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“They closed ranks.”
Yes.
And that—
That changes the structure.
Because now they’re not reacting individually.
They’re functioning as a unit.
That’s harder to break.
Harder—
But not impossible.
“They’re not choosing anymore,” the man says.
Sentinel’s gaze sharpens slightly.
No.
They’re not.
Which means—
“They’ve removed the variable,” Sentinel says quietly.
The man frowns. “What variable?”
“Doubt.”
The word lands clean.
Precise.
Because that’s what hesitation was built on.
Uncertainty.
Internal conflict.
Choice.
And now—
“They’ve simplified the outcome,” Sentinel continues.
A beat.
“They end me.”
Silence.
The kind that tightens the air.
Because that’s no longer strategy.
