Despite Heloise's weak appearance, the soldier flinched when she spoke. He appeared to mull it over for a moment before replying. [b]'Well... It kinda does... to us at least.'[/b] Duncan's eyes narrowed as he observed Fresno's body language; confusion, indecision, conflicted emotions. It wouldn't take much to make an ally of these men. One of the others passed his overcoat into Xerox' cell, further strengthening his confidence. [b]'Well boys,'[/b] Duncan began. [b]'Thanks for the smoke, really needed it. If you ever need anything... I'm your man.'[/b] It was a clear dismissal, but a respectful one, which Fresno seemed to appreciate. [i]Gotcha.[/i] The soldiers nodded to them with a mix of relief and gratitude as they left and as soon as the door swung shut, Duncan began to speak rapidly. [b]'Alright, here's the plan. Next time those lads come in, we turn on the charm. Ask them why they look so beat up, how things are going for the-'[/b] The door suddenly swung open again, cutting him off. Fresno and his men stood silhouetted in the doorway, looking both utterly terrified and determined.

The Sergeant marched right up to Duncan's cell, looked the SeeD in the eye and asked, [b]'Tell me straight SeeD. Did you kill the President?'[/b] Duncan couldn't have hid the shock or confusion on his face and didn't even try. Appearing human and reasonable was part of the plan, more or less. [b]'Uh... Well, [i]I[/i] didn't, not personally. I think Jericho had the honours?'[/b] He nodded over the soldier's shoulder to Jericho's slumped form. Fresno didn't turn around, instead casting a grim look toward his men. They nodded. [b]'Oookay... Here's the idea. We get you out of here, you get us out of Galbadia. Take us to Garden, give us sanctuary. I've got the keys for these blocks and I know the place far too well. I don't wanna be a goddamn prison guard, I'm supposed to be a soldier.'[/b] When he subsided, Duncan paused for a moment in wonder. A trick? Something Mako cooked up to lure them? Or just... ridiculously good luck..? Either way it wasn't as though they could afford [i]not[/i] to try. [b]'... Deal.'[/b] Trust was a liability in the special forces business, but Duncan was willing to give this man enough credit... for the moment. The soldiers marched in, terrified by what they were doing, but determined to see it through. One by one they unlocked the cells and handed each SeeD a makeshift weapon. Duncan received what appeared to be a dinner fork; not exactly a perfect weapon, but it would suffice. [b]'Alright Fresno. Got a plan? This AM field needs to go down first, or else we won't get far.'[/b] The soldier handed the last of the cutlery out to Jericho, then paused uncertainly. [b]'I... dunno. I think you'd be able to hit the control room upstairs, but there's a lot of guards.'[/b]