Page 156 of Pocket Wife

Salo turns to the larger tribunal record. “This tribunal now enters interim merits finding. Based on the First Hall covenant, the Resident Refusal Registry, the living civic continuity record, and confirmed evidence of historical classification fraud, Helix Extraction Consortium has not established lawful mineral access, resident consent, relocation authority, or emergency safety basis.”

Lucy stands very still.

I can sense her trying not to hope too soon.

Salo continues. “All relocation enforcement against Solaris Valley is suspended indefinitely. Helix extraction license over contested lands is placed under criminal preservation and fraud review. All corporate vessels are ordered beyond settlement airspace. The Resident Refusal Registry remains on Jwoon III under joint neutral and Solaris Valley civic custody.”

Celia sits down as if her bones have become water.

Samuel covers Eleanor’s hand with both of his.

Nara begins to cry.

Jessa writes the ruling on the board because that is what Jessa does when joy frightens her.

Lucy does not move.

Not until Salo adds, “The emergency continuity panel remains recognized pending formal civic ratification. Miss Hartwell’s standing challenge is denied.”

Lucy’s hand goes to her mouth.

Not fully. Not enough to hide.

Enough for me to see the woman beneath the representative.

Then Salo looks toward me.

“Specialist Veyr.”

I straighten.

“Your restrictions during active emergency proceedings are lifted.”

The hall turns.

Lucy turns too.

For once since Helix divided us by procedure, nothing official stands between us.

I cross the meeting hall.

I do not hurry. I will not give Helix, Sen, or the record a single careless motion to misname. But every step carries a choice older than fear and newer than the morning.

Lucy meets me halfway.

She does not wait for me to ask.

She reaches for my hand in front of the tribunal, the valley, the remote settlements, the Authority, and whatever remains of Helix’s watching eyes.

I close my fingers around hers.

The bond answers, warm and bright.

No law interrupts it.

Salo clears his throat, perhaps because even adjudicators need somewhere to place emotion. “The tribunal will recess for eight hours. Formal review resumes after rest, food, and medical checks.”

Torren’s voice cuts in. “That is the first intelligent order issued all day.”