The safety review confirmed Xuan Ming’s account.
Engineers found the hidden command runes, the disturbed cable collar, and the access trail leading to Hei and Shuang’s loyalists. The mortal technicians gave their statements. So did Lian, who made it clear that Xuan had physically held Hei away from the release.
Austin met the work-release crew before the treaty session.
He did not offer Xuan a pardon. The original charges remained under review. He did place a gold safety star on the front of Xuan’s hard hat.
“This is for rejecting the sabotage order and protecting the people in that car,” Austin said. “Not for being powerful. Not for agreeing with me. For the choice you made.”
Xuan touched the sticker. “I understand.”
Across the room, two former judges turned their backs. Hei had already called the award a mark of servitude. Shuang refused to attend. Their opposition did not make Xuan’s choice less real.
The treaty meeting took place in Sunset Peak’s ground hall while the passenger system remained closed. Five rulers sat around a cedar table with their engineers and finance ministers. The draft covered shared frequency, grounding, safe connections, and weekly billing.
