Firekiss

[34th Brigade]

There was a flurry of activity aboard the Barrier Gate. The arrival of an Order battleship, especially at Crayter's shipyard in Coronado, and accompanied by such a bloody battle with ships of various identities... For many, this was a pretext to spark numerous rumors and debates about what exactly the Order was doing in Coronado. A terrorist organization, simply appearing on the territory of another state... This would have alarmed many of the Order's opponents, both among humans and among the Nomads' minions.

Be that as it may, the battleship accomplished its task: with a moderate escort, it arrived at the shipyard, effectively beginning a repair operation whose outcome would be disastrous for the Nomads. After what happened in Ontario, Atum is as thirsty for revenge as its longtime rival, Wyoming. The two ships, with their immense histories, took up positions, preparing for a new bloody confrontation. And it won't end until one of them falls.

...

Alfred was already standing in the corridor, waiting for Waldemar and his men to appear. Koji and Andrea were nearby. Nothing had happened since the 341st Wing's departure. Nothing at all. Koji continued to take notes on his meeting with Scott, working through various theories about Earhart, and pondering how to counter him. Alfred acted as a protector for both the Brigade scientist and the 411th Wing's sole agent, Andrea D'Arce. She, after meeting Andry, was still reeling from a slight shock. However, things were improving: no one had bothered them in days, and she felt calmer.

The door to the corridor swung open. The first thing the trio saw was Waldemar's red and sweaty face. He had just removed his helmet, lifted his head, and inhaled the fresh air. At least it was fresher than what he'd been breathing for the last few hours, risking his life for Atum. The other pilots of the 341st Wing followed him, heatedly discussing something and waving their helmets as they spoke. Their sweaty faces also left much to be desired. Alfred had already received a message from Otto that Atum had accomplished his mission.

Having reached the trio, Waldemar stopped and turned to face the rest of his wing.

"341st Wing, stand." He commanded calmly. Everyone immediately formed a single line, despite having just been racing to the death. He stood in front of them, looked at each of them, made sure he could see all the pilots who had taken part in that battle, and then continued. "Okay, you have an hour and a half to get ready. Then we'll meet in my quarters to discuss the next steps. That's all. Dismiss."

Everyone, looking tired, went to the common quarters where they had been huddled for several weeks, ever since their first arrival in Coronado. A hot shower, clean clothes, a wash of their uniforms, and many other perks of military service in the Order awaited them. Protecting humanity requires a clean and tidy appearance.

...

Waldemar sighed and turned to Alfred and company. Yes, Order has won. And yes, there was reason to rejoice. But today he didn't feel like celebrating. He just wanted to get things done as quickly as possible and smash his face into the pillow.

"So... What do you have?"

"Without incident. And you?" Alfred answered.

"Well, I see six people from my wing, including myself, alive, so everything's fine. They tried to pin us down, but we got out. I really don't have the energy to talk about anything else right now, Alfred. I don't know, I'm really not in good shape today."

"Are you sure zat there's noffing to tell us about?" Andrea asked.

"I'm always fine when I see you, meine fleur." Waldemar smiled. Andrea understood him. Andrea got his joke, but rolled her eyes and sighed. She wasn't in the mood for jokes. He chuckled. "Hey, relax, it's just a joke!" He patted her shoulder, trying to lighten the mood.

Waldemar, scheise!

"Okay, sorry, my fault!" He raised his hands, still holding his helmet, in apology. Trying to get out of the sticky situation, he decided to change the subject. "Look, we're having a conversation in an hour and a half. I'll need everyone. You, Koji, Andrea. We need to make a plan for the future and discuss a few things about Andri. You said you had some ideas?" He looked at Koji.

"These aren't ideas, but rather conclusions from the Expedition's experience. But more on that later. Let's meet in an hour and a half, as you planned. I'll get ready."

Waldemar turned toward his cabin. Andrea still followed him with a disapproving gaze, her arms crossed. Waldemar's cabin was near the exit door. As soon as he opened it and took his first step, Andrea noticed that the exit door was open. And there stood a man. She had never seen him before. But she sensed a threat. Something so familiar, something that had happened just recently...

He wore a standard Order flight suit, with the appropriate insignia of the 341st Wing.

No abrasions, no signs of exhaustion. Nothing at all. It was as if he had never disappeared during the Expedition. As if he had been here the whole time. With the Brigade.