Charlotte Soladorn was confined to her quarters, under the watchful eye of two of Lysander's people. Rex Aurelian found Sage in the abandoned control room, his optimism shattered into a brittle, anxious energy.
"Senior Technical Advisor," Rex said, the title sounding strange. "We need a message. For the people. They're scared. The lights are dim. The fountains on Grand Avenue have stopped."
Sage looked at him. "Tell them the truth, Rex. For once."
"The truth is… chaotic. The truth doesn't inspire." Rex's hands fluttered.
"Then tell them a new truth," Sage said, an idea forming. "The Aqua Vitae isn't dying. It's waking up. We've spent decades listening to its scream. Now, we have to learn its language. Tell them it's a day of hardship, but also a day of rediscovery. A recalibration." He was using Rex's own lexicon, but filling it with real meaning.
Rex's eyes widened, grasping at the familiar framework. "A… recalibration. A necessary step toward a more holistic, sustainable future! Yes! We're not losing power; we're transitioning to a deeper, more integrated source!" The old smile tried to return, tempered now by genuine, nervous hope. "I can work with that."
As Rex hurried off to craft his broadcast, Valentine handed Sage a data-slate. "The directive. It orders a full intake shutdown and outlines basic safety measures for the unified Vitae's ambient effects. Regina has already authorized its release on all official channels." She paused. "She signed it 'Interim Systems Coordinator Altureign.' She's consolidating administrative control."
Of course she was. The Syndicate was dead. The bureaucracy was immortal.
The directive went out. Across the Spire, and then the city, lights winked out in a rolling wave. The constant, subliminal hum of energy extraction ceased, leaving only the Spire's new, living song and the rising tide of human fear.