Page 65 of King's Reckoning
A chill ran through Rowan as the implications of what he was saying became clear. "Barbara, check Elena's original research files. Look for anything about corporate ownership structures."
The professor quickly accessed the encrypted archives. "Found something. Extensive documentation on shell companies, propertytransfers, mineral rights assignments..." She paused, eyes widening. "Oh my..."
"What is it?"
"These aren't just research notes," Barbara said quietly. "They're a complete mapping of corporate control. Elena wasn't just collecting historical records. She was actively tracing ownership chains back to their origins. Creating a comprehensive picture of who really controls the region's resources."
New legal filings appeared on their screens as more corporate entities joined the attack. Rowan watched as each challenge targeted specific pieces of their documentation, each one striking at carefully selected weak points.
"She created alternative pathways," Rowan said suddenly, understanding flowing through her. "Hidden documentation routes that could bypass traditional legal challenges if you knew where to look. If you had the right connecting evidence to activate them."
"Very good," Beasley approved. "Elena always said you'd figure it out eventually. Why do you think she was so careful about collecting seemingly unrelated records? Why she focused on such specific historical connections?"
"Because she needed certain documents linked in precise ways," Rowan finished. "To create a chain of evidence that could withstand coordinated legal attacks. That could break through corporate ownership disguises."
"The perfect framework," Beasley agreed. "Capable of cutting through barriers that would stop anyone else cold. Though I doubt she anticipated how effectively you'd eventually use that approach against the very interests she identified."
More legal alerts appeared as challenges intensified. Barbara worked frantically, trying to counter multiple attacks simultaneously.
"They're not just filing random objections," she reported tensely. "They're using Elena's own authentication approach to map our entire legal strategy. Every supporting document, every verification chain, every hidden connection..."
"While simultaneously tracking how you respond to each challenge," Beasley added. "Documenting exactly how your alliance protects its evidence. Quite efficient, wouldn't you say?"
Rowan's mind raced through options as she watched their carefully constructed legal defenses systematically undermined. They'd built those protections using Elena's methods, trusting in the strength of her authentication approach.
Never suspecting Elena had deliberately created alternative pathways around her own framework.
"Reed," she said suddenly. "Get me a secure line to all team leaders. Now."
"Setting it up," he replied, already implementing communication plans they'd designed for worst-case scenarios. "Stand by."
"What are you thinking?" King asked quietly.
Rowan studied the displays showing the legal teams their alliances had gathered still trying to counter the coordinated challenges. Watched Barbara struggle against attacks that seemed to anticipate every response.
"Mom didn't just create authentication chains," she said slowly. "She built a comprehensive backup strategy. A complete alternative approach that would strengthen our position if the primary evidence was challenged."
"And you think you can activate it?" Barbara asked, still organizing counterresponses.
"No." Rowan smiled with quiet determination. "I think that's exactly what they want me to try. Because Mom would have created safeguards within safeguards. Ways to protect anyone attempting to use those alternative pathways without proper understanding."
"Clever observation," Beasley's voice held genuine admiration. "You really are your mother's daughter. But you're still missing a crucial element."
"The connecting documents," Rowan said. "They're not just linked to the main historical records. They're connected to supporting evidence that hasn't even been presented yet." She met Barbara's eyes. "Which means we can use their own challenges to strengthen our position."
Understanding dawned on the professor's face as she caught Rowan's meaning. Her hands beganmoving with renewed purpose, organizing new documentation.
"Legal teams need to present the supporting evidence immediately," Rowan directed. But even as alliance members moved to comply, she knew a bigger picture was emerging.
"Alert," Barbara announced suddenly. "Multiple new corporate entities joining the legal challenges. Some kind of coordinated effort building..."
"Standard corporate strategy," Beasley said calmly. "Ensuring maximum pressure across all fronts. Rather elegant approach. Elena would have appreciated it, actually."
Rowan had seconds to make a decision. "All teams hold their responses temporarily. Barbara, implement the secondary documentation strategy. Reed, get those supporting records—"
Before she could finish, Beasley's video feed ended abruptly. When they reestablished connection, he had vanished along with several key pieces of evidence they'd been discussing.
"Teams report minimal disruption," Reed said, coordinating status updates. "The legal challenges remain active, but Beasley's direct involvement seems to have ended."
