Chapter 55: Underestimated
Coop stumbled into the dungeon’s cell, sliding into the back wall shoulder first. He felt the impact in his injured ribs, but he didn’t react, gritting his teeth instead while waiting for the guard to leave. He didn’t think there was any reason to reveal more than necessary, even if she could read his aura, he had no idea what information she could actually glean from it. The alien guard didn’t linger after tossing him inside, disappearing into the stairwell, before he finally moved.
“You alright, mate?” His lone cellmate asked once they were left alone.
Coop sat up and dusted himself off, but the cell was immaculate, so he didn’t accomplish much with his pat down. “I’m good.” He responded before trying and failing to inspect his companion. He grimaced when he realized Presence of Mind was still disabled by the collar. It had already become second nature to apply his skills. Without them, it felt like he lost one of his senses.
“She’s pretty rough when she gets feisty. I wonder what you did to put her in a mood.” His cellmate wiggled his eyebrows at Coop causing Coop to involuntarily make a face at the man for the implication. “Anyway, brother, what are ya in for?”
Coop shrugged, “I had a little fight with General Rod.” Coop glanced around the room, finding only three other prisoners. It looked like things were working out, because one of them was Charlie’s father. He looked really beat up, with one arm cradled gingerly by the other and a bruised face under a short but scraggly beard. He hadn’t even looked up when Coop was dragged into the cell.
Coop’s cellmate was nodding. “That sure sounds like L’il Rod. That one’s got a chip on his shoulder, for sure.” He commiserated. “I thought you’d say you went on a bender. You reek of alcohol, mate.”
“So, what’s with this place?” Coop asked, keeping his voice down, but keeping his eye on Emmanuel. “Are we good to socialize or are we gonna get beaten?” He continued, indicating toward Charlie’s father.
Coop’s cellmate glanced at Emmanuel before responding. “Nah, we’re good, mate. He’s like that ‘cause of the interrogations with Rod’s people. He’s supposed to be some kind of rebel leader and he won’t tell them about his allies. The aliens are quite gentle, actually, and not so bad to look at if you ask me.” Coop definitely hadn’t asked and shook his head in disappointment at his cellmate, already getting an idea for what kind of guy he was.
Coop went over to the bars of his cell, “Psst! Emmanuel!” Charlie’s father perked up when he heard his name, looking over at Coop through one eye. The other was swollen shut. “Charlie sent me to get you out.”
“Charlotte?” Emmanuel whispered with a dry voice. Coop nodded.
“Damn, that’s the first time he’s said a word.” Coop’s cellmate observed. “I’m Derek by the way. You gonna get me out too?” He asked with a chuckle, obviously skeptical towards the idea of escaping.
Coop turned back to his cellmate. “That depends, what are you in for?”