Hide didn't hesitate. He tapped the 'Accept' button on his communicator and turned away, stepping smoothly out of Kaelen's reach.
"I have to take this," Hide said flatly, already walking toward the massive glass doors of the facility's exit.
Kaelen stood there, his hand still suspended in the air, watching the rookie walk away without a second glance. The Third Ranker of the Silver Vanguard let out a short, incredulous laugh, shaking his head.
'Well,' he thought, 'at least the kid has a spine.'
A few yards away, partially hidden behind a thick structural pillar, Silas slid down against the metal surface until he was sitting on the floor. He pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes, his pristine demeanor entirely shattered.
"Why the hell am I so unlucky?" Silas muttered to himself, his voice muffled by his hands. He had planned to approach Hide for a glowing review that would secure his promotion.
