The shock of the officer's words hit Kassian like a blow to the throat and he flinched, visibly.

His first thought was Isaev.

Isaev was usually his first thought regardless of the circumstances, but his second thought told him, no.

No, he highly doubted anyone could get the drop on Isaev in hand-to-hand range, regardless of the arena.

In the time it took to strangle a man, Isaev could kill his aggressor with a single blow.

Still, his chest went tight.

"Who?" he demanded.

"Who?" Imanov echoed, at the same moment.

They glared at each other, but the panting soldier just shook his head. "I don't know! You all look alike."

Under his balaclava, Kassian gritted his teeth.