The Association response arrived through Director Kaelen herself, the A-4 bureaucrat traveling to coalition territory rather than sending intermediaries, which meant the counter-proposal either impressed her or offended her enough to demand personal attention.
'She's too senior for routine negotiations. This is either opportunity or threat.'
Kaelen brought three advisors and minimal security escort, professional approach suggesting she wasn't anticipating hostilities despite the political tension, her gray hair and composed expression unchanged from previous negotiations.
"Your counter-proposal is creative," Kaelen said once formal pleasantries concluded, coalition council assembled in command post that served as political headquarters, "selective resource access without structural integration, trade partnerships that maintain coalition autonomy, it demonstrates sophisticated understanding of Association frameworks."
"Thank you," Misha responded neutrally.
