Lt. Wolfe watched impassively as Clara Blackburn circled the bound man in the center of the stark interrogation room. Thompson sat slumped in the chair, not meeting their eyes.

"Let's go over this again," Clara said sharply. "How exactly did a mid-level regulator like you get approval to reopen the compromised Cerberus portal against all protocol?"

Thompson mumbled incoherently, staring at the floor.

Wolfe stepped forward, gifting Thompson with his most intimidating glare. "I suggest you start talking. We know you didn't authorize that expedition alone."

Thompson lifted his head, a spark of defiance in his eyes. "You can't threaten me into confessing nonexistent crimes. I followed all proper procedures."

Wolfe slammed his hands down on the table, causing Thompson to jump. "Enough lies! If you cooperate, we can discuss a plea deal. If not..."

He let the threat hang in the air. Clara frowned at Wolfe's aggression but said nothing.

Thompson's eyes darted between them anxiously. "Alright, perhaps I was a bit hasty approving the permits," he admitted. "But I was only acting on instructions from a senior officer."

"Who?" Clara demanded. "Give us a name."

Thompson paled. "I cannot, his reach is too deep. He'll kill me!"

"And you think we'll show more mercy if you refuse to talk?" Wolfe growled.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Thompson seemed to fold into himself, all defiance gone. "Very well. It was...Director Black who commanded me to rubber stamp the expedition. Are you satisfied?"

Wolfe and Clara exchanged sharp glances. Joshua Black orchestrating this debacle? It seemed unthinkable, yet strangely plausible.

Wolfe leaned in close to Thompson's face. "We'll verify your claims. If you've lied, there will be consequences."

He turned on his heel and strode out, Clara on his heels. This investigation had just expanded drastically. But Wolfe would uncover the truth, no matter how high the corruption reached. Justice demanded it.

Clara forced a smile as she sat across from Lina Emerson, the tenacious prosecutor who had been making life very difficult for certain powerful figures lately.

"Lina, so good to see you," Clara said smoothly, extending her hand.

Lina shook it briefly, eyes narrowed. "I must say, I'm surprised you wanted to meet, Ms. Blackburn. Our goals lately seem...opposed."

Clara let out an easy laugh. "Come now, we're both working for justice ultimately, yes? I know your cases have caused some necessary growing pains for the business community."

"Necessary growing pains?" Lina repeated incredulously. "These are serious criminal indictments, not public relations snafus."

Clara held up her hands diplomatically. "You mistake my meaning. I only want to ensure this process brings genuine accountability, not just vilification or spectacle."

Lina seemed to assess Clara shrewdly. "Forgive my skepticism, but your friends have been less than cooperative in my investigations."

Clara nodded. "I admit, mistakes were made as the portal awakening field grew so quickly. But surely ruin serves no one."

She lowered her voice persuasively. "What we need are ethical reforms to nurture these gifted youths, not hamstring the entire industry."

Lina's expression remained stony. "First must come justice. The victims deserve that. Then we can discuss reforms."

Clara suppressed a flare of frustration. Clearly Lina would not be swayed from her crusade easily. Very well, Clara could still work this to her advantage.

"You're right, of course," Clara said gently. "Let justice take its course. My colleagues must own up to any wrongdoing. But please keep an open mind to what comes after. The portal awakening genie won't go back in the bottle."

Lina seemed slightly mollified by Clara's conciliatory words. They spent the next hour discussing potential regulatory frameworks. Clara took careful mental notes.

By the end, Lina even admitted she appreciated Clara's reasoned approach to reform. Clara smiled and shook Lina's hand again warmly.

"I look forward to working together to build a better future," Clara said smoothly. She would ensure her associates landed on their feet one way or another. Lina was principled, but Clara understood how to maneuver idealists.

The game was far from over. Sacrifices were required, but opportunities awaited amidst the chaos. Clara had not clawed her way to the top by being a pushover. When the dust settled, she intended to be on the winning side.