[ Claudia officer cabins / September 20, 0078 06:00 ]
"Lieutenant Pallas of the Dimensional Marines, reporting!"
The young man brimmed with enthusiasm as he saluted Tea.
"Major Lanster, temporarily with the Navy," she saluted back, blushing slightly. "At ease, Lieutenant."
"Ma'am, allow me to emphasize what an honor it is to serve under your command."
Tea's face reddened even more, but she managed to keep her composure.
"Admiral Harlaown wanted me to lead your squad. Personally, I would have preferred to stick to the sidelines."
That Tea, so proud and yet so shy. She was already a legend among the Bureau. The story of her heroics during the JS Incident grew over the years, earning her the reputation of being able to handle any situation, anytime. She certainly tried to live up to it… and yet the admiration of younger soldiers bewildered her.
Subaru couldn't help thinking that her late brother would have been really proud of her. But what about Ginga? Was she proud of a sister whose only achievement was beating her up–and that only thanks to her Device's intervention?
A searing pain stabbed her chest. The little blue crystal underneath her uniform was Mach Caliber. She wasn't pleased with her thoughts. Subaru wasn't pleased with herself, either.
"Lieutenant, this is my partner, Lieutenant Nakajima. You will be working together."
"Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant," Pallas' handshake was firm, but his eyes showed no interest. "My squad is waiting downstairs, Major."
'Major'. Subaru knew that it was just a courtesy promotion, and yet it seemed oddly fitting to the gap between them. When did that gap appear and start to grow? She knew the answer, of course. It all began three years ago.
Tea was the star, and she was just footnote in the legend of Captain Lanster now. When Major Gaiz argued with the Admiral, it was only about Tea. The Navy could have small fish like Lieutenant Nakajima for all she cared…
"Hey Subaru, wake up!" Tea called out to her. It didn't sound like the first time she called her name. Lieutenant Pallas already left.
"I am sorry, Tea. What did you say?"
"You look tired. Are you sure you don't need some sleep?"
"I am fine."
"You don't look fine at all, baka!"
Yes. Baka, that's what she was.