The motion to establish the Internal Affairs Inspection Office, the power of old and new forces
The air in the office felt stagnant.
The Data Pad presented by Natasha lay quietly on Lynn's large desk. The title on the screen, "Proposal on Establishing the Internal Affairs Inspection Office of the Negative Zone Management Committee," burned like a line of gold-stamped marks on the nerves of everyone present.
No one spoke.
Hela's hands were clasped to her chest, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force. Her eyes were closed, but the Absolute Zero emanating from her, the Death Authority, had already lowered the surrounding temperature by several degrees. Her domain was stability maintenance, Discipline, and an iron fist. Now, an unknown "Survivor" was trying to establish another faction within her core area of authority, a faction directly under her Director.
This is the most direct challenge to the authority of the Stability Maintenance Office.
Wanda, however, was different. She didn't close her eyes; in her Scarlet pupils, Chaos energy resembled a pot of seemingly calm, yet molten lava boiling beneath. Her gaze shifted back and forth between Natasha and the document, a faint, cold smile playing on her lips. Her dissatisfaction leaned more towards a technical contempt.
Internal Affairs Inspector? How can an old-fashioned agent who can't even understand the energy model of Chaos Magic be qualified to inspect the Technology Integration Department? Relying on those outdated management regulations written on paper?
Gwen Stacy stood to the side of the desk, eyes downcast, seemingly a lifeless statue. As the Liaison Office Chief, she was only responsible for procedures. As long as the procedures were compliant, where they would lead was a matter for the Director to consider.
Lynn's gaze shifted from the Data Pad to Natasha's face.
From the moment this woman walked into this office, every word she uttered and every action she took was precisely in step with the rhythm of the rules. She didn't talk about personal grudges or past relationships; she only talked about work, loopholes, and risks. She packaged herself as the most perfect Patch, a Patch specifically created for the most conspicuous hole in the Management Committee's outer garment.
"Director," Hela finally spoke, her voice cold and hard, like ice breaking, "Internal Discipline and security reviews of the Management Committee have always been the core responsibilities of the Stability Maintenance Office. I don't think it's necessary to create an additional Functionally Overlapping Department."
Her words were very direct; this was the department head defending his core support.
"I agree with Director Hela's view," Wanda chimed in, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Moreover, the inspection work demands extremely high levels of professional expertise. For example, if someone were to mistake a routine energy overflow in the Department of Technology's ' Chaos Cloud ' backend for a violation of regulations, that would be a huge embarrassment."
She didn't name names, but everyone knew who she was talking about.
This is Bastion from the Technology Division, and also a sense of intellectual superiority.
Natasha didn't refute them, or even look at them. She simply looked at Lynn calmly, like an ordinary subordinate who had submitted a proposal and was awaiting Final Judgment from her superior.
She knew very well that it was impossible to persuade Hela and Wanda. Her motion was never intended to seek consensus, but rather to submit a pledge of allegiance, a pledge that only Lynn could and had to accept.
Lynn's fingers tapped lightly on the table, producing a dull, rhythmic sound.
one time.
Two times.
The atmosphere in the office tightened inch by inch with each knock.
He needs a knife.
A knife sharp enough and independent enough. Hela's Stability Maintenance Office has too much power and has long been a self-contained system. Wanda's Department of Technology has too high a technological Bastion, making it difficult for outsiders to intervene. The current Management Committee seems stable, but in reality, a delicate stalemate has formed between two powerful forces. If either side has a problem, the other side will find it difficult to effectively check and balance it.
This stability is fragile.
Natasha's appearance provided just the right opportunity to break the deadlock.
"Director Hela and Minister Wanda's concerns are valid."
Lynn finally spoke, his voice not loud, but it instantly silenced all the undercurrents in the room.
He first affirmed the opinions of the two core cadres, which is an art of leadership.
"The Stability Maintenance Office has made great contributions to maintaining internal Discipline. As our core technology authority, the Department of Technology and Technology's professionalism must be respected."
He paused, then changed the subject.
"However, this Red Room incident has indeed exposed the structural shortcomings of our existing oversight mechanism. This is not a matter of any particular department failing in its duties, but rather that our organizational structure is no longer keeping pace with the rapid development of the Management Committee."
He elevated the issue from the level of "people" to the level of "structure".
This avoids directly denying Hela and Wanda's work, leaving their rebuttals without a point of attack.
"We can't always wait until an accident happens before we passively investigate and remedy it. We need an independent agency that can conduct proactive risk warnings and cross-departmental process reviews."
Lynn's gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on the document.
"This motion is very timely."
Hela's face visibly darkened.
The sneer in Wanda's eyes froze.
They all understood; Lynn had made her decision.
According to Article 3, Paragraph 7 of the "Organizational Structure Optimization Regulations of the Negative Zone Management Committee": In order to address major safety challenges and improve management efficiency, the Director has the right to propose the establishment, adjustment, or abolition of directly affiliated functional departments, which shall take effect after being reviewed and approved by the Director's Office Meeting.
Lynn's voice was steady and powerful, each word like a nail, firmly fixing the matter to the rules.
"As the Director, I now formally approve this motion."
He didn't say "agree," but rather "approved." The difference in wording is worlds apart. The former implies discussion, the latter is an order.
"Effective immediately, the Internal Affairs Inspection Office of the Negative Zone Management Committee is established. It is at the same level as the Stability Maintenance Office, the Department of Technology, Liaison Office, and reports directly to me in terms of its operations."
The office was deathly silent.
Hela slowly leaned back into the sofa, no longer speaking. The Scarlet light between Wanda's fingers also went out completely.
The outcome is decided.
Faced with absolute procedural authority and the political resolve of the top leader, any personal emotions or departmental interests appear powerless.
Gwen Stacy silently lowered her head and began recording the meeting resolutions on her Data Pad, her movements fluid, as if she had rehearsed it countless times.
Throughout, Natasha showed not a trace of smugness. She simply bowed slightly and replied with perfect posture, "Thank you for your trust, Director. I will certainly live up to your expectations."
The power game has been reshuffled once again.
Lynn looked at the woman in front of her who had just stirred up the entire power structure with a single plan, and felt no relief whatsoever.
He knew that although the knife was sharp, it was also a double-edged sword. If used well, it could cut through thorns and brambles; if used poorly, the first one to be injured would be the person wielding the knife.
"The Inspection Office's team will be drawn from the Liaison Office and the Stability Maintenance Office. As for the specific candidates, Director Gwen Stacy, you should take the lead in drafting a list." Lynn turned to Gwen Stacy.
"Yes, Director."
"As for the head of the Inspection Office..." Lynn's gaze returned to Natasha.
Everyone instinctively held their breath.
"I appoint Comrade Romanoff Natasha Romanov as the acting Director of the Internal Affairs Inspection Office."
Acting Director.
The word "substitute" acted like an invisible shackle, instantly binding Natasha.
This means that although she has gained power, this power is not secure and could be taken back at any time.
A barely perceptible flicker appeared in Natasha's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Yes, I accept the organization's arrangement."
Lynn looked at her, a meaningful smile curving his lips.
"However, since you're an 'acting' Director, there will be a probationary period. Whether you can be officially appointed during the probationary period depends on your work performance."
He leaned forward slightly, his fingers interlaced on the table, his gaze sharp as a knife.
"There is only one criterion for being promoted to a permanent position."
Lynn's voice rang out clearly in the quiet office.
"Within seven days, I want you to use all the legal authority of the Inspection Office to find out exactly how many Covert Operatives Ravonna Renslayer, the TVA's special consultant, has planted within the Negative Zone Management Committee, and who they are."