"She believes she can complete the initial analysis by tomorrow evening."
Mara leaned toward the screen.
"What happens if the report confirms the edits?"
"Vale's team will challenge the methodology. They'll question the chain of custody. That's why we need every document, every transfer record, and Peter's statement."
"Then we'll give them all of it."
Daniel studied her.
"Are you ready for what happens if the report doesn't prove everything?"
Mara did not pretend otherwise.
"It won't prove everything. But it can prove that the public version left out information that mattered."
She paused.
"For years, people treated the edited version as the whole story. If we can show that it wasn't, that's a beginning."
Later that evening, Mara received an email from Steven Hale.
The technical meeting would take place at the showcase venue the following morning. The independent safety official would attend. The signed agreement would remain in force.
At the bottom of the email was a second message.
Mr. Vale requests a private conversation with Ms. Ellison before the event.
Mara read it twice.
Then she forwarded it to Daniel, Adrian, and independent counsel.
Her reply was brief.
Any discussion concerning the event or the historical incident must include a witness and be documented. I will not meet privately.
Within minutes, a response arrived.
Understood. Mr. Vale will see you tomorrow.
Mara closed the laptop.
Outside, rain began tapping against the windows.
She would bring evidence.
She would bring witnesses.
For the first time, that uncertainty did not feel like weakness.
It felt like honesty.
The Regional Combat Showcase was held at the Halcyon Events Pavilion, a modern arena with a seating capacity of nearly four thousand. Its glass entrance reflected the gray morning sky, while production trucks lined the service road behind the building.
By nine o'clock, crews were already installing lights, checking microphones, and testing the large screens above the competition floor.
Mara arrived with Daniel and Adrian.
Victor Sloane met them near the entrance. Ronan and Felix followed a few minutes later, each carrying a training bag.
No one was smiling.
"Technical meeting starts in ten minutes," Victor said. "The independent safety official is already inside."
They crossed the arena floor and entered a conference room overlooking the main mat. Steven Hale stood beside a large monitor.
He rose when Mara entered.
"Mara. It's been a long time."
"Not long enough for you to forget what happened," she replied.
Vale smiled as if she had made a joke.
"Still direct. I always admired that about you."
"Then you'll appreciate direct questions."
She sat down.
Vale's expression barely changed, but his fingers tightened around a pen.
Elaine Porter opened the meeting.
"The purpose of this session is to confirm the final match format, safety conditions, medical arrangements, and media schedule. Any proposed changes must be documented and approved by both participants and the safety official."
"Of course," Vale said. "Safety is our priority."
Steven displayed the proposed schedule.
The first half of the showcase was conventional: demonstrations, introductory matches, and a short presentation about Northbridge's training program.
The final segment was different.
It included an interview with Mara, a discussion of her previous competitive career, and a featured grappling exhibition intended to "resolve questions surrounding the athlete's readiness to return."
Mara read the phrase twice.
"This isn't a sports demonstration," she said. "It's a staged trial."
Vale spread his hands.
"People are curious about your return. They deserve context."
"Then let them see the context. Publish the independent review when it's complete."
"The review concerns a historical matter. The showcase concerns your present ability."
"Then why does your proposed schedule devote fifteen minutes to my past?"
Steven looked down at his notes.
Elaine Porter intervened.
"The media segment can be separated from the match. Ms. Ellison is not required to answer questions unrelated to the event."
Vale nodded reluctantly.
"Fine. The interview will be voluntary."
Mara pointed to the match format.
"Who is my opponent?"
"That depends on the final roster."
"You invited me to a featured exhibition without naming the opponent?"
"We expected flexibility."
"No. You expected me to accept an undefined situation."
Vale's smile disappeared.
"You're making this unnecessarily difficult."
"An athlete should know the rules before agreeing to compete."
Elaine Porter examined the agreement.
"Ms. Ellison is correct. The opponent and match conditions must be confirmed before the final approval."
Steven entered a name into the document.
"Ronan Pike has been listed as the proposed opponent."
Ronan, who had been standing near the door, stepped forward.
"I haven't agreed to that."
Vale turned toward him.
"You're one of Northbridge's senior black belts. You wanted another opportunity to demonstrate your skill."
"I wanted to improve. That's not the same thing."
"Are you refusing?"
"I'm refusing to be used as a prop in someone else's argument."
Silence settled over the room.
Mara glanced at Ronan. He kept his eyes on Vale.