"It's what the people want. A smaller, more efficient palace would make Helium appear... less. I head the council of Jeddaks, and though the other city states are independent, they all look to Helium for guidance. Together, we are building something bigger, something far beyond our petty politics and power trips."

She can hear the tenor of his thoughts. If he is to stay here, he needs to understand. "If they need a strong leader to remind them of that, well... I will keep the palace for what it represents. Strength in peace."