“I think it’s practical.”
Her gaze meets mine again, steady, unflinching, and I feel that same misalignment from before, sharper now, more defined.
“You are not concerned with the consequences of overstepping,” I say.
“I am,” she says. “I just decided the consequences of not saying anything were worse.”
That—
That is the problem.
Because it is rational.
Because it aligns with results.
Because it bypasses the system entirely.
“Why,” I ask.
The word comes out before I decide to say it.
She blinks.
“Why what.”
“Why you continue to do this,” I clarify. “Why you push beyond assigned parameters when it places you at risk.”
She studies me for a moment, her expression shifting slightly, not into fear, not into defensiveness, but into something more measured.
“Because I’d like to stay alive,” she says.
The answer is immediate.
Uncomplicated.
True.
“That is a simplistic motivation.”
“It’s an effective one.”
I step closer.
Not enough to threaten.
Enough to focus.
“You do not seek favor,” I say.
“No.”
“You do not seek advancement.”
“No.”
“You do not seek protection.”
Her mouth curves slightly.
