Page 117 of Pocket Wife

He stands inside an orbital relay chamber, Helix insignia glowing behind him, his suit immaculate despite the crisis unfolding below. He looks calm enough that I hate him for it.

“Adjudicator Salo,” Corvek says, “Helix hereby submits notice of dispute escalation to Central Commerce Safety Review. Until jurisdictional priority is clarified, all local findings concerning registry custody, continuity standing, and alleged predecessor liability remain subject to review.”

Salo’s expression hardens. “This tribunal remains active.”

“Of course,” Corvek says. “But it is not the only authority with emergency power.”

Rethan’s head turns slightly.

I see it.

Corvek has not filed an appeal to win the argument already lost.

He has opened another door.

Corvek’s eyes move to me through the screen.

“Miss Hartwell, I admire your theater. Truly. You have made the valley look very alive.”

I say nothing.

Corvek smiles.

“But living places can still be declared unsafe.”

A new document appears beside his image.

Emergency infrastructure risk petition.

North cistern contamination and evidentiary integration claim.

Proposed interim safety radius: Solaris Valley central basin.

Nara makes a broken sound.

Samuel says my name.

Salo’s voice sharpens. “No contamination has been established.”

“Risk has,” Corvek replies. “By the residents’ own argument, the registry is integrated with active water infrastructure. It responded to quorum through that infrastructure. It is sealed beneath first water, tied to civic duty pathways, and located within a functioning reserve. Central Commerce safety rules require interim review when contested evidence infrastructure may affect potable distribution.”

Kaun cuts in. “That statute is for industrial contamination events.”

“And Helix is requesting review to determine whether this qualifies,” Corvek says. “Until then, no responsible authority can guarantee basin safety.”

I feel the trap close.

He does not need the water to be poisoned.

He only needs a higher office to ask whether it might be.

Rethan looks at me, and just then I feel fear come through the bond from him.

Not for himself.

For everyone.

Corvek’s smile deepens by a fraction.