You follow your captors down the tunnel, noting the supplies piled up against the walls and the closed doors on both walls. This place is well-stocked and secure, you realize. Other rebels pass up and down the tunnel occasionally. There is general chatter around you, and you learn that someone called "General Tethong" is apparently on his way to the base. You keep your mouth shut, but tuck away that tidbit of intelligence.
Eventually you're told to halt outside a particular door. It doesn't look any different from all the others, as far as you can tell. The Sergeant knocks, then pokes his head inside. A moment passes, then he gestures for you to enter. The room isn't quite as dim as the tunnel, but you still have to strain to make out the soldier on the far side of the small space, seated in a chair facing the door. He is thick and powerful, and he raises his deep-set eyes to regard you.
You recognize the rebel rank of major on his uniform, and you take a guess.
"Major Zhang," you offer as greeting.
His eyebrows lift in surprise, and he studies you anew.
"What's your name, Trooper?" he asks, his deep voice filling the small space.
"Sublieutenant Vasanta, sir."
He gestures for the Sergeant to seat you in the chair across from him. His eyes track your movements carefully, but not a muscle stirs in his body.
"Shall I stay, sir?" the Sergeant asks.
"No, that's all right," Zhang replies. "I'll call if I need help."
You hear the door close behind the retreating sergeant and you focus your gaze on this rebel leader. He seems equally intrigued to study you.
"What's the Astral Force policy for the treatment of prisoners?" he asks suddenly.
"They're to be treated humanely," you reply.
He scoffs.
"You're new here, aren't you?"
"Yes, sir," you admit, figuring there's no way to hide that.
"Good," he says, leaning forward. "Then perhaps we can actually have a meaningful conversation."
"I'm willing, sir." Whether you are or not, you realize, you'd better be ready.
"What would you like to discuss, Sublieutenant Vasanta?"
"I know that your soldiers aren't working alone," you say, "and that the other colonies have forces here on the ground. I don't think you realize how dangerous this situation has become."
"Oh, I'm quite aware of the danger. To your forces."
You pause to collect your thoughts. How can you make Zhang understand? What do you even think about this revelation?