Sunlight streamed through the windows as Captain Steele struggled to his feet, pain etched across his face. The realization that he'd just attacked—and been effortlessly defeated by—someone far beyond his capabilities was dawning in his eyes.
"How..." he gasped, clutching his ribcage. "My ribs..."
I sighed, rising from my seat. I hadn't meant to break his ribs, but his attack had forced my hand. "You're fortunate that's all that's broken, Captain."
Commander Keller stood frozen, his gaze darting between Steele and me. The tension in the room was palpable.
"Mr. Knight, I had no idea..." Keller started, clearly reassessing everything he thought he knew about me.
"Few do," I replied simply, approaching the injured captain. "May I?"
Steele flinched away instinctively, then winced from the movement. Pride warred with pain on his face.
"I'm not going to hurt you," I said. "I can ease your pain."
