Ayakashi watched their lengthy exchange in silence, and the expression on her face suggested she was turning at least some of their words over in her mind. When the discussion reached the topic of the jump drive, however, she gave a slight shake of her head. "In the context of the current political and security situation in Kusari, I would not recommend anything that could paint Sanae-san as a high-ranking traitor to national interests. The jump drive data leak was a serious disaster, and it would be unwise to stoke those embers now. In an emotionally charged climate like this, almost anything can be justified in the name of internal security, however unthinkable it might have seemed just a few months ago."
With a brief gesture of her hand toward Sanae, she continued, "In any case, I would advise you to present yourself as a constructive political authority within Kusari and perhaps even gently distancing yourself from the ultra-conservatives on certain issues. A civilian or independent investigation could serve as a gesture of goodwill toward that portion of the population that has had its fill of the incidents surrounding Samura, and who might otherwise find themselves seeking support from radicals such as the Blood Dragons."
