Commander Huri's office had been transformed from its usual state of meticulous organization into a temporary meeting space. Junior Army officers hovered near the walls with notes and messenger pouches ready. Maps covered the large central table, held down by weights at each corner.
With black markers indicating confirmed Voidling presences and white ones showing major defensive positions. Qatrand stood at attention overlooking it, her formal Yecine posture showing despite having just returned from another patrol. Two days of relative quiet and no news had made the summons feel unexpected.
"Qatrand er Yecine."
The commander's voice carried the authoritative neutrality of a career military officer. Not quite warm, but respectful in a way that acknowledged her reputation as a personal thing rather than a familial one.
"Sir."
"At ease. This isn't a reprimand."
