"On your time? And it took you, what, a week to get us out of that hellhole of a place?" His voice was calm, but he started directly at Owen. "They tested us in there, but at least it only took you a week to get us out. I guess it doesn't matter, though, because you knew exactly where we were, right? It probably didn't even matter if we were dead or alive."
Poppy's jaw was tight, and she looked down at her folded hands, clearly uncomfortable. The images of Francis dying in her visions struck her, and she closed her eyes for a moment. Owen watched them intensely for a moment before turning his gaze back to Francis. "We did the best we could, Mr. Craw," he said coolly. "We have limited resources as it is."
"We went through our worst fears every day. You wouldn't know, but it never gets any better." He leaned back. "And you realize we're the ones helping to get more allies?"
"You are here to do a job," he said angrily. "Some risks are involved with that job. If you don't like it, you can find something else back in the ruins of Averlin. Your choice."
"Mhmm," he murmured, needing to hide a small smirk behind his hand. "Why are you angry? It's not like you're the one who is risking it."
"I'm frustrated, Mr. Craw, at an agent who seems to think that he is indispensable. It would be inconvenient to replace you two, but not impossible."
"Didn't you say we were low on resources?" he asked. To Poppy it would be clear that Francis was just playing with him at this point.
"Resources like armies and guns," he said, raising an eyebrow. "There are plenty of people willing to talk."
"Look, I'm all for helping the country, but I think we're the best choice right now. Who else has the experience we do?"
"Right," he said, raising a finger. "That means we'll react better if it happens again- which, it probably won't, but you never know."
Owen frowned, wanting to fight him, but relenting. "We're not trying to fire you two," he said. "We just need to know if your leaving where you intend to go. That's all."
"Still. It shouldn't be your business." He sighed, chuckling to himself. "It's just to visit family, since you need to know."
Poppy looked at him, evidently surprised, but Owen just nodded and scribbled something in his notes. "Good," he said. "Thank you. We'll let you know."
Poppy stood up next to him, her expression impossible to read. They started towards the door, and left with the quiet click behind them. "That was uncomfortable," she said, shaking her head.
"I'm sorry," he said, a nervous smile on his face. "That guy annoys me. It was bound to happen eventually."
"I suppose," Poppy agreed. She turned to face him, a hopeful look in her eye. "But what was that you said about wanting to visit your family?"
"I think we should visit my parents. I mean, my brother probably won't come, but there's nothing wrong with that."
"Really?" she asked, stepping towards him and resting her hands under his collarbones. She straightened his lapel thoughtfully and looked up at him with wide eyes. "That's terrifying." (Is Poppy going to meet his brother at all?)
