She gestured for them to sit around a low table carved from volcanic glass, then produced several crystals that began to glow with soft light—recording devices that would capture every word of their conversation.
"Let's begin with basic information," Commander Yuehua said, her tone professional but not unfriendly. "Names, ranks, and units of service."
This was it—the moment where their deception would either hold or fall apart entirely. Lin straightened her shoulders and met the Commander's gaze directly.
"I am Lin Shuang," she said, using a variation of her real name that sounded plausible. "Former tactical advisor to the Inner Sanctum defense corps."
"Captain Zhen Wei," Captain Zhen said, also modifying his name slightly. "Third reconnaissance squadron."
All eyes turned to Grim, who realized that his answer would be the most scrutinized of all.
