The Echelon's letter was heavier than it should have been for paper.
Due read it standing, his back to the window. The grey morning light caught the edges of the document, and Alistair watched his eyes move down the page twice before Due finally read it aloud.
"Caldren's procedural challenge dismissed. Grounds: the Echelon cannot apply unregistered-party statutes to a party now registered at the time of review. Review formally closed. Sun Harvest's registration stands, effective from the original date of issuance. Ruling final."
Due set the letter on the table.
Following that, he sat down slowly, not because he was tired, but because sitting down was what his body needed to do in that moment, and Due was honest enough with himself to let his body do it.
Seeing this, Alistair stayed silent, refusing to break the strange quiet that had taken over the room.
Due read the letter again, this time without picking it up.
"Due?" Elara said quietly.
