At the reconstruction depot, Gremlin stands beside the inventoried cargo cart while Alexei reviews the restoration ledger. Sakura has stayed with the public archive; Razorback arrives from the Docks in his butcher’s apron, gripping a battered envelope.
Razorback
These are demands from intermediaries circling Recycling Lot #13. They want our signatures, our silence, and dependence dressed up as assistance.
Razorback slaps the envelope against the manifest table. Its creases carry handwritten conditions, delivery schedules, and promises tied to officials who never asked the residents what they needed.
Alexei
Refusing documented aid leaves the depot exposed. We can require public terms, independent audits, and resident verification without surrendering control.
Razorback
That is still a leash if the city holds the purse. We survived before officials discovered our address, and we will not trade one boss for another.
Alexei keeps one hand near the ledger but does not touch the envelope. Beyond the depot doors, civic displays prepare for the public briefing while workers wait beside the verified equipment.
Razorback
Gremlin, this is your call. Do we accept aid under their conditions, reject it outright, or make them prove they can help without owning us? Answer before the briefing starts.
Establish accountable terms for aid to Recycling Lot #13