I feel something settle cold and deliberate behind my ribs.
“They’re not testing one corridor,” I say. “They’re testing our authority.”
The corridor shutdown protocol propagates automatically. Trade vessels power down and hold position. Escorts form tighter defensive rings. Civilian traffic feeds fill with confusion.
My wrist interface vibrates sharply.
Alliance Council priority channel.
Voss appears on the projection before I accept it.
His expression is already tight.
“This is unacceptable,” he says without greeting. “Reaper patrols have crossed demilitarized boundaries during corridor disruption.”
“Our patrols responded to attacks,” I reply evenly.
“Our sensors indicate aggressive maneuvering beyond buffer limits.”
“Your former operatives just attempted to assassinate me,” I say.
He blinks once.
“Former operatives?”
“Yes.”
I gesture to the tactical officer.
“Transmit capture footage,” I order.
The projection shifts to the docking ring recording: helmet removal, Alliance underlay visible, serial plate exposed.
Voss watches without speaking.
“That armor was decommissioned,” he says carefully.
“It was reactivated,” I reply.
A murmur ripples behind him on the Alliance side—delegates conferring in low, urgent tones.
“We did not authorize these actions,” Voss says.
“I believe you,” I answer.
He looks faintly surprised by that.
“But authorization is not the same as existence,” I continue. “You have continuity cells.”
He exhales slowly.
“Peace talks are suspended pending investigation,” he says.
“No,” I reply.
His gaze hardens.
“Excuse me?”
