Page 102 of Pocket Wife

Salo continues. “Helix’s preservation priority claim is not dismissed. However, removal from Solaris Valley is denied pending evidence that the registry lacks civic continuity.”

Sen’s mouth tightens.

Kaun speaks from her panel. “Neutral preservation shield is being established at the cistern. No corporate personnel will approach.”

I finally let my shoulders lower.

Only a little.

Then Sen lifts one finger. “In that case, Helix files a standing challenge against the resident representative.”

The room goes cold.

I check the display.

Salo’s expression hardens. “State basis.”

Sen turns her attention fully to me. “Miss Hartwell’s authority to speak for Solaris Valley is compromised by personal entanglement with the assigned historical analyst, unauthorized departure from tribunal session, direct involvement in witness coordination, and material family interest in the disputed registry. If the tribunal is relying on civic continuity, Helix challenges whether Miss Hartwell can lawfully represent that continuity.”

Rethan’s posture changes by a fraction.

I feel the bond flare.

Not fear.

Fury.

I stay fixed on Sen. “You failed to take the registry, so now you want to take my voice.”

Sen smiles faintly. “We want proper standing.”

Salo raises one hand before the hall can erupt. “The tribunal will require a formal response. Volume will not establish standing. Recognized civic authority, resident quorum, or documented emergency appointment may.”

My eyes move across the board, the filled columns, the people whose hands rose before mine.

Then I set the chalk down.

“You can challenge me,” I say. “But I am not the only one speaking.”

Behind me, one chair scrapes back.

Then another.

Then the whole hall begins to rise.

CHAPTER 34

RETHAN

Ihave never feared a room full of witnesses until every one of them stands at once.

Chairs scrape back across the meeting hall floor. Old farmers rise with hands pressed to table edges. Parents stand with children tucked behind their legs. Remote screens brighten as distant settlements copy the motion from their own halls, bodies rising in Stonebend, in Lark Hollow, in Tamsin Ford, and the smaller places Helix considered too scattered to matter.

Lucy remains at the front, chalk dust on her fingers, her face pale with exhaustion and sharpened by purpose.

She said she would not speak alone.

Now the room proves it.