Heaven in Hell

HE KNOWS!

PRESCOTT's POV:

After being carried with the chair to the third floor, Officer Siddharth briefs me on the information he has found. The entire team is present while Chief sits in his corner observing. Damn! Chief was right. The mission can't wait! Our window is closing!

I would hit my head against the wall if I could!

I fucked up big time. There is no second thing to say!

"Sir?.." Sid asks and I gather myself out of my pity party. There is no time for regrets. I'll be paying for it anyways. No point in regreting what is done.

I know I'm supposed to say something but does this 'sir' mean I'm answering his question or does it mean, I still need to ask for permission.

I gulp down my pride, "Per--

Sid cuts me, "What do we do next, sir?"

I would have buried him if he had cut me any other day. Today, he did it to save my pride and so I stay shut about it. I just hope Chief does too.

"We don't have satellite images of the area so our information is lacking. Let's see if we can get satellite images. Find possible entry-exit points and how you will attack. Rearrange things to make a demo place for you to practice on once we have some plans to try. For now, re-visit the information until we have it by heart"

"Yes, sir"

A peaceful silence follows with everybody studying the location and plans available with us. If they are going without me, they won't be going until I can guarantee 100% success.

"Kids, you will be presenting a plan too. It is time to learn" Chief says while whispering the next part to me, "especially when your leader needs a reboot again"

"Yes, sir" They say and I can only look down. I just hope he doesn't humiliate me in front of the kids.

"Dinner time" comes the much needed break.

Sid comes to me along with Rosh and I cringe. Getting carried by kids. Way to go!

"I can walk" I say in a low tone to avoid Chief.

"Remember officer, he will ask for permission. Or else, use the cane" Damn it! Can he hear me or is this just a shot in the dark?

"Yes, sir"

"I would rather carry you, sir" Sid whispers back.

Once seated, I look at my plate and sigh. My stomach is going to be cursing Chief a lot.

While others dig in, I hesitate. I'm already on 1/4th. I can't afford to not eat this too. There goes my dignity.

"Sir, may I eat?" I ask Sid in a low tone but the silence amplifies my volume. I'm sure all hear it. I dare not look up.

"Y-yes, sir" Sid stutters. What is he so nervous about? Smug face has me and he knows I can't do a damn thing about it.

I breathe in the smell of chicken curry from others' plates while I slowly chew down vegeterian food in hopes of fulfilling my vast stomach. Exercise or not, one-forth is too less for me.