The appeal landed at 03:17.
Lucia knew the exact time because she was awake, sitting upright in the dim cabin of the transport, eyes open, mind already racing through contingencies she had hoped she would not need. When Elena's alert chimed softly through the secure channel, Lucia did not flinch.
She had been expecting this.
"Read it to me," Lucia said.
Elena's voice came through measured and professional. "Emergency petition for caregiver reinstatement. Filed under humanitarian attachment provisions. Claim cites unlawful separation, emotional harm to the minor, and procedural misconduct by interim oversight."
Lucia closed her eyes. "And the petitioner."
"Counsel of record is Henrik Voss," Elena replied. "Formerly Vivienne Blackwood's primary legal architect."
Lucia's mouth tightened. "So Vivienne cannot reach the child directly, but she can still reach the system."
"Yes," Elena said. "And she's reframing herself as a protector of bonds she never respected."
