A few years later — Planet: Destruction Pit
Step... step…
Hedrick sat in absolute stillness on a small, simple chair, both hands resting atop his knees in an almost meditative posture. Strands of his unkempt hair fell over his eyes, casting a faint shadow across his face, yet at least his long hair—usually left wild and untamed—had been tied back today into a low ponytail, like the tail of a battle-worn horse.
"Will you sit down already?" he said with a steady voice. "This really isn't worth all this turmoil."
Before him stood a woman cloaked in black—pacing restlessly, her every movement echoing frustration, anxiety, and a rising storm of fury. It was Helen.