POV Switch: Lord Veyron → Christiana → Chris
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Lord Veyron Blackwood — Imperial Courtroom
Veyron stepped closer to the glowing floor map at the center of the throne room. His fingers moved over the empire's borders, triggering holographic extensions and elevation projections.
"My Emperor," he began, voice steady, "this is not just rail. It's reclamation. It's defense. It's a titan artery through which your will flows without resistance."
He tapped the proposed path.
"The Titan Rail spans Blackwood from east to west. But it doubles as a command line. Every station? A bunker. Each node? A control post. Missile silos hidden under freight containers. AI-powered defense turrets disguised as cargo cranes. In peacetime, it's commerce. In war—it's supremacy."
He paused.
"Only you will have the override code. No governor. No baron. Not even me."
He bowed again.
"All I ask is the funds to build it, and the right to command the engineers who serve directly under you."
Chris stared silently.
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Christiana — Command Room, Shadow Division
She sat cross-legged in front of a hologram, watching Veyron's face in real time through surveillance feeds. Algorithms measured the man's pulse, micro-expressions, temperature changes.
"He's telling the truth," her intelligence officer said.
Christiana narrowed her eyes. "But truth doesn't mean loyalty."
She tapped a screen. A new file opened:
PROJECT SHADOWLINE
Unauthorized Prototype: Titan Rail Weapon Test — Month 8
She turned to her aide. "He already tested its missile compartment in the Northern Waste. Without father's approval."
The aide blinked. "Shall I inform him?"
Christiana shook her head. "No. Not yet."
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Chris Blackwood — Throne of Fire
Chris stepped down from the dais.
The room tensed.
"I will grant the 50 billion credits…" he said calmly.
Veyron's breath hitched in his throat.
"But," Chris continued, "I am assigning Black Axe Marshal Unit 91 to ride with the engineers. Every build site will be mirrored underground. If I so much as sense treachery, your train will become your coffin."
He raised his hand. The doors opened. Two dozen Black Axe Men entered silently, flanking the hall like reapers.
Chris looked Veyron in the eye.
"And don't ever build anything again without my signature."
Veyron dropped to his knee.
"Yes, my Emperor."
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