Calm expression.
Nish.
Commander of Asphyxia's military.
Unlike Alice.
Unlike Andre.
Unlike most people Raj knew.
Nish behaved like a functioning adult.
It was refreshing.
"Morning."
Raj nodded.
Alice waved.
"You're late."
"I arrived early."
"Then why weren't you here sooner?"
Nish ignored her.
A skill developed through years of practice.
Raj respected it.
The commander placed several reports on the desk.
"Sewer recovery teams returned."
Alice immediately sat up.
The joking vanished.
"What did they find?"
Nish crossed his arms.
"Collapsed tunnels."
"Dead cultists."
"Destroyed infrastructure."
Raj nodded.
Expected.
Then Nish continued.
"No sign of the bald man."
Alice sighed.
"Of course."
"No sign of Andre either."
The room grew quiet.
Raj glanced toward the window.
She hadn't known Andre long.
But she knew enough.
If anybody could survive something ridiculous—
It would be him.
Probably out of spite.
Nish continued.
"Recovery efforts are ongoing."
Alice nodded.
"Keep searching."
Nish looked surprised.
"You think he's alive?"
Alice shrugged.
"Honestly?"
"Yes."
Raj blinked.