A Letter to Negotiate a Joint Investigation, a Reversal at the Negotiating Table
The information displayed on the screen finally settled on the words "Joint Investigation Team".
Lynn's fingers stopped tapping on the cold, white bone armrest.
joint.
The word itself is full of implications of compromise and checks and balances. It means that the internal divisions within TVA have moved from undercurrents to an open procedure.
He didn't immediately issue any instructions, but simply looked quietly at the briefing sent by Gwen Stacy.
Inside the main hall, as always, there was a deathly silence.
Until the encrypted communication request from the Liaison Office lit up again. This time, it wasn't text, but Gwen Stacy herself.
"Director." Gwen Stacy, her expression serious and her speech steady, appeared on the screen, the background a Data Stream from the Liaison Office. "TVA has sent a formal letter."
She didn't say "command," but used the word "letter."
A single word can make all the difference.
Lynn nodded.
"Read."
"Yes." Gwen Stacy brought up a virtual document on the main screen. At the top of the document was TVA's iconic hourglass and sword emblem, but the title of the document was no longer the judgmental "Ultimatum" or "Injunction" of the past.
Letter of Consultation on Joint Investigation Regarding Verification of the Whereabouts of Variant L-1190
Gwen Stacy read it aloud, word by word, her voice clear and devoid of any emotion.
The letter's wording was a departure from its previous tough and condescending tone, now filled with a consultative atmosphere. It repeatedly mentioned "maintaining the stability of the Sacred Timeline," "building on the good foundation of previous cooperation," and "eliminating misunderstandings," proposing the formation of a Joint Investigation Team to "enter" the Negative Zone and "assist in verifying" the whereabouts of the Variant L-1190.
As Lynn listened, a barely perceptible smile curved the corners of his lips.
From "forced search" to "assisting in verification," from "order" to "consultation."
The balance of power in this game has quietly shifted.
"They're in a hurry," Lynn said, his voice not loud, but it made Gwen Stacy immediately stop reading.
"Yes, Director. The letter requests a response within six standard hours and confirmation of the details regarding the investigation team's entry."
Lynn leaned back slightly in his chair.
He knew, of course, that the other side was in a hurry. Ravonna was eager to find Sylvie to clear her name of "dereliction of duty." The Originalist Faction, on the other hand, were eager to prove Ravonna's failure and thus seize control of the situation.
This so-called "Joint Investigation Team" has been a collection of contradictions from the very beginning.
Their common goal is to find Sylvie. But once found, their demands regarding how to deal with her are completely opposite.
This is the gap that can be utilized.
"Reply to them," Lynn said calmly, "We agree to the investigation."
Gwen Stacy wasn't surprised; she simply waited quietly for what would follow. She knew things wouldn't be that simple.
"However, the Negative Zone Management Committee has several principled requirements regarding this joint investigation."
Lynn held up one finger.
"First, the location. The interior of the Negative Zone is currently under a high level of security and silence, and is not suitable for receiving external investigation teams. Considering the concerns of our TVA colleagues, we propose that this investigation be conducted in the ' Void Buffer Zone ' where the Negative Zone meets the TVA's jurisdiction."
Gwen Stacy's eyes lit up.
Setting up the location outdoors is not just a security consideration, but also a way of asserting sovereignty. Negative Zone is not a place you can come and go as you please.
Lynn extended her second finger.
"Secondly, regarding its nature. This is not a one-sided review, but a 'bilateral joint hearing' based on the prior cooperation agreement between the two parties. We will send an equal delegation to jointly review and question the existing intelligence with TVA's investigation team. Negative Zone must have equal presiding authority."
From the subjects of the investigation to the participants who were on equal footing.
This provision, from a legal perspective, elevates the position of Negative Zone to an equal level with TVA.
"Third," Lynn paused, "Regarding the Variant L-1190, we currently have no relevant files. The purpose of this hearing is to assist TVA in clarifying the facts, not to prove our innocence."
He looked at Gwen Stacy, his gaze deep.
"Write these three points in your reply. The wording should be polite, but the stance must be firm. Every word should leave them with no legal grounds to refute it."
"Understood." Gwen Stacy immediately grasped the meaning.
"Regarding the delegation," Lynn continued, "You will serve as the chief representative, fully responsible for all matters related to this hearing."
"Yes."
"In addition, the Technology Integration Department needs to send a technical consultant to accompany you." Lynn's gaze seemed to casually sweep over the temporary staffing file about Sylvie on his desk. "Let our ' Cross-Dimensional Risk Assessment Consultant,' Ms. Sylvie, serve as your technical deputy."
Gwen Stacy's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.
Have Sylvie herself attend a hearing about "Finding Sylvie".
This move was incredibly bold.
"Director, this..."
"She knows best where TVA's weaknesses lie," Lynn interrupted her. "Have her conceal her identity. At the negotiating table, she will be your sharpest weapon."
Gwen Stacy said no more. She trusted Lynn's judgment.
Go and prepare.
"Yes, Director."
The light curtain closes.
The hall fell silent once more.
Lynn stood up and walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window. He knew that TVA would agree to all his terms.
For the two factions in TVA, the most important thing now is no longer their attitude towards the Negative Zone, but how to seize the other side's weakness and overwhelm their opponent in this joint investigation.
The three seemingly tough principles he set out provided the perfect stage for their internal strife.
The night before departure.
Lynn summoned Gwen Stacy for a private meeting.
Not in the White Bone Hall, but in a more private strategic research room.
"Director." Gwen Stacy stood in front of the table.
Lynn pushed an encrypted data Chip in front of her.
"These are the personal files of several core members of the TVA Originalist Faction, along with records of their past procedural conflicts with the Ravonna Faction. Compiled by Sylvie."
Gwen Stacy took the Chip and carefully put it away.
"Once we're at the negotiating table, your opponents won't just be TVA," Lynn said, his voice low, "But also two factions within TVA."
"Your task is not to debate scriptures, not to argue, and certainly not to prove how innocent we are."
Lynn's gaze was sharp as a knife.
"What I need you to do is use the conflict between them to make them reveal their true colors, one by one."
"I want to know what price Ravonna is willing to pay to protect herself."
"What I really need to know is where the true bottom line lies behind the hardline stance of those Originalist Faction."
Gwen Stacy felt the weight on her shoulders.
This has gone beyond the scope of conventional diplomacy; it is a political test conducted on the edge of a knife.
"I understand, Director."
Lynn nodded and took another item out of the drawer.
It was an old S.H.I.E.L.D.. badge, with Level 7 Agent clearance. It was something Pierce had given him when he first transmigrated.
"You might find this useful."
Gwen Stacy looked at the badge, somewhat puzzled.
"Just in case," Lynn said meaningfully, "You might run into someone you know."
Void Buffer Zone.
This is an absolutely neutral, non-material space. There is no up or down, no left or right, only a pure white background that is unsettling.
The only physical structure was a black alloy conference room suspended in the void.
Gwen Stacy led the delegation through a temporarily opened Dimension passage and onto the platform outside the conference room.
Accompanying her were a few elite Undead Guard and Sylvie, who followed half a step behind her, wearing a Negative Zone technician's uniform and keeping her head down.
The conference room door slid open silently.
There were already two people sitting inside.
They were all wearing TVA's signature brown uniforms, but their expressions differed. One had a serious, authoritative look, clearly representing the Originalist Faction. The other, on the other hand, appeared much more easygoing, even sporting a professional smile.
Gwen Stacy's gaze swept over the two of them, finally settling on the smiling representative.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Sylvie, standing behind her, froze, lowering her head even further.
Gwen Stacy had seen his picture in S.H.I.E.L.D..'s top -Top Secret files.
An Level 8 Agent was recorded as having "died in the line of duty" during a field mission in the 1970s.
At that moment, the "deceased" old agent stood up from his seat, smiling and extending his hand to them.
"Miss Gwen Stacy Stacy, it's an honor to meet you. I am Mobius."
His gaze passed over Gwen Stacy and, seemingly unintentionally, landed on the unassuming Technician behind her.
"Who is this...?"
Behind Gwen Stacy, Sylvie's hand, held at her side, had already quietly tightened its grip on the Time Pruning Baton hidden in her sleeve.
However, the other party's next words stunned everyone present.
Mobius's gaze shifted from Sylvie and finally settled on the old S.H.I.E.L.D.. badge that Gwen Stacy wore as decoration on her chest.
A complex, nostalgic smile appeared on his face.
"Long time no see, how's Lynn doing?"