The assignment presented itself before the grey lane had fully settled.
Jehovah refused to cast it in the wording of trust. He used the language of measurement. The nine would exit under severe thresholds, extract a stolen continuity fragment from a minor faction holding out in a low watch transit pocket, and return without residual surge, private bargains, or deviation from the route. Success maintained their operational status. Failure negated it entirely.
Tohu provided the specifics. "The faction calls itself the Pale Fold. Minor, opportunistic, not Black Star. They stole a continuity fragment during one of the previous scrubs and are trying to sell it. You retrieve the fragment. You do not negotiate the board while doing it."
Poseidon studied the tip of his trident. "And if they fight?"
"Finish the negotiation within the assignment limits," Tohu said. "Do not make a public spectacle. Do not pursue side leads."
