The presidential video conference connected exactly on schedule. President Matthews appeared on screen flanked by military advisors. Chairman of Joint Chiefs. Secretary of Defense. National Security Advisor. Full power display. Intimidation through institutional authority.
Rama sat alone on his side. Deliberate choice. No advisors. No support staff. Just coordinator versus government. Made his isolation clear. Also made his confidence clear. Didn't need institutional backing to justify authority. Authority derived from competence not consensus.
"Chief Strategist Rama," Matthews began. Professional. Cold. "Thank you for joining us. I understand you've recovered from yesterday's medical incident."
Medical incident. Diplomatic phrasing for public breakdown. Reframing collapse as health issue instead of competence failure. Subtle. Effective. Undermining while appearing supportive.
"Recovered and functional, Mr. President. Ready to coordinate Ravager defense."
