"What have you done?" Argas asked, his brow furrowing in consternation.
He could perceive the mechanical voices, but his true aim was to discern Asher's motives.
"You needn't concern yourself with that," retorted Asher, securing the card-like artifact within his spatial ring.
"Deposit your artifact and we shall depart," Asher directed, making his way toward the elevator.
Argas offered no response. His thoughts were already adrift in potential strategies to turn the tide to his favor.
As he placed his artifact onto the designated cube, he allowed himself a brief, backward glance.
'If I exert just enough pressure, I may well extricate myself from this bind,' Argas pondered while reclaiming his artifact.
It was a discomforting thought to realize that his entire career hinged upon Asher's whims.
"We're settled, then. I've complied with your request," Argas stated firmly as he stepped into the elevator, confronting Asher with resolution in his gaze.
