Torn by the news, Valtor shook his head in revolt.
"No—no, Dad. You can't go anywhere."
"Valtor, I need you to stay calm," his father continued.
"You can't be put on trial," Valtor's tone rose. "Just to be charged by a corrupt judge working for the council? There's no way you can win this."
"I know," Malcolm said. "But it's not over. We still have the support of the entire Zairan region. We'll find another way to bring down this system."
"What about you?" Valtor pestered. "We don't know what they're going to do to you—and I can't live with that." His voice cracked, his friends watching helplessly.
Malcolm's tone remained calm. "They'll try to get information out of me concerning you kids, and when they fail, I'll be imprisoned at worst. But everything will be fine," he assured. "Just promise me you'll all stay safe."
Valtor's head dropped as he exhaled heavily.
"We'll be safe, Professor," Lynx replied instead, placing a reassuring hand on Valtor's shoulder.
...................
Vatica
Malcolm stepped out of a tinted black car, dressed in his usual corporate regalia. He paused, glancing at the prestigious building ahead—the Supreme Regional Courthouse.
Its high pillars stood tall in decadence, flagpoles raised with the flags of each region swaying above.
Two Vatican soldiers waited at the entrance. They nodded in greeting before gesturing forward. Malcolm straightened his suit, his composure firm as the courthouse doors parted open.
He stepped inside, his watchguards following closely behind. Together, they moved through the grand hall toward the preceding chamber.
They hadn't taken more than a few steps when a familiar voice cut through the air.
"Professor Malcolm."
Malcolm halted.
Superintendent Jeremy stood a short distance away, arms folded across his chest, his uniform crisp, sharp eyes studied the professor as Malcolm remained silent.
"Fancy seeing you again," he said, approaching. "Though I wish we never met under these circumstances."
"Same here, Superintendent," Malcolm replied calmly.
Superintendent Jeremy flashed a smile—the kind that didn't reach his eyes. "Let's stop with the pretense, shall we?" His gaze flicked toward the officers behind Malcolm. Catching the message, the soldiers took a few steps back.
"We all know the reason for your actions, Professor," Jeremy continued. "It's obvious you've been involved in the kids' disappearance. You wouldn't have instigated against the council if you weren't."
Malcolm's expression remained unchanged.
"They've managed to evade us," Jeremy went on. "There's an active search underway in Kyrena, and we still have no leads."
He lowered his voice. "You know where they are. This is your chance to cooperate. The council will look far more kindly on you if you do."
Malcolm let out a slow breath, meeting the superintendent's stare head-on.
"I disagree," he said evenly. "Whatever I say here will make no difference to what awaits me in this court. We both know the council doesn't take matters of revolution lightly."
He paused.
"And even if they did, I wouldn't give up their location—because I don't have one to give."
Superintendent Jeremy's jaw tightened. "You're standing in the Supreme Court, Professor. Refusal has consequences."
"I'm well aware of where I am," Malcolm replied firmly. "I'm also aware of my rights, Superintendent. I'm here to be tried for sedition. You have no authority to coerce me for anything else."
Jeremy studied him, as though searching for a crack in his resolve.
"Fine, Professor," he breathed. "Have it your way. Stand trial—we both know it only ends one way."
His lips curled faintly. "Sooner or later, those kids will be found. Especially now that you're out of the way."
Malcolm's gaze hardened as the older man stepped closer. Sp. Jeremy placed a hand on his shoulder, leaning in just enough for his words to reach one ear.
"I promise you, the experiment will proceed in your absence," he whispered. "One thing I can't promise, however, is whether your son will be excluded—as earlier agreed."
Malcolm shot him a sharp glare.
"See you in court, Professor."
The superintendent flashed his hollow smile once more before walking away.