Cloud's expression hardened into ice.
"That pig," Cloud hissed quietly. "He's finally making his move."
"You expected this?" Sasha whispered.
Cloud let out a humorless breath. "Gan's wanted me gone since day one. I'm the only thing keeping his greed in check. Now he has a convenient excuse."
Sasha looked at him — at the tension in his jaw, the fire behind his eyes.
He wasn't just a soldier. He was a wall holding back corruption.
"And you still left the bastion knowing that?"
"I had left the bastion many times before, but this never happened."
Cloud leaned closer to the radio.
"Alvaro, listen. Get this device to Fern. If he knows I'm alive, he'll send a team."
Alvaro snorted. "With what excuse? I'm not allowed gear or communication devices. The moment they find this radio, I'm dead."
Cloud shut his eyes briefly, fighting frustration. "Fern won't betray you. He's loyal to me."
A beat of silence. Then Alvaro spoke again — grim:
