After changing their attire, Topan puts the bag containing their diving suits hidden in a dark corner. Then, both the Neo Renegade soldiers make their way into the main area of Garuda. They part their ways as Topan moves toward the royal family's quarter while Guntur goes to the barrack to get a sense of the condition in the palace.
Topan proceeds to the area where Prince Surya and Prince Chahaya's rooms are located. He is not sure as to how he will be able to deliver the drive to the King and Queen.
'But if I hold the younger prince hostage then they would surely listen to me,' he thought.
With that in mind, Topan sneaks into Prince Chahaya's room. Luckily for him, nobody was there - or at least so he thought. Topan moves as quietly as possible inside the room, unwilling to disturb anything that would give away his presence in the room. It feels unsetlling for him that he is now snooping into his once young master's room.
"Guards are not allowed in this room as far as I know of," someone's voice makes Topan's heart ready to jump out of his chest.
Like a robot, he shakily turns around to find the younger prince standing in front of the bathroom with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Topan automatically bows, making a 90 degree angle.
"Your Highness, I am.."
"I am busy. What is it that you want to tell me?" he asked.
"I am actually just here to.. to check on you."
"Not a very good liar, aren't you?" Prince Chahaya laughs while moving closer toward Topan.
"If a guard comes into this room, there must be a very urgent matter to discuss. At least, there should be," said Prince Chahaya, causing Topan to go speechless.
"What is that in your hand?" Prince Chahaya asked again.
Without giving Topan any time to answer, he takes the flash drive from Topan's hand. He then toys with the drive, seeming unfamiliar with the item in his hand.
"What is this?" he asked.
"It's a video meant for the King and Queen, Your Highness. I thought that if I sneaked it here, you would notice it and bring it to the King."
Knowing that his choices are limited, Topan has decided to come clean. Like what Prince Surya has said, he could actually become a double agent. That way, not only he can guarantee his own safety during this mission, he also has a chance to come back to Garuda for betraying the Neo Renegades.
"Sneaking you said?"
"Yes, I am actually part of the Neo Renegades."
"So, you are telling me that the Neo Renegades are real?" Prince Chahaya tries to wrap his head around the words Topan has just said.
"It has a video of your brother, Prince Surya. We have him as hostage."
"I see. You want something in return for my brother's safety."
Prince Chahaya has definitely changed. He is no longer as careless and aloof as he once was. Upon Prince Surya's departure, he has taken a more prominent position in politics, shouldering more responsibility than he had been prepared for his whole life. The prince that was supposed to be a shadow figure to his older brother, has now become the only son. At least, so he thought.
"What is it that you want?"
"We are demanding food sources and crops to sustain our own livelihood."
Straight to the point, Topan answers. He is, however, trying to find ways to tell the prince that he is not one hundred percent traitor. He wants to come back. He has decided to do so. Being a guard is what makes him happy. A responsibility that actually does something good. He does not want to be a kidnapper anymore. That is not what he had imagined his life would be. He realized that his parents would not be proud of him shall he stays in the Neo Renegades.
"I see. I will ensure that my father receives this."
"Okay."
"But I can't let you leave the ship." Prince Chahaya continues.
"I did not expect to leave the ship either, Your Highness. I am actually seeking asylum. I will come forward with all I know regarding the Neo Renegades but I want my safety guaranteed."
Prince Chahaya seems shocked by Topan's words. This guard has surely surprised him. Now that he thinks about it again, he remembers seeing this face a long time ago. But where?
"Very well. Have a seat."
Prince Chahaya offers Topan a seat while he himself sits on the his chair; having a table separating the two men. He places the flash drive in his coat and sips a cup of water. He places it back on the table and finally having his full attention on Topan.
"Is that all your demand?"
"No, Your Highness. I actually would like to be reinstalled to my previous position as guard. I am not asking to get my last rank as the Queen's personal guard but I am asking for a position elsewhere in Garuda."
"Well noted. I will see what I can do for you."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Now, tell me. How is my brother doing? Is Mutiara with him?" he asked.
"He's doing well. Mutiara is there with him as well. They are being fed. Although, in my opinion, the stuff they are given is horrendous," said Topan.
Prince Chahaya cringe at the thought of what his brother and friend are being fed there. He then looks at Topan in the eye and said," What is in this drive?"
"It's just Prince Surya explaining that he is kidnapped and that the kingdom would have to listen to our- I mean the Neo Renegades' demand to make sure he is returned safely," said Topan.
"Understood. Come with me."
Prince Chahaya stands up and walks out of his room, proceeding toward his parents' working room to deliver the news. Topan is tailing behind him, secretly hoping that Guntur is not spying on them. He has made up his mind to never return to the Neo Renegades again. But it hurts him to think that he has become a betrayal twice now.