The staffer outside the door hurried to execute the command, his footsteps echoing with a frantic urgency that spoke of the new hierarchy within the Development Zone. Within minutes, Franklin Foster appeared. The Secretary of the Disciplinary Sub-commission wore a mask of practiced, professional warmth, though the slight twitch in his jaw betrayed a deep-seated anxiety.
"Director Ward," Foster said, offering a cordial, yet guarded smile. "How can the Sub-commission be of service? I assume the meeting with Serena Frost has reached a productive conclusion?"
"It’s a simple matter, Secretary," Ambrose replied, his voice calm and melodic, the very picture of a man discussing a routine administrative transfer. "The Joint Investigation Task Force has a significant volume of inquiries regarding
