Hunter swore under his breath. "They're running the city like a body."
Cain stepped forward.
The room reacted instantly.
Lights brightened. Displays shifted. A figure detached itself from the far side of the chamber, walking toward them calmly, hands visible.
Not the same one from before.
Older. Slower. Eyes sharp in a way that came from experience rather than confidence.
"I was wondering when you'd come here," the man said.
Cain stopped ten paces away. "You knew I would."
The man smiled faintly. "You always go for the source eventually. It's one of your more reliable traits."
Hunter tensed. "You know him."
"Of course I do," the man replied. "Everyone worth planning around does."
Cain felt the pressure rise again—but weaker, unfocused. Defensive, not offensive.
"You're coordinating extractions," Cain said flatly.
"Yes."
"And destabilizing entire sectors to do it."
"Yes."
"For what?"
The man gestured at the projections. "For survival."
