[Intro]
[Low organ and cello state the descending queen motif as violet light fills the viewscreen.]

[Verse 1]
I watched seven nations turn hunger to law,
Each certain its freedom excused every flaw.
Their banners grew brighter, their cities grew cold,
Their children inherited ashes and gold.
Now none of my people goes hungry or drowned—
They survive by the mercy of one steady crown.

[Verse 2]
A cage can be quiet, a chain can be warm,
A prison can shelter a child from a storm.
But safety without any right to refuse
Is merely a life someone stronger can use.
We came for the signal, not kneeling or bound,
And no oath we carry belongs to your crown.

[Chorus]
Kneel to the Queen of the Ion Crown,
Lay your bright weapons and engines down.

We will not trade every voice for a throne,
Or call ourselves safe when our choices are gone.

Freedom will fail you; your ship will go down.

Then we will stand before the Ion Crown.

[Verse 3]
Your warp core is wounded; its blue rhythm lies.
I see your dead futures reflected in your eyes.
Give me your helm codes, your weapons, your crew;
I offer the only tomorrow left true.
No mourning, no mutiny, no fearful unknown—
Just peace in the orbit of one perfect throne.

[Pre-Chorus]
Peace without choice is a polished command.

Choice is the match in an unsteady hand.

Hope takes a risk that control cannot own.

Hope is the word used by corpses alone.

[Chorus]
Kneel to the Queen of the Ion Crown,
Lay your bright weapons and engines down.

We will not trade every voice for a throne,
Or call ourselves safe when our choices are gone.

Freedom will fail you; your ship will go down.

Then we will stand before the Ion Crown.

[Instrumental Break]
[Cello and electric guitar duel in 12/8 while the organ alternates the queen and crew motifs.]

[Bridge]
I was a daughter when fire crossed home.
I searched for a leader; I found I was alone.
I took every lever before more could die.

Then grief built your palace and fear set the stone.
You saved them from dying, then made them your own.
But sorrow is no right to command everyone.

[Final Chorus]
Kneel to the Queen of the Ion Crown—

We will not trade every voice for a throne;
The light that we carry was never mine alone.

Freedom will fail you.

Then failure is ours.
No oath, no knee to the ground—
We pass through the Ion Crown.

[Outro]
Then carry your light where the stars cannot shine.
When your own people break you, remember this line:
Farewell from the Queen of the Ion Crown.
