[Cliff's look said it all - he had a secret and Souji would not be privy to it. He resolved himself not to pry and turned his gaze away, rather than see the wall between them, he chose to look out into the open. The recruits were why they were here. This wasn't a social hour, even if they were having a moment to himself. Inwardly, Souji was kicking himself for revealing so much about his past so soon to someone who wasn't trusting him with everything. It was a stupid move, made out of loneliness and the vestiges of a now worn out experiment.

He shut that door as tightly as he could, pressing his back against the metaphorical wood. It was stupid. He wouldn't do it again.

Souji straightened and nodded.]

Tomorrow I'll continue drilling them, take the break periods to spread Haruhi-san's ideas to the more receptive among them. Come see me after to let me know how many you've been able to bring around to the Brigade's side. I have extra badges and fliers they can take back with them to their enclosures.

[He finished the rest of his tea and then screwed the cap back on, and held the thermos out to Cliff.]

I should go. I promised to meet one of the men from Wyoming to discuss the badges.