The Discipline Inspection Commission's Investigation Notice, the Beginnings of a Multilateral Coordination Mechanism
Lynn's fingertips were unconsciously tapping on the armrest of the desk.
The complex and enigmatic look in Technology Minister Wanda's eyes as she left was still lingering in his mind.
The office door was pushed open without warning.
Liaison Office Chief Gwen Stacy Stacy strode in, her expression more grave than ever before. She bypassed all formalities and went straight to Lynn's desk.
"Lynn."
Gwen Stacy's voice sounded somewhat hurried.
"TVA Commission for Discipline Inspection's expedited Top Secret approval regarding Ravonna's report has arrived!"
Lynn stopped tapping on the armrest.
He looked up at Gwen Stacy.
Gwen Stacy handed over an encrypted Data Pad with a gold-plated, intricately designed stamp featuring a time-gear pattern.
TVA Discipline Inspection Committee.
Lynn took the Data Pad, but instead of checking it immediately, she asked, "Who was it sent to?"
"The Lord sends off the Earth-838 Illuminati."
Gwen Stacy's answer was clear, she added.
"But it wasn't copied to us. Director, the document clearly requires our office to fully cooperate with the evidence collection process."
Lynn's gaze fell on the Data Pad.
The document is titled "Formal Inquiry Letter Regarding the Suspected Cross- Dimension Contamination Incident in Earth-838".
The letter was strongly worded, formatted in a standard style, and filled with cold, bureaucratic jargon. It demanded that the Illuminati provide a written explanation within seventy-two hours regarding the two incidents, "Executive Officer Scarlet's illegal border crossing" and "subsequent remote conceptual attack."
At the end of the document, in the appendix section, a line of small print clearly states. "To ensure the impartiality and completeness of the investigation, please have the Cross-Dimension Coordination Office of the Negative Zone Management Committee cooperate and provide all relevant evidence."
Lynn's fingertips traced lightly across the cold Data Pad.
He looked at it very slowly and carefully.
Ravonna's report, like a Probe, precisely pierced the power gaps within the vast TVA organization. Now, that Probe is resonating.
TVA's conservative faction finally used this as a pretext to launch an attack on the Illuminati.
He, the Director of the Negative Zone Management Committee, was placed in an extremely delicate position.
victim.
He is also the most crucial witness in this higher-level game.
"What evidence do they want?" Lynn's voice was calm.
"All original data, assessment reports, and physical evidence related to the illegal border crossing by Cosmic Executive Officer Earth-838 and the subsequent remote attack," Gwen Stacy replied, "Including, but not limited to, a list of damage to our border facilities, assessments of the psychological impact on personnel, and all energy consumption records incurred during the emergency sheltering of Asset K-01."
Lynn's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
This list of evidence is almost identical to the three trillion dollar claim letter that Gwen Stacy had previously drafted.
TVA Commission for Discipline Inspection is planning to make the Illuminati case airtight.
"Director, our opportunity has arrived," Gwen Stacy said in a low voice. "With TVA officially involved, we can shift from a passive defensive stance to a compliant third-party oversight."
Lynn did not respond immediately.
He put down the Data Pad, leaned back in the wide Bone Chair Back, and interlaced his fingers in front of him.
The office was quiet for a moment.
Gwen Stacy didn't urge him; she stood quietly, awaiting Lynn's decision. She knew very well that every step now had to be extremely precise. One wrong step could send her back to the defendant's seat from the witness stand.
After a long while, Lynn finally spoke slowly.
"Reply to the Discipline Inspection Commission."
His voice was devoid of any emotion, as if he were approving a routine document.
"The Negative Zone Management Committee, as a staunch defender of the laws and order of the Multiverse, highly appreciates the TVA Commission for Discipline Inspection's determination to uphold the rules. Our office will fully cooperate with the investigation to set the record straight and restore the truth."
This is a standard, impeccable official speech.
Gwen Stacy nodded, preparing to write down the instruction.
"At the same time," Lynn's tone shifted, his gaze sharpening, "The reply clearly stated that, as the direct victim of this 'interdimensional pollution incident,' according to Article 31, Paragraph 2 of Volume III of the 'TVA Interdimensional Legal Procedure General Guidelines'..."
He paused, giving Gwen Stacy time to think and take notes.
"My office has formally applied to the Discipline Inspection Commission for the right to observe all proceedings of this investigation."
Gwen Stacy's fingers, which were recording, stopped. She looked up, a glint in her eyes.
Lynn continued, speaking at a measured pace.
"And the right to independently submit supplementary evidence to the court during the hearing."
This completely changed the nature of the situation.
TVA Commission for Discipline Inspection only asked them to "cooperate in collecting evidence," which is a passive and subordinate stance.
Lynn's response, however, under the guise of political correctness and "full cooperation," used the other party's rules to demand the "right to observe the hearing" and the "right to submit evidence."
This is tantamount to transforming from a mere witness providing materials into a potential plaintiff with an independent seat who can influence the course of the trial at any time.
Use someone else's strength against them.
He turned the olive branch offered by TVA into a sword that he could use to launch a proactive attack.
"I understand." Gwen Stacy's breathing quickened slightly; she instantly grasped Lynn's intention. "Use maximum compliance to gain the greatest initiative. I'll draft it right away."
"Go ahead." Lynn waved her hand.
Gwen Stacy turned and walked away quickly, her retreating figure carrying a hint of barely suppressed excitement.
The office door closed, and silence returned.
Lynn picked up the cup of tea on the table, now completely cold, but didn't drink it. He gazed calmly at the Eternity, profound emptiness outside the window.
A single report triggered an internal power struggle between two cosmic-level forces.
And he only needs to sit in this White Bone Hall, quietly watching them tear each other apart, and then reaping his share of the spoils.
Earth-838, Headquarters of the Illuminati.
The atmosphere inside the huge circular conference hall was oppressively tense.
Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards, was silently looking at the two holographic documents floating in front of him.
One document is an official letter from the Negative Zone Management Committee. It lists hundreds of outrageous charges, which ultimately amount to an astronomical figure— Ecological Compensation Payment of three trillion Standard Energy Unit.
The other document had just arrived. The gold-embossed seal of the TVA Commission for Discipline Inspection at the top of the document exuded an ominous chill.
Formal Inquiry Letter Regarding the Alleged Cross- Dimension Contamination Incident in Earth-838.
This is outrageous!
Having just been released from the Negative Zone Detention Center, Mordo slammed his fist on the table, furious.
"That Lynn, not only did he illegally seize our Fleet, but he also dared to ask for such an absurd price! Now, even the TVA is causing us trouble!"
Captain America, Peggy Carter, frowned. "Reed, the TVA's inquiry letter is no small matter. If the Discipline Inspection Commission opens an investigation, our Dimension routes and resource allocation could be frozen."
Inside the meeting hall, the crowd was abuzz with discussion and arguments.
Reed remained silent.
He just stared at the two documents, his face ashen.
The demand letter is blatant extortion and humiliation.
The TVA's inquiry letter is like Sword of Damocles hanging over our heads.
He was cornered.
"Official channels are no longer an option."
Reed finally spoke, his voice hoarse and cold. He closed the claim letter, leaving only the TVA's inquiry letter hanging silently in the air.
"We need to get something that can turn the tide before the TVA hearing begins."
Captain Carter looked at him warily. "Reed, what do you want to do?"
Reed's gaze pierced through the holographic document, fixed on the unknown distance, his eyes flashing with a dangerous, scientist's obsession.
"We can't just wait passively any longer."
He made a decision.
A decision that violated all official negotiation procedures.
Send Susan.
Reed's voice echoed in the empty conference hall.
"Carrying the latest Quantum Cloaking Device, I secretly infiltrate the Negative Zone. I need to know everything there, find out Lynn's background, and discover his weakness."
"The TVA hearing," he said, emphasizing each word, "We cannot lose."