[Empty Fleet Central Ship — Deck — Day 55 — 7:30 AM]
The sub‑chief spoke before the captain confirmed the deal.
"First, the test."
Alex looked at him.
"What test?"
"The captain agreed to the deal." The sub‑chief from the central ship's deck, with the same calm he had spoken with from the start. "I haven't." A pause. "And the captain doesn't give a free route without my approval."
Seraph evaluated the sub‑chief.
Level 94. Integrated oceanic signature. No visible weapon but with the posture of someone who doesn't need a visible weapon because what he uses can't be seen until it's already arrived.
"What kind of test?" said Seraph.
"The bearer of the three Fragments against me." The sub‑chief looking at Alex. "Not to kill. To see how far he goes before yielding control."
"And if we don't yield?" said Alex.
