Because it’s easier.
Because it’s safer.
Because tearing it down means admitting they were part of it.
“They’ll come for you,” Aaron says.
His voice is steady.
But there’s something under it now.
Something sharper.
“I know.”
“They won’t stop,” he adds. “Not after this. Not if you expose them like that.”
“I know.”
“They’ll isolate you. Destroy your credibility. Turn every system against you.”
“I know.”
He steps closer.
Too close for this to stay professional.
Too close for this to stay controlled.
“Then don’t do it,” he says, low and intense. “We find another way.”
I meet his eyes.
And I hate this part.
Because he believes that.
Because he wants there to be another way.
“I don’t get to let more people die so I can be safe.”
His jaw tightens.
“That’s not what this is.”
“Yes, it is.”
“No,” he says, sharper now. “This is you taking the entire system head-on without backup.”
“I have backup.”
“Not for this.”
He’s right.
We both know it.
His voice drops.
