The resemblance is immediate and unsettling.
I move closer without thinking, leaning into the projection. “That’s… that’s not just clan-level.”
“No,” Kael says quietly.
The two waveforms overlay.
The alignment is nearly perfect.
“They used your docking scan,” I say slowly, my stomach tightening.
“Yes,” Kael replies.
“To fabricate the detonation signature.”
“Yes.”
The deck seems to tilt beneath my feet.
“This wasn’t species framing,” I murmur, staring at the projection. “This wasn’t broad provocation.”
Kael’s voice is steady when he answers. “No.”
“It was targeted,” I breathe.
“Yes.”
The bond flares again, sharp and electric, and I press a hand flat against the console to steady myself.
“You knew,” I say, lifting my eyes to his.
“I suspected,” he replies.
“You didn’t tell me during interrogation.”
“You were not ready to accept it.”
“That’s not your decision,” I snap.
“No,” he agrees without defensiveness. “It was your reasoning to reach.”
That answer infuriates me and calms me at the same time.
“If they eliminate you under terrorism designation,” I say slowly, forcing my thoughts into order, “your clan fractures.”
“Yes.”
“Reform collapses.”
“Yes.”
“Alliance hardliners gain justification.”
“Yes.”
Each answer is steady, unflinching.
“And I just extracted the primary target,” I finish.
