The council chamber felt like a tomb decorated with frantic activity. People rushed, terminals glowed, voices rose in urgent, clipped exchanges, all trying to build a defense for a trial they didn't know was rigged. Alexander watched it all from the periphery, the secret Luna had shared a cold stone in his gut. Project: Dawnseed. Priority Omega.
He found Scarlett in a quiet corridor outside, staring at a wall screen showing the live feed from the GUAS tracking array. The four lights hung in their diamond formation, pulsing with a soft, malevolent rhythm.
"She told you," Scarlett said, not turning. It wasn't a question.
"She did."
"And you didn't tell them." Scarlett finally looked at him, her green eyes searching his face. There was no accusation, only understanding, and a deep, shared dread.
