Page 123 of Pocket Wife

Jessa checks figures with fingers that move too fast.

Torren speaks from the cistern. “If we reroute from the east channel and pull from household rain tanks, yes. Barely. Clinic gets priority.”

Nara opens her eyes.

Lucy says, “Then that is what we do.”

Sen’s expression remains composed, but I see the annoyance beneath it. Helix expected desperation to scatter them. Lucy is turning it into logistics.

Salo nods. “The emergency continuity panel will submit ration and reroute plan within thirty minutes, with verification updates every two hours. Specialist Veyr remains restricted from advising the panel.”

The restriction lands again.

I incline my head. “Understood.”

This time Lucy does not turn to me.

She is already turning to Jessa, Samuel, Nara, and the others. Her voice becomes low and fast, practical enough to hold panic at bay.

“Clinic first. School second. Elders third. Field irrigation pauses. Household reserves logged, not seized. No one hides water. No one shames anyone for needing more.”

I cannot advise her.

But I can witness.

Kaun’s seal flashes beside me. “Specialist Veyr.”

“Yes, Director.”

“You have another problem.”

I scan the file she has sent.

A Central Commerce notice.

Not Corvek’s petition.

Something older.

Lystor Resource Trust shelter acquisition contract.

Six months prior.

Attached land parcel: ridge plateau beyond proposed evacuation radius.

Purchaser of record: Helix Humanitarian Continuity Services.

I read the final clause.

Temporary residents may be converted to compensated relocation participants upon extension beyond thirty days.

My body goes still.

Kaun speaks quietly. “If they get the residents into those shelters, they only need to keep them there.”

I look across the room at Lucy, at the board, at the people already preparing to share water before fear can divide them.

Helix has failed to empty the valley by force.