The call from London did not begin with pleasantries.
The Prime Minister's face filled the screen, composed, practiced, eyes already measuring Ethan Cole like a position on a chessboard.
"Mr President," he said. "I trust you are settling in."
Ethan did not smile. "I trust you did not call to discuss furniture."
A flicker of amusement crossed the man's face. "Direct. Very American."
The room was quiet. General Hale. Evelyn Ross. Two senior advisors. Alexandra Pierce standing slightly behind Ethan's chair, close enough that he could feel her presence without turning.
The system pulsed faintly.
[Diplomatic exchange active.]
[Legitimacy variables in motion.]
The Prime Minister continued. "There is concern. Among allies. Your ascension bypassed expectations."
"Expectations are habits," Ethan replied. "Not laws."
A pause.
"You speak as if you intend permanence," the Prime Minister said.
"I do," Ethan answered simply.
Silence stretched.
Then the Prime Minister leaned back slightly. "Very well. Then let us speak plainly. The United Kingdom requires reassurance."
Ethan nodded once. "About?"
"Continuity. Intelligence sharing. Military posture. And frankly," he said, "your system."
The room stiffened.
Alexandra's eyes sharpened.
Evelyn spoke coldly. "Careful."
The Prime Minister raised a hand. "Not a threat. An acknowledgment. Something moved the world overnight. We would be fools not to notice."
The system chimed softly.
[System exposure risk detected.]
[Response options available.]
Ethan chose his words carefully.
"There are things even allies do not get to audit," he said. "But there are things they benefit from."
The Prime Minister studied him for a long moment.
"And what would Britain receive?"
Ethan glanced at the system prompt only he could see.
[Offer: Intelligence amplification.]
[Offer: Economic stabilization pact.]
He spoke aloud. "Security. And growth."
The Prime Minister exhaled slowly. "Then we will watch. Closely."
The call ended.
No smiles. No threats. Just tension suspended in the air.
As the screen went dark, Alexandra leaned closer, her voice low. "You just told the world you will not explain yourself."
"I don't owe explanations," Ethan said quietly. "Only results."
She smiled faintly. "That attitude builds empires."
The system chimed.
[Romance trust increased.]
[Effect: Political alliance synergy.]
Ethan turned away from the screen toward the rest of the room.
"Congress," he said.
Evelyn nodded. "They are circling. Hearings. Committees. Power plays."
"They want to see me bleed," Ethan said.
"They want to see if you can," General Hale replied.
The system updated.
[Domestic challenge detected.]
[Legitimacy stress rising.]
Another aide entered, breath tight. "Mr President, three senators are requesting immediate meetings. Separately."
Ethan almost laughed.
"Of course they are."
He stood.
"Schedule them. One at a time."
Alexandra tilted her head. "You want to face them now?"
"No," Ethan said. "I want them to face me."
The first senator was aggressive.
"You have no political base," he said bluntly. "No party owes you."
Ethan listened patiently.
The system hovered quietly.
[Opponent profile analyzed.]
[Motivation: Power retention.]
[Leverage detected.]
When the man finished, Ethan leaned forward slightly.
"You're right," he said. "I don't belong to your system."
The senator smirked. "Then you won't last."
Ethan tapped the desk once.
"Yet your donors just stabilized because I exist," he said calmly. "And your state budget deficit vanished this morning."
The senator froze.
The system chimed.
[Financial influence applied.]
[Opponent compliance increasing.]
"You can oppose me," Ethan continued. "But you cannot afford to."
The meeting ended ten minutes later.
The second senator was quieter. Smarter.
The third tried flattery.
Each left changed.
Not loyal.
But careful.
As the doors closed behind the last one, Ethan sank back into his chair.
The system spoke again.
[Legitimacy stabilizing.]
[Authority consolidation ongoing.]
Alexandra finally broke the silence. "You are learning faster than expected."
Ethan rubbed his temples. "I'm learning because I don't have a choice."
She studied him. "Power doesn't usually come with self awareness."
He met her gaze. "Then maybe this time will be different."
The system flickered.
[Heir.]
[True control is approaching.]
Outside, protests grew louder.
Inside, alliances formed quietly.
And somewhere far beyond Washington, forces older than governments continued to watch.
Not impressed.
Not alarmed.
But interested.