DAY 7 POST-RAVAGER
Rama stood for first time without assistance. Body protested. Ribs ached. Left arm was still weak. Corruption had been purged but residual damage remained. Eighty percent functionality was generous estimate. Probably closer to seventy percent. But functional. Mobile. Capable of coordination even if not combat.
Sekar watched from doorway. "You're pushing too hard. Medical team recommends another week before full activity."
"Matthews demands eighty percent in seven days. Today is day seven. I'm functional. That's sufficient."
"You're functional at reduced capacity. That's different from sufficient. Don't mistake movement for readiness."
"Readiness is relative. I'm ready enough for coordination. Not ready for combat. But combat isn't my role anymore. Coordination is. I can coordinate at seventy percent. That meets requirement."
