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“Yes.”

“Why?”

A pause.

“You have become difficult to reach.”

“That was intentional.”

“I assumed.”

The voice remained calm.

That was familiar too.

No anger or accusation.

The Veil did not waste emotion where structure could accomplish more.

“You were given a corrective order,” he said.

“I received it.”

“You did not comply.”

“No.”

Talia had stopped working.

She did not turn around, but I knew she was listening.

Not to the words.

To me.

I moved farther from her.

Not to hide anything.

To give her the option not to hear.

She did not look up.

The handler continued. “Your current status is recoverable.”

I said nothing.

The phrase was deliberate.

Not forgivable.

Recoverable.

An operative reduced to condition.

“You have one final opportunity to resolve the matter without escalation.”

“What resolution?”