The Triangle had a rule it never wrote down.
When something couldn't be controlled, it was studied.
When something couldn't be studied, it was isolated.
When something couldn't be isolated—
It was tested.
The test didn't come as a challenge.
It came as a favor.
⸻
Dreyden received the notice during breakfast.
Not sent. Delivered.
A sealed slate was placed at the edge of his table by a staff member who didn't make eye contact and didn't wait for acknowledgment. The tray trembled slightly as it was set down.
That alone told him something.
He finished chewing before touching it.
Didn't rush. Didn't hesitate.
The seal cracked cleanly when he pressed his thumb against it.
SPECIAL DISPENSATION
ADVANCED EVALUATION – CLOSED SESSION
LOCATION: TRIANGLE SUBSTRUCTURE C-7
ATTENDANCE: REQUIRED
No time.
No explanation.
No appeal.
A test, then.
Lucas sat across from him, staring at his own food without eating. His fork hovered half an inch above the plate, unmoving.
