“Yes.”
Which makes it worse.
Because bad predictions don’t miss quietly.
They miss loudly.
Violently.
“And more are coming,” I continue. “They’re not going to stop at one.”
“Every attempt reinforces the list,” Aaron says.
“Exactly.”
I bring up another layer.
Governments reacting.
Meetings being scheduled.
Emergency powers being discussed.
Fast.
Too fast.
“And there’s more,” I say. “Coordination councils are being convened. Quietly. Across multiple jurisdictions.”
Aaron exhales slowly.
“They’re getting what they want.”
“Yes.”
A pause.
Then:
“A panic window.”
The words sit heavy in the space between us.
Because once that window opens—
It doesn’t close easily.
I hesitate.
Just for a second.
Because what comes next?
He’s not going to like.
“There’s only one person who can stop this,” I say.
Silence.
