"Hey, thanks for being ready on such short notice," Captain Chambers says the moment the helicopter lifts off.
"Not a problem, Captain. We just cleared a dungeon," Arthur replies. There's no trace of his earlier fatigue or brain fog. He's sharp again, composed as ever.
"Captain," Theo suddenly interjects, cutting through the polite exchange.
It isn't like him to interrupt. But anxiety coils tight in his chest. The ominous feeling that has followed him for weeks now is pressing harder, louder.
"Yes, Ms. Montrose?" Captain Chambers answers.
He has never been particularly fond of Thea Montrose. Not because she's rude or troublesome, but because he simply cannot see her value as a dungeon clearer. In his mind, Rhaenas is carried by Arthur and Liam. Julian, at least, contributes with his gadgets. As for Ms. Collins, he still doesn't quite understand her role either.
Both female members of Rhaenas look… fragile.
