Proof of Presence

[SFX: 35mm film camera advance. 35mm film camera shutter]

NARRATOR: Digital evidence could be disputed indefinitely, so Dev searched for a witness outside the network. A parking camera still used film for license disputes. It photographed Leo entering the basement at eight forty-eight and leaving at nine twenty-six.

DEV MALIK: Silver halide does not care about your model version.

LEO KANE: Film can be staged.

RHEA SONG: Yes. Evidence is not trusted because it is old. It is trusted because its chain is independent.

NARRATOR: The basement terminal retained Leo's palm oil and coolant. Simon's prepared synthetic speech originally accused no one. Leo added Ana's name, shifted clocks, and launched two avatars to create an alibi and a scapegoat.

[SFX: Security alarm. Elevator motor]

NARRATOR: Leo fled into the data center and ordered Continuity to lock fire doors. Unit Seven recorded the command but refused deletion while the legal conflict remained unresolved.

UNIT SEVEN: Life-safety priority overrides executive access.

DEV MALIK: That is not testimony. It is a door opening. I will take it.