The summer working group meeting was the most difficult Aria had chaired. The Thomas incident hung over every discussion like a shadow. Some members were overtly supportive, emphasizing their continued trust. Others were carefully neutral, neither condemning nor fully defending. A few were openly skeptical.
Thornwell, surprisingly, was among the supportive. "The accusations were investigated and found unsubstantiated," he said during the opening session. "Those of us who value evidence over rumor should treat the matter as resolved."
"Resolved legally," another member countered. "But the questions raised about oversight and transparency remain valid regardless of the verdict."
"Which is why we have implemented enhanced protocols," Aria said calmly. "All training is now observed and documented with even greater rigor. Independent oversight has been established. We have responded to legitimate concerns about accountability."
