Chapter 48 Protection

DRAKE POV "Wasn t expectin t see ya up an at em so soon," Commander Baryshnikov remarks to Sasha once his heavy steel office door clangs shut behind us. The office itself is nicely furnished, with a large antique desk, brown leather couches, and framed abstract art, but the lack of windows bothers me. I m sure it s for security reasons. But how far underground are we? "I thought our plan requires me to be in optimal condition, Commander. I simply wanted to see how far in the future that might be," Sasha answers smoothly. "I already told ya, you outrank me now. None o this 'commander nonsense." "Old habits die hard. And we both know you re in charge here." "Not so much that I could deny yer demand that Drake join us." Baryshnikov sends a cold glance my way. "Care t explain why ya invited him?" "I find it s always beneficial to bring fresh insights into a strategy meeting. And his commitment to seei