An ideological report delivered while ill, the chief's carrot and stick
The air in the conference room seemed to freeze because of the slender figure standing at the door.
The coldness in Hela's eyes hadn't dissipated, a complex emotion flashed across Wanda's face, while Gwen Stacy, the newly appointed person in charge, subtly shifted her gaze from Jyn's face back to the table in front of her.
All eyes were finally drawn to the Throne.
Lynn's gaze traveled across the long conference table and landed on Jean Grey's pale face. He didn't speak, neither letting her in nor letting her leave.
Silence itself is an attitude.
Qin, leaning against the doorframe, coughed again, her body swaying. She didn't try to go into the meeting room again, but instead stood at the door, leaning against the cold doorframe, struggling to stand upright.
I hereby submit my self-criticism to the organization.
Her voice was weak, with a sickly hoarseness, but in the deathly silent conference hall, every word was clearly audible.
"During the last interrogation, I made serious mistakes due to individualism and recklessness. I failed to fully assess the risks, did not strictly adhere to procedures, and was too eager for quick results, causing irreparable damage to subsequent work and betraying the trust of my superiors."
She made no mention of the extent of her injuries, nor did she utter a single word in defense of her actions.
This is a review that is so standard as to be impeccable.
Hela's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
Wanda lowered her head, looking at her fingertips.
Gwen Stacy's hand holding the pen was very steady.
After Qin finished speaking, she let out another heavy breath. She raised her head and looked at Lynn, her eyes no longer sharp as before, only filled with the trepidation of awaiting the verdict.
"Are you done talking?"
Lynn finally spoke, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger.
Qin's lips moved, and she nodded.
"A lack of a broader perspective cannot be remedied simply by offering a self-criticism."
Lynn's voice suddenly turned cold.
"A survivor, a complete action plan, all turned into a useless fragment of spirit and a corpse that consumes resources, all because of your unilateral decision-making. Is the work of the Mutants Management Committee too leisurely, giving you the energy to consider things outside your scope of responsibility?"
These words were spoken very strongly.
Hela straightened her back even more.
Wanda lowered her head even further.
Qin's face paled even more. She bit her lip tightly, her body trembling slightly, but she remained silent, enduring the relentless beating.
She knew this was the price she had to pay. Everyone present felt even more pressure because of her mistake.
"During the days you were unconscious, a working group was established, and the inspection plan was initially finalized. Your Management Committee will be temporarily managed and coordinated by the Liaison Office office. Is there any problem?"
Lynn looked at her and continued to ask.
"No problem," Qin replied immediately, a hint of panic in her voice, "I will obey the organization's arrangements."
What she feared most was being completely marginalized. Now it seems that being "temporarily" and "temporarily managed" is the best possible outcome.
The atmosphere in the conference room was extremely tense.
Everyone felt that the matter of dealing with Jean Grey had come to an end. A serious mistake had led to the stripping of power from the entire department and the severe public criticism of its leader—a lesson that was profound enough.
Lynn leaned back on the Throne, tapping his fingers lightly twice on the armrest.
"But."
He then changed the subject.
These two words made Qin suddenly raise her head.
This also made Hela, Wanda, and Gwen Stacy's hearts jump at the same time.
"Preparing for the inspection is not just a matter for one or two departments; it's a comprehensive undertaking. Every step must be flawless."
Lynn's gaze swept over everyone present.
"Gwen Stacy is in charge of overall coordination, Hela is in charge of external affairs, Wanda is in charge of internal accounting. But there's one link that's missing."
He paused for a moment.
"The ' Inspection Group ' possesses certain advantages in terms of technology at the rules level. Their Mental Scan, or similar investigative methods, could very well bypass Wanda's data camouflage and directly affect our personnel."
Lynn's gaze finally settled on Qin.
"During the inspection period, all personnel involved in frontline work need logistical support at the psychological level. A unified and high-intensity psychological shielding network is needed to ensure that they do not unconsciously leak any information that should not be disclosed."
The conference room was completely silent.
Hela and Wanda exchanged a glance, both seeing a sudden realization in each other's eyes.
They only thought about how to deal with external enemies, but neglected to build an internal "firewall".
Gwen Stacy's hand, gripping the pen, had knuckles slightly white. She was in charge of overall coordination, yet she hadn't considered this crucial detail. It was her oversight.
"This work is technically demanding, covers a wide range of areas, and must be kept absolutely confidential. It cannot follow any standard departmental procedures."
Lynn looked at the piano.
"Your health is currently inconvenient, and you are no longer suitable to take charge of the overall work of the Management Committee. This special task of ' Mental Shielding Logistical Support ' will be assigned to you. You will report directly to me."
Is there a problem?
Qin stared blankly at Lynn, her lips trembling, unable to utter a single word.
She thought she would be completely sidelined, facing endless internal scrutiny and marginalization.
But now, Lynn not only hasn't given up on her, but has instead entrusted her with such a secret and crucial mission.
"He is directly responsible to me."
These six words carry more weight than any words of comfort or encouragement.
This is not only a sign of trust, but also an opportunity for her to make amends and return to the core of power.
A surge of warmth rose from her chest, dispelling the weakness and fear she had felt over the past few days.
"Mission accomplished!"
Qin suddenly stood up straight, her voice still hoarse, but filled with an unprecedented determination.
Lynn nodded and stopped looking at her.
"Gwen Stacy, add Comrade Qin to the Inspection Preparation Working Group list. Her rank and authority will be handled according to the standards for the person in charge of this special task."
"Yes," Gwen Stacy replied immediately.
"Alright, everyone go and get ready." Lynn waved his hand. "Remember, time is running out."
Hela, Wanda, and Gwen Stacy, bowed to the Throne, and then turned and left.
As they passed the door, Hela merely glanced coldly at Jean. Wanda paused, nodded to Jean, her expression complex. Gwen Stacy walked last, approaching Jean and whispering something to her.
"Welcome back to the team, Director Qin."
Qin looked at her and nodded.
Thus, the internal team completed the final pre-battle loop through a reprimand and a promotion.
Just as the doors to the conference hall were about to close again.
"Beep--Beep--Beep--"
A rapid, ear-piercing alarm suddenly blared throughout the Negative Zone!
A crimson light, like the pounding of a dying heart, flickered wildly, staining the Bone Throne with an ominous crimson hue.
An agent in charge of surveillance scrambled to the entrance of the main hall, his voice distorted with extreme fear.
"Report! Highest-level Dimension arrival signal detected!"
"The coordinates... are right here in the Abandoned Subway Station in Queens we've deployed!"
Lynn abruptly stood up from the Throne.
The Holographic Projection in the center of the hall switched instantly, and a huge, constantly rotating orange light gate tore through reality and appeared in the center of the subway station.
Below the portal, a bright red countdown was clearly visible.
[Estimated arrival time: NOW]
In the corner of the screen, another line of small gray text coldly states a fact.
[12 hours and 7 minutes ahead of schedule.]