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I neither confirm nor deny, but my silence serves as answer enough.

"Dangerous game," he observes, gaze flicking briefly toward the monitoring cameras before returning to me. "Especially for one so young."

"Youth provides certain advantages," I counter. "They underestimate capacity based on chronological development. Mistake biological immaturity for cognitive limitation."

Another smile touches his lips, this one carrying genuine appreciation.

"Indeed." He shifts slightly within his restraints, the movement revealing carefully controlled muscle strength despite his prolonged suspension. "What qualities do you seek in your... collection?"

The question cuts to the heart of my purpose here, bypassing pretense with judicial efficiency. I consider how much to reveal, weighing tactical advantage against potential alliance.

"Strategic diversity," I answer finally. "Specialized capabilities applicable across varying scenarios. Adaptability within structured framework."

"A pack designed for specific functionality rather than traditional compatibility," he translates, understanding flowing from experience rather than explanation. "With you as the central axis around which these specialized components revolve."

His perception confirms my initial assessment—this alpha possesses exactly the analytical capabilities I require for my developing strategy. The ability to extrapolate complex systems from minimal data points represents invaluable potential.

"Would you be interested in serving as one such component?" I ask directly, time constraints forcing efficiency over subtlety.

He studies me for what feels like eternity compressed into seconds, those silver eyes seemingly peering beyond physical appearance to evaluate potential futures branching from this moment.

"You offer freedom from this?" He gestures slightly with his bound hands, indicating his suspended position.

"Eventually," I acknowledge honestly. "Not immediately. The process requires multiple phases of implementation before extraction becomes viable."

"Honesty," he notes with approval. "Refreshing change from standard manipulation protocols."

I maintain his gaze steadily.

"Deception serves no practical purpose between potential allies. Especially when strategic alignment requires mutual understanding of limitations and capabilities."

Something shifts in his expression—respect, perhaps, or recognition of kindred strategic thinking despite our differences in age and designation.

"What would you require of me in this arrangement?" he asks, the question carrying neither agreement nor rejection, merely practical assessment of proposed terms.

"Judgment," I answer simply. "Evaluation of complex variables across divergent scenarios. Assessment of potential allies and identification of necessary eliminations."

"The same functions they force from me now," he observes, "but directed toward purposes I choose rather than those imposed."

"Precisely."

He falls silent again, consideration evident in his expression despite the physical discomfort he must be experiencing. The combat scenarios on surrounding monitors continue their bloody progression, yet his attention remains focused entirely on our interaction—a significant tell regarding prioritization.

"You should know," he says finally, "what brought me to this place."

I nod slightly, understanding the offering for what it is—not deterrent but disclosure, ensuring informed consent rather than manipulation.

"I sentenced one hundred and twenty-seven individuals to death during my judicial career," he continues, voice carrying neither pride nor shame, only factual acknowledgment. "Each decision made with careful consideration of evidence, precedent, and legal framework. I believed in justice as defined by systematic application of established parameters."

His gaze grows distant, focusing on something beyond physical surroundings.

"The last case changed everything. Evidence indicated guilt beyond reasonable doubt—circumstantial connections, eyewitness testimony, forensic alignment. I delivered the sentence according to established protocol. Execution proceeded as legally mandated."

Something flickers across his features—the first crack in judicial detachment.

Regret.

"Six months later, definitive evidence of innocence emerged. DNA analysis unavailable during trial proceedings, conclusively exonerated the executed individual. My perfect record of judicial determination shattered against irrefutable scientific fact."