“Temporary investigative authority,” I answer. “Access to surveillance networks across transit corridors. Data integration from clan sensors. Authority to pursue origin point of embedded signature.”
“And duration?” Dresk asks.
“Three cycles.”
Varok’s gaze narrows. “Convenient window.”
“It is sufficient,” I say.
“Or insufficient,” he counters, “and you waste readiness.”
The chamber hum grows more tense.
Dresk considers.
At length, he speaks.
“Provisional authority granted,” he declares. “Three cycles. Raid suspension maintained during investigation.”
Outcry surges from the outer ring.
“You reward restraint!” someone shouts.
“You gamble stability!” another calls.
Dresk’s voice cuts through the noise like a blade.
“We reward survival.”
The chamber quiets—reluctantly.
Varok does not argue further publicly.
He steps closer to me as the inner ring begins dispersing.
“You gamble with perception,” he says quietly. “And perception often outweighs fact.”
“Then let fact correct it,” I reply.
He studies me for a long moment.
“You shield human in battle,” he says.
“I shield ally.”
“You hesitate in raids.”
“I redirect.”
“You evolve,” he says, the word almost a sneer.
“Yes,” I reply calmly.
His gaze flicks briefly toward Elara.
“Three cycles,” he repeats. “Then I motion for leadership review.”
“I expected nothing less,” I answer.
