Rodriguez did not attempt to talk Kharn down from withdrawal. That much, Rama recognized watching him navigate the tense silence, reflected exactly the institutional wisdom nine years of leadership had cultivated — pressuring someone to remain in a negotiation they had legitimate reason to distrust would only confirm the very pattern Kharn feared repeating.
"You have every right to withdraw," Rodriguez said instead. "I want to be clear that this council has no interest in retaining anyone's participation through pressure or persuasion that overrides genuine, well-founded concern. If Thornwake leaves this session today, that door remains open for future engagement whenever, if ever, your civilization determines circumstances warrant reconsidering."
