c.o.m.m.u.n.i.t.y. is {family} -crystal-

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden snorted. "I've lived off canned goods and stale crackers for weeks at a time. Good luck, Mark."

[~echo~]

"Well, then, you can see how well you fare without food," he said with somewhat of a crazed smile.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"Very well," Braden said quietly, his eyes dropping to the floor.

[~echo~]

"I will visit you when I feel you are ready to accept my terms."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden didn't respond. He kept his eyes on the ground, his lips pursed.

[~echo~]

Mark left, still angry.

(Timeskip?)

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

(Yeah. Maybe a couple weeks, and he comes back)

[~echo~]

(Sure)

Mark entered Braden's cell. Hehadbeen given only a crust of bread every two days, and a small cup of water. He smiled at Braden. "So, are you prepared to accept my offer?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden kept his head down for a few seconds. His hair had grown, and his bangs covered his hairs. Finally, he raised his face to look at his old friend. His face had become gaunt, his eyes sunken. "Tell me again what that entails?" he said in a hoarse voice.

[~echo~]

"You agree to never again leave these walls unless ordered to do so. You promise to work for the good of the community, and you will receive sustenance."

[~echo~]

"You agree to never again leave these walls unless ordered to do so. You promise to work for the good of the community, and you will receive sustenance."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden sighed. "Yes, I accept," he said. "I'm sorry, Mark."

[~echo~]

Mark laughed triumphantly. "I knew you would accept. Guards, release him from his prison. Get him a shower and new clothes, then to the hospital for him. Also, some food."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden let out a breath of relief. All of that sound amazing... and honestly? At this point he'd take the shower over food if he had to choose.

[~echo~]

Mark walked off, now bored that he had accepted his offer.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden let them lead him away. He showered first, then gratefully ate what food was provided. Honestly, he had a feeling he'd be eating better here than he had at STARS. The soldiers didn't really have time for cooking, even if they had the ingredients or the time to make a decent meal.

[~echo~]

Several guards stood nearby, which was mostly normal.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

When Braden was done, he settled down on his new bed and closed his eyes. He knew that if he attempted his escape and failed, Mark would either kill him or lock him up for good. He would never get back to STARS, to the only thing that made him feel like his life meant something. He'd rather be dead than live the rest of his life here, hiding.

[~echo~]

Another person was in the room- the guy from before. "You got out, too?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden raised his eyebrows at him. "How did you get out?"