The Unspoken Currents

Fractured Reflections

Becky sat across from Freen in the large conference room, the air between them thick with unspoken words. They were both focused on the open files in front of them, the case materials laid out in meticulous detail. It had been a week since that first meeting in Freen's office, a week of tense, clipped conversations and a professional facade that barely concealed the storm brewing beneath the surface.

"Based on the government's past attempts to develop their own system," Becky began, her voice steady as she flipped through the documents, "we can argue that their current project is not only inferior but a blatant attempt to undermine Nexis's capabilities."

Freen nodded, her eyes sharp and attentive. "Exactly. Their system lacks the real-time analytics and predictive modeling that ours offers. We need to highlight the risks they're taking by refusing to adopt a superior technology."

"Right," Becky agreed, though she couldn't help the surge of resentment that bubbled up inside her. How was it that Freen could speak so confidently about moving forward when all Becky wanted was to demand answers about the past?

"Additionally," Freen continued, tapping her pen against the table, "we need to emphasize how this affects not just the market but national security. The government is compromising public safety by not utilizing the best available technology."

Becky looked up, catching Freen's gaze. "You really believe in this, don't you?" she said, her tone tinged with something she hoped didn't sound like bitterness.

Freen held her gaze, her expression unreadable. "I do," she said simply. "Nexis can change the world, Becky. It can make a difference."

"Right," Becky muttered, looking back down at her notes. "Because changing the world is more important than..." She trailed off, biting her lip.

"Than what?" Freen asked, her voice soft, almost coaxing.

"Nothing," Becky snapped, shaking her head. "Forget it. Let's just focus on the case."

Freen's eyes darkened slightly, but she didn't push further. "Fine," she said coolly. "What's our next move?"

Becky took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus. "We need to build a strong argument around the government's breach of competition law. They've been using their position to unfairly disadvantage Nexis, and we have to prove that in court."

Freen nodded, leaning back in her chair. "I've already gathered data that shows a pattern of favoritism toward their own system. We can use that to support our case."

"Good," Becky replied, her voice sharper than she intended. "Make sure it's ironclad. We can't afford to lose this."

"We won't," Freen said firmly, her confidence unwavering.

They fell into a rhythm, working through the details with the efficiency of two people who knew how to compartmentalize their emotions. But every so often, Becky would glance up, catch a glimpse of Freen's profile, and feel a wave of conflicting emotions crash over her.

"Becky," Freen said suddenly, breaking the silence. "I know this is... difficult. But we need to be able to work together."

Becky stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "I'm aware of that, Freen. I don't need you to tell me how to do my job."

"That's not what I meant," Freen said, her voice tight. "I just... I want to make sure we're on the same page."

"Professionally, yes," Becky said curtly. "Personally, there's nothing to discuss."

Freen's jaw tightened, but she nodded. "Fine. Let's keep it professional, then."

Becky bit back the retort on the tip of her tongue, turning her attention back to the documents in front of her. This was their dynamic now—sharp edges and carefully constructed walls. And it was safer that way, she told herself. It had to be.