A compromise on the personnel appointment, the powers of a nominal special commissioner
The atmosphere in the meeting room did not become more relaxed after a long silence.
The aftereffects of that silent attack that paralyzed TVA's forward outposts still linger. Like an invisible ruler, it remeasures everyone's understanding of the term "high-risk entity."
Hela no longer crossed her arms; instead, she placed her hands flat on the table, her knuckles clearly visible.
The air around Wanda returned to calm, but her gaze toward the person in the main seat held more inquisitiveness than previous hostility.
Lynn didn't strike while the iron was hot. He waited a full minute, allowing the shock of the exercise to fully ferment in everyone's hearts.
He cleared his throat.
"The results of the defense exercise just now are clear." Lynn's voice was flat and straightforward, as if he were reading a report unrelated to himself. "It proves that entity XN-734-01, under controllable conditions, possesses extremely high strategic deterrent value."
He didn't use the name "Jean Grey," but instead used the official number from the TVA's official letter. This was a gesture to indicate that the following discussion was official and not influenced by any personal bias.
"Now, let's return to our original topic." Lynn's gaze turned to Gwen Stacy, the Liaison Office Chief, "Regarding the draft proposal submitted by the applicant for the establishment of Special Zone."
He paused briefly, giving Hela and Wanda a clear signal.
"After preliminary review, I believe that the draft law has significant legal flaws, contradicts the Management Committee's current principle of integrated management, and is likely to cause fragmentation and waste of administrative resources."
"Therefore, I reject the proposal to establish ' Independent Special Zone XN-734'."
As soon as she finished speaking, the taut curve of Hela's lips relaxed almost imperceptibly for a moment. Wanda also looked up at Lynn, the wariness in her eyes lessening slightly.
They gave me a kick first.
Lynn knew this all too well. He didn't give them time to savor their "victory," and abruptly changed the subject.
"But."
These two words immediately tightened the tension that had just eased.
"Given the current severe external situation and the unique united front value of Comrade Qin Grey, leaving her completely idle would be a huge waste of the Management Committee's strategic assets. This is not in our fundamental interests."
He looked at Hela, then at Wanda, his gaze calm and composed.
"I completely understand the concerns of the two department heads. Establishing an agency with independent authority and financial resources will indeed disrupt the existing power balance and bring uncontrollable risks."
"Therefore, I have a compromise solution here."
He interlaced his fingers and placed them on the table.
"I propose that we not establish Special Zone, nor give it an independent staffing quota. Instead, we should create a temporary, high-level position: ' Multiverse Crisis Response Special Envoy.'"
He spoke slowly and deliberately, making sure everyone heard the new job title.
"This position has no fixed rank or staffing; it is a dedicated special Special Envoy created for specific purposes. Their function is to serve as an advisor and technical expert for the Director's Office in responding to cross- Dimension emergencies."
"Personnel matters are under the jurisdiction of the Director's Office."
This was said to Jean Grey inside the Isolation Pod. Meeting her request for close companionship was a prerequisite for getting her to accept the plan.
Then, Lynn turned his attention to Hela and Wanda.
"The key point is that this Special Envoy position is a nominal one."
"It does not have independent financial approval authority, independent law enforcement authority, or the authority to appoint and dismiss personnel."
"All actions taken by the Special Envoy, including but not limited to mission applications, resource mobilization, and inter-jurisdictional travel, must be submitted in writing to the Liaison Office in advance with an action plan. The Liaison Office must review and file the Contingency Plan before execution. All expenses for these actions must be allocated from the Liaison Office's contingency budget."
These words, like a skillful Scalpel, precisely removed all the potential for power to grow in the new position.
Without financial power, one cannot establish one's own independent entity.
Without law enforcement power, one cannot interfere in the territory of the Stability Maintenance Office.
All operations were blocked Liaison Office the liaison office, which effectively placed them under the absolute control of Gwen Stacy, or Lynn himself.
Hela's brow relaxed. She understood. This "Special Envoy" sounded prestigious, but in reality, he was just a high-ranking staff member, a toothless and clawless advisor. She could stay by the Director's side, but her influence couldn't reach into any department with real power.
Wanda understood. This plan turned Jean Grey into a "high-end weapon" that required layers of approval to be used, rather than a competitor that could compete with the Ministry of Science and Department of Technology for budget and influence.
A title was used to secure the compromise of two powerful officials.
Lynn, observing the changes in their expressions, knew the time was right.
"This plan can both leverage Comrade Jean Grey's strategic value to cope with external pressure from TVA, and minimize the Impact on our existing internal structure."
"Both Director, if you have no objections to the procedure for this personnel appointment, the Liaison Office will draft the formal appointment document shortly and submit it to the Standing Committee for review and filing."
He didn't ask "Do you agree?" but rather "Are there any procedural objections?"
In officialdom, opposing procedures requires far more compelling reasons than opposing the content itself.
Hela and Wanda exchanged a glance.
They saw a hint of resentment in each other's eyes, but also a hint of helplessness.
Lynn's plan was a perfect political balancing act. He used external pressure from TVA to forcibly create "united front value" for Jean Grey, making it impossible for them to use "unclear origins" as a reason to oppose her. Then, he used a nominal position to strip Jean Grey of all the power that could potentially threaten them.
They all conceded, but on the surface, they all preserved their core interests.
This game of chess was played flawlessly.
"I have no objection," Hela said first, her voice crisp and clear.
"I second that," Wanda said succinctly.
Gwen Stacy and Natasha remained silent throughout. Gwen Stacy was carrying out orders, while Natasha was learning. She looked at Lynn with a strange glint in her eyes. This was true power, not through brute force, but through rules and procedures, bringing all the wild horses under control.
"Very good." Lynn nodded. "Since everyone has reached a consensus, this matter is settled. Meeting adjourned."
A personnel storm that could have caused a split within the Management Committee seems to have subsided.
Everyone stood up, ready to leave.
"Director."
Liaison Office Chief Gwen Stacy didn't move. She waited until everyone else had reached the door before quickly stepping forward and reporting in a low voice.
"I'll process the appointment documents right away. But... the Personnel Department just called and raised a very practical question."
Lynn looked at her.
Where is the newly appointed Special Envoy Jean Grey's office located?
A hint of embarrassment appeared on Gwen Stacy's face.
"According to regulations, the office of Special Envoy should be located in the core administrative area. However... the Personnel Department reports that there are no vacant offices on this floor of the White Bone Hall."