are never what they seem."