Erik cracked open one eye, then the other, a groan escaping his lips. Stiffness radiated from his limbs, a familiar ache from nights spent on unforgiving terrain.
He emerged from his room the next morning, his mind already fully operational. After weeks of travel and sleeping outside, doing so on a bed looked like a dream.
"That was great," the man said.
He made his way downstairs to grab something to eat and found June and the other clones standing watch around the house.
"Did you stand guard all night?"
June turned to face him. "Yes, we wanted to make sure you were all safe while you slept. We are in enemy territory; we couldn't leave the place unguarded."
Erik appreciated his clones for what they did and nodded. "You've done well. But go rest now; I'll keep watch until the others wake up."
