“How was it?” The question was directed at Stryker this time.
“Infected.”
“How long are you out for?”
“I’m not out.” He muttered “I’m fine.”
“St-“
“I’m good for training.”
Johnathan let out a breath “you have a fever?”
“I’m okay.” He said softly, gaze returning to me, observing the way I was hovering awkwardly, shifting my weight from one foot to another. Perhaps he took pity on me, because he smiled- atiny one, but a smile nonetheless- and stated “Stryker Aisen, by the way.” He held out his hand.
Stryker Aisen? As in, the prince…
I hastily shook it. If it had taken him that long to offer it, leaving him hanging wouldn't do me any favours, I figured. “Theo Danes.”
“Let me take a look.” Johnathan said, completely disregarding me. Stryker scoffed “it’s fine, John. Quit it.”
I blinked.John. I was pretty sure the commander was to be addressed as 'sir' at all times.
Johnathan just raised his eyebrows expectantly. Stryker sighed and held out his arm, and I was surprised to see a deep gash, oozing blood and the skin around it red.
How did I not notice that when I shook his hand just now?
“It’s not gonna hinder my performance.” Stryker said softly “just need to disinfect it and take some antibiotics. Promise.”
“Fine." The commander replied after a brief pause, "you know where the others are?”
“Training? Dean was out on a run.”
“Okay. I’ll leave you two to get to know each other then.”
Stryker gave Johnathan a small wave, then turned to fold up his shirt.
“New then?” He asked to break the silence.
I startled “uh…yeah. You too…?”
“Been here a month. You came just in time to meet the Zeltron lot.”
“Yeah?”
“We’ll be setting off with them soon. Army missions, y’know?”
“Uh…yeah, sure.”
Stryker turned to face me, tilting his head as if sizing me up.
“You uh…arethe prince, aren’t you?” I asked after a moment.
“Oh.” Stryker chuckled “yeah, that’s me. Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”
“No, you look like you do worse.”
Stryker grinned at that.
