The asymmetry arrived quietly.
No warning. No dramatic disruption. Just a small adjustment in roster assignments posted before dawn.
Tier B External Simulation — Supplemental Reinforcement Added
Command Order Revised
Lucas noticed the name immediately.
Aurek Valin.
Transferred upper-tier candidate. Advanced certification. Prior perimeter leadership experience outside the Triangle.
Lucas leaned back in his chair and reread the update. Reinforcement was a polite word. In practice, it meant someone inserted to complicate balance.
Dreyden received the same notice minutes later. He didn't react outwardly, but he traced the patterns quickly. Outside leadership experience meant a different command vocabulary. Different authority reflex. Someone less conditioned by the Triangle's recent autonomy stance.
"They've introduced influence," Dreyden said calmly.
Lucas didn't look up. "You mean friction."
"Yes."
Lucas exhaled through his nose. "Good."
