"I really appreciate that," Soren said, a small, genuine smile breaking through his otherwise stoic expression. He paused, pondering briefly before deciding to test the waters. "Mr. President... could you tell me about the casualties and the scale of the damage from yesterday?"
The President let out a chuckle, the tension in the room easing just a fraction. "What? Are you feeling guilty?"
Soren offered a slightly awkward smile, not entirely denying it.
Craig sighed, his amusement fading back into his usual stern professionalism. "There is no point in keeping it from you. You can check the news the moment we part ways, anyway."
Soren had already planned to do exactly that, though he knew the public broadcasts would likely be scrubbed or downplayed to maintain order. The most accurate data would come directly from the man sitting in front of him.
