Authority can survive defiance.
It cannot survive replacement.
⸻
The question begins in kitchens.
Not shouted.
Not printed.
Asked.
“Why do we need them for this.”
Jason hears it first through the pattern shift. Not spikes. Not alerts. A quiet flattening where escalation used to work.
“They’re not waiting,” he says slowly. “They’re… continuing.”
Zane stands near the gate, the heir balanced against his chest, watching people pass with bowls, baskets, folded notes. The child tracks movement with calm curiosity, sensing steadiness rather than threat.
“They’ve crossed from resistance to routine,” Zane replies. “That’s the point of no return.”
Jason swallows.
“For who.”
Zane looks down at the child, then back at the road.
“For authority.”
⸻
The Ministry wakes up to a problem it
