Adam's intelligence network—such as it was—uncovered the conspiracy through the most mundane of sources.
A casual conversation with Peyoro, a second-year student who hung around the dining halls collecting gossip like some people collected rare cores. Not particularly influential. Not politically connected. Just someone who listened to everything and remembered most of it.
Adam had cultivated the relationship over months through small exchanges. A few merit points here for interesting information. Help with coursework there. The kind of transactional friendship that his network relied upon.
Peyoro had approached him two days after Duncan's tribunal, leaning in close during lunch with the conspiratorial energy of someone who'd discovered something juicy.
"Your friend Duncan. The theft accusation. It's bullshit."
Adam kept his expression neutral. "I'm listening."
