The temporary hold ended while the summit channel was still asking for a decision.
The neutral clerk marked its expiry and read the unanswered request back to the harbor official. No movement authorization had arrived. The existing custody order had not been withdrawn. Outside, the Aegis carriers remained ready, their drivers watching the officer at the desk.
Bram stepped where both the fixed camera and the neutral witnesses could see him. His former commander came forward before the transport officer spoke.
“Pause until the summit resolves it,” Bram said. “You know there’s no transfer authority here.”
“My orders are to move the core before another wave.”
“Whose orders?”
“Guild command. This transport is proceeding.”
“Will you wait for the recorded authorization the summit requires?”
