Xavier's hands found the edge of his desk, gripping it hard enough that his knuckles went white. The metal creaked slightly under the pressure.
An unknown drug.
A full-scale drug operation.
Right under his jurisdiction.
While he was fighting the Federation on the front lines.
While he was drowning in desk work, accumulating endlessly.
While he was trying to keep the Empire's defenses intact and stabilize.
The damning realization that this had been happening in the shadows.
The anger that had been burning hot suddenly went cold, settling into his bones like ice.
This was worse than learning of Grayson's actions.
This wasn't just another problem.
This was his failure.
"Have you reported this to the Marshal?" Xavier asked, his voice cold but firm. He did not break eye contact.
Vane moved a little uneasily. "The Marshal… he's reportedly laying low, sir. The succession battle is ongoing. Therefore, he declared that he cannot intervene as he normally would."
