March 21st Republic Year 369 (Stellar Year 2150)
The night was cold, but the morning greeted the world with warm rays of sunshine from the early hours. Sleep was a rare luxury for Lena for the past few months, even more so with the whirlwind of emotions currently occupying her head. The silver-haired girl slowly got out of bed, still not used to the new reality. She really caught up to them. It's no longer an unachievable dream or an empty promise. They finally could stand next to each other as equals. Pride, shame, joy, and anxiety danced together inside her, swirling around like a few ballroom dancers during an uncoordinated waltz. A sudden knock on the doors disrupted the unending train of thought.
"Lena, what's taking you so long…." Annette's annoyed voice suggested, that they were already behind the schedule. "We are supposed to be in the office in the next 15 minutes, you have to hurry…"
"Just a minute! I promise!" Lena hurriedly fixed her black uniform to make sure everything was in its place, and quickly brushed her long, silver hair. The red string seemed to stick out more than usual. After a few unsuccessful attempts to tie them up in a neat ponytail, the girl sighed and just let them fall loose on her shoulders. Dark circles around her eyes were easily covered with makeup, but she decided that anything more than that was not necessary. It's not like it was her mother's preparations for the next grand Republic's ball. There was no need to doll up, no one was here to scold her for not caring enough about her outfits. Never before in her life had Lena thought that she would miss her nagging, with the disappointed gaze wishing that her daughter took more interest in the capital's social elites, than the military like her father. Finally, Vladilena Milizé looked sternly in the mirror for the final time and exhaled deeply. "I'm ready."
"You waited for this moment this long and now you're getting cold feet?" As always, nothing could go past Annette. "If anyone should be worried, it should be me… how can I face a friend I once abandoned.."
Deep inside Lena knew, that Shin probably didn't remember the events before the eighty-sixth sector, but telling so to her best friend seemed insensitive, so she decided to play it as a joke.
"Maybe we both should just ditch this meeting?" But it took only seconds for anxiety to take the lead role. Her face got pale, and the resolve she had gathered all night weakened. "What if I fall short of their expectations… two years have passed, but looking at how impressive the Morpho operation was, they probably grew a lot… Maybe I'm just a reminder of cruel things that they had to endure from Republic…"
"Stop it. Get it together Colonel, you haven't exactly stayed still all this time." Annette groaned, displeased with her friend's mood swings. It was the hundredth time they had the same conversation, and she was tired of it. "Besides, we don't have the luxury of putting it off. The Republic could fall at any time, so we have to get every help we can to save the refugees. Don't let your effort go to waste!"
"I know you're right, as always, but…" The conversation was cut short by arriving at the meeting point. Everyone was already there, the Eighty-Six squadron, Colonel Grethe, and Chef of staff Willem, the last one of which was visibly annoyed at the late arrival.
"We can finally start the briefing. Colonel Milizé was known to work with the Eighty-Six Strike Package during their time as the Republic soldiers. I know it'll probably lead to some opposition, but during the Rescue Operation, this kind of collaboration is necessary. If anyone opposes, you can now voice your concerns freely, but don't bring it up during the mission."
The heart inside of Lena's chest jumped to her throat and the feeling of her insides twisting from fear made her unable to speak even a word. Their short reunion didn't allow them to speak more about those past two years, so she had no idea what did they think of her now. She did not dare to look them in the eyes, for the fear of rejection or disgust. Every second felt like an eternity until the familiar voice broke the silence.
"Don't worry Chief, we all made the decision beforehand, to let Colonel Milizé lead us once again." The young man with piercing eyes like rubies spoke calmly but with resolve. It was a soothing voice that made all the pent-up stress melt in an instant, like a blanket on a cold night. Shinei Nouzen was even more impressive in person. Sure, she saw him for a brief moment when they reunited next to the Processors' memorial, but hearing the voice that once filled her days with anticipation, come together with a man from flesh and blood standing right before her was completely different. The wave of guilt came suddenly, unannounced. It was her home country that made them soldiers by force. Was making them take orders from a Republic officer really the right choice?
"Then, Captain Nouzen, your job is to take Colonel Milizé around our base. Major Penrose will come with me to the technical sector. Rest of you are dismissed."
"Yes sir." Shin replied shortly. His face didn't show it, but he was happy that the task was assigned to him. Although next to the joy he still couldn't shake off the embarrassment of the cockpit conversation he shared with Lena. After defeating Kiriya, or more precisely the Morpho railgun he thought that would be the end. The goal of putting his older brother, Rei's soul to rest was all that kept him going, he never entertained a thought about what came next. The suicidal craze was consuming his mind, nothing was left but a fight to the end. That is until he heard her silver-bell-like voice once again. Lena probably didn't know that, but for him, it was like an angel had come and saved him from despair. The touching reunion was however heard by almost everyone in the base, because of the official recording of military para-RAID communication available to all. In the moment he hadn't thought about that possibility, no, it didn't really matter if the alternative was not being saved at all. But the smirks of his comrades made it impossible to forget how his most intimate moment was shown to all.
"Colonel, do you want to see anything in particular?"
"No, just a general tour, since we've arrived I only stayed at my room and the headquarters" Lena smiled, but her eyes were focused on the ground. Now that they were left alone, she felt all the more conscious about the man standing next to her. What should she say? Ask how he's been? Beg for forgiveness on behalf of her country? Thank him for all he has done? Or maybe congratulate him for everything he has achieved on his own here? The questions were piling up, but the courage to speak was nowhere to be seen. Moments passed with unbearable silence between them, cut short by Shin expressing what bothered him the most.
"By the way Colonel, this gloomy look doesn't suit you at all. We didn't make the wish to not forget us as a way to make you feel burdened. If I knew it would end that way, I would never said something like that" Shin said firmly, feeling guilty about the weight he placed on Lena's shoulders. Asking her not to forget him and the Spearhead Squadron and leave them flowers as a commemoration was an honest plea, but since they were alive and reunited, he couldn't bear the sight of what had become of her in the two years of separation. "We are here. You don't have to keep mourning us. Besides, you clearly weren't meant to be a redhead."
"It's more than that Captain." Lena replied, knowing that the Bloody Reina image that she had created was like armor to her. Sure, it started just as a way to show her resilience against what the Republic was doing to Eighty-Six and to mourn her friends, but with time, it became her strength. Especially after the Legions' attack on San Magnolia, when she had to defend her homeland and make many tough decisions, it made it possible to cope, and get some distance. However, she felt that she had no right to dispute them, if it made them uncomfortable, she was willing to let it go in an instant. "But sure, let it be so. I'll have to wait for my new uniforms to arrive, but I have no idea how to wash away the red…" Shin smiled slightly, amused by her quick change of heart. In response to that, Lena couldn't help but chuckle. The tense atmosphere felt a little bit brighter.
"I know it might be too quick, but if you don't mind, could you call me just Lena when it's the two of us?" Her cheeks got red after mumbling the question. It hasn't been long since they reunited, and this was their first proper conversation. It could be way too soon, but she just couldn't bear the rift that the ranks have created yet again. It was a small start, amending their relationship could take time, but she didn't want to miss the opportunity. Shin seemed surprised by the sudden request but didn't hesitate to answer.
"Then, call me Shin"
"Okay Shin. I'm glad we met again." With this she gave him the biggest smile she could muster, trying to hide every worry in the back of her head. Lena hoped, that all her gratitude and longing she endured during those two years could somehow reach him with that one gesture.
In the bright, warm sun rays, crawling into the corridor through the open windows, there was no way that anyone could've seen the red tips of the boy's ears. The rest of the tour went smoothly, with seemingly light conversations about the Federacy, how things operated here, and what life was like for ordinary citizens. For Lena, everything about the Federal Republic of Giad seemed new, so she listened with curiosity, about the land that survived without trampling on other humans, where people of all colors were equal. When the peaceful evening ended, they parted ways going into their respective rooms, one floor between them. Unknowingly both made the same decision, to get a long, hot shower to wash the tension away. Shin couldn't understand, what to make of the feelings that hit him while seeing Lena for the first time. The familiar silver-bell-like voice paired so well with her gentle eyes, soft expressions, and lips that he couldn't take his eyes off. Two years passed, and there no longer was any distance separating them, but weirdly enough she seemed even further standing next to him. Like a fairy, ready to disappear at any moment, he knew that the shadow of the Republic still weighed her down. He wanted to break those walls like she once did to him, but Shin was quite clumsy in personal relationships. The boy had no idea where to start, but with the common journey ahead he knew, that the opportunities would show themselves. At the same time, Lena's mind mixed joy and guilt, like a sour-sweet taste in the back of her mouth. Shin was everything she thought he would be and more, the worry and longing that was with her for the past two years finally have found peace. The urge to touch the Para-RAID device and see if they would connect was slowly becoming unbearable. There were so many times when she tried that before, only to have silence as her answer. Lonely nights, wondering where her former Spearhead Squadron was, whether they were all safe, and what they were doing came to an end. She couldn't resist the urge to check if the curse really was broken.
"….Shin?" The voice took him by surprise, making him drop the empty cup in his hands.
"Lena? Is something wrong?" He felt a spike of anxiety.
"No… I'm just glad you're here again. Have a good night Shin."
He didn't need explaining, Para-RAID had the side function of transmitting some of the emotions of the user. Her relief was almost palpable. It was obvious why she had called.
"Sweet dreams. And...Lena. You can call me if you want to talk, anytime"
"Thanks, Shin. I missed our talks."
He didn't need to respond, they both felt that the two-year longing was mutual. Funny how easily people can get used to someone's presence in their life. For the first time in forever, they both slept soundly through the night.
December 24th Republic Year 367 (Stellar Year 2148)
243 days until the Legion's Large-Scale Offensive
After her dear Processors had left her, Lena felt like a child lost in a fog. House arrest and demotion meant nothing, but when a new unit was finally given under her command, she had to face a new reality. Ideally, Vladilena Milizé would spend all her time planning and preparing for an upcoming Legion Offensive, but the reality was waiting for her with different plans in mind.
"Lena, it's the Eve of the Holy Birth. It's just a minor occasion, but you know that my dear friend Monica is organizing a splendid yearly party. She promised that if you came, she'll introduce you to some lovely gentlemen..." Margareta Milizé loved her daughter dearly, but her view of the perfect life was significantly at odds with Lena's lifestyle.
"Mom, I've already told you I won't go. There is something work-related that I have to do, besides, last year she kept bringing up men who could have been my fathers." The girl despised the extravagant parties of ignorant people, who refused to face reality.
"I have spoken with Uncle Jérôme, you are completely free tonight. Besides, one of the conditions of your early release was the promise that you would take up the role of heiress to the family. If it were up to me, I'd rather you forget about this whole army thing. I agreed to this compromise only because of this commitment." It was true, that if Margareta Milizé and Jérôme Karlstahl hadn't struck a deal with all the other superiors, Lena could've been banned from entering the headquarters. Her mother's obligation was to make sure, that the only daughter of the Milizé family wouldn't bring shame to the upper class and all the Alba.
"Is there any way that I can skip this one? New Year's party is coming up soon..." She pleaded, but her mother was relentless. A few personal maids were waiting at the end of the corridor with numerous accessories, dresses, and make-up tools.
"I'm not forcing you to engage with anyone this instant, but you could follow the example of your friend. Henrietta combines work with social life, and her prospective partners are some of the best bachelors in the republic. Learn to enjoy life a little, and don't waste your time on those...Eighty-Six... like your father." Regret and longing echoed in her voice.
"They are people. I don't get why all of you choose this barbarism." Lena glared at her but obediently walked into the maids' hands. This was not the time to be stubborn if she had wanted her mother to take her side later.
When the maids finished the makeover, she truly looked like a princess. She wore a long, close-fitting silk dress in the colors of the sky, smoothly transitioning with a gradient, from the cloudless noon at the neck to the starry night at the ground. Crown braided hair was topped with a silver diadem, while white elbow-length gloves added elegance and sophistication.
"Now you truly look like my daughter!" Margareta exclaimed with satisfaction.
"Thanks, mom." She replied tiredly, not wanting to start another argument.
"The butler will escort you to the party, remember, Monica will tell me if you try to sneak out. You have to stay there and socialize until at least late at night. Call home when to pick you up." Lena's mother said with genuine concern, as she truly wanted the best for her daughter, even if she couldn't see that yet.
"Okay Mom, I will." The girl replied and followed the butler.
The first thing Lena did after greeting the hostess was to find her best friend in the crowd. It wasn't easy, as the mansion was absurdly vast and abundant. The cream of the crop of the capital honored this ball with their presence, and leeches and parasites followed them, trying to get into their good graces. When Lena finally saw Henrietta, there were already fifteen people whose invitation to dance she had rejected during the search.
"There you are! Why are you standing here alone? Don't tell me that another poor fella had his heart crushed..." Lena jokingly approached her best friend, but in reality, their relationship was still strained. She was glad Annette had chosen to help her with hacking the military system, but she was fully aware of the toll it took on her. Despite being friends for years, only one of them openly disagreed with the treatment of the Eighty-Six, while the other stuck to the status quo.
"You look all dolled up, I almost haven't recognized you. Have they finally decided to use a doppelganger to save the Milizé family?" Contrary to Lena's worries, Annette awkwardly tried to act like nothing had happened.
"If I had told you that I got a change of heart and decided to fulfill all of my duties for the Republic, would you believe me?" The girl responded with a serious tone.
"Not a chance, I'd rather believe they've finally figured out the brainwashing." She said while adjusting her glasses, with a look demanding an answer.
"There is no use in trying to fool you... I've got to be here for a few more hours, so let's find a more desolate space to talk."
"You might not remember, but the balcony on the second floor is a perfect... rendezvous point. My former fiance Derrick was so keen on showing it to me, only to then vomit all over my dress. He absolutely couldn't handle alcohol, but persisted on being my drinking buddy..." Annette recalled while guiding them through the mansion.
When they arrived the terrace was empty, but it carried traces of an intense love affair happening here not long ago. Lena decided to truthfully explain the detention and the terms of her early relief. It was then she had seen a shadow of remorse in her friend's eyes, that had nudged the Handler to lay out everything she had learned. The Legion's bypassing of their end date, brain collection, and possible grand attack had left Annette petrified.
"Have you told the commanders yet? If what you're saying is true, we are doomed. There are almost no Eighty-Six left, so if the war continues we're defenseless..." She rambled on and on about the ramifications. Lena let her friend calm down a bit and then continued.
"Headquarters chose to ignore the warnings. I pleaded with them to no avail. Republic's stubbornness is incurable. But I refuse to surrender and wait for a certain death. We need to prepare for the battle by ourselves." There was a change in her tone, she no longer wanted to be an idle idealist anymore. The reality was cruel, so Lena was willing to do anything to face it.
"But we are powerless. You saw what happened with the mortars, most of them were in a neglected condition, barely working. Republic's citizens won't join the fight, and even if we somehow prepare the firearms, there will be no one capable of using them." Annette's voice was shaky, full of despair and surrender. She knew that even if the two of them gave their all, it wouldn't amount to much.
"Would you rather wait for the demise while doing nothing? I know our chances are grim, but it's still better than none." Lena persisted. "We are the heiresses of the most wealthy and influential families in this country, if it will perish anyway, shouldn't we give our all?"
"I hate you sometimes." Henrietta van Penrose said with complete seriousness, then sighed. "So, what's the plan?"