“I believe we’ve heard enough about settlement possibilities,” he declared. “Unless there are any other matters requiring immediate attention, I suggest we proceed with trial preparation. Mr. Roma, I trust the government is prepared to present its case?”

The relief that transformed Roma’s face was stunning in its authenticity - his shoulders loosening, his stance shifting back to its familiar confident swagger. “Yes, Your Honor.”

His eyes gleamed with something almost like hope, the Roma they knew returning now that the burden of pushing settlement had been lifted.

Sophia and Daniel exchanged confused looks at this transformation, but Juniper felt understanding dawn. Whatever pressure had been placed on Roma from above, he’d found a way to fail successfully at his assigned task. His relief at losing this battle suggested he’d been fighting on the wrong side - perhaps not by choice?

“Thank you,” she murmured, the words carrying weight beyond mere courtesy. Behind her, she heard Sophia’s barely audible sigh - part exasperation, part resignation.