The man leans forward slightly, lowering his voice like he’s sharing a secret.
“He’s choosing who survives.”
The wind moves through the trees again.
For a moment no one speaks.
Russ finally breaks the silence.
“Survives what?”
The prisoner looks at him like the answer should be obvious.
“The collapse.”
Adam’s gaze sharpens.
“What collapse?”
The man shrugs.
“The one that’s already coming.”
I step closer.
“Economic?”
“No.”
“Political?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
He hesitates.
For the first time since we captured him, something like uncertainty appears in his eyes.
Then he says quietly—
“Systemic.”
Adam studies him carefully.
“Meaning?”
“Everything.”
Russ exhales slowly.
“That’s dramatic.”
The man shakes his head.
“You don’t understand.”
“Then help us out,” Blade says.
