Sallana’s Fall and Its Aftermath

This thread traces the chain from Mowry’s discovery of Major Sallana’s authority to the police response that nearly exposes him.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Train Car Encounter

The Man Who Stops the Search Rank commands the carriage Major Sallana displays his credentials during a document inspection, causing police and Kaitempi agents to defer. His authority offers Mowry a glimpse of the hierarchy’s power. A possible opportunity Mowry watches Sallana closely and later follows him. The encounter turns a seemingly routine journey into a chance to acquire the feared identification card.

The Apartment Search

A Home Reveals an Office Breaking into a protected space Mowry enters Sallana’s apartment and searches his desk and files. He finds official Kaitempi stationery, an embossing machine, and sensitive case histories. A dangerous discovery The documents establish Sallana’s position in the secret police. Mowry’s burglary has become a direct penetration of the institution he is meant to undermine.

The Confrontation

Violence at the Door A failed threat Sallana returns and finds his apartment ransacked. Mowry identifies him as a Kaitempi torturer and orders him to sit, but Sallana refuses and reaches for a pocket. A killing under pressure Mowry shoots him before the officer can draw a weapon. The scene is quick, decisive, and irreversible, leaving no opportunity to question him.

The Card’s Second Life

Authority Borrowed from the Dead A credential without a name Mowry takes Sallana’s card, which identifies rank by code rather than personal description. Its design makes it useful even to someone who cannot pass as its original owner. A tool with an expiration The card later convinces an agent that Mowry is an officer, but the number eventually exposes the deception. Its power rests on speed, fear, and the limits of verification.

A Warning Sent to the State

The Killing Becomes a Message Threats circulate Mowry sends officials letters declaring Sallana the first in a long list. His use of the stolen seal suggests that the resistance has penetrated the security service. The chase tightens Authorities search for the killer and widen their scrutiny. The card that gave Mowry temporary freedom also connects him to the murder that makes him a priority target.

Thirty miles before Radine

The evening of the train journey

Moments after Sallana returns

The following night in Pertane

After Mowry mails letters under the Kaitempi heading