he who hesitates is toast

Back in the reception room, near-silence reigns. For the most part, the guards distributed around are keeping watch on each other. Steve observes a couple of edged arguments start, both of which are quickly suppressed by Gray's own guard team.

For the most part, though, it's calm, which lets him listen closely to everything that's happening in the other room. About the only thing that's good, from what he can tell, is that nothing got heated. It's a good thing they're here - if that tech goes further, they'll have a problem. Not to mention that the developer's still out there somewhere.

One problem at a time's enough for now, though, and he turns his attention to Sharon as she walks back into the room. She looks as cool and composed as ever, unruffled by whatever she saw. He crosses to her and offers her the glass back without saying a word, having held on to it the whole time.