Page 408 of Black Reign

“He'd look native.”

“Yes.”

Senior says, “Every root credential has been audited.”

I look at him.

“By your security department.”

His face changes.

Small.

There.

“You're assuming an internal actor.”

“I am assuming Papa was smarter than you.”

Xavier coughs.

It might be a laugh.

Senior looks at him.

“You find this amusing?”

“Not remotely.”

Liar.

I point toward the main display.

“Stop asking who entered ARGUS. Ask what credential has been quietly convincing ARGUS that it belongs there.”

Xavier's attention snaps back to the screens.

He understands.

“Certificate persistence.”

“Exactly.”

Senior turns.

“That would require⁠—”

“Security authority,” Xavier finishes.

I smile.

“There we go. Twenty hours saved.”

“It has been three,” Senior says.

“It felt like twenty.”

He gives me a look.