The first line formed outside the Citadel gate before sunrise. It was not a riot line or a formation of soldiers. It was people holding Directorate forms against their chests while the seizure clock hung over the entrance with seventy hours left.
Nox stood inside the open gate beside Kendra and watched the line settle itself into nervous order. Nobody had told them to stay behind the painted barrier. They had learned that from six weeks of living near armed people and uncertain rules.
"They are broadcasting the safe-departure offer again. The channel says any resident may leave with protected travel, food access, and temporary shelter if they register under a claimant city," Diana said through the relay crystal.
"Temporary shelter where?" Nox asked.
"The form lists a regional intake center, but it gives no address," she said.
