Our hovermousine entered the old-style compound and stopped outside the grand palace. At the same time, Xen's multi-link persisted to buzz. But, before any of us had the chance to open it, reflected light glinted at us. Curiously, we'd all looked out through tinted holo-windows, and took in the huge object overhead which beckoned. All-gold, the prestigious monument was a flying golden eagle - wings spanned meters across - and set against a convex plaque of glorious sunshine spokes. Interestingly; in past times; Kazakh tribes had the golden eagle on the national flag to symbolize the power of the state. However; in recent times; the eagle symbolized independence, freedom, and flight to the future... In that moment, my comprehension of Kazakhstan's interest in The Solution, broadened. Perhaps they were literally trying to manifest their current symbolic values?

    A prompting cough from my wingman broke my concentration. "Chon, we answerin' this?" Mikey asked, dusting himself off and looking my way.

    "Hell-yes!" I hissed, personally connecting the multi-link.

    "Gigantor; Sarah; little brother; you three okay?"

    "Xen, we're more than okay!" Sarah exclaimed while Mikey nodded in awe. "That was amazing!"

    "Good, and I'm glad you approved of my entourage's trickery. Now, Lee's in the first hovermousine and I'm in the second. We're headed for the Golden Hall. From there, we'll grace the White Horde - the Madame President's official meeting room. Chon, that's where we'll be joining 'the others' and discussing important things which you three will sit in on and document."

    I grinned.

    Xen winked. "Chon, didn't I say your next opportunity would happen when you least expected it?"

    "Indeed, you did!" I confirmed. "But Xen, can you be more specific on the meeting? Who are 'the others'?"

    Annoyingly, Xen winked at us again and uttered two frustrating words. "You'll see."

    A half hour later, we were inside and set up, with government A.I.S.U's posted outside the meeting room. I had the fortune of being sat at the far end of a gloss-finished and imperial-sized table - the rooms' centerpiece. In addition, the classic and traditional room was decorated with lavish carpets, vintage drapes, and antique ornaments - as well as high-ranking members of the republican guard. They had remained static around the inner walls' edge until forced to salute. Then as promised, the gold-plated wooden door was pushed inwards, as the elusive players entered one by one.

    First, came my brother, and our new President, Lee.

    Next, the rumors were confirmed. In came Prime Minister Yan Kazuya, and his royal superior - Emperor Anho Heimachi of Lokshu1 - aka New Japan.

    Finally, the national hosts followed the four men inside. They were Prime Minister Olaf Fedor, and his commander-in-chief, Madame President Aurora Lebedev of Kazakhstan.

    After respectful posturing in front of Mikey and Sarah's AV-Holo-Suite, the six members sat, joining me around the gloss-finished and imperial-sized table. Furthermore, once glasses of tepid water had been poured and sipped, Aurora began. "Friends, I bid you an official welcome to Astana and to The White Horde of Akorda Palace. To swiftly get things underway, I would like to hand the moderation of this meeting over to the newly elected, President Mishina." Bowing after the pleasantries, it was obvious that Aurora was eloquent and decent, similarly to mùqīn and her old apprentice, Ling.

    A second later, Lee reciprocated. "Thank you, Madame President. Having been in office for less than a week, I am truly privileged that a 'contingency meeting' is my first international appointment. Now, as I said during my victory day speech, I would not have this opportunity, nor any other, were it not for the man sitting next to me. Respectfully so, I invite Environment Secretary Lai to continue speaking on China's behalf."

    Xen dipped his head out of respect and continued the dialogue. "Thank you, Mr. President. At this time, I would like to notify Chon's team of their specific purpose here..."

    This was it. Xen was about to reveal the nature of this, 'contingency'.

    "Chon, in a moment, I will highlight the reasons why our three nations' leaders are present.

    "Afterwards, I will elaborate on a financial element of The Solution...

    "Finally, you will be permitted to ask one question, and one question, only. I suggest you choose it wisely."

    I didn't even need to give it a second thought. I knew exactly what I would hit him with.

    "Now, as an avid environmentalist, I am proud of Kazakhstan. More importantly, this amazing capital," Xen praised. "Today, Astana is the most innovative, eco-friendly, and spectacular city on Earth." Olaf and Aurora nodded while whispers of appreciation slipped from their mouths.

    Then Xen set his gaze upon the rulers of the rising sun. "Prime Minister Kazuya and Emperor Heimachi, I also hold New Japan in the highest of innovative regards. Truly, The Relocation was one of the first great initiatives of our time." Momentarily closing their eyes, Yan and Anho performed seated bows. And as a mark of cultural respect, Xen bowed even lower.

    "Now, long ago when I conceived The Solution, I always knew the chances of its international acceptance was, slim. I still feel this now," Xen explained. "More worryingly, I have no honest idea how the world is voting. We can only hope. Subsequently, I chose to plan for the eventuality that a scaled down version of The Solution Program might be a more realistic, contingency..."

    As Xen trailed off, I looked at Mikey and Sarah. Their expressions were just as confused as mine and we wore them until Xen elaborated. "...Friends, since I revealed The Solution, you have showed your unconditional support. Rightly so, I now believe we should liaise exceptionally close, and give birth to the contingent idea of a 'Dwarven Earthian Star' - specifically, a Tripod Coalition, one."

    To my utter amazement, Xen had thought of everything.

    If the outcome of The Vote was non-confident, then New Japan, Kazakhstan, and China might break away and aim to go at it alone. Defiantly, a smaller sanctuary star could be born.