"The First Note under the Spire," Valentine repeated as they navigated back. "The Catalyzation Core. He's saying it's not just a machine. It's physically blocking the natural 'note' or wellspring of the Aqua Vitae."
"And we need to 'hold the space' for the song to return," Sage said, frustration edging his voice. "What does that mean? Do we destroy the Core? Would that even work, or would it just unleash the corruption?"
They were so focused on the puzzle they didn't notice the patrol until it was too late. Four Syndicate enforcers in grey polymer armor rounded the corner, their Vitae-powered stun-rods humming.
"Sage Pendragon. Valentine Paxregal," the lead enforcer stated. "You are wanted for questioning regarding unsanctioned access to restricted archives and possession of unauthorized historical materials."
The climatology archive. They'd been seen.
Valentine's hand went to her data-slate. The enforcer's rod crackled. "Do not. You will come now."
As they were marched through the streets, Sage saw Roxana Soladorn watching from a balcony of a Syndicate building. She didn't smile. She simply observed, like a scientist noting the conclusion of an experiment.
They were taken not to a public security office, but to a bland, windowless administration building near the Spire. An interrogation room.
The door opened. Charlotte Soladorn entered, followed by Regina Altureign.
"Leave us," Charlotte told the enforcers.
The door sealed. The room was silent.
Charlotte didn't sit. She looked at them as one might look at malfunctioning tools. "The curiosity of the mechanic. The diligence of the clerk. Channeled into… trespass and folk tales." She shook her head, a gesture of profound disappointment. "You were useful. Now you are a risk."
Regina placed her slate on the table. On it was a list. Their ration histories. Work logs. Security footage stills of them near the Ironheart Foundry. Thermal scans from the museum. It was a devastatingly factual dossier of their rebellion.
"The evidence is conclusive," Regina stated. "You have violated multiple codes of conduct. Standard penalty is permanent reduction to subsistence ration levels and re-education labor."
Charlotte leaned on the table. "But I am a pragmatist. You have seen things. You have a… certain ingenuity. It could be redirected." She paused, letting the offer hang. "You will publicly recant your superstitious theories. You will submit a detailed report on the 'structural flaws' of the old tunnels, attributing all anomalies to pre-Desiccation decay. In return, you will be transferred to my personal research division. You will work on the Vitae. On real mechanics."
It was a offer. A gilded cage. A chance to be inside, to see the Core, to perhaps… understand. But at the cost of becoming part of the lie.
Sage looked at Valentine. Her face was a mask, but her eyes were on the evidence slate. They had lost.