Just outside Shao's barricaded house, a few houses away, several soldiers sat crouched behind their windows, eyes locked on the sealed windows and the closed front door. One of them scribbled notes rapidly onto a small digital pad, glancing up every few seconds to track the scene unfolding.
"Subject Jai appears to have influence over Subject Shao," he muttered aloud as he wrote, speaking just loud enough for the recorder to pick it up. "Alpha subject entered unstable rut state, displayed aggressive behavior… subdued or calmed only by the presence and voice of Jai."
They shifted in their positions uneasily. No visual access—every window had been barricaded, every curtain drawn shut with thick, heavy layers of fabric. It was a complete blackout. They hadn't anticipated the emotional reaction Jai could cause… and they hadn't anticipated how tight-lipped and private Shao would be.
Another soldier adjusted his earpiece. "No audio either. Room wasn't bugged. We're blind."
