“They’re not one organization,” I whisper.
Ronan steps closer. “Meaning?”
“They’re a stack.”
Aaron exhales sharply. “Try that again in human.”
I don’t look at him.
I can’t.
Because if I do, I’ll lose it.
“Broker layer,” I say. “They coordinate access. Movement. Logistics.”
My fingers shift, pulling threads apart.
“Above that—policy layer. Decision-making. Target selection. Risk tolerance.”
My chest tightens.
Because I already know what’s next.
I just don’t want to say it.
“And above that…”
I stop.
For a second.
Just one.
Because this is the part that changes everything.
“Say it,” Ronan presses quietly.
I do.
“Funding conscience layer.”
Aaron goes still. “In English.”
“In English,” I say, finally looking at him—
really looking—
“we’re not fighting villains.”
The words feel heavier out loud.
More real.
More dangerous.
“We’re fighting governance.”
Silence crashes down.
