Erend stood still with his eyes fixed on the map mounted on the far wall. His expression remained composed and calm despite the gravity of what was at stake.
His eyes drifted slowly across the floorplan of the facility, tracing corridors, terminals, storage units, and conduits, examining the structure with the focus of a hunter analyzing the path of his prey. Which at this point, he kinda is.
General Lennard sat at his desk nearby and silently observed him. There was a subtle tightness in his face but he masked it well, at least outwardly.
From a drawer, he pulled out a small tin of chocolate cookies then popped one into his mouth, and chewed slowly as he watched Erend with vague curiosity.
Two minutes passed. Still, Erend didn't move or speak. Just staring at the map while staying silent.
General Lennard finally leaned forward, his patience thinning.
"What exactly are you looking at, Drake?" he asked.
Erend didn't turn to him at first. "Trying to see where to begin, sir."
