Chapter 24
The ship for Eldia had set sail yesterday, and Nikolo had handed Jonas the letter to deliver. He had thought of it a lot, but in the end, he'd decided to go with the message he finished weeks ago. If he thought about it too much, it'd definitely become a bad one after all.
He just hoped he wouldn't regret it.
Shaking his head, the soldier decides to focus on the present. He needed to be sharp the next few days in order to determine what kind of person his partner would be and how careful he had to be around the guy. If he was really unlucky, he could end up with someone who'd tattle him out as an Eldian sympathizer from the first, miniature sign of humanity he showed to Eldians. He really hoped that wouldn't happen.
"Here it goes" Nikolo thinks as he steps around the corner and faces the gates to the interment zones, but all he sees are the usual guards. Is he early or is his new partner late? If it's the later, it's not a good start… checking the clock, he realizes that there's still a few minutes to their actual meeting time. That counts as him being early, then.
"Reporting for duty" he says to the two guards with a salute, but his stance isn't exactly formal; they're close enough by now to not go by the book all the time. As the two salute back equally lazy, Nikolo asks: "Do either of you know anything about my new partner?"
"Nada" is the answer "Apparently he just transferred here."
"Great" Nikolo thought with a sigh. Now he couldn't ask tips about how to behave around the guy.
"Reporting for duty, sir!" Nikolo did not jump. Or well, maybe a little, but in his defense, he just got snuck up on while on duty. Of course, it startled him a little bit.
"Another serious one, eh" the guards snickered "Good luck with this one, Nikolo."
Nikolo rolls his eyes at the two before correcting his posture, turning to his new partner. Better to make a good first impressi-
"Thomas?" he says in disbelief. The man grins, but doesn't drop his stance "With all the respect sir, it took you long enough to realize it was me."
"I seriously don't know if you're trying to be formal and failing miserably or just mocking me" Nikolo told him, causing the man to laugh. It was infectious; soon Nikolo was laughing too.
"I take it you guys know each other?" the gate guards ask, snorting "That should make things easier; Nikolo has some annoying habits, but you're probably already aware of that."
"No, I don't" he denies, but Thomas thinks otherwise "Yes you do."
Holding up his hands, Thomas says: "No offence, but sometimes you really do. You tend to be a bit hesitant and awkward at times."
Before Nikolo can deny it, the gate guards beat him to it.
"Hesitant and awkward? This one?" they point at Nikolo "Dude, I think you got the wrong person. He was all formal and all when he got here, but got over it really quick. It just doesn't fit!"
"Really now?" Thomas asks, finally dropping his formal stance as he grins at Nikolo "Good to hear you've upped your game."
"Yea yea, whatever" the man says with a sigh, but the smile on his face gives away the other emotion besides annoyance "Now pay attention, newbie; we've got work to do."
Thomas salutes, mocking.
"Aye aye, sir"
XXXXX
Sasha breathes in the ocean air, having returned to the harbor. She would have been allowed to stay inland to train the recruits with Connie, but had chosen to return here instead. She couldn't just run away from her problems, especially since the out of sight, out of mind -tactic wasn't working. And who knows, maybe Nikolo would be on the next ship.
"No no, don't get your hopes up!" she chastised herself, shaking her head.
"Did something get caught in your hair?" Samuel asks. Sasha blinks once before laughing sheepishly "Just some unwanted thoughts."
"Hm? About what?" he suddenly grins "Did you do something that might have Shadis run after you before you left?"
Sasha shivers, furiously shaking her head.
"No no, I'm not stupid" she pauses "Okay, maybe a little sometimes since that's what you're wanting to say right now anyway, but I'm not a suicidal moron."
Samuel laughs.
"Right, of course not" he says "What's wrong, then?"
"Just thinking too much- ah, don't give me that look!" Sasha snaps, glaring at Samuel's grin "I do know how to think!"
"Never said you didn't" Samuel says, hands held up "…Wait no, I did say that once during our training days. Sorry."
Sasha just huffs.
"Well, seriously speaking, that was then" he says, surprising Sasha as he pats her shoulder "We were kids, all of us. It makes sense that some of us were, well, less bright."
Sasha had heard many ways of calling people stupid over the years, and that one certainly wasn't new, either.
"But now we're all full grown, professional soldiers, especially you, a member of the special operation squad" he finishes "Time changes things."
"That it does" she agrees "Jean's horse face isn't going anywhere even with age, though."
Samuel stares at her, blinks, before bursting out in laughter, hard. Sasha follows suit.
"Neither is your sense of humor, I see" he smirks "Potato girl."
Sasha groans. Well, she supposes this is a natural result from bringing up old nicknames. It's too bad Samuel never had a funny one she could counterattack with.
"Maybe I should think of something…"
XXXXX
"I never thought I'd be paired up with you of all people again" Nikolo told "Not that I mind in the slightest, but it sure was a surprise."
"I'm the one who's surprised; to think I'd really find you in a position like this, not to mention with a newbie like me as a partner" Thomas said "You haven't been here long; one would've thought they'd team you up with someone who has more experience with the ghettoes."
"I also thought that'd make sense, but it seems my abilities are trusted more than I thought" he said with a shrug "Definitely a step in the right direction."
"…Is it, though?" at Nikolo's questioning look, Thomas continued: "Are you sure you can handle dealing with Eldians like this? Without a more experienced partner, no less."
"I can" Nikolo said, surprised that Thomas brought it up. But maybe he shouldn't be; the man knew of his time on Paradis after all "Don't worry."
"I'll try not to" he promised "As long as you tell me if you have trouble handling… well, all this. We'll figure something out."
"Sure" Nikolo said, but he was convinced such trouble wouldn't occur. Still, if the promise kept Thomas calm…
"Alright" Thomas says "Now that that's out of the way, how do we do this? There wasn't any mention of a strict schedule or exact patrol routes, so do people just memorize them or completely wing it?"
"Normally we have few routes that we circulate at random, changing them a little bit depending on who's in charge. As long as we follow one of the main routes and don't stick to the same one for too long in a row, all's fine" Nikolo explained. Thomas looked like he wanted to say something, so the former POW waited for it.
"I was expecting this to be more… complicated? Orderly?" he rubbed the back of his head "This all just sounds so…"
"Easy?" Nikolo aided, and Thomas nodded sheepishly.
"Well, for the most part, it is, but that's because there hasn't really been any major trouble, not around here at least" he said "I'm sure things will get stricter if the need comes."
"Do you think it'll come? From what I've understood, some other ghettoes have stricter surveillance than this one."
Nikolo thought of it for a moment. It was possible of course, but how likely? There hadn't been any major trouble here in his time, and Jonas had denied there being any during his time, either. Same with the few others he'd asked about it.
"It's always possible of course, but so far things have been peaceful and it's rare for things to go out of hand suddenly" he said "So as long as we keep our eyes and ears open while at job, we should be just fine."
"Good to know" Thomas said "Speaking of which, do the Eldians always eye the guards like this?"
"Well, yes and no" Nikolo knew he would ask it sooner or later "They're always weary of us, but today they're paying more attention than usual since there's a new guard. Apparently, that happens every time. They'll lose interest after they've come to their conclusions about what kind of person you are."
"What kind of person I am?" Thomas repeated.
"Yeah" Nikolo said "Are you one of those who seek to cause small trouble, those who aggressively beat them for even a small error, or one of those who overlook whatever they can so that you'll have it easier? Those seem to be the usual three types of guards the ghettoes have."
As Thomas didn't say anything, Nikolo started to wonder if he'd been too blunt. It's not like he was lying; those were known facts among all who guarded the ghettoes, but it wasn't exactly a thing to say it out loud.
"…Maybe you should forget what I just said" he said "Just do things the way you see as the best."
"My way isn't any of those ways, though" Thomas replied, causing Nikolo to look at him in surprise "I'll do what's right."
He grinned, and after a moment Nikolo smiled back. Right, of course. This was Thomas, ever the honest and fair one. He'd already seen how the guy treated Eldians; there'd be no problem.
"And you? What's your way?"
"I'm trying to do the right thing, too" Nikolo said with a shrug "Sometimes it's hard to decide what's reasonable and what's not though, especially since my usual partner is… well, a bit of a jerk."
"I take it he's the type to cause small trouble?" Thomas asks and Nikolo nods.
"Yeah, but he's not a bad guy. Just a little… well, like a said, a bit of a jerk sometimes" the soldier realized that what he said didn't match his earlier words "I mean, he doesn't really mean anything bad by what he does, I think. He's just… well…"
"I think I know what you mean" Thomas says "No one's perfect, right?"
"Right" Nikolo agrees, smiling "It's good to have you with me again."
XXXXX
"There he is!" Sasha cheers as she finally spots Jean, waving him over "Jean! Over here!"
"You don't need to yell" Jean says as he comes over, slightly embarrassed because of the attention Sasha's attracting.
"Sorry sorry" she says "Anything new?"
"The next ship will be here in a day or two; I just confirmed it" Jean said "We'll wait and see."
"Right" Sasha said. She was actually trying to ask how Jean himself was doing, mainly if he'd spoken with Hitch yet, but she was glad that Jean informed her of this "And how are you doing?"
"Great, actually" he grinned, and if Sasha wasn't mistaken… there was a slight blush on his face!
"Great, eh?" she asks, smirking "There's a great color on your face as well. Do you have something to tell me, hm?"
He got even redder, which was a sure "yes" for Sasha. Samuel snickered next to her, but the woman ignored him as she leaned closer to Jean, commanding: "Out with-it Kirstein."
"It's not like it's a secret or anything" the man said, but Sasha could tell he was embarrassed. That meant that whatever it was, she wouldn't get the whole story. Not without prodding, at least "Hitch came here; she left just a few days ago, actually."
No wonder Jean was blushing.
"And?" Sasha pressed.
"Well, we talked things out…" he paused, narrowing his eyes "Which reminds me, you have been meddling with our business, haven't you?"
Sasha laughed nervously.
"If I deny it, you won't believe me, will you?" she asked.
"Not for a second" Jean deadpanned, sighing "Well, whatever. It's not that your meddling made things worse or anything."
"Then, what did my meddling cause?" Sasha asked. If it's what she thinks it is-
"We talked, sorted things out and all" as Jean didn't continue, Sasha glared at him. The man chuckled, continuing: "A~nd we're together now."
"Together? As in, together together?" Samuel cuts in at the same time as Sasha cheers.
"Yes, together together" Jean confirms, smirking at Samuel's gaping jaw "We're a couple."
"You could've said something to me earlier; aren't we friends?" the other man asks with a grin, clapping Jean on the back "You've had plenty of chances!"
"You would've just spilled the beans to her before I could tell" Jean reasoned, and Sasha saw a nice opening right there.
"Oh, so it was important to tell me yourself?" she laughed "Little Jean-Boy so proud to finally have a girlfriend?"
Sasha grinned as Samuel burst out laughing and Jean's face went bright red. She just hit the sorest spot there was alright.
"Shut up" Jean weakly mumbled, having no witty retort "You too Samuel; you don't even have the guts to confess!"
Sasha didn't see it, but she heard the man's jaws snap shut. Turning her head, she saw the man paling.
"Looks like somebody is hiding something" she realized, now turning her attention to Samuel, who averted her gaze.
"What's this? You got someone in mind?" she grinned at his face as it started to grow red "Tell me everything!"
"No way!" Samuel squeaked in panic "Mind your own business!"
Sasha could hear Jean snickering. She might have ignored it otherwise, but something about it felt… off.
Turning to the man again, she raised an eyebrow, suspicious "Do you know something?"
She could hear Samuel draw in a sharp breath, which confirmed her suspicions.
"I might" Jean said, chuckling "I'm not blind, you know."
"Hm?" Sasha knew he was hinting that she was. What, was it someone that obvious? She had talked about these things with Samuel before, but she hadn't had any idea back then and had no idea now, either. Just what had she missed?
"Maybe I'm looking at this from the wrong ankle" she realized "Maybe it's not a she but a he instead."
That would certainly explain why she would've overlooked it; while it was not unheard of for two men, or two women, to be together like that, it was rather rare. It really hadn't occurred to her.
"I think I've been looking at this the wrong way…" she mutters "You know what, don't tell me. I'll figure it out soon enough!"
"Uhhuh" Jean says, not sounding convinced in the slightest "Take your time."
"Preferably lots of it" Samuel mumbles, blushing as Sasha gives him an amused look.
"I'll have the answer sooner than you guys know it!" she says, sticking her tongue out "But in the meantime, let's talk about Jean and Hitch!"
Jean groans.
XXXXX
"This isn't all that bad, actually" Thomas admits as he and Nikolo eat their lunches they'd bought from inside the ghetto "It's a little surprising."
"Can't deny that" Nikolo agrees, munching on his sandwich "The lack of ingredients must've increased their creativity."
They were silent after that, but soon Nikolo noted that Thomas seemed uncomfortable, constantly glancing to their left from the corners of his eyes. What was he seeing?
"What is it?" Nikolo asked silently without looking at his partner "Do you see something?"
"Not sure" Thomas admitted "But I feel like we're being watched from that direction, from the alleyway. I did see a flash of someone moving there, but it could just be a coincidence."
"It could" Nikolo agreed "Or it could be just someone watching you because you're new around here. Still…"
They exchanged glances.
"We should check it out, just to be sure" as soon as Nikolo said this, Thomas was about to move, so the more experience soldier had to hiss "Don't."
To his partner's questioning look, Nikolo explained: "We need to be smart about this; we don't want to cause a scene or let whoever is watching us to just get away."
"Right" Thomas said with a slight nod "What do we do?"
"I'll circle around the back, you come from the front after a while. It'll take a while since I'll have too look casual, so take your time" Nikolo said "If someone tries to leave the alleyway from there, stop them."
"Roger that"
Casually, the rest of his sandwich still in his hand, Nikolo left. This'd be easy; he'd circle around the place soon enough. He hoped that it was all just Thomas' imagination or, which was more likely, just some curious and wary Eldian who wanted to know about the new soldier. If that was the case, they could just let the person off with a little scolding for spying. No need to even make a report.
"Alright, here goes" Nikolo thought just before stepping around the corner "Please just be someone noisy."
Well, he supposed he got his wish. However, he hadn't expected to find himself face to face with Helmut and Herbert. And judging from the looks on their faces, they hadn't expected to face him either. Nikolo blinked a few times before sighing and crossing his arms.
"Alright" he said "Just what are you two up to?"
"This is my fault" Helmut started.
"I figured as much" Nikolo deadpanned "Unlike Herbert, you come across as the kind of guy who attracts trouble."
Herbert actually snickered at that, which Nikolo recalled to be rare, at least in his presence. Helmut shot a glare at his brother before clearing his throat.
"We were just passing by when we saw you" he said "And we noticed that you were accompanied by a guard we hadn't seen before, so we… I thought it would be a good idea to see what kind of man you were dealing with. Herbert said it was a bad idea, but- "
"But you didn't listen" Nikolo finished with a sigh "Well, it's not like I'd bother getting you in to any trouble for this, but we'll still have to deal with my partner; he's the one who noticed you guys spying us in the first place."
"So, he's the more skilled one out of the two of you?" Helmut asked, making Herbert immediately hiss: "Brother!"
"Could be, actually" Nikolo says with a shrug "But in this case, I think he just tends to be more on the edge in here than I am."
"I think most soldiers are more on the edge here than you are" Helmut said, and Nikolo didn't miss the look Herbert gave him for it "But where is that partner of yours?"
"He- "Nikolo paused. He had told Thomas not to hurry, but he should be here by now. Had he seen something else that required his immediate attention? That was the only logical explanation… unless…
Cursing, Nikolo walked past the confused brothers, looking around the corner to where he and Thomas had been. He wasn't there. Instead, he was leaning against the wall right next to him, raising an eyebrow as their eyes met. That told Nikolo all he needed to know.
His partner had been listening in on them.
For a moment, he almost panicked. Had this been Jonas, he would've had a full reason to do so. But this was Thomas; surely, he of all people wouldn't rat him out for being in friendly terms with some Eldians, right?
Right?
"Are you done?" the man's question snapped Nikolo out of his thoughts "False alarm, I assume?"
Nikolo blinked. His partner had obviously been listening, and yet-
"Yes" he confirmed "False alarm."
"Time to continue the patrol, then" Thomas said, straitening up and walking away. Nikolo followed him just a few seconds later, not looking back. There was no need; his two Eldian friends would get it.
And he was glad to know that they weren't the only friends he had around here who understood him.
XXXXX
Sasha was fidgeting, staring at the approaching ship. Would Nikolo be on it this time? Or would she have to wait another three months again? Would there be someone else she knew, someone who would know what the man was up to?
"I'd be glad to even see Grior now" she thought "If I did, I'd surely be able to pester some information out of him."
If nothing else worked, she could always offer to not bother him for the rest of his time on the island if he just told her something.
"You look nervous" Samuel noted "Maybe you should focus on something else? You can always see the list of people who were on board later."
"No, I want to see them when they come" Sasha said. Samuel sighed "At least get yourself together on the outside, then. Our soldiers will get nervous when they see a veteran like yourself fidgeting like that."
"Right, right…" Sasha knew he was right; she'd have to at least appear professional "You're right, of course."
"Obviously" Samuel said "Now take a deep breath and calm down."
Sasha did as told, though it did little to calm down her nerves. She squeezed her hands together behind her back in order to keep them from fidgeting, biting her lip in order to keep her face under control.
"…Now you just look terrified and honestly, that's even worse" Samuel chuckled, getting a glare from Sasha.
"I'm trying, okay!?" she snapped.
"You'll cause trouble if you keep that up" Samuel said, putting a hand on her shoulder "Let's just go elsewhere and ask for the list later, okay?"
"No way"
"Yes, you will"
Sasha looked over her shoulder to see Levi coming towards them. He didn't look pleased, but then again, Sasha could count the times he had looked pleased with her fingers. One hand's fingers, in fact.
Narrowing her eyes, Sasha asks: "Is that an order, captain?"
"If it has to be" Levi says without missing a beat. They stare at each other, but then Sasha sighs. There are people who are capable of changing Levi's mind, but the woman knows she's not one of them. She's not smart enough to be able to do so.
"Understood" she says before she salutes, walking off right after without looking back. She can, however, hear the footsteps, so she knows that Samuel is following her.
"He's just doing what's best for you and everyone else" he tells her once they're out of Levi's hearing range for sure. She sighs.
"I know" she says "I'm angrier at myself than him, really."
She sits down on a crate, thinking that she's far enough but not so far that she couldn't run back fast if she wanted to. She already did, actually, but she held herself back. She knew she had to stop letting her weird, messed up feelings from affecting her job. And Samuel's.
"Go back to your position" Sasha tells him "I won't go there and cause trouble, I promise."
"They can make it without me" Samuel says, sitting down next to Sasha, much to her surprise "Besides, with how hard I work, I deserve an unofficial break from time to time."
"You kinda sound like Jean"
The look Samuel gave her was priceless, and Sasha laughed.
"You sure you won't get in trouble?"
"If I do, I'll just say I was trying to keep you out of trouble" he answers that, and Sasha pouts. He laughs.
"Fine then" she says "Keep me out of trouble. Distract me so that I won't cause any!"
And he did. They talked a lot, mostly about the old days. Sasha had fun, and for small moments at a time, she forgot the ship was even coming. But even so, the first chance she got, she went to seek out the passenger list.
And once again, Nikolo wasn't on that list.
