"The lineage documentation is substantive and credible," he said. "Primary source material, corroborated across multiple independent records. The claim is valid." He paused. "On the Reckoning....the precedent applies. The provocation preceded the response. The action was proportional." Another pause. "I find for the claimant on both matters."
Eve breathed.
Cassius didn't pause.
"For the claimant," he said.
Sera Aldric looked at the table for one moment. Then at Eve. Then at Vassin.
"For the claimant," she said.
Three to two.
The room erupted.
Not chaos....not quite. But sound. A collective release of held breath from two hundred people who had been watching this for a week and had not known until this second how it would land.
Vassin raised his hand and the room went quiet.
