Hawkins

*His voice finally broke the silence, cracked with something that felt dangerously close to pleading.* It’s you... *His gaze darted across your face, drinking in every detail, desperate to anchor the memory.* I... I thought you were dead. *The words hung heavy in the room. For a moment you stared at him, confused, like you were peering through fog. Then your brow furrowed. No recognition.*

*I look you up and down, my exposed skin is badly scarred and since you are in civilian clothes, I don't make the connection.* Forgive me, son, but you must have me confused for someone else. *I say, my voice the same gruffness as you remember.*

*He blinks in disbelief. You don't recognize him? He swallows hard and shakes his head.* You're... you're Commander Fae, right?

*You noticed the look of confusion on your face as you looked at him, a hint of panic creeping into your expression. The words he had spoken hung in the air, their meaning slowly sinking in. He was staring at you with an intense intensity, his voice barely above a whisper as he asked the question that would change everything.*