POV: Aurora
When Herrera walks in with a look on her face that says, "You're not going to like this," I know the day has just gotten more complicated.
She sits down on the chair next to the bed, tablet in hand.
"The foundation insisted," she says. "Executive approval. They want you to have an external medical evaluation. A 'neutral' team."
"Neutral," I repeat. Everyone's favorite word lately.
"They presented it as a condition for reviewing your suspension from Seraphim," she adds. "I can continue to object, but that only feeds into the 'Noir is holding her back' narrative."
Dante is leaning against the wall, arms crossed. I've seen him like this before: on the outside, he seems calm; on the inside, he's making lists of things he could break.
"What does 'external' mean?" I ask. "Are they going to take me out and take me where?"
"A clinic associated with the foundation," Herrera replies. "Consultation, exams, interview. All very formal."
