“What’s going on, Lance?” asked Michael.“Nothing’s going on. As far as it should matter to you, the mission is exactly as it has been. We just need to get this woman to the right place.”Crick stepped forward, his usual dour expression changing into something neutral and his body language completely changing in just a moment. His back straightened, his shoulders went back and his slight limp corrected itself. His face that had always been a bit scrunched up, seemed to smooth out as well. By the end of his movement he looked almost like an entirely different person.“This wasn’t a sanctioned mission, was it?” he asked.Lance scowled as his eyes widened. “You… you’re one of Bayle’s agents,” he shook his head. “How could I not see it.”Michael's eyes widened as he exchanged glances with all the others. It made sense when he thought about it, Crick always seemed more effective than they expected. He was stronger and faster than most other regulars, and Michael felt like he frequently lost track of him, not just in battle, but even around the fort he'd often be missing for hours at a time.“You aren’t meant to, it’s one of my gifts. Bayle had a feeling that the mission wasn't approved. Your documents were all valid though and we didn't have time to prove anything, so he ensured that I’d be a part of this. I’m Knight-Sergeant Crittenden, Stent intelligence.”“What is going on!?” managed Ollie.“You were all identified as potentially high value assets even before you left the academy. Bayle wanted to keep a closer eye on you. He also ensured that the missions you were on would act well as tests and groom you more for a role with us. Didn’t you wonder why you did so much sneaking around? Why the first pitched battle you were a part of was only recently? Most Penitents are sent to a front like that from the beginning.”Michael ignored him, all of what he was saying was interesting, but he had (...)