Vyral

Chapter 0: Part 2 - That's in the distance, isn't it?

The selected team leaves the office one by one, each of them glancing at Kayden differently as they walk past him. Reyna's glare of disapproval hits the worst. Does she not understand he's doing this to protect her?

He shuts the door to approach Rhys.

Rhys: "Yes, Kayden?" - His focus planted on the paperwork required to prepare them for the mission.
Kayden: "The hell's your plan this time? What do you hope to achieve by sending us out there?" - He slips out through a slight frown.
Rhys: "Were you really not listening? The plan is for you to get in, grab samples, and get out."
Kayden: "No shit, it's what we've done for the past three years Rhys. Why this team? And why now?"
Rhys: "You really weren't listening." - He sighs while removing his jacket, which he gently sets on the table between them. "Go on. Do it."
Kayden: "I'm not twelve anymore Rhys, not gonna punch you."
Rhys: "Then drop the frown already."
Kayden: "I'll consider it, if you give me answers." - He plants himself on a wooden chair, which he pulls without looking. "I said what I said. This ain't you being random."

Rhys: "Will you listen this time?"
Kayden: "Since I'm asking, yes."

Rhys deeply sighs, he knows Kayden's temper has been volatile pretty much since the first day of their friendship. Things irrelevant to him, or his tasks, throw him into tantrums just as frequently as those which are important. Despite that, he has the emotional maturity to sit down for a grounded conversation when the situation prompts it.

He sighs again, falling on his chair like a freshly cut log slamming against the floor. His fingers tightly pinch the bridge of his nose.

Rhys: "I'm tired, Kayden. Sending inexperienced people to their deaths has caused me more than simple grief, and many others share that sentiment... Terrible nightmares of how they lose their lives keep me up at night... and I'm quite certain the people of the Colony are beginning to doubt my judgement. I've seen the way they glance at me.. Like I'm no different from all the beasts roaming outside of these walls... I've been insulted on many occasions that did not call for such. It has become... exhausting... To say the least." - Kayden listens. "Since I have no control over their reactions, my body is incapable of finding a suitable escape. I have trained my entire life for this position, and yet, even I feel the need to curl into a ball, despite everything I've experienced through the course of my life. If I'm not careful, I will drift away and crumble, and I cannot afford that to happen. 

In a weird, round-about way, I suppose it has forced me into today's decision. My back is against the wall, Kayden, and we both know these young souls cannot keep dying like this. That is why I have chosen you, my closest friends."

Kayden: "This is the loss you're picking, huh?"
Rhys: "..."
Kayden: "Ya know, I wouldn't have been such a pain in the ass if you told me that from the get-go, in that letter you sent."
Rhys: "Like I'd cry to you about it." - He scoffs.
Kayden: "I guess some things never change, huh?" - He smirks. "I get it. If the only way for us to help you is to be thrown under the bus, then so be it. To keep the peace in our home, and in that mind of yours, brother." - He pokes his forehead. They are not blood-related, but their friendship surely feels as such. "I hate to admit it, but that's probably how everyone else feels too. The reason why they looked so determined. And why even Zach wanted to lead the team."

Rhys: "Correct. You cannot rely or act upon emotions in this mission, Kayden. Remember that."

Kayden: "Yeah. Still, you should've told me something. You claim I'm your right hand, yet decide to keep the burden all for yourself? Prick." - He taps his shoulder with a closed fist. Rhys cackles.