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Sanko took the folder, and Zeff watched her silently flip through its contents.

“Project Blacksong,” said Parson.

And the Gargoyle stopped flipping briefly, then continued.

“Those reports all confirm it. Gema Elroy sabotaged Blacksong. I’m sure you understand what that means, ma’am.”

‘Sabotage?’ said Ax. ‘Lawrence told us that Gema had killed an Intarian diplomat, so what are you saying now?’

‘I am afraid that information is classified,’ said Overra.

Sanko started handing papers off to Zeff. “And now it isn’t.”

Parson almost jumped. “Ah--! Um! Ma’am--those documents! They’re not really meant for other--!”

“Oops,” Sanko said flatly.

Parson just stared with wide eyes.

Overra remained calm, however. ‘I suppose that’s one way to negotiate. Fine, then. An Intarian diplomat WAS killed, but we have not confirmed who was responsible. Gema Elroy is a suspect, but she and her reaper are primarily wanted because they are traitors.’

Zeff was busy skimming through the report in his hands. It referenced some kind of information leak. The word ‘Blacksong’ was indeed mentioned multiple times. The text didn’t go into detail, but Zeff had seen reports such as this before. The vague language. An overabundance of codenames. These reports were from the Covert Intelligence Division.

Spies. Ramira would have been excited. Zeff, however, was not. There were few things worse than having to deal with people who lied for a living.

‘What is this Project Blacksong?’ said Axiolis.

“It does not matter,” said Sanko, eyeing Parson and Overra. “The point is moot. Even if Gema Elroy were attempting to destroy the whole of Intar, that would still not give you the right to detain her family members for more than a single day of questioning. And as we understand, you held Zeff for much longer than that and are in fact still holding his son.”

“Well, yes, but--”

“Unless you have further evidence that proves the other Elroys were conspiring with Gema in her sabotage, then you are obligated to release Zeff’s son now and stand down.”

‘Well, you see--’

“And as we do not currently have the time to conduct an investigation into your unit ourselves, you and all of your men will leave for Jesbol immediately and report to Field Marshal Jackson for a mandatory evaluation. If you do not comply with these orders--”

“Wait!” Parson nearly dropped his box. “You can’t just--!”

“Do not test us, Miles. Patience and mercy have never been our strongest points. If you have conclusive evidence, then present it now.”