"The timing is constrained by Alaric's transformation. We need to act before it reaches Vael's intended completion — but also not so early that the working interruption leaves Alaric in an unstable intermediate state." He thought about it. "My best estimate is that we have four to six weeks. Closer to four."
"Then we prepare," I said. "And we will move in four weeks."
"You'll need to explain the work to the three from Giga's unit."
"I'll talk to them." I thought about how. Thought about what I would say, what they would need to know, and what the honest version of the question looked like. "Is there a way to reduce the risk to them further?"
"The preparation matters. The week before working, they should do nothing that puts additional stress on their constitution. Adequate rest, adequa
