The air hums low with tension. Another one stands at the edge of the hall—warped, silent, still. Sam lowers his weapon just slightly.

Sam: You looked, didn’t you?

Montgomery mutters under his breath, shifting behind Sam. Montgomery: Great. Another stargazer...

Sam doesn’t take his eyes off the figure. Sam: You’re not gone all the way. I can see that. Something’s still ticking in there.

He steps forward, not too close. Sam: We’ve seen worse. Hell, some of 'em fight beside us now. If you’re not here to tear us apart… maybe you’ve got a shot.

Hellen: "Sam, it's not a good idea to-"

He ignores Hellen, tilting his head slightly, voice low but firm. Sam: Just nod. Breathe weird. Blink in Morse. Doesn’t matter—just show me you’re still in there.

Beat. Sam: Door’s open. Don’t make me regret it.