"So," the manager said through the holographic video call, her voice calm but heavy with authority,
"what did you find?"
Adam stood silently to the side, arms relaxed but posture attentive. He was just as curious as Vanessa, maybe even more so.
If the acolytes had uncovered something concrete about the barrier, it might finally explain the unease that had been clawing at the back of his mind.
Mark had placed the device, something between a tablet and a compact laptop, on the open tail of the truck.
The holographic screen projected upward, showing the manager's veiled figure clearly. Her eyes flicked briefly to Adam standing behind Mark, lingering for half a second before returning to her subordinate.
"I'll go straight to the point, ma'am," Mark said.
The manager gave a slight nod.
"Go on."
Mark inhaled and spoke with practiced clarity.
"The barrier isn't self-sustaining. Our readings confirm it's being powered by an external generator."
