by Marc Mulero
Biljin glanced over, curious as to why.
Elaina appeared in Blague’s line of vision, sitting in one of the chairs next to Cherris.
“You’re here,” he said out loud.
Now Biljin’s concern converted into worry. He was frozen stiff, completely taken aback by Blague’s disorientation, watching as his leader tried to take another step, but buckled from the weight of it all. Biljin naturally snapped out of it when everyone who was seated quickly got to their feet to help, and reached over to pull him back up.
I’m grasping again. This has to end now. I can’t focus my entire existence on an insane theory. I’m depended upon to keep morale up, so that’s what I must do.
The Sin Leader raised his hand for Biljin to fall back. He got up, trying to regain his bearings. “At ease, everyone. It’s been nearly a week since I’ve rested. That’s the only reason for my current state.”
“Blague…” Cherris’ words trailed off, her tone full of fear.
“You have to convince the people that the Aura is our ally,” Eugene sneered in disgust. “How the hell are you going to accomplish that when you can’t even stand on your own?”
“Because I must, Eu.” Blague’s voice was calm, redeemed, forcing himself to appear strong.
The others began to settle back into their seats once they were convinced that their leader was stable.
But Sabin was still troubled, stroking Mars, using him as a therapy dog to ease the unrest. Something to break the mood, something to break the mood, hmm…
He glanced around the table, looking for anything to change the focus. His eyes perked up when he stopped the dial on the spy.
Yes! Volaina! She looks like she’s on another planet right now... and paler than usual.
“Oh, Volaina, c’mon girl, Eugene’s not that ugly. You don’t have to get sick over it.” He smirked.
Volaina’s face scrunched up in bafflement, shifting her eyes to Eugene, and then to Sabin. “W-what?”
Eugene closed his eyes, giving a long blink to acknowledge Sabin’s foolishness.
“Just saying, you look a bit tired today,” Sabin explained.
Volaina’s expression fell into a frown. She felt even more blood drain from her face, to the point where her nose and cheeks prickled. The memories of her most recent assignment stabbed like a knife to the gut every time Sabin addressed her, and now that he’d noticed something was amiss, the blade twisted. She timidly turned to the commander walking in, feeling like she could’ve hugged him for stealing the attention.
“Oh look, the spectator commander joins us.” Drino leaned back in his chair, sizing up Rodest.
“Someone has to manage incoming Sins. They’re pooling from the far parts of the world to join us. Any one of them could be a spy.”
“Fear of leaving the nest is normal, for a boy,” Drino knocked.
“I’m nearly thirty and I’ve been on countless missions with Briggs.”
“Seems like things have changed when a bit of responsibility was laid on your shoulders. Twinkle toes over there was right about you.” Drino nodded to Biljin. “You faded into the background after we voted you in, while Airos remains on the frontlines. Now that man would have made a fine commander. What suckers we were to think otherwise.”
“Why is it that narrow minds only value brawn?” Rodest leaned forward in a chair, resting his elbows upon his knees. “Do you like that device on your belt? Shouting orders on the battlefield and hearing your team respond? Get it straight, Drino - you’d be howling like a madman, alone, if not for what I’ve built. Your squads stay in formation because of me. So show some gratitude, because I won’t be your stand-in for Oscin.”
Drino sat back and grunted, arms folded snuggly in front of him
“Alright, alright, settle down,” Blague ordered, observing the side conversations. “Let’s get down to business. My understanding is that we have much to discuss. Volaina, the floor is yours.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and took a cleansing breath. “Yes, sir. I have intel pertaining to an impending attack that could cripple the rebellion known as the Templos Rogues.”
“Well, it seems my class grew a pair. The Templos are finally a force to reckon with,” Sabin remarked.
“The Hiezers spoke of them long ago, when I was a Remdon,” Eugene said. “There’s nothing new about this rebellion, Sabin…”
“Maybe, but they were laughable then. Now they’re actually ruffling a few feathers. I’m proud.”
Volaina cleared her throat. “General Trillus has obtained the location of their headquarters and plans to attack in one week. It appears the information was given to him from above, so multiple generals may be involved.”
“Where is the base located?” Blague asked.
“Within the Centric Crater, in the Region of Noah.”
“The inverted mountain? How?” Cherris asked.
“The Templos are known for their resourcefulness.” Sabin winked to those looking his way. “It makes sense that they’d be able to attain such a headquarters. It sounds like the next best thing to overthrowing a Hiezer fortress.”
“The Rogues will be forced to capitulate if we don’t intervene,” Blague said. “Make no mistake commanders, this is our chance to form an alliance. If we can intercept this attack and alert them to the fact that their leaders’ kin are still alive, we will gain their trust.”
“The threat rises exponentially with the involvement of multiple Hiezer generals,” Eugene contended. “One wrong move and we’ll find our forces cut in half in one turn.”
“The Sins have had time to militarize. Our fighters are disciplined,” Drino snapped his fingers, triggering the soldiers around them to refine their posture, “and ready. Under my command, Trillus and the others don’t stand a chance.”
“And the homes that we’ve built to defend? What of those?” Cherris weighed in as the unofficial protector of Senation. “We stand thin yet again if you plan to disperse all of these resources-”
Blague’s Cryos mark began to radiate. “Rodest will stay behind and keep close communication with Telfice, who will be directed to patrol the vicinity. I will also temporarily recall Lito from Bulchevin to trap the perimeter and provide you with guidance, Cherris, while you maintain order and civil duty as you’ve been.”
The matriarch folded her hands and relaxed back into her seat. “Thank you, Blague.”
“Drino, after this meeting, work with Eugene and Sabin on infiltration plans. Rodest, a key part to this mission will be to alert the Rogues when we ambush the Hiezers, so they’re aware of the situation. Any sooner and the Hiezers will likely intercept the transmission. Any later and we will be forced to fight two armies.”
“You’re increasing our risk substantially by not alerting the Rogues sooner,” Biljin pointed out.
“It has already been ruled out from our experience with prior missions,” Blague replied. “We can’t guarantee a secure frequency until we’re on site.”
“Then send in a scout,” Biljin suggested.
“The Estates are swarming with black and gold, and the Rogues will undoubtedly be on high alert since their last attack,” Volaina retorted. “If they weren’t trusting then, they’re surely closed up now. By either Hiezer or Rogue, our scout would be murdered before getting within a mile of the base.”
“I can carry out that task,” Lesh’s voice cracked.
“Do you have a death wish?” Volaina asked.
Biljin leaned to one side of his chair, glaring at the assassin. “She would be the only one capable.”
“The risk is too great,” said Blague. “The Crater is wide open and you would have no cover for a mile in all directions. You travel with us, Lesh.”
The assassin sniffed disapprovingly.
“But Volaina, you would be able to filter real-time information back to the ambushing team if you were able to regain your cover,” Biljin said, wheeling through different options.
She shook her head. “Trillus m
entioned that he would be requesting Caova for the upcoming mission, and if he did, he likely inquired about Caova’s whereabouts to Wes. I had to leak a false story about Caova’s death to diffuse all suspicions. I would be shot dead in a second if I showed up wearing her armor.”
“Biljin, take this discussion offline to battle-strategy with Drino. I have parting words to end on a good note,” Blague addressed his troop. “I’ve received intelligence of the official Hiezer withdrawal in Senation, which is consistent with Bulchevin findings. Reports indicate that Mulderan is gathering his forces in the Grand City of Nepsys, leaving patrol and Hiezer backup thinner than we’ve ever experienced it to be. We’re investigating the purpose behind their retreat, but for reasons currently unknown, the field is open. Commanders, we have never had such an opportunity for expansion. Let’s advance our strides and rescue the exiled from despair, starting now!” He slammed a fervent fist onto the table.
The team immediately felt their leader’s energy transfer unto them – hands clapped the table to emphasize his declaration, Sabin shook Eugene in a failed attempt to fire him up, Lesh scoffed at the idea of comradery, but regardless, everyone did leave with more pep in their step than they started with.
Blague turned to Cherris. “Rally the civilians. It’s time for their concerns to be eased.”
Lito awoke from his mid-afternoon slumber, a consequence of spending long nights patrolling the Bulchevin perimeter. It hurt now, for sure, but it did prove as the best way to escape from shame - no solemn faces to deal with but his own. You see, the burdens of the living were too much to bear when he was responsible for the dead. But today was a new day, and the chorus of deathly howls singing in his mind hushed a little lower.
Finally, some energy flowing through me. I better get up now before I become a lethargic mierda again.
He rose from his bed and scratched the back of his head, stifling a yawn as he slapped his face gently to keep himself moving. His room was muggier than a tropical rainforest, thick air floating around that could almost be seen. But he didn’t mind any of that, for it reminded him of something forgotten, something foreign, distant. It reminded him of a different time.
Charred feet braced to touch the ground that resembled a hot bed of sand. Again, they burned, and again he winced, but when it subsided, vibrations of activity beneath began to tickle… yes. He remembered – the Sins below were waiting for direction… his direction. Was he the leader here like Blague was for the rebellion? If so, he would have to stop knocking into furniture like a drunken fly and start getting back to it.
He trundled into his outfit and slapped himself again so he would straighten. There, ahead, an angry door of harsh design blocked him from the public, but he was feeling more like himself today, and so he made a face to challenge it before working to pull its weight. There awaited Oscin on the other side as the barrier slammed shut behind him.
"You're starting to sleep later than I do.” Oscin was leaning patiently on a stone wall, his black hair looking more tame than usual.
Lito lifted his head and wiped sleep from his eyes. "Oscin, mi hermano. I feel good today.” He smacked his clammy hand against a slick arm, both covered with sweat. "Tell me, how are we doing on rations?"
He looks relatively sober. I wonder, is it because I gave him some sort of responsibility and stayed off his ass? Was it that easy?
"These savages are surprisingly supportive of one another. They’re good at sharing and all that," Oscin poked.
"Hey now," Lito snapped, pointing a long finger in his face, "I grew up here. I’m one of these ‘savages.’”
"So prideful, Commander. Glad to see you're starting to act like your old self again. We're right on target with regard to water and food, so don’t worry. The next supply is set to arrive tomorrow in the a.m."
Lito nodded and dragged his body down the steps to the main floor, where puddles of grime were being swept by wide brooms, wafting a raunchy scent around the vicinity. But the Sins were unaffected, no doubt conditioned for worse. One glance showed nothing but grateful faces, thanks to food and water flowing generously from Senation, thanks to life inside four walls when all seemed lost not long ago. Lito’s heart lifted, not only from the sight before him, but for his hopeless friend trailing closely behind – Oscin – who was actually waving at a few of the Sins he’d become friends with.
Still, my people hold up with vigor. Makes me proud to have come from here. Makes me remember what I'm made of.
An elderly woman grabbed Lito's hand as he walked by, triggering him to turn his head in response to the pull. "Gracias, Commander Lito," she said before kissing his hand. "You saved my grandson. We were a moon away from death. The last drips of water ran dry days before."
“De nada, señora, I wish I could do more." Lito bowed his head.
After catching a glimpse of someone he once knew, the commander nearly forgot how to breathe. He swam through the crowd holding his breath, keeping unblinking eyes on the familiar face.
"Chlomara!" Lito crouched down and grabbed her lovingly by the arms, to make sure she was really there.
The old woman smiled at him. "I couldn't disturb you… not while you were busy leading us out of hell. But I prayed for you, pequeño Lito, I prayed." She clutched a set of rosary beads to her heart.
"Words can't express how happy I am to see that you're alright. I haven't seen you since that awful day."
Chlomara put a hand over his. “Your mother would be proud,” she whispered as she touched her heart, “I am proud.”
“Thank you.” Lito lowered his head, smile still plastered in place. Here was another trinket of his past, living, breathing, teeming with the personality that he so vividly remembered. "Hey, Oscin, mira aquí!"
She turned to see the pilot rolling his eyes as he moseyed on over.
“Yep, what’s up?”
"This, right here, is a very dear, very close family friend of mine. I want you to meet her."
"Oscin," he introduced himself, extending his thin arm.
"Chlomara. Thank you for your aid, my child."
"Thank the boss, here. I'm just a tag-along."
"Come, let me help you up.” Lito gently pulled her arms.
"I'm not made of glass, mijo," Chlomara joked.
Lito was taken aback, while Oscin had a good laugh.
In the midst of their amusement, the Sin commander’s radio sounded. "Lito," Blague's voice came through.
Lito raised the responder and plugged his open ear to listen more intently. "Sí, boss, what's up?"
"We're recalling you to guard Senation for the time being. I'll fill you in when you get here."
"Of course, Blague. Is everything alright?"
"You need to be caught up, quickly. There’s much in motion. The next water drop is coming in the morning at four, Bulchevin time. Take that jet back. Can Uldan cover you?"
"He has more than earned the respect of the people here. He's been managing the defenses for weeks now. I'll see it done."
"Good, I look forward to seeing you. You’re greatly missed." Blague cut out.
Out of nowhere, a loud bang sounded that startled the boisterous crowd. All heads turned to the back corner – terror in every expression – trauma from days past, no doubt. But soon those faces of fear relaxed with relief. It was only them. Three well-known Bulchevin men taking turns yelling at one another, each animating their frustrations with swinging arms, like a sitcom of the Old World.
Curses roared before one of them covered his mouth beneath rounded eyes and knelt to say “Sorry, sorry, sorry,” to a little girl close by.
She giggled, and the crowed laughed. Innocent comedy, something sorely missed.
The quiet one of the three men covered his ears in anticipation of making another loud noise. Click. He flicked a speaker’s switch, and out came a piercing screech that once again startled the Sins. Only this time it was met with “Boooo!” and “Ayeeii!” Plugged ears and yelling.
The man fu
rthest behind raised his arms over his head, asking for silence. He then huddled over an electric generator and gave a thumbs-up to the guy holding the speaker. The attention of the floor was grabbed.
"This is what these animals are going to waste our juice on?" Oscin said a bit too loudly.
With bulging eyes and pursed lips, Chlomara wound up and slapped Oscin right across the face. "Watch yourself, puta."
Lito hissed with laughter, trying hard to hold it back. "What did I tell you, estúpido?"
Finally, Latin music reverberated through the speakers, sparking a loud cheer ignited by the people, who it seemed wouldn't want their power spent any other way.
The Sin commander joined in, sticking two fingers into his mouth and whistling for all to hear. He clapped to the beat and watched as they crowded to the center of the floor to dance. Oscin, on the other hand, nervously pulled out his flask and took a swig.
"No, c'mon man, you were straight today," Lito said, looking over at him.
"Pfft, good to know I can play you for a fool if I need to," Oscin lied.
Bullshit…
Lito turned back to the party, his eyes playing tricks on him – a scene from better times. A dance floor filling up with pairs dancing to Salsa. People were laughing as they moved, remembering when they didn’t have to be so quiet. The paced dinging of a cowbell, the beads bouncing around within maracas, a suave voice serenading, it all worked to send hips swaying back and forth. He longed to be part of it again… his woes evaporating into the musky air, the thrill of bass pumping through him to take its place. They, too, must have felt the same, for all of a sudden, Sin marks burst to life. This is what fueled the Bulchevins, not war.
Lito’s body started to move rhythmically and intuitively, recalling all of the dancing he’d done growing up. He shifted to Chlomara. “Come, señora, how can we pass this up?”
“Hah, never!” She moved delicately to the beat.
Lito carefully pulled her through the crowd, past the praise that showered over them. The closer they got, the more exhilarating the spontaneous festival became. Dancers parted to make way for their hero and his partner, music booming in their ears. Contagious energy rocked into them by vibration, and they were off. He innocently swung her around to begin their steps. At an arm’s length apart, Chlomara was alive with vigor, driving her body like a powered engine to keep up with Lito.