The door hissed open again, and this time, the footfalls weren't measured. They were heavier. Not rushed, just confident in the kind of way that didn't need a reason.
Merlin stayed seated.
He didn't lift his head.
He didn't need to.
The energy had already shifted.
The new arrival didn't wear a colonel's trim. This wasn't a ranking officer. No bars. No braid. But the posture said enough. A cleaner's walk. Not for dirt. For people.
He didn't sit. He stayed standing across from Merlin, arms loose at his sides like he hadn't decided whether to fold them or strike something.
When he spoke, the translation node activated. Slight crackle. No distortion.
"You didn't answer my superior," he said.
Merlin didn't respond.
"That's fine," the man added. "You'll answer me."
Merlin looked up slowly. Only once the silence demanded acknowledgment.
"I doubt that."
The man smiled. It wasn't friendly.
"You're not special here."
"I've noticed."
"And we're not soft."
