The atmosphere in the waiting area was tense yet expectant. The event that was about to take place had been a long time coming and was long overdue. Even so, nobody really knew what to say... after all, this was the final act in an era of betrayal and intrigue... the last act.
Strapped to a gurney and awaiting the lethal injection that would end his life, Ronald Sandoval was one of only two calm people in the place - standing on the opposite side of the observation glass that overlooked the execution chamber, Liam Kincaid was the other.
The two ex-Protectors locked gazes and silence fell. Ignoring the doctor, guards and warden of the maximum security prison that had been his home for the last three months, Sandoval kept his eyes firmly on the anguished green gaze of his former colleague. Smiling slightly, he spoke his first and only words before his execution was carried out.
"Liam, there's something I've been meaning to tell you... I know who you are... I know what you are. I also know that you are the one that planned the raid that captured me.
"I just wanted to say that I don't blame you for any of this. In fact, I'm proud of you. You did an excellent job and it has been a privilege to know and work with you."
One hand pressing against the glass that separated the observers from the final act of justice for the victims of the Taelons' regime, Liam Kincaid addressed Ronald Sandoval for the last time.
"Thank you... and... be at peace."
The order was given and the doctor pressed the button that started the injection that ended Ronald Sandoval's life. He had been the most hated of the Taelons' human employees yet nobody gloated... nobody said a word. Instead, all eyes remained firmly locked on the sight of one of humanity's greatest heroes as he stood; hand still pressed to the glass, tears slowly winding down his face as he watched his greatest foe die as punishment for innumerable crimes against the human race.
The bond between the two had never fully been explained, nor would it be now. What everyone else that witnessed the execution knew was... part of Liam Kincaid died with Sandoval.