"Let me help you with that, kiddo."
A crate was placed in Marco's arms. He arranged it with the others in the back of the wide, open wagon.
The wagon was one of around half a dozen currently in Trost Headquarters' expansive courtyard. Plumes of dirt were kicked up by the horses being led from the nearby stables and harnessed in place. Figures brandishing symbols of both tangled roses and a unicorn atop a shield shared conversation in a low murmur as they readied relief supplies headed for Sina. The only person who seemed out of place was the man offering up another crate to Marco. The crate was accepted with a weak smile.
"Thanks," Marco said. "You don't have to trouble yourself, sir. My partner should be back to help me load the rest of this once he gets the paperwork squared away."
"Ain't no trouble," the older man said. He tilted the wide brim of his black hat up to reveal a grin. "I may not look it, but I'm actually a Captain. Helpin' you out is just part of my duty."
Marco slowly set down the crate in hand. "I apologize, Captain. I thought you might be one of the vendors; I hope I didn't cause any offense."
The man chuckled. "You're just as much of a gentleman as I've heard." He extended his hand in greeting. "The name's Kenny."
"Officer Marco Bodt," Marco said, accepting the outstretched hand. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Are you also working in part of the relief efforts?"
"Something like that," Kenny said. He propped his arms over the side of the wagon as he leaned forward. "I happened to spot you and felt the need to say hello. I'm a friend of that sister o' yours."
"Oh, you know Celine," Marco said. He made an effort to ensure his smile and the tone paired with it didn't seem hollow. "That's great. I'll be sure to mention I ran into you next time I see her."
"You do that," Kenny said. His smile widened. "In fact, I've been lookin' high and low for her, myself. I've been meaning to share my condolences after what happened with the gate."
The smile slid from Marco's face. "What do you know about that?"
"Nothin' much," Kenny said, tilting his head. "I just heard her step-mother was killed in the chaos and I wanted to offer my condolences. 'Suppose I should extend that to you as well."
Marco's gaze bore into Kenny's languid expression. He caught himself, the forced smile returning.
"Thank you, Captain," Marco said. He bent down to hop from the back of the wagon. The rear panel became locked in place as Marco arranged the pins to secure it closed. "I'll be sure to pass on your condolences to Celine."
"About that."
Kenny pushed himself from the wagon. He took slow steps until coming face-to-face with Marco. Them being the same height gave Marco a clear view of a faint scar running the length of Kenny's jaw, and the handful of false teeth in his grin. His breath reeking of alcohol and cigarettes unfortunately wasn't something uncommon among Military Police captains. What set him apart was the look behind his eyes. It was like Marco was the subject of a joke everyone but himself knew about.
"You may not know, but your sister and I work together from time to time," Kenny said. "There's actually been some developments on our project that requires her attention. The new Commander of the Scouts hasn't had the time to sit down with me yet, so I was hoping you could let me in on Celine's location."
Marco took a step back. The corner of his mouth twitched. "I'm sorry, Captain. I wasn't made aware of the location of where her mission is taking place."
"Pity," Kenny said. He put his hands in his pockets, leaning back against the wagon. "How 'bout the outpost where you would send a correspondence? My penmanship leaves a lot to be desired, but I could mail the little lady a letter."
Something clenched in Marco's gut.
"I'm sorry, I don't know."
Kenny continued to watch Marco with an expectant grin. "Oh? Now don't glare at me like that - I ain't lookin' to court her, if that's what you're thinking. You must be a busy fella always havin' to fight off suitors, huh? Your sister's a bit young for my taste, but she is a beauty."
"I apologize I couldn't be of any use to you, Captain," Marco said, looking to cut the conversation short. He made to step past Kenny, keeping his eyes averted. "I have to excuse myself to check the inventory statement. I hope you're able to find someone else who can offer you more aid."
A hand rested on Marco's shoulder. He came to a stop.
"Ya know, you two are more alike than I was expecting," Kenny said. He peered at Marco from under the brim of his hat. "The way she'd talk about you made it seem like you shit gold. I figured your sister only liked you so much cuz you were a doormat. But you just told me to fuck off like she would. Well, you know – usin' the kind of fancy language from the Interior to make it seem polite."
Marco's protest fell away when the grip on his shoulder turned into an affectionate pat on the back.
"You've got my respect," Kenny said. "I envy what you two have. That level of comradery isn't easy for a guy like me to come by. Gainin' that empathy … well, it's somethin' I'm still figuring out. Sorry to keep you, kiddo – just let that sister o' yours know I'm lookin' to catch up when you see her."
Kenny nodded in parting before turning away. He took a few steps before the sound of Marco's voice caused him to pause.
"She'll be back on the twenty-first," Marco said. "That was the latest update I received."
"That so?" Kenny said. The grin on his face stretched into something manic. He turned his back to Marco as he offered a lazy wave. "Much thanks. I'll be sure to have a welcome party ready for when she gets back."
Was telling him that the right thing to do?
Marco watched Kenny disappear into the shadows of the overhang across the courtyard. He clenched his fists.
Celine mentioned his name before, so I think he is a captain like he said. I did nothing wrong in that case. And if he's really her friend … She'll have someone, since I'm not …
Dirt rose up as Marco turned on his heel. He made his way toward the side door heading to the warehouse's office. His feeling of unease was pushed down with every step.