“Alliance oversight board just confirmed further validation of Valen’s authorization logs,” he adds. “More internal audits opening.”
I glance toward the scrolling feeds. Valen’s face appears again in a replay clip—his earlier speech about “stability through managed tension” juxtaposed with casualty projections.
His credibility continues to erode.
“That buys us leverage,” Kael says.
“For now,” I reply.
A chime sounds at the alcove entrance. The independent oversight delegate from earlier steps inside, expression alert but composed.
“The talks reconvene,” she says. “Your address has shifted tone.”
“In what direction?” I ask.
“Alliance delegates are more… flexible,” she replies carefully. “League observers are defensive.”
“Good,” Kael says quietly.
We walk together toward the main chamber.
The corridor feels different now. Civilians pause openly as we pass, eyes tracking not just Kael’s presence but mine. My name flashes across portable screens in quick updates:Vance Rejects League Protection.Independent Advisor Joins Reaper Delegation.
There is no quiet exit.
Inside the chamber, the projection table flickers to life as we take our seats. Alliance Councilor Voss sits across from us, hands folded but posture less rigid than before.
“Your public resignation complicates League positioning,” he says to me.
“That was intentional,” I reply.
The independent delegate nods slightly. “We will proceed under multilateral scrutiny,” she says. “All clauses publicly logged.”
The projection shifts to territorial overlays again—reduced Reaper boundaries marked clearly.
“Preliminary recognition draft,” Voss says. “Reaper governance acknowledged over remaining territories under agreed demilitarized buffers.”
“And trade corridor reductions?” Kael asks.
“Fixed,” Voss replies. “No further encroachment without joint review.”
Rethan leans forward. “Joint meaning Alliance and independent oversight?”
“Yes.”
“And not unilateral Alliance interpretation?”
Voss hesitates a fraction of a second.
“Yes.”
I study the language scrolling across the projection, adjusting a clause that references compliance review triggers.
“This wording allows punitive action based on projected threat,” I say, tapping the text. “That must be revised to documented violation.”
Voss exhales faintly. “You are no longer League counsel.”
“I am still literate,” I reply.
