"The greatest threat to sovereignty is not war, but corruption hidden beneath alliance."—Trade Philosopher Xel'Tal, Codex of Dominion
A Fractured Trust
Kairos stood before the main viewscreen aboard the Unyielding Trust, silent as the wreckage of Glyon-7 drifted past. The remnants of the Ripple Node still radiated system static, a haunting reminder that value could be stolen—even from Sovereigns.
Kessie approached, a report in her hands.
"System analysis complete," she said. "Ripple's trade logic isn't standalone. It was built on partial Sovereign frameworks—likely seeded through allied system compacts."
Kairos turned his head slightly. "Allied?"
Kessie nodded. "One of our old partners. The Consortium of the Golden Vein. They helped validate several of your earlier trade licenses—before you reached Sovereign Tier III."
Kairos narrowed his eyes.
