John raised an eyebrow as Rey approached, his commanding presence making the hallway feel even narrower.
"What is it, Rey?" John asked, his tone gruff but curious.
Rey hesitated for a fraction of a second before flashing a confident grin. "Oh, nothing urgent, Commander. I just had some thoughts about the last patrol route and wanted to get your take. You know, since you're the expert."
John's expression softened slightly, but suspicion lingered in his gaze. "Couldn't this wait until tomorrow's briefing?"
Rey shrugged casually. "I figured I'd catch you while I could. You're not exactly the easiest person to pin down, sir."
John sighed, clearly annoyed but too intrigued to brush him off entirely.
*****
Meanwhile, Asher's shadow clone moved with purpose through the dimly lit prison wing, sticking to the darkness like it belonged there. The guards on duty remained oblivious, their focus on their predictable patrols, while the clone slipped effortlessly out of sight.
Reaching Jett's cell, the clone paused, its glowing, indistinct eyes scanning the room. Jett sat on the floor, his back against the wall, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a hint of amusement as he spotted the clone.
"You sure took your sweet time," Jett said, his voice low and measured.
The clone didn't respond, only motioning for Jett to step closer.
Jett smirked as he stood, brushing himself off. "Not the chatty type, huh? Figures."
Without another word, Jett approached, his sharp eyes watching as the clone handed him a small object.
*****
Back outside the door to the prison, Rey was doing his best to keep John occupied.
"So, Commander," Rey started, scratching the back of his head like he was trying to play it cool, "don't you think the patrol routes near the east wing are kind of... predictable? If someone were trying to sneak in, they might..."
John raised a hand, cutting him off with a sharp look. "Are you saying my security measures are lacking, Rey?"
Rey held up his hands quickly, laughing nervously. "No, no, not at all, sir! I just thought, maybe, you know, it wouldn't hurt to reevaluate a little. Fresh perspectives and all that."
John's eyes narrowed, but after a moment, he gave a small nod. "Fine. I'll take another look when I have time. Anything else?"
Rey shook his head quickly. "Nope, that's it. Thanks for hearing me out!"
John muttered something under his breath before turning and walking away.
Rey let out a slow breath, relief flooding through him as the tension lifted.
Asher turned toward the door, pausing when he noticed a tray of food lying on the floor just outside his room.
His brows furrowed as he scanned the empty corridor. The faint clatter of distant activity echoed, but no one was nearby.
"Is this for me?" Asher muttered, crouching to pick up the tray. His stomach growled, betraying his hunger, and he let out a soft chuckle. "I did say I was hungry, but..."
He glanced around one last time, then shrugged. "It's not poisoned, so I guess it's fine." Balancing the tray, he carried it inside, setting it on the table as he prepared to eat before heading out.
*****
Meanwhile, Rey was still locked in conversation with John, though his tone had grown increasingly strained.
"So, uh," Rey began, forcing a casual grin as he walked alongside the Commander, "where did you learn to fight? I mean, you've got that unshakable composure and all. Were you trained in the capital?"
John glanced at him, his sharp eyes glinting with suspicion. He seemed fully aware of Rey's stalling tactics but chose to indulge him, for now.
"Not exactly," John replied. "I trained in the borderlands. Real battlefields don't care for capital polish."
"Right, right, makes sense," Rey said quickly, nodding like a bobblehead. Desperate to maintain the momentum, he gestured broadly. "And what do you think of the Vond soldiers? Pretty disciplined, huh? Bet their strategies keep you on your toes."
John's brow furrowed, and a flicker of impatience crossed his face.
"They're competent," he replied curtly, his tone sharp. "But why the sudden interest? Something bothering you?"
Rey's pulse quickened as he scrambled for another question, cursing inwardly. 'You bastards, what the hell are you still doing in there?'
"Oh, no, no reason," Rey said with a nervous laugh, waving his hand dismissively. "Just, you know, always good to learn from the best."
John stopped abruptly, and Rey nearly bumped into him. The Commander's gaze was cold and cutting, his authoritative demeanor making Rey's skin prickle.
"Alright," John said firmly, his voice carrying an edge that brooked no argument. "I've indulged your chatter long enough. I'm heading to the cells now. If you're so interested, you can come along. After all, it's your friend we're going to see."
Rey froze, his heart sinking. There was no escaping it now. With no other option, he nodded and fell in step behind John, his nerves taut as he desperately tried to think of a way to salvage the situation.
*
*
*
He's going to be soooo pissed.
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