Chapter 20: James
Contains spoilersOverview
James watched Rosabelle through a medical observation window after thirty-six hours without seeing her, struggling with a powerful protective impulse. Warner briefed him on Rosabelle’s injuries and warned that her apparent fragility was likely weaponized by The Reestablishment. Warner instructed James to speak to Rosabelle kindly to gain leverage, not to interrogate her, just as she began to wake. James proposed offering her food as part of the approach.
Summary
James recalled carrying an unconscious Rosabelle during their escape, holding her in the malfunctioning chopper and then through difficult terrain to reach help, noting how instinctively protective he felt. Now, at The New Republic facility, he watched her through a window, unsettled by his attraction and concern for her. Warner interrupted, pulling up a medical tablet and detailing Rosabelle’s condition.
Warner reported that Rosabelle suffered a linear skull fracture, mild orbital swelling, dehydration, dangerous malnourishment, and 247 identical bruises suggestive of standardized torture. Scans for embedded tech were negative, but a distinct, poorly healed scar on her right forearm stood out as either irremovable or deliberately preserved as punishment or a reminder. James reacted with anger and pity, recalling Rosabelle’s plea to protect Clara.
Warner cautioned James to abandon hopeful narratives, arguing The Reestablishment intentionally molds lethal operatives who appear innocent, especially young women, and comparing Rosabelle’s presentation to Juliette’s past exploitation. He asserted that coercion, blackmail, and torture are common tools and that Rosabelle’s love for her sister could make her even more dangerous because she has more to lose and has already shown she would kill James to achieve her goals.
When James feared Warner intended to have him kill Rosabelle, Warner clarified he wanted James to talk to her so he could observe the interaction. He explained that Rosabelle would expect interrogation and pain; instead, unexpected kindness and humanity might unsettle her and grant The New Republic leverage. The brothers traded barbed humor about emotions and Warner’s empathic abilities, underscoring the tension and their bond.
As they watched, Rosabelle stirred, blinking awake, assessing the room and the observation window with wary awareness. Warner warned James not to be fooled and to keep his guard up. James agreed and, before entering, asked if Rosabelle had been given food; upon learning she had only IV fluids, he proposed offering her something to eat as part of his approach.
Who Appears
- James Kent
narrator; struggles with protective feelings for Rosabelle, receives Warner’s briefing, and agrees to approach Rosabelle with kindness; proposes offering her food.
- Aaron Warner
leader/mentor; briefs James on Rosabelle’s medical state and likely conditioning, warns against sympathy, and directs James to talk to her so he can observe and gain leverage.
- Rosabelle
Ark operative; unconscious then awakens under observation with injuries (skull fracture, malnutrition, 247 identical bruises), no detectable tech, notable forearm scar; displays situational awareness upon waking.
- Clara
Rosabelle’s sister; not present, but referenced as Rosabelle’s vulnerable leverage point and reason for coercion.
- Juliette Ferrars
referenced; Warner compares Rosabelle’s weaponization of innocence to Juliette’s past exploitation, and cites Juliette’s influence on his approach.