"Define immediate threat," Soo-jin requested.
"Unexpected variables."
"Then it's a subjective judgment."
Griffin set his jaw. "It's professional assessment."
"That varies by operator." Soo-jin leaned forward slightly. "I need systems that outlast any single person on the detail."
The discussion continued. Do-hyun asked about venue variables. Soo-jin proposing documentation requirements for every field decision.
"Perhaps we can reach a middle ground," Soo-jin said. "Field security can abort movement, but they must document the decision and brief management within thirty minutes."
Do-hyun spoke quietly. "I'd recommend post-incident documentation. Real-time briefing could compromise responses."
"Fair point." Soo-jin nodded. "Post-incident documentation, then. Full report within two hours."
He'd conceded the point too easily for my comfort.
"Acceptable?" Kang asked Griffin.
Griffin held Soo-jin's gaze for a long moment. "Acceptable."
Soo-jin stood. "Good. I'll distribute the updated protocols by ten." He looked at Jinwoo. "A few minutes? I want to coordinate on performance schedule adjustments."
Jinwoo nodded, glanced at me. "Rune. Come."
"Actually," Soo-jin said, voice still pleasant, "this is leader-to-management coordination. Probably more efficient with only the two of us."
The erasure was beginning.
"Understood," Jinwoo said.
***
The hotel lobby was chaotic as we prepared to leave for our flight to LA. Griffin stood positioned near the exit doors, scanning the space, and our eyes met across the crowd.
He didn't nod, but his shoulders eased slightly. He could account for me.
Soyeon appeared at my elbow. "Rune. Van two."
"Actually," Soo-jin interrupted from behind me, his voice perfectly calibrated between friendly and formal, "I need a moment with Rune. Contractual matter."
Soyeon checked her tablet. "We're departing in twelve minutes."
"We'll be quick. Can you verify the luggage count with Griffin? I think there's a discrepancy."
She nodded, already moving toward Griffin. I watched her intercept him and show him something on her tablet. Watched him glance toward me once before she redirected his attention.
Efficient. Plausible. Separating us without making it look deliberate.
"This way," Soo-jin said.
I followed him toward the business center. It was technically public but functionally private at this hour. We stopped near a cluster of chairs. It was close enough to the lobby that others could see us, but far enough that our conversation wouldn't carry.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Fine."
