Rook’s proposal arrived in a case that could not be mistaken for a notebook.
An Aegis handler set it on the demonstration table and opened the fastenings. Inside, fitted restraints surrounded an empty compartment. The case had places for hazard instruments and a record card attached where a receiving worker could read it without opening the lid.
“This unit is empty,” the handler said. “It’s here to show the transfer arrangement.”
Eli appreciated the statement despite himself. After the last demonstration, people had begun stepping farther away from unfamiliar equipment.
Rook stood beside the case.
“Recovered gate cores should be placed with an authority equipped to hold and examine them. At present, findings are scattered across organizations with incompatible facilities. We lose time seeking permission to compare measurements while the events themselves become more coordinated.”
On the screen behind him, the proposal listed trained handlers, transport, examination space, and emergency deployment. These were resources Aegis could name. Some were already available.
Eli could name the mistakes that had happened under Aegis control. He could not summon an equivalent storehouse by naming them.
