CHAPTER 57 —

They moved like people who knew their enemy’s rhythms. The judge’s verified clip had gone live—clean, authenticated, and stamped with a court seal that made anchors breathe differently. Platforms began the slow mechanical work of takedowns. For a sliver of time it looked like law could outrun rumor.

Then Anders’ console flashed a color he never wanted to see: OUT-OF-BAND PUSH — NEW ROUTE ESTABLISHED.

“What’s that?” Harrow asked without irony.

Anders ...