Chapter 17: A Moment of Rest
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfiP14FRTb
The battleship thundered across the morning sky, leaving the battlefield far behind. Smoke still drifted from the burning city below, but Princess Aurora was finally safe. Inside the transport, the atmosphere was quiet. Hours of constant fighting, exhaustion, and the loss of so many soldiers weighed heavily on everyone. Sergeant Randy sat silently near the cargo bay, checking his rifle one last time before setting it aside. Across from him, Kayla monitored her medic drone while Kevin cleaned the dust from his Deployable Magshield. Wolf leaned against the wall with his light machine gun resting across his knees, and Ghost sat alone in the corner, his invisibility suit powered down as he quietly closed his eyes.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIoeYYuqX1
Several hours later, the battleship crossed into the airspace of the Republic of Eimpus. The massive military airbase stretched across the horizon, with rows of transport aircraft, armored vehicles, and security personnel already waiting for their arrival. As the battleship slowly descended onto the runway, its engines roared before finally powering down.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD3d40wP8I
The loading ramp lowered.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlILtOx91Zf
Sergeant Randy stepped off first, followed by Kevin, Wolf, Kayla, Ghost, Sergeant Elsie Lee, her remaining soldiers, Princess Aurora, Lieutenant Benjamin Allen, and Toby Lane.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RyC1Pf1Hy
Waiting for them were dozens of heavily armed Republic security guards standing at attention. Behind them stood a man wearing a formal black military uniform with silver rank insignias.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLjHoh95db
He stepped forward confidently.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0rKTNbhsz
"My name is Frankie Lloyd," he introduced himself. "I am the commander of the Republic's new Royal Security Division. Prime Minister Darius has asked me to personally thank every one of you for risking your lives to save his daughter. Princess Aurora will now be escorted safely back to her father."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHF7NjXNWt
Princess Aurora smiled gratefully at the soldiers who had fought so hard for her rescue.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMlLQpevjt
Sergeant Randy nodded respectfully.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbZe9p2QmX
"We all worked together. Nobody could have completed this mission alone."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS59j8yl4qu
Frankie nodded.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oW7CAmCip
"Lieutenant Benjamin Allen and Toby Lane are already receiving medical treatment. Their recovery has begun."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvI6uL2XRy
His expression became more solemn.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gU6NwXc48
"As for the rest of the Royal Guards who were killed in action... their families are currently being notified. They will be honored for their sacrifice."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYBw7MavyQ
Everyone lowered their heads for a brief moment of silence.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUOQnboNBv
Frankie continued.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtujruAw5qu
"Commander Thorne has also authorized your team to remain here for one day of rest. Transportation and accommodations have already been prepared."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23vzXgrDaL
"Thank you," Randy replied. "I think we all need some rest."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2pPNdTxzw
Before leaving, Sergeant Elsie Lee approached Randy.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPiDT5LEfQ
"I wanted to thank you personally."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54bfzKMwSO
Randy looked at her.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQqXQVw07T
"My team was running out of hope," Elsie admitted quietly. "We were surrounded, running low on ammunition, and protecting the princess with almost no chance of surviving. Then your team arrived."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDL4fEqiAV
She smiled.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfZBC3GZKL
"Your leadership saved us."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCEbkUBIMM
Randy shook his head.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOqf0tHikJ
"Everyone did their part."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps7zgTzotG
Elsie laughed softly.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0EjGCoGJm
"Maybe... but you kept everyone alive. That's what makes a great leader."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXvF6aQTiB
She extended her hand.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsCqvZwCKi
"I hope we fight together again someday."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecHsabgDBt
Randy shook her hand firmly.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT59GVf7LQJ
"I'd be honored."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sZbCpg2fA
Elsie nodded before turning toward her own squad.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsOL668nLf
"My team has to report everything that happened."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4ExSzyV2O
"Take care," Randy replied.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCFcu0aP9f
You too."
The two teams separated, each heading different vehicles waiting nearby.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEmWMQ7GBI
Six hours later...
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQpUYoRUe9
After a long drive across the Republic, Randy's transport convoy finally arrived at a secure Republic Army base deep within the countryside.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVDWFTYyNX
The convoy stopped beside a newly prepared barracks.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiksJjYyzu4
Frankie Lloyd was already waiting.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjaMumq7fw
"Once again," he said, "thank you for everything you've done. These quarters have been prepared exclusively for your team."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkku4eILl3
Randy looked toward the building before turning back to his squad.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6rUCP3pYc
"Don't get too comfortable," he said. "We're not staying long."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAh0rEZGmL
He looked back at Frankie.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAbOhTOMWu
"So... what's next for you?"
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVkccyVBxe
Frankie sighed.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1cIWePrjA
"After everything that happened to Princess Aurora, the Republic government is changing its security policies. I'll be attending an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Darius, senior generals, and military commanders."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl1aPWT5dw
He glanced toward the headquarters building.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg8nyNSUgt
"We have a lot to discuss."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ooRJcUpl
Randy nodded.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtE7l8IqPL
"I understand."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H9A22rH7Y
Frankie smiled.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6zKgjYsYo
"Get some rest."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlduzDyr4SB
With that, he walked away toward headquarters.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry8n9EvvjN
Wolf looked around the barracks.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCVeWKaCOf
"I've got to admit... this place looks pretty nice."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UHHd1By3q
Kevin laughed.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXU9gR33F7
"Better than sleeping in ruined buildings."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo0uEq6zuF
Randy opened the door.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV1gVLh9bK
"Alright, everyone. Store your weapons, secure your gear, and get some sleep. Transport arrives tomorrow morning at 0900."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yEHoxYokN
Wolf dropped his heavy backpack beside his bunk.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzm6KmzTs7
"Finally... a real bed."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkJ8uLxpAb
Kevin stretched his arms.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88kelx7z7P
"The princess is safe, the mission's complete, and we actually get a break."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKahSiWvFaY
Kayla placed her medic drone on a maintenance table and began running a complete systems diagnostic.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LXfvBEx25
"Drone battery at twenty-eight percent... minor rotor damage... medical supplies need restocking."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau1cnpxbid
She recorded the team's injuries into her medical report before finally shutting the drone down.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvRjNti5dB
"Everyone should recover after some rest," she said.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1stvUjgzn
Ghost quietly removed his tactical gear, placed his helmet on the shelf beside his bed, and without saying a word, lay down and was asleep within minutes.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvSj7iKtD0
Randy smiled slightly.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivCeGGTzlG
"He earned it."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJrLznfBqX
After checking that everyone's weapons were secured and the room was locked down, Randy looked around at his exhausted squad.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvTh9R0vMa
"Alright, everyone."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiXUNPofC2
He turned off the lights.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSLlCS7dLv
"Rest while you can. We move early tomorrow... and Kayla, you too."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wAwsE2vV1
She smiled.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC9RkD3WFB
"Yes, Sergeant."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mMCtJ1KdU
The barracks soon became silent.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw2OFNNoSY
For the first time in days, there were no explosions, no alarms, and no gunfire.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww0YzC25WX
Only peace.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfcQWEK2y3
Eight hours later...
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7a5GXnHk0
Before sunrise, the team was already awake.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ53VyparW
One by one they dressed in their combat uniforms, secured their armor, checked their weapons, and attached their gadgets.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRTfDFIS9X
Kevin folded his Deployable Magshield.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYfyVK9XQd
Wolf inspected the feed mechanism on his light machine gun.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybDPcxEfJ2
Kayla confirmed her medic drone was fully charged.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDTbgT5Kp0
Ghost activated his invisibility suit for a quick systems test before powering it down again.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwj9551nJP
Randy finished packing his equipment when the communicator resting on the table suddenly began flashing.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7kWqkDm3Q
Incoming transmission.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JgAlvrE2x
He picked it up.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P3Q1sKvin
"Sergeant Randy here."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUioKYh0fr3
Commander Thorne's face appeared on the display.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswmBZpydKU
"My team is ready," Randy reported. "We're waiting for transport."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQCg806Bgi
Thorne's expression was unusually serious.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkUCviDl2G
"Change of plans."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLtvFhwOTk
Randy immediately sensed something was wrong.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5Rj47qWUA
"The situation has gotten worse."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5W0i4XxYs
The room became completely silent.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXVWNc9Vcb
"Your team will remain in the Republic of Eimpus."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJs0fC9UpM
Randy frowned.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqt0NYymyT
"Understood, sir. What's our new mission?"
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuno134Ct8
"You'll receive a full operational briefing shortly."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajWLKsmmdu
The transmission ended.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVSgUNV7Sl
Randy slowly lowered the communicator.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgNOLeOh4K
Kevin looked over.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m5RfOj3t5
"That's not good."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsEJDcyxVU
"No," Randy answered.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBLOPJZBuu
"It isn't."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33PsnoSGPk
He looked around at his team.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gGOdgyPNl
"Looks like our break is over."
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPGW93z1SD
No one complained.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96Q6VuuxRB
Without another word, the team gathered their equipment and prepared for whatever mission awaited them next.
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHsvrd9ykH
End of Chapter 17
ns216.73.216.67da2
and then Add to home screen.