"Governor, things are getting a bit intense. How about we eat first? It's a shame—the food is getting cold." One official tried to ease the tension with a light joke.
"I heard your chief used to run a four-star restaurant, so I've been looking forward to this."
The governor gave a small nod. "Then let's eat. I'm very confident with my Chiefs."
The guests reached for their utensils. Knives touched porcelain. Forks lifted small portions of food.
Conversations resumed, and they all looked pleased with the taste of the food.
None of them noticed anything unusual.
The parasites were still small inside them, barely active.
He stayed still, watching through the shared link spreading quietly across the room.
One by one, more of them ate.
Some talked while eating. Some checked documents between bites. Some simply stared forward, thinking about the earlier conversation.
