The august chamber of the World Bioethics Assembly in Brussels smelled of polished oak and freshly printed dossiers. Delegates from fifty nations filled the tiered seats, their murmurs rising and falling like the tide. At the front, a long dais bore nameplates for the Assembly Chair, Dr. Amara Devi, and two vice‑chairs. Nova Jin sat at a small witness table to the side, her Phoenix Institute credential badge clipped to her lapel. Xander Reid stood behind her, cane in hand, silent support in his steady gaze.
Dr. Devi banged her gavel. “Order! We are here to vote on the Global Bioethics Accord, incorporating the Phoenix Amendment proposed by Ms. Nova Jin. The floor is open for final statements."
Nova rose, her voice calm but urgent. “Esteemed colleagues, this Accord represents the culminat
