Lucas twirled the data key between his fingers, his smirk settling into something lazier—but not softer. Ava knew that look. It wasn't amusement. It was calculation.
Locke had played his hand. Now, Lucas was deciding what it was actually worth.
Finally, Lucas exhaled, slipping the key into his coat pocket. "I have to say, Captain, I admire the confidence. You drop a priceless secret in my lap and expect me to take your word that 'out' means exactly what you think it does."
Locke didn't flinch. "Out is out."
Lucas hummed, tilting his head. "See, I think that's where we disagree. You spent your whole career in military chains, following orders, watching the people above you play their little games. And now, you're telling me you want to vanish? No connections? No safety net?"
Locke's jaw tightened. "I don't need a net."
Lucas chuckled, shaking his head. "That's cute. Really. But let's be honest, Captain—you wouldn't be here if that were true."
