Page 53 of Pocket Wife

Jessa reads it and goes pale. “Message from Helix compliance.”

I already know what it will be.

The text opens across the wall.

Any external party who knowingly submits false, inflammatory, or unverified statements in a protected relocation matter may be subject to civil penalty, transport restriction, and contract review.

Stonebend’s screen goes quiet.

Lark Hollow’s older man looks down.

Tamsin Ford’s representative, a broad-shouldered woman named Ivera, mutters something I can’t hear.

Helix has fired without entering the room.

I step closer to the display. “That is a threat.”

Rethan says, “It is worded as guidance.”

“Even worse.”

A few people smile. This time, it reaches their eyes.

I face the screens again. “You do not have to lie for us. Do not exaggerate. Do not make speeches you cannot defend. Tell the truth you personally know. If your father traded seed with my father, say that. If your aunt attended a funeral on our burial rise, say that. If your children studied with ours during flood season, say that. Helix cannot punish truth without revealing what it fears.”

The old man from Lark Hollow rubs a hand over his face. “My sister is buried on your rise.”

I have to steady my voice. “Then she is part of this record.”

He looks up. “Her name was Brela Om. She married into Solaris. Died in the cold-fever year. I was there when they placed her stone.”

Rethan moves for the recorder, then stops and looks to Kaun’s remote oversight seal blinking at the corner of the display.

I understand. “Jessa, open a witness form.”

Jessa’s hands fly over the console. “Open.”

“State your name,” I say.

The old man straightens. “Darin Om of Lark Hollow.”

One name becomes two.

Then five.

Then twelve.

By afternoon, the meeting hall has become a testimony house. Children carry water between tables. Celia organizes witness queues with bread baskets and sharp looks. Torren tracks drones until the count reaches fourteen, then stops announcing new ones because everyone can hear them outside.

Helix messages arrive every hour.

Contract review.

Transport audits.

Agricultural compliance checks.

Security advisories.