Juniper felt rather than heard Daniel shift beside her, his subtle movement triggering something primal in her response system. She rose before he could, claiming the space with unconscious authority. “Your Honor, while we appreciate the government’s gesture, we have serious concerns about-”

“If I may, Your Honor,” Roma interrupted smoothly, unfolding his considerable height from behind the counsel table. “The government’s position reflects a pragmatic approach to resolution, given the… sensitive nature of these matters.”

Judge Donahue’s eyebrow arched slightly. “Sensitive, Mr. Roma? Or perhaps politically inconvenient?”