Adam found Bright in the armory two days later, cleaning his weapon with methodical precision.
The space was quiet—most soldiers preferred the communal training yards, but Bright had been spending more time alone lately. Maintaining equipment, reviewing notes, existing in spaces where human interaction wasn't required.
Adam understood the impulse. He'd built his entire life around careful distance, strategic relationships, calculated engagements. But watching Bright descend into the same cold efficiency felt different. Wrong, somehow.
Still. Business was business.
"Private," Adam said, announcing his presence even though Bright's spatial foresight had already tracked his approach.
"Adam." Bright didn't look up from his blade. "If this is about tomorrow's training schedule, I've already—"
"It's not." Adam settled onto a nearby bench, his rifle resting against his knee. "It's about some opportunity. And well… mutual benefit."
