The corridor outside the medical wing was quieter than it should have been. No carts rolling past. No raised voices. Just the low hum of the station and the soft hiss of air cycling through vents.
Kael slowed as he approached, eyes scanning the space. Two guards stood near the entrance, posture rigid, expressions carefully neutral.
"Status," Kael said.
One of them cleared his throat. "We're operating at reduced capacity."
Kael frowned. "Why?"
"Supplies," the guard said. "Iron Veil's inspection is still ongoing."
Mira arrived beside him, tablet already open. "They're holding anesthetics and sterilization kits."
Kael's jaw tightened. "That's not a safety review."
"It's leverage," Mira said.
Inside the wing, a medic hurried past, sleeves rolled up, hands stained. She slowed when she saw Kael, then stopped altogether.
"Commander," she said, voice tight. "We're postponing non‑critical procedures."
Kael met her gaze. "How many?"
"Too many," she replied. "And the definition of 'non‑critical' keeps changing."
Kael nodded once. "Thank you."
She hesitated, then spoke again. "People are scared."
"I know," Kael said.
She looked like she wanted to say more, then turned and disappeared down the corridor.
Juno joined them, helmet clipped to her belt. "Iron Veil's patrols are visible again. Not crossing boundaries. Just close enough to remind everyone they're there."
Kael leaned against the wall, feeling the vibration of the station through his back. "They're squeezing us."
Mira's voice was low. "And people are starting to blame you."
Kael closed his eyes briefly. "For what?"
"For not giving in," she said. "For not escalating. For not fixing it fast enough."
Juno scoffed. "They want miracles."
"They want certainty," Mira replied. "And right now, Iron Veil is offering a version of it."
Kael opened his eyes. "At a price."
Mira nodded. "People are starting to ask if it's worth paying."
A comm alert chimed softly. Kael glanced at the display. Another message from Iron Veil. This one addressed to the public channels.
Iron Veil remains committed to regional stability. We urge all parties to cooperate to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian access.
Kael dismissed it, irritation flaring. "They're framing this as our failure."
Juno's voice hardened. "Let them."
Mira shook her head. "That works until it doesn't. Narratives stick."
Kael pushed off the wall and started down the corridor. "We'll reroute what we can. Prioritize medical."
"And when that runs out?" Mira asked.
Kael didn't answer immediately. He was listening to the station, to the way its systems compensated, reallocating power, tightening margins. The Law adjusted quietly, smoothing over disruptions, keeping things moving.
Too smoothly.
"They're narrowing our options," Mira said.
Kael nodded. "They think we'll break."
Juno glanced toward the southern approach, where Iron Veil's presence lingered just beyond sensor range. "Or lash out."
Kael stopped and turned to them. "We won't."
Mira studied his face. "You're sure?"
Kael met her gaze. "I won't give them what they want."
The station hummed around them, steady and patient. Corridors narrowed not in width, but in possibility.
Kael felt it clearly now.
The space to maneuver was shrinking.