“Yes. Similar in mass but not identical. Distinct stride lengths and shoulder widths.”
I slide my notebook across the desk. The pages are dense with timestamps and measurements, organized in tight columns.
“These are the measurements taken immediately after installation,” I say. “Pad width, soil compression depth, stride spacing. Each logged within minutes.”
Ciaran flips through a few pages, then looks back at the map. His expression shifts from skepticism to reluctant acknowledgment.
“I do not see an obvious flaw,” he admits. Alden’s eyes follow me. “You are thorough,” he says.
“I am accurate,” I reply.
His gaze does not waver. “You cannot speak of this outside this room.”
I meet his stare evenly. “You want the attacks stopped, or you want silence.”
“This is not a negotiation,” he says.
“It is if you want my data,” I answer.
Ciaran exhales quietly through his nose.
“I want access to patrol routes,” I continue. “If the corridor repeats, I can predict the next likely strike zone. That gives you an advantage.”
Ciaran glances at Alden. “She is not wrong.”
Alden remains still, weighing the implications.
“You will not roam freely,” he says at last. “You will work under supervision.”
“That depends on the supervisor,” I reply.
Ciaran gives a faint, dry smile. “That would be me.”
I study him briefly. “You question my methodology. That suggests you will double-check my work.”
“I will,” he says.
Alden steps forward slightly, presence filling the space between us.
“You assist in patrol analysis only,” he says. “You do not wander into areas you are not cleared for.”
“And if I identify internal inconsistencies?” I ask.
Ciaran stiffens almost imperceptibly.
Alden’s gaze sharpens. “Be precise with your language.”
“I always am,” I say.
Silence stretches for a few seconds, tension contained rather than explosive.
Finally, Alden turns to Ciaran. “You shadow her. She does not stray. She does not discuss findings outside controlled parameters.”
“I can manage that,” Ciaran says.
I gather my maps into a neater stack. “This arrangement is temporary,” I say.
“So is your access,” Alden replies.
