The first external constraint arrived without warning, which was exactly how Elena preferred it.
It wasn't a regulator. It wasn't a competitor. It wasn't a journalist fishing for leaks.
It was a supplier.
The email landed in Hana's inbox at 6:14 a.m. on a Tuesday, flagged automatically because it referenced a part number tied to the P1 power module. The subject line was neutral to the point of irritation.
**Clarification Required — Component Availability**
Hana forwarded it to Elena and Jun without commentary, then printed it and added it to the CONTROL folder like it was already evidence.
By the time Elena walked into the unit at 7:20, Jun was already standing at the bench, arms folded, reading the email on his phone.
"They want to substitute," he said without looking up.
Elena set her bag down slowly. "Why."
Jun exhaled through his nose. "Supplier claims the regulator package we're using is entering end-of-life. They're offering a pin-compatible alternative."
