Leo looked at her.
Conflict.
“I might have to,” he said.
That created immediate instability.
Daniel moved.
Not toward the gate.
Toward them.
He entered the room.
Direct.
“They’re not taking you,” he said.
Statement.
Leo looked at him.
Evaluating again.
“You don’t know who they are,” Leo replied.
Correct.
Daniel answered without hesitation.
“It doesn’t matter.”
That changed the frame.
Not identity.
Control.
Outside, the men pressed the intercom.
No greeting.
No politeness.
“Send the boy out.”
Direct.
Daniel activated the system.
“Identify yourselves.”
Short pause.
“Doesn’t concern you.”
Incorrect answer.
Daniel ended the exchange.
No further communication.
Inside, the system shifted to containment.
Doors secured.
Access limited.
