Silence.
Absolute silence.
Akshay stared at him.
Then laughed.
Not because it was funny.
Because it was ridiculous.
"A forgery."
Several officers shifted uneasily.
Jack didn't move.
"That possibility was considered."
"Then why are you here?"
The question echoed through the room.
Jack's jaw tightened.
For the first time, Kai saw uncertainty in the commander's eyes.
Not fear.
Conflict.
Real conflict.
"The council has voted."
Akshay's expression hardened.
Immediately.
"What?"
"The investigation will continue."
Jack looked directly at him.
"Until then, you are being removed from authority."
The room exploded.
"Removed?"
Akshay slammed both hands onto the table.
"You cannot be serious."
"The evidence—"
"The evidence is fake."
"I know."
The words stunned everyone.
Even Kai.
Even Andre.
Even Akshay.
Jack continued.
"I know it could be fake."
"Then stop this."
"I can't."
The commander looked away briefly.
"The council has already decided."
That answer somehow felt worse.
Because it sounded genuine.
Not triumphant.
Not victorious.
Just inevitable.
Akshay slowly understood.
The decision had already been made before Jack entered the room.
The commander was merely delivering it.
Several soldiers approached.