Page 301 of Reaper Said Mine

"They spent decades treating my people as disposable."

My hands tighten against the table.

"I have buried friends because of them."

My voice drops lower.

"Damn near buried myself."

Silence follows.

Ursa's expression softens with understanding, and somehow that hurts more than pity ever could.

"I know," she says quietly. "I know all of that."

My chest feels tight.

"You don't."

Her eyes meet mine.

"I don't know exactly what it felt like."

She nods once.

"But I know it shaped you."

The room remains silent. Krell, Vakka, and even Skahar stay quiet.

Ursa continues.

"It shaped every decision you've made."

Her voice stays gentle.

"Some of those decisions helped people. Some caused damage."

The truth lands cleanly.

I hate it because part of me already agrees.

She steps closer.

"The people responsible for this crisis wanted permanent war."

Her hand settles on the tactical display.

"They wanted the Reapers chained to the Coalition."

She points toward another cluster.

"They wanted the Alliance preparing intervention."

Then another.

"They wanted the Combine using fear as leverage."

Her eyes find mine.