More uncomfortable.
“We will conduct a full investigation,” the first voice says.
“Yeah,” I mutter. “That’s what you always say.”
“This time?—”
“This time you got caught,” I cut in.
That lands harder.
“You’re out of line,” he says.
“Am I?” I ask. “Or am I just saying the part you don’t want to admit out loud?”
No one answers.
Because they don’t have a clean answer.
“Lieutenant Jolie Racine,” the woman says, her tone shifting slightly. “Your actions, while unauthorized, have produced… undeniable results.”
“That’s a generous way to put it,” I reply.
“You exposed a critical failure within our command structure,” she continues.
“I exposed a system that made it possible,” I counter.
She studies me for a second, something calculating moving behind her eyes.
“Which is why,” she says, “we are prepared to offer you reinstatement.”
I go still.
Not surprised.
Just—
Done.
“Reinstatement,” I repeat.
“Full clearance,” she says. “With immediate promotion. You would be placed in a position to help oversee the reforms you’re advocating for.”
I let out a breath, something sharp slipping through it.
“That’s your solution?” I ask.
“It’s an opportunity,” she replies.
“To fix it from the inside,” another voice adds.
I shake my head slowly.
“You think this is something you fix by moving pieces around?” I say.
“You would have authority,” she presses.
“I’d have a seat in the same system that let this happen,” I counter.
