The journey back to the Central Territories was occupied with preparing the proposal. Aria drafted comprehensive documentation explaining the strategic logic, the benefits, and the necessary compromises.
"The Assembly will resist granting immunity," Liora predicted. "Too many people want Ashenfell punished for their crimes."
"Then I need to make the case that stopping future harm matters more than punishing past harm," Aria said. "That practical benefit outweighs emotional satisfaction."
"That is a difficult argument when victims are still suffering," Liora said.
"I know," Aria said. "But it is the right argument. We cannot undo what Ashenfell has done. We can only prevent them from continuing. Immunity achieves that goal. Prosecution attempts do not."
