The man in front had a sharp face, sharp posture, and dull, unreadable eyes. His badge bore the symbol of the central government's Executive Oversight Division.
"I'm Director Varo," he said smoothly. "And this is Deputy Analyst Mira. We're here on behalf of the State."
"No one asked you to come," Jesper said without looking at him.
"You're right," Varo replied. "But you should've asked."
Isaac straightened. "Where was the State when Doctor Naehr dispersed a biogenetic toxin into the national atmosphere?"
Varo didn't blink. "Following protocol."
Augustin stepped forward. "Protocol?"
Mira, the analyst, finally spoke. "All information regarding Apex Labs and Project Equinox was classified under Order A-739. That included surveillance restriction, noninterference commands, and media silence."
"You're saying the government knew?" Cain's voice was pure venom.
Varo nodded.
"They knew," Mira said. "They funded the early phases. But they didn't expect it to escalate."
