They headed down the stairs together, checking the hallway before slipping out separately—Hale first, then Elliot thirty seconds later.
"I'm telling you,the guy had the map upside down for like twenty minutes before anyone noticed." Hale, Reed and Elliot were walking back from breakfast in the morning snow. Reed was mid-story about Fernandez getting lost during yesterday's nav exercise.
Hale snorted. "How does someone make it this far and not know how to read a map?"
"He's intel," Reed said. "They don't need maps. They just need to sound smart in briefings."
Hale laughed. “Then he’s screwed.”
Elliot didn't contribute much. His body ached from last night, but his mind ran clearer than it had in days.
"You're quiet this morning, Shaw," Reed said, glancing at him. "Hale kept you up all night with his snoring?"
"I don't snore," Hale said immediately.
"You absolutely snore."
"That's not—" Hale started, but stopped mid-sentence.
Sergeant Barnes was walking toward them, his expression serious.
"Lieutenant Shaw." His voice was curt. "Master Sergeant Chen wants to see you."
Elliot went still. He nodded. “Yes, sir."
Barnes continued on as he walked away. "His office. Now.”
Elliot turned to go, then stopped and looked at Hale. Hale gave him a small nod.Whatever it is,you've got it.
He held his gaze for a second, then headed toward the administrative building.
The walk to Chen's office felt longer than it should have. Elliot's mind ran through possibilities, probabilities, assessments. This could be about rankings. Performance reviews. Assignment confirmations.
It could be about his parents.
Or Hale.
When he reached Chen’s office, he knocked twice.
"Enter."
Master Sergeant Chen sat behind his desk, hands folded in front of him. His expression was flat, but tension showed in the set of his shoulders and the way he didn't quite meet Elliot's eyes.
"At ease, Shaw."
Elliot shifted his stance but stayed rigid. Chen gestured to the metal chair across from him. "Sit."
Elliot sat.
Chen studied him with an almost uncomfortable expression. Finally, he picked up a folder from his desk and opened it.
"Allegations have been made," Chen said slowly, "about you and another soldier. Fraternizing."
Elliot's throat went dry, but he kept his face blank. Said nothing.
Chen wouldn't meet his eyes. That told Elliot everything. This conversation had already been decided before he walked in. His father's name had already done its work, even without his involvement. Chen didn't need him to confess—he needed him to cooperate.
"Is there any truth to these allegations, Lieutenant Shaw?"
