As I settle onto the bench, my gaze locks with Keegan's. He hasn't immediately returned to training, and our eye contact lingers for a moment longer before he finally turns away.
Despite the stoic facade he wears like armor, I can't shake the feeling that something lingers beneath the surface. 
I can't help but wonder if there's a hint of concern there, buried beneath the layers of his tough exterior. It's a subtle shift in his demeanor, almost imperceptible, but enough to leave me questioning.
He's familiar with how things can be back there. I know he is.
I watch Keegan as he finally resumes his training, his form precise and focused as he stands in front of Ghost, ready to deliver some swift punches. The rhythmic sounds of punches and kicks fill the air, a familiar symphony of combat. My eyes are glued on their limbs, my gaze following the fluid movements of the team as they practice their skills.
My mind, however, drifts back to the base I've just left behind. The thought of returning there fills me with a sense of dread. I remind myself of the oppressive atmosphere, the constant surveillance, and the looming presence of the man who had chipped me without my consent.
My thoughts wander to Keegan, the only person I know who successfully escaped our group. He had managed to break free from the tight grip of our superiors, though I still don't know how he did it precisely.
He knows the dangers and the complexities of our situation better than anyone else.
Maybe he could help me.
And then, an idea takes root in my mind, an audacious plan to ensure my freedom. 
I consider faking my own death.
It's a drastic move with no turning back, but one that might allow me to elude the relentless pursuit of my former allies.
My eyes flicker over to Keegan again as he resumes his training, his form precise and focused as he stands in front of Ghost, ready to deliver swift punches. The idea solidifies, and my determination grows stronger. 
If Keegan could escape, so could I. It's a daring plan, fraught with risks, but it's the only way I can think of to sever the chains that bind me to that man I despise so much. Maybe I could even help the others after he's gone.
My eyes and thoughts drift to Soap. He's the only one here that I feel somewhat comfortable with. The thought of being here to spend more time with him could mean building up trust way more easily. 
It could be an important factor in my plan of getting Canmoore off of this world.
Being at this base, playing the obedient soldier, could help tremendously in earning their trust, making them believe I'm still loyal to their cause. It would be a calculated deception, luring them into a sense of security.
Disappearing from here after getting what I want will be a harder challenge, though. But I know I can do it with Carter's help. He's proven himself resourceful and reliable. Together we could find a way.
There's a downside, of course. Faking my own death means severing ties with my old base fully, making it much harder to acquire the resources and intel that have been my lifeline for so long. But the thought of not having to see Canmoore's face weekly, to be free from his oppressive influence, outweighs all the potential drawbacks.
Time passes by quickly, and before I know it, the training session comes to an end. Some of the guys slip away into the changing rooms, and Ace offers me a quick smile before she does too. 
Keegan puts back some of the weights on the rack, and as König slips into the changing room too, it's just him and I. 
Standing up from the bend, the two of us make eye contact through the mirror, and I can immediately see his shoulder tensing beneath his shirt. He drops his eyes back down but he doesn't turn around as he speaks.