And yet?—
It is not contained.
Because I am aware of it.
Because I am thinking about it.
Because I am tracking not only the outcome, but the origin.
Her.
The realization sharpens something in me, something I do not immediately define, and I redirect my movement toward the central operations chamber where Maltos is already waiting, his posture rigid, his expression set in the careful neutrality of someone who has already decided he does not approve of something but has not yet been given permission to say it.
“Sir,” he says as I enter.
“Maltos.”
He steps forward, data slate in hand, the faint glow of its interface reflecting along the sharp lines of his jaw.
“There have been unlogged adjustments to irrigation distribution,” he says. “Minor, but consistent across three sectors.”
“Yes.”
A pause.
“You authorized these changes.”
“I did.”
He studies me for a moment longer than necessary, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“On what basis.”
“Observed inefficiency.”
The words are simple.
They are also incomplete.
Maltos knows it.
“With respect,” he says carefully, “no inefficiency was reported through standard channels.”
“Then the standard channels are insufficient.”
That lands.
I watch the calculation behind his eyes, the way he repositions the conversation, shifting from challenge to inquiry without relinquishing his underlying concern.
“What was the source of the observation,” he asks.
I meet his gaze.
“Direct assessment.”
Another pause.
“Your own.”
