The answer remained on the table while Elion checked the instruments for the third time. None of the readings indicated manifestation failure, energy loss, or interference from the Blind Index. The First Archive had truly reached an undetermined conclusion, and that meant the problem could not be solved by searching for some ancient clause granting it continuity. Any authorization left behind by the founder would suffer from exactly the same limitation they had just established: it would be historical, relevant as context, but insufficient on its own to justify present actions.
Amelia was the first to organize the issue in practical terms.
"We need to separate your existence from your authority. We're treating the two as though they were equivalent."
The First Archive turned its face toward her.
"Explain."
