Chapter 9: The breaking Curve

The Council could no longer hide its unease.

Whispers were one thing.

Conviction was another.

And conviction was spreading.

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### 08:00 — *Operation Threshold*

Director Veyne stood before the Council projection.

> "Phase Zero has failed. Passive containment is insufficient."

He gestured to the data spike.

> "We initiate Operation Threshold. Remove critical nodes. Publicly. Decisively."

The chamber agreed.

The message was clear:

**Strike fast.

Strike publicly.

Break their faith.**

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### 10:00 — *The Target List*

Names appeared on the holographic display:

- **Vina Isari**

- **Elias