Lin Xia helps the room compose its first words to the world. The words come easier than expected — too easy.

Negotiations collapsed in Islamabad. The blockade snapped back. And within hours, crude had climbed nine percent — because sometimes the world runs on vibes, and right now the vibe is bad.

Lin Xia hands over the drives. What Continuum learns changes the shape of the story entirely.

Iran rejected America's terms. The Strait of Hormuz stayed shut. And by Sunday, European airports were being told they had three weeks of jet fuel left.

Lin Xia follows the light. What she finds in the maintenance shaft is not what she expected.