The storm didn't announce itself.
It scheduled a meeting.
The notice arrived without urgency.
No flashing priority tag.
No enforcement preface.
Just:
STRATEGIC ADVISORY REVIEW — STUDENT REPRESENTATION REQUIRED
Location: Upper Administrative Ring
Participants: Dreyden Stella, Lucas Valen
Observers: Oversight, Sponsor Liaison
Lucas stared at the screen longer than usual.
"This is new," he said.
"Yes."
"They're skipping Oversight."
"They're including Oversight," Dreyden corrected. "But they're leading."
Lucas ran a hand through his hair.
"That's worse."
It was.
Oversight wanted control.
Sponsors wanted return.
Return required predictability.
Predictability required ownership.
And ownership was what Dreyden had been trying to avoid from the beginning.
The Upper Administrative Ring didn't feel like the rest of the Triangle.
Lower halls were built for efficiency.
Mid-tiers were built for discipline.
Upper ring was built for distance.
Glass walls.
Muted colors.
