Since they arrived at the Parliament Building, all of them wore stern expressions with little inclination to smile or joke. Even when meeting other Council Members, they only managed strained smiles and nods as greetings.
After all, they had not yet gone through the screening, leaving them with no confidence. They were unclear whether there were any hidden traitors among them. Honestly, their feelings were somewhat conflicdted, both hoping that the screening would quickly prove their innocence and fearing they might be wrongly accused, leaving them in no mood to joke around.
Soon, the Council Members all arrived at the Parliament Building one after another and then entered the meeting venue.
After taking their seats at the places marked with their names, the Council Members either closed their eyes to rest, chatted with others around them, or fiddled with their communicators, not knowing what messages were being passed.
