The morning of the meeting dawned grey and tense. Within the warehouse, preparations were final. Julian had chosen a site just outside their secured perimeter—a concreted yard once used for vehicle repairs, surrounded by high fences on three sides and open to a clear field of fire on the fourth. It was defensible, visible, and sent a clear message: We are inviting you in, but we are in control.
The main topic of internal discussion wasn't the logistics, but the new asset.
"She will be present," Julian declared during the final briefing. "Standing guard. A visible reminder of the consequences of betrayal and the reach of our capabilities."
"Won't that just terrify them into doing something stupid?" Clarissa asked, concerned.
"Terror is a useful tool if it leads to compliance," Celestia stated. "And it answers the unspoken question of what happened to the Arbiter's Ghost."
