Joint appointments to the special investigation group, the Management Committee director's balance
Hela's voice lingered in the conference room.
She volunteered to be the group leader.
This wasn't a proposal; it was more like an ultimatum. A drawn sword was placed firmly in the center of the conference table.
Lynn's fingertips tapped rhythmically on the armrest under the table. He didn't look at Hela or Wanda; his gaze was fixed on the long-dormant agenda report in front of him.
The other department heads in the room held their breath. They wished they could just become wallpaper on the wall. The Stability Maintenance Office and the Department of Technology, the two most powerful departments in the Management Committee, were practically at each other's throats right in front of the Director. In this battle of titans, an ordinary person could be pulverized by the slightest spark.
Lynn finally raised her head.
His face showed no emotion, and even a hint of approving smile appeared.
"Director Hela's suggestion is excellent."
He spoke, his voice steady, as if he were commenting on a routine work report.
"The ability to take initiative and rise to challenges in the face of potential major safety hazards is precisely the awareness that our core Management Committee members should possess."
These words eased the tense atmosphere in the meeting room slightly. Several heads of secondary departments breathed a sigh of relief in unison. The Director was going to back down gracefully.
Hela didn't speak, but simply looked at Lynn silently, her coldness in her eyes unwavering. She knew this was just the opening act.
Lynn's gaze shifted to Wanda.
"Of course, Director Hela also mentioned that this matter involves the highest level of safety hazards and is closely related to the analysis of unknown energy. Minister Wanda, you are an expert in the field of energy, and the Department of Technology possesses our top-notch analytical capabilities. This matter cannot be accomplished without the Department of Technology."
Wanda's lips pressed into a straight line. She had already discerned the direction Lynn was referring to.
Lynn took in their reactions and continued calmly, "In that case, I agree to establish a ' Special Investigation Group for Historical Legacy Energy '."
He paused for a moment, as if making a well-thought-out decision.
"I think this is how the personnel appointments should be arranged."
Everyone's ears perked up.
"Director Hela volunteered for this task, and it's only right that the Stability Maintenance Office should take on this responsibility. Director Hela of the investigation team."
Hela's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.
Lynn changed the subject.
"However, considering the technical complexity and professional Bastion of this investigation, I have created an additional position. Minister Wanda of the Technology Integration Department, will serve as another leader of the investigation team."
Two team leaders.
Upon hearing those three words, a flicker of surprise flashed deep within Wanda's Scarlet eyes. Meanwhile, the layer of ice on Hela's face seemed to thicken even further.
Lynn seemed oblivious to their expressions, continuing to give instructions in an authoritative, businesslike tone.
"You two will jointly lead the effort. The Stability Maintenance Office will be responsible for fieldwork, security deployment, and Discipline oversight; the Department of Technology will be responsible for technical analysis, data modeling, and report writing. Responsibilities are clearly defined, and the division of labor is well-defined."
He picked up the now-cold teacup on the table and gently blew away any non-existent foam.
"Is that all? No."
"This matter, from beginning to end, involves cross- Dimension coordination issues. Director Gwen Stacy's reminder just now was very timely; we cannot let an internal investigation undermine the cooperative foundation we have built with TVA."
His gaze fell on Gwen Stacy, the head of the Liaison Office Chief.
"Director Gwen Stacy, you will be the supervisor of this investigation team."
"Your task is not to participate in the specific investigation, but to oversee the compliance of the entire investigation process, ensuring that all steps comply with the Bilateral Memorandum we signed with TVA. You will also be responsible for all official correspondence and information sharing between the investigation team and the TVA Coordination Office."
This arrangement is flawless.
Hela wants to find out the truth, fine. Wanda wants to figure out the source of the energy, fine too. But your every move must be under the watchful eye of Gwen Stacy, the "process supervisor." Any attempt to bypass the procedures will be blocked by Gwen Stacy with rules and regulations.
Lynn put down his teacup, making a soft sound.
"Finally, I'd like to add one more point, which is also the most important one."
He surveyed the room, his gaze sweeping over Hela and Wanda's faces.
"To ensure the rigor and impartiality of the investigation, as well as the absolute authority of the Ending, I require that all decisions of the special investigation team, including but not limited to the establishment of the investigation direction, the approval of evidence collection methods, and the finalization of the investigation report, must be unanimously approved by the two team leaders and the supervisor before they can take effect."
"Both parties have the right to veto."
"If disagreements arise and a consensus cannot be reached, the investigation should be suspended, and the points of contention should be reported to me in writing for the Final Adjudication by the highest level of the Management Committee."
That sentence is the real killer move.
He used a framework of "democratic centralism" to tightly bind three people with different stances together. Hela and Wanda were like two wild beasts locked in the same cage; they could bare their teeth at each other, but neither could bite the high and mighty zookeeper alone.
Any resolution cannot be passed if even one person disagrees. From the moment it was established, this investigation team was destined to be mired in endless internal wrangling and procedural friction.
He transformed an internal purge targeting him personally into a game of checks and balances between departments using the most sophisticated bureaucratic tactics.
"Everyone, do you have any opinions on this arrangement?" Lynn asked with a smile, leaning back in his chair.
What opinions are possible?
Hela's chest heaved slightly, and finally, she squeezed out two words through gritted teeth. "No."
Wanda, her face cold, remained silent for a full three seconds before shaking her head. "Agreed."
The other responsible persons nodded repeatedly, indicating that the Director's arrangement was wise, decisive, and well-considered.
"Alright, it's settled then." Lynn clapped his hands. "Director Gwen Stacy, immediately draft the Red-Headed Document announcing the establishment of the investigation team and the personnel appointments, and distribute it to all relevant departments. Effective immediately."
"Yes, Director," Gwen Stacy replied.
A storm seems to have subsided.
Lynn was about to adjourn the meeting.
There was another knock on the conference room door. This time, the knocker was very polite.
It was Lynn's secretary. He quickly walked to Gwen Stacy's side, handed her an encrypted Data Pad, and looked somewhat nervous.
"Director, consultant Ravonna from the Coordination Office just submitted an urgent Assistance Investigation Notice, requesting it be forwarded to the Director immediately."
Gwen Stacy took the Data Pad, glanced at it, and her expression instantly changed.
She quickly walked over to Lynn and handed him the Data Pad.
"Director, please take a look."
Lynn took the Data Pad.
On the screen was an official letter from TVA. The title was prominent. "Notification Regarding Urgent Assistance in Investigating Abnormal Energy Fluctuations in the E-616 Abandoned Timeline".
The letter was simple: TVA's time monitors detected a strong residual energy fluctuation on a long-cut and abandoned Earth Timeline system.
Its energy characteristics are highly consistent with the target samples being investigated by the "Special Investigation Group for Historical Legacy Energy".
The attachment contains the exact coordinates of that Abandoned Timeline —the site of an old building called "Red Room".
Lynn's pupils contracted sharply.
He had just tied up the two women in front of him with a knot when a new fire broke out behind him.
Hela and Wanda noticed Lynn and Gwen Stacy's unusual behavior almost simultaneously. Their gazes fell on the Data Pad in unison.
"Director, is this a new situation?" Hela asked coldly.
Lynn did not answer.
He slowly raised his head and met two extremely dangerous gazes.
He knew that the investigation team, which had just been established and should have been mired in endless internal strife, now had its first common investigation target, one that they absolutely could not refuse.