Roma’s eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained perfect. “Interesting choice of words, counsel. ‘The affected.’ Such careful language.” He paused, letting the words hang in the air. “Almost as if you’re personally invested.”

Juniper felt her face flush, not from Roma’s words but from how Daniel’s shoulders tensed in response. Stop it, she wept to herself. This isn’t about personal dynamics. But even as she thought it, she found herself rising to speak, drawn up by some force stronger than professional protocol.

“Your Honor,” her voice rang clear despite her racing heart. “The government’s motion deliberately conflates security protocols with discriminatory practices.” She could feel Daniel’s presence behind her like a physical touch, steadying her. “Our experts will testify to patterns that-”