“Suit yourself,” Connor said. He shrugged casually, but Serix could hear a nervous edge to his voice. The human wouldn’t be eager to report to Ryan that Cassie was refusing to eat. Connor stood up and retrieved the food tray from the edge of Cassie’s cell, taking it back to the table with him when he sat down again, “No point in wasting this. We’re already on short supply of fresh food.” He lifted a forkful to his mouth and glanced back at the two prisoners when they lapsed into silence. Swallowing his food, he spoke again, “You know, I’m staying here until the next guard takes over, so you might as well get used to me.”

Serix just rolled his eyes at that. His silence had nothing to do with the human’s presence—not that he had anything to say to him anyways. He was just busy thinking about the interrogation that was to take place that night. He wondered what Ryan planned to ask him. The human leader was never keen to listen to him before, so why was this official questioning any different? Serix still knew very little about human technology. Maybe Ryan had a device to extract truthful information from him. He hoped so. If such a tool existed, it would prove that he really was innocent, and all of their troubles would be over.

Cassie seemed to be thinking about it as well. She looked up at Connor and asked, [b]“This interrogation... Am I allowed to be there when you all are questioning him?”[/b]

“No,” Connor replied, pushing his now clean tray aside and crossing his arms over his chest. He didn’t meet her gaze as he went on, “Ryan wants to be able to go through with the process without any… distractions. You haven’t exactly been the quietest observer, you know? It would just be better for everyone if you stayed here.” He sipped his water, but despite his attempts to act nonchalant, Serix could still see a glint of unease in the human’s eye. What did he have to be worried about?

“If it’s just a few questions, I’m sure Ryan wouldn’t mind,” Serix eyed Connor searchingly. “Cassie could just sit somewhere off to the side and watch.”

“Trust me,” Connor shook his head. “Ryan won’t allow it.” His eyes darted to Cassie for a brief moment. “Like you said… It’s just a few questions. Why does she have to come for that?”

“I want her to come with me.”

“No, you don’t,” Connor said testily. He paused, shifting his weight, and then shook his head again. “Nevermind; just let it go. She can’t come, and that’s final. Ryan’s orders.”