“I’d burn the rot,” I answer.
Jordan’s eyes search my face—angry, conflicted, alive.
Dowron exhales.
“You’re forcing my hand.”
“Yes.”
Another long pause.
In the background, I can hear distant voices on his end. Advisors. Panic behind closed doors.
Finally, Dowron speaks.
“Stand by.”
The executive override feed on the public stream shifts.
The High Command watermark stabilizes fully.
A new figure appears—Alliance insignia behind him, posture rigid, face controlled.
Dowron.
Live.
The moderator stares like they’re witnessing a star collapse.
Dowron looks directly into the camera.
“For the record,” he begins, voice clear and formal, “High Command acknowledges the gravity of the allegations presented.”
Jordan’s breath is tight beside me.
“An internal emergency review has been initiated,” Dowron continues. “Effective immediately, a sitting High Command Councilor overseeing security liaison authority has been relieved of duty pending investigation into procurement irregularities and misuse of civilian oversight channels.”
The chat explodes.
Morazin’s eyes go wide.
Dowron doesn’t blink.
“Audits of High Command security units are underway. All related procurement routes are frozen. Cooperation with independent oversight bodies will proceed.”
It’s not a confession.
It’s not a naming.
But it’s public removal.
It’s action.
And it’s framed as “anti-corruption stabilization,” not civil war.
Jordan exhales slowly through her teeth.
“You’re letting him hide behind language,” she murmurs.
