Marcus POV
I referenced historical precedent. Cited efficiency risks. Avoided emotional language entirely.
It disappeared into review.
Not rejected.
Just… absorbed.
That word had become dangerous.
Absorbed meant the system had acknowledged my concern without allowing it to create drag. It meant the note would be cited later as evidence that feedback existed - not that it mattered.
I stood there longer than necessary.
The wolves avoided my eyes.
Not from shame.
From uncertainty.
That was new.
They didn't know yet what this meant - only that something had gone wrong without anyone breaking rules.
That kind of confusion doesn't fade.
It hardens.
On my way back, an order hit my slate.
Routine phrasing.
Urgent classification.
Reassignment required. Priority realignment.
The names attached weren't threats.
They were families.
