THE MACHINES BEEPED loudly and constantly inside the cell. Peter shifted his feet, coming to the realization that he hadn't had a restful sleep in almost two days. He should have felt exhausted, especially after the firefight not seven hours earlier. Instead, Peter had no trouble keeping his eyes open. The on-base holding cells were quiet but for the machines keeping Royce Collins alive.
A set of steel bars separated Peter and his former partner, who was strapped to the only cot in the cell, wearing nothing but a loose shift and an oxygen mask. When Norse had asked for a volunteer to watch over the traitor after he was discharged from surgery, Peter had been more than eager to offer his services.