Strax remained leaning against the table for a few seconds, his hands flat on the wood, feeling the weight of the newly made decision still vibrate in the office air. Then, without turning immediately, he spoke:
"Before anything else…" he said, his voice lower, controlled, "why are you all here?"
The three exchanged subtle glances.
"You've been away," Strax continued, now slowly turning to face them. "Too far, even by our standards. Filgram, Athenion, parallel routes… I know when they're busy. But this here," he made a vague gesture with his hand, "is no coincidence."
Cristine let out a short laugh, almost too light for the heavy atmosphere of the room.
"Always straightforward," she commented.
She walked to one of the side shelves and pulled out a thick, dark leather folder, marked with internal stamps and marginal notes. She returned to Strax and placed it on the table with a dry sound.
