The front doors of the estate groaned as they swung open, admitting the cold, damp morning air and the imposing figure of Commander Vance. She stepped into the foyer with a measured gait, her heels clicking sharply against the stone floor. Behind her, two Enforcers stood at attention just outside the threshold, their hands resting on the grips of their sidearms.
Silas stepped forward, his posture rigid. "Commander. You’re early. The summit wasn't scheduled until the afternoon."
Vance didn’t look at him. Her eyes were fixed on Elena, scanning her from head to toe with a clinical, detached interest. "When a rogue 'Negotiator' detonates a Class-4 Nullifier in a civilian village, schedules tend to become irrelevant, Silas. I’m here to assess the damage—both to the territory and to the asset.
