I sit. Back straight. Eyes neutral.
Let her speak first.
“We’re conducting a routine review of provisional oversight assignments,” she says, activating the node between us. A blue glyph spins silently in the air, cycling identification bands, case numbers, encrypted logs.
“Your current observation subject is Civilian Designate Ellison, Mara.”
A pause.
I nod. “Correct.”
“Quarantine placement is ongoing?”
“Yes.”
“Any change in behavior or demeanor?”
“No.”
“Any indications of instability?”
I tilt my head slightly. “Define instability.”
Versall doesn’t blink. “Emotional volatility. Paranoia. Excessive reactivity to stimuli. Unusual attachments.”
My spine stiffens a fraction.
“She exhibits reasonable responses given current conditions.”
“But no... emotional anomalies?” she presses, voice light.
“She is lucid. Cooperative. Observant.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“It’s the correct one.”
The projector flashes again. This time, it shows a still of Mara sitting on the edge of the bed, one leg folded beneath her. Talking. Animated. The image is recent. From last night.
I feel something press behind my sternum.
Versall steeples her fingers. “Commander, our systems indicate you have logged more hours on her detail than required. Your reports contain less behavioral annotation than standard. Your choice of physical distance deviates from standard passive observation by 12.4%.”
That’s what this is.
Not a check-in.
An audit.
Ofme.
“She has proven low-threat,” I say.
“Low-threat subjects often escalate when misunderstood.”
“She is not misunderstood.”
“You seem very certain.”
