The questions continued for forty minutes. Some were practical—about specific security measures or schedule changes. Others were more pointed—about administrative failures or demanding more aggressive action.
Volmer answered each with patient directness, neither defensive nor dismissive. When he didn't know something, he said so. When he couldn't share information for security reasons, he explained why.
Finally, he raised his hand to indicate time was ending.
"Last question. Yes, in the back?"
A third-year student stood. Patricia recognized him as one of the assembly organizers.
"Sir, the petition asked these questions because we felt normal channels weren't working. Now you've answered them directly. But what happens next time we have concerns? Do we organize unauthorized assemblies again, or is there a better way?"
Volmer smiled slightly—the first time during the entire assembly.
