Weber ignored him, focusing on Lüthi. “And the duration of these measures?”
“Ninety days, with provisions for extension if the threat persists.”
“Extension on whose authority?” Keller asked.
“By this Council’s authority, as provided under Article 185.”
Keller leaned back in her chair. “So we grant ourselves extraordinary powers, then grant ourselves the authority to extend those powers indefinitely. How convenient.”
“The alternative,” Lüthi said coldly, “is paralysis and inaction while our enemies strike us again and again. Is that what you prefer, Councilor?”
Brenner spoke up, his voice too eager. “I second the proposal. Every hour we delay, the situation deteriorates. We must act decisively.”
A preliminary vote was called to gauge initial support.
Three councilors voted in favor. They needed four.
Huber cleared his throat. “Councilor Lüthi presents a compelling case,” he said slowly. “The attacks were indeed coordinated. The threat is indeed real, but before we take the extraordinary step of suspending the constitutional protectionsthat have served this nation for over a century, I would like to understand more precisely what we are facing.”
Brenner’s voice jumped in pitch. “With respect, Councilor, time is—”
“Time is what I say it is,” Huber interrupted, his voice suddenly sharp. “I have served on this Council longer than many of our citizens have been alive. I have earned the right to ask questions before we dismantle our democracy.”
Lüthi’s jaw tightened, but he held his tongue. Brenner slumped back, his face crimson.
Huber eyed them both before continuing. “Who is responsible for these attacks? You say we cannot yet determine whether the enemy is foreign or domestic. Surely our intelligence services have some indication.”
“Early reports suggest possible communist involvement. Agitators, foreign agents—the usual suspects,” Lüthi replied.
“The usual suspects,” Huber repeated. “How reassuring. And the specific targets—power stations, communications, transportation? As you said, these were not random. Someone knew exactly where to strike for maximum effect, someone with intimate knowledge of our infrastructure.”
Lüthi’s expression didn’t change. “Which is precisely why we need expanded powers. To root out whoever is responsible.”
“One involved in such a conspiracy might say such powers ensure they are never found.” Huber’s eyes were hard. “Tell me, Councilor, where were you last night? When our city was burning, where were you?”
A ripple of tension passed through the chamber.
Brenner shifted uncomfortably.
Frei stared at the table.
“I was at home,” Lüthi said evenly. “Like any citizen. I remained at home while watching the reports come in.”
“And you, Councilor Brenner?”
Brenner flinched. His voice cracked slightly as he answered. “The same. At home. With my family.”
“Interesting.” Huber folded his hands. “Because I received a telephone call at three o’clock this morning. It was from a good friend, a retired general, as it happens. He told me something remarkable.”
Lüthi’s smile froze on his face.
“He told me,” Huber continued, “that he had evidence—documentary evidence—linking certain members of this Council to the very attacks we are now being asked to respond to.”
The chamber erupted.
Friedrich Weber was on his feet, his military bearing rigid with fury. “What the hell are you suggesting, Ernst? That one ofus—”
“I am suggesting nothing,” Huber said calmly. “I am stating what I was told.”
