Crossing the threshold into the minimalist-designed waiting room, the Marine holds the door for them. The space is bathed in soft, natural light filtering through sheer blinds, illuminating pale walls and sleek, unadorned furniture. The floor, polished to a mirror-like finish, reflects the simplicity of the design, "You two wait here. The captain will be in to meet with you shortly."
"Thanks so much," Koala flashes a fake smile.
"Come on, kid," a voice resonates from the hall.
"You are so stupid!" Avian's protests fade when the door closes.
Koala flops onto a seat, "well, that just happened."
The corner of Charlie's mouth lifts. Sliding his glasses up, he inspects the sterile room. "This room could be challenging to escape from."
Koala shrugs, "We may not need to escape. They might let us go if we play our cards right."
Charlie presses his lips together, nodding, "True, but…"
The door creeks as a pristinely dressed, dark-haired Captain enters. "Good afternoon," Kai swings the door. Koala scrambles to her feet as he closes the gap between them. Shoulders back with his hands clasped behind him, "I am Captain Kai Sullivan."
"Oh," Koala squeals, hands held to her cheek. "A real Navy Captain! How exciting."
Looking down his nose through narrowed eyes, his gaze sharpened like a blade, cutting through pretense. Suspicion etched every line of his face, his lips a tight, unyielding line. "It has been brought to my attention that you were loitering on the base perimeter."
Charlie steps up next to Koala, shoulders squared, "Quite right. Our apologies. We became disoriented while exploring and lost our way."
Kai tilts his head judgmentally, "And you two are a couple."
Koala takes Charlie's hand, "Of course we are. We…."
A red hue emanates from the ceiling, casting an urgent glow over the room. Sharp and relentless sirens blare across the intercom, slicing through the air. Kai curses, picking up the receiver from the transponder snail. "Report!"
"The noble's mansion is under attack! They are requesting support," A voice replies.
Kai cuts his eyes to Charlie and Koala, his gaze sharp and probing. Koala smiles back, her expression warm but laced with something unreadable. Suspicion coils in his chest, tight and unrelenting. Her smile feels too practiced, too deliberate as if hiding secrets behind her teeth. He doesn't trust it—doesn't trust them. "Oh my," she fanes her concern. "So scary." She tucks herself against Charlie's side, sending a shock up his spine.
"Now, now," Charlie stammers, his posture stiffening as he fumbles for the right words. His voice wavers, betraying his unease, though he forces a reassuring tone. "I-I'm sure the Navy has it all under control." His hands twitch at his sides, unsure whether to reach out or retreat.
Kai's forehead wrinkles. Speaking into the transponder, "Has Captain Evander been notified?"
"Yes, sir."
"Copy that. Inform him I will meet him on the balcony!" He slams the receiver. Turning to them, "I have another matter to attend to. I will follow up with you when I return." Starting for the door, "You will stay here for now." The door clicks, ominously.
Koala rushes, gripping the handle she pulls, "It's locked."
Charlie sighs, "I don't know that this could have been avoided."
Squeak, squeak, squeak. They share a perplexed glance, scanning the room for the origin of the noise. Suddenly, the cover of the air vent by the floor crashes open. Startled, they take a step back as Avian tumbles out. Recognizing him, Koala crouches and exclaims, "You're the boy from earlier."
Avian lifts his head, grinning, "Hi, I am Avian."
Giggling, Koala offers her hand to him. "What are you doing?"
Holding her hand, stars fill his eyes. "I ah," he stammers.
Charlie clears his throat, "Young man." Avian blinks and scowls. "Do you know a way of escape from here?"
"Oh, yeah," Avian hops to his feet. "I can show you the way out."
Charlie sizes up the vent, "We should be able to maneuver through their ventilation system." When he glances at Koala, she nods. "Please, show us the way."
"Okay, just follow me!"
Kai busts through the balcony door, his rifle clutched tightly. The wind whips around him as he steps onto the railing, his eyes scanning the horizon. Suddenly, a shriek echoes through the air as a giant Arambourgiania swoops down, its massive wings casting shadows on the ground below. Without hesitation, Kai leaps onto its back. Together, they soar towards the mansion, the rush of the wind an exhilarating symphony in Kai's ears. Standing tall on the Arambourgiania's back, Kai speaks into a tiny transponder snail nestled in his palm. "Has the Vice Admiral been informed?" he asks, his voice steady despite the chaotic flight.
"Ah, sir," the voice quivers.
"Get it done!"
"Yes, sir!" The snail clicks off. The Arambourgiania screeches its long, toothless beak. "Yes, I know, but it will be worse if we don't tell her." The Arambourgiania's large eyes squint as it screeches again. "Let's handle it so we don't have to deal with her."
*****
Sabo and Marya grunt as they hit the ground, rolling in the dust. Panting, Marya pushes herself up, her muscles aching from the impact. Strands of her hair cling to her damp forehead as she meets Sabo's eyes. Her voice is breathless, laced with a tinge of embarrassment. "Sorry about the rough landing," she says. "I am not all that good at misting with others." Sabo gives a small nod, his own breath still coming in heavy gasps, understanding the challenge they had just faced together. The air between them settles, marking a moment of camaraderie.
Sabo stands, brushing off the leaves. "It's all right," reaching a hand to her. When she takes it, "It is impressive how you can do that."
"Thanks," she rubs the dirt from her shorts. "I am still working on it. I can only go short distances, and my limit is two people."
"Hey, you!"
They spin. Sabo grabs her arm, "Time to go!"
With the Marines on their heels, they race through the woods, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as the dense foliage claws at their clothes. The sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows that dance eerily on the forest floor. Every snap of a twig sends adrenaline coursing through their veins, pushing them to run faster, to flee further. "Hey, Sabo," he glances back, "If we keep going this way, we will lead them…"
"Right!" He skids, dropping to a knee. Pulling his arm back, he flexes his hand. When it turns dark, "Dragon Claw!" Striking the ground, splitting earth spiderwebs away. Trees tumble as the terrain breaks and lifts. Marines cry out, falling as they lose their balance in the chaos. Standing, "Let's go!" Marya nods, and they continue.
Marya looks up when a shadow passes over the gaps in the tree canopy. The sound of resonating gunshots deafens the forest's native chatter. Her eyes widen, and she glances at Sabo, who is focused on the path ahead. Approaching the clearing, she tackles Sabo, sending them both sprawling to the ground. He is about to protest, but she covers his mouth to ensure he stays silent. Placing a finger over her lips, she points towards the source of the shadow.
Above them, a Arambourgiania glides with a Captain atop, scanning the forest floor, blending with the distant shouts of the Marines. Marya's heart pounds in her chest as she tries to control her breathing. They remain motionless, barely daring to blink. The Arambourgiania sweeps over them, then veers off to the left, continuing its search.
Slowly, Marya removes her hand from Sabo's mouth, and they both exhale in relief. She helps him up, and they exchange a silent look of understanding. The stakes have just been raised. They must be more careful and more stealthy if they hope to evade capture.
Lying on the ground, they watch the scene unfold with a blend of fear and awe. The Marines move with precision, their actions coordinated and swift. Hack and Vaughn, once formidable, are now overpowered, their resistance futile against the disciplined force of the Marines. The struggle is intense but brief, and the outcome is inevitable. They watch as Hack and Vaughn are subdued.
The Arambourgiania dives, and its passenger hops to the ground with his rifle. "Report!"
A Marine salutes Kai, standing at attention. "Captain, two of the intruders have been subdued. We believe there are still two at large. We are currently searching for them, sir."
Kai nods, "Stay on guard. It is safe to—" He spins, aims his rifle, and pulls the trigger. The suddenness of his movements is a testament to his training. Marya and Sabo instinctively roll away, taking cover behind two trunks as bullets zing past them.
"Damn," Sabo mutters, locking eyes with Marya. The air is thick, and the sound of gunfire reverberates through the forest. For an instant, time seems to stretch, every second laden with anticipation and fear. The world narrows to the immediate threat, and the dance of survival is a brutal reminder of their reality.
Gritting her teeth, her golden eyes cloud over. The leaves rustle as thick fog arises. An ominous shriek booms, twirling the dense fog under the hovering wings of the Arambourgiania. When a barrage of bullets rains down on them, Marya grabs Sabo's wrist, and they disappear.
*****
Knock, knock. "Mam," the Marine's voice quivers.
"What is it? It better be important for you to interrupt my massage!" Vice Admiral Venice Harlow hums her contentment.
"That is a severe knot you have," the masseuse kneads into her shoulders.
The Marine speaks into the door, "Yes, mam, it's just that."
"It's just what?" she barks, "Spit it out, already!"
"Um, well,"
Venise sits up from the table. Wrapping the towel around her, she waves the masseuse away. "Just come in, already!" The door creaks open as the trembling Marine stands at attention. "Out with it!"
"Yes, mam," he stammers. "Well, you see. The Noble's mansion is under attack, and the captains…"
Her eyes bulge, "WHAT!"
Vice Admiral Venice Harlow sprang to her feet, the tension from the massage now replaced with a surge of urgency. She grabbed her uniform jacket, hastily throwing it over her shoulders and secured it with quick, practiced movements.
"Tell me everything," she commanded, her voice now a razor-sharp blade of authority.
Venice's mind raced. The Noble's mansion was not just any residence; it was a strategic stronghold that held critical information and personnel. She clenched her fists, feeling the weight of her decisions pressing down on her.
Venice took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. The comfort and luxury of the massage were a distant memory now. She was the Vice Admiral, and her duty called. She strode out of the room, her mind focused on the impending battle and the lives that depended on her leadership. The storm was coming, and she would be the one to face it head-on.