Since I posted chapter two, I've gotten back into exercise videos. I'm talking like those old 80's VHS tape rips that get posted on YouTube.

They're overall really great videos, but I just try not to think about how they're all probably either dead or old people raisins…

Chapter 3
Every Trolly Talks

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As the general's wife was left in the dark, your view transitions into a black cloud of billowing smoke. Not one of a factory aflame, but one supported by a glossy red steam engine billowing its fumes out its main funnel. It chugs along down its set path, letting its whistle sound off as the sun continued its climb into the sky.

Moving inside one of the train's many cabins and roomettes, two seemingly adorable individuals are resting soundly in their cots. That was up until the engine turned round the track, causing the eastern sun to cast its light down upon the former salary man.

I brush my hand over my eyes to stop the annoying light. Yet it was too late, that annoying celestial body had already woke me up from my pleasant dream. I feel even more irritated that my comfy bed was being ruined by the slight bumps and clocklike chugging the steam train gave off. "Oh how I miss you first class commercial flights," I bemoaned to myself as I sat up against the back of the bed frame.

I felt the urge to yawn and rub the gunk out of my eyes, and after doing so, I was able to look down and see Weiss and Koenig on the floor. Both of them were sitting cross legged on the carpeted walkway playing cards. I squinted, pouring a tiny bit of mana into my eyes to help adjust them. "Hm, it seems like they're playing Imperial Whist. At least, judging by the hands they were playing," I think to myself, recalling how my classmates back in war college played it behind our professor's back.

"Ahem," I cough out to get their attention. They seemed startled by the small noise, tensing up before just as quickly relaxing as they saw it was me making the noise. They both looked tired as they gave me an oddly quiet salute. "Morning Major," they whispered wearily. I gave them a weird look until I remembered who else was in the room.

I slowly turned my gaze up to the bed on the other side of the two person room. The creature was right where I put it last night, sleeping belly up with a gray blanket covering half of its pink skin. If it wasn't for its stomach moving up and down along with the sound of it slightly snoring I'd probably think it was dead. Especially with the soot from hours earlier still marking its face.

"Ah, that's why," I mumble to myself, pushing my legs off the edge of the bed as I look back at my men. "I should thank you four for offering to keep guard of it while I slept," I thanked, narrowing my eyes as I realized that Visha and Neumman were nowhere to be seen. "Where are those two anyways? Did they go off and find a better room?"

"No Major, they just decided to go get breakfast from the dining car and bring some back here for the rest of us. Couldn't exactly leave anyways with you still sound asleep," said Koenig, mumbling out that last part.

Normally I would have scolded the commander for his complaining, but these were odd circumstances. "Plus, I can't wait for Visha to come back with a fresh cup of coffee! I feel like I got hit by a truck," I grumbled, quickly twisting my back before I got back to business.

"Oh also, were there any strange observations involved with your watches? Obviously nothing overly lethal, but even the smallest things we can learn about this thing would help," I asked inquisitively.

"Well I can't say much for myself," began Koenig, "I was the second one to keep watch and it just slept like a baby while I kept an eye on it. But…" he concluded, stealing a glance at the slumbering alien.

"But…?" I asked confused, turning to gaze at a nervous looking Weiss. "First Lieutenant, what are you two hiding?" I question, glaring at both of them.

"We-we're not hiding anything ma'am, honest," he said, waving his hands nervously. "It's just… we never knew that you were that heavy of a sleeper."

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?" I nearly shouted, but before I could keep clawing at them for an answer, the door slid open to reveal her two missing commanders.

"Good morning Major, " greeted Visha, "I've brought you and everyone else coffee," she said quietly, tip-toeing into the cramped room with a tray holding four cups of hot coffee.

"Good morning too Major. I would salute you, but I have a whole buffet on my hands," joked Neumman as he walked inside after Visha, carrying an even larger metal platter full of bagels, eggs, and sausages.

"Jeez man, they let you get all of that?" asked a baffled Koenig.

"Yeah, those girls behind the counter made more than enough food to easily feed the whole battalion. Looked pretty good while serving it too," he said with a wink, setting the tray down on the carpet between the three men.

I made sure to keep a close eye on Visha as she gave her cups of ambrosia to Weiss and Koenig before finally sitting on the edge of the bed with me. "Here you go Major. I made it just how you liked it," she smiled as she handed me my liquid lifeline.

"Thank you Visha, I appreciate it," I thanked professionally, taking a long sip before giving off a relaxed sigh. "I guess I should be toasting this to you Being X. Thanks for sending her my way so I can enjoy her coffee as you ruin my life," I think to myself, humbly reflecting on my life as I take another deep sip of the bean broth.

I watched in dismay as Weiss also drank the coffee handed to him, only to have the gall to be dissatisfied by the luxury of caffeine. "Ugh, Ma'am, how can you down a cup like that?" he asked in disgust, opening the lid to look inside. "It's nearly black."

"Well first lieutenant, if you don't appreciate Visha's work, I would be more than happy to take it off your hands," I said nonchalantly as I beckoned his cup over with my free hand.

"Uhm, apologies for my rudeness Major, but I don't think someone that young should be drinking more than a cup of coffee a day," she pleaded worryingly.

I teasingly scowled at her. "Oh please, I'll worry about the consequences later. What are you, my doctor?" I joked back to her, causing everyone in the room to laugh lightly, at least for a little while.

After that, very few words were said between us as we stuffed our faces with fresh meats and carbs. It seemed like everyone was glad the food was fresh instead of the bars and moldy gruels that we had as rations, because everyone pitched in to lick the food tray clean.

Once that was done, the five of us stayed quiet. Not out of lack of things to say, but simply the fact that we were all enjoying the smooth ride. That was until…

"So Neumann, since you were out in the dining cart, were you able to observe how the rest of the battalion was handling last night?" I asked while I was wiping my mouth with a handkerchief.

The stout man thought about it for a moment before hesitantly responding with, "Better than I hoped honestly. From what I heard this morning, everyone was mostly talking about how well Dacia went. Except well… except when coming up with theories that is."

"Theories?" I asked, raising an inquisitive brow at my commander.

"Yeah, they came up with some wild ones like-"

"No. I want to hear yours Neumann," I smirk, catching him off guard.

"Me?"

"Yes of course you," I say smugly as I rest my chin on my open palm. "You can all speak freely here."

"Well…" he took a glance at the thing, "I don't know why it'd come here, but… if it spoke an earth language, it must've come here before right?"

"That's nonsense, the major didn't even find any kind of ship," noted Koenig.

"But-"

"Koenig's right Neumman," I said tersely, thinking back to the fiery ruins. "There wasn't any kind of ship. But that only makes me even more concerned."

"Why's that Ma'am?" chimed in Weiss.

"Isn't it obvious to all of you? If that thing did in fact not have a ship, that must mean it not only survived entering our atmosphere," I look back to the pink creature, feeling my heart start beating faster, "But also survived in the vacuum of space, completely exposed, for probably an unfathomable amount of distance and time. That's not even getting into how it could've spoken one of our languages," I concluded, folding my hands under my face as I watched everyone's reaction to that little bomb I dropped.

"There's no way…"

"I can't believe I slept close to that thing…"

"What a monster…" whispered Weiss, Neumman, and Koenig. All three of them were on the ground grieving about the worst possible scenarios when Visha spoke out.

"M-major, h-how about we don't think about what this thing can do. Let's, I dunno, talk about something else," she suggested, even though I could see she was just as shaken as the rest of them.

"Like what?" I asked, not moving my hands off my face.

"What's even the point…" mumbled Koenig, his head on his knees as he curled up into a ball. "If we're dealing with something like this, how would we be able to stop it if it… if it…"

"Please, don't start with that, any of you," pleaded Visha, "Uhm how about, Major. I've been curious. When did you ever have time to learn Akitsushieen?" she begged more than asked, trying desperately to get a conversation going.

"Hehe, time to pull out my cover story again," I think to myself, hiding my pride with a simple sigh.

"Sigh, it's rather fortunate really. While I was at college, I was looking for different ways the Empire could make allies outside the continent. It didn't take long for me to come up with the Akitsushima Dominion as that sort of alley."

"However, information on that nation is quite limited. By the time I was able to scrounge up more research about the island nation, I already took time to learn a substantial amount of the language. I didn't realize that they were very much an isolationist nation," I finished, looking back at the unchanged mood of the three men.

"Well, I'm glad you did learn it then Major…" said Vischa trying to seem excited. She looked back to her commanders with a sad expression.

"Hmm," I think to myself as I look at everyone's depressed state. "Perhaps I shouldn't have told them my thoughts," I pondered to myself as I closed my eyes. And as sad as it seemed, we all traveled the rest of the way in a tense, foreboding silence.

21:00
Capital Of The Fatherland: Berun

The silence made the train ride feel longer than it actually was.

They hadn't stayed awake as late as their previous escapade, but by the time we got into the city proper, the sun had already sunken down low enough to be replaced by the fluorescent bulbs of the militarist city. After that, it didn't take long for the engine to screech to a halt into Berun's vacant Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).

Vacant with civilians that is, not vacant of the various grunts and recruits, practically began forcing me and my battalion outside into the station's main platform. Unfortunately, I was still begrudgingly in charge of carrying the potential ball of mass destruction out into the open. This time I used the blanket it slept on rather than Visha's coat to cover its face and body from prying eyes.

As the grunts and other low ranking troops led my battalion to the station's side entrance, I saw a very familiar face. Standing between us and the cobblestone streets, was the blue haired Lieutenant Colonel who had a neutral expression coating his face. He was looking down at his round pocket watch, before putting it away as we approached him.

"Greetings soldiers of the 203rd, my name is Erich Von Rerugen, a Lieutenant Colonel stationed near strategic headquarters," he introduced, adjusting his glasses as he continued. "Start getting into proper formation, once that's settled I will give you your future orders for the remainder of the night," commanded the superior officer as my battalion began shuffling into order.

"Degurechaff," whispered the Lieutenant just loud enough for him to get my attention. I turned to see a slight frown on his face. "Stand by my side before we start if you would," he ordered as I nodded back to him, pacing my way next to him.

"What's wrong Colonel? Can't handle a speech by yourself," I joked as I stood at attention by his side.

"You know that's not the reason Major Degurechaff," he retorted with a hint of frustration. I couldn't help but notice his gaze turning to the round sheet in my arms. "Is that…?"

"Yes," I said simply as I watched him take a deep breath in before letting it out. "Would you like to see it?" I asked, my voice dripping with smugness.

"Absolutely not Degurechaff. Don't show that thing to anyone, strategic command is already in chaos about what to do about it. Luckily… Zettour already has a plan for this," he mumbled that last part, but before I could respond to that part, he turned his gaze back to my organized battalion with a resharpened look.

"An excellent formation gentleman. To begin with, allow me to congratulate you all," he gave off a fine salute, "On behalf of me, my colleagues, and everyone in the Empire as a whole. We thank you for your impressive bravery and even more impressive results against the Dacians. The Empire will take great pride in capitalizing on the opening you all made," he announced to them all.

I knew it was all mostly BS coming out of his mouth, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride when I saw everyone's various reactions to the praise. Even if I didn't initially want them, their personalities seemed to grow on me. Like a moss or a mold, but grow on me nonetheless.

"However despite that, we will need to ask more of you than initially requested of your rank," started the lieutenant, quieting everyone. "You see, we need you all to stay confidential about what occurred last night. And in order to ensure that, strategic command has offered to give all a large weekly check."

Her men cheered at the offer of more money, some of them talking happily amongst themselves. But heck could you blame them? I probably would too if I wasn't holding a living bomb in my hands. "Quiet all of you!" he yelled, causing them to quiet for the second time. "There is only one more stipulation to this sum of money. You are only allowed to stay within the confines of Berun until your next deployment. Failure to do so will not only discharge you from the military," Rerugen steeled himself for his next words, "But also the potential harm of your family members if we see your actions treacherous enough."

I almost felt bad as I inwardly laughed at that, only being stopped as everyone else began to mumbling in concern and Rerugen within earshot. "Funny, guess it pays to be an orphan. Not like I would, but I really could just get up and leave if I wanted to."

"Otherwise gentlemen, that will be all," he concluded, pointing to the road behind him where two buses were parked on the side of the road. "We will now transport you directly to Berun's main barracks where you will receive the first of your paychecks and also figure out your living situations. Any other questions?" asked Rerugen, scanning the anxious soldiers for any raised hands. "No? Then this is where we part ways," said the Lieutenant, giving one final salute. "May god protect all of you."

With those parting words, everyone nervously began walking down the station steps to get into the buses. I was moving as well before a hand landed on my shoulder. "Apologies for the confusion Major, but you will be taking the car over that way," said the blue haired Colonel, pointing further down the road to a black Volkswagen with tinted windows.

"This has trouble written all over it," I thought, yet all the same I thanked my commanding officer as I began to walk down the steps alongside everyone else.

"Major,"

"Hmm?" I hummed in confusion, turning my head to face Vischa as we continued to walk down together.

"Are you going to be okay, with... you know?" she asked worriedly, looking down at the cover body in my arms.

I scoffed at her as we touched down on the sidewalk. "Heh, you really think that little of me Vischa?"

"What n-no I didn't mean-"

"Stop the babbling, please. Look, I'm not sure how much it means to you, but sorry about what I said back on the train on the train. I didn't mean to make everyone feel so tense. Especially since it's all speculation," I glanced away before looking back up to her. "You've all survived worse, but I guess in retrospect it was a bit bleak."

"Also, quit your worrying about me. I'm your commanding officer, meaning I should be more concerned about you dying, it'd ruin my reputation after all. Besides, even if I did die," I feel a smirk playing on my lips as I say, "The only thing I'd regret is not having a sip of your coffee as I go out."

I was confused when I saw a touch of red on her cheeks, "Ah, she must be embarrassed. Perhaps I should have other people make my coffee so her ego doesn't get too big," I reasoned to myself as the person manning the bus shouted out, "Last call before we head out!"

The shout seemed to snap her out of whatever was on her mind, as her head was yanked out of the clouds. "I uhm, thanks for the compliment!" she thanked me before turning the other way to run after the bus. "May god keep you safe Major!"

"Er, same with you!" I shouted back, feeling more than a little awkward at the glorious praise of Being X. I sighed as she got into the transport bus, the door closing as they both took off down the street. I stood there for a bit, alone as the temperate fall breeze rustled through my messy hair. "And just like that, it's just you and me, huh bomber man," I said lightly to the hidden creature in my arms.

*Honk!*

"Alright, I'm coming!" I shout to the black car up ahead. "The nerve of this driver," I mutter to myself, stomping my way to the Volkswagon. I reach it, opening the door with my elbow as I step inside. "No no, please. Don't help the lady with her hands full," I complained to myself, making sure I carefully placed the snoring being onto the leather cushions beside me before I slammed the door.

"This is ridiculous," I mumbled to myself as I buckled in my seatbelt, "I better not be going to some sort of underground bunker."

"You're not, at least not yet," replied the driver in a voice that made me yelp out loud.

"Brigadier General!?" I yelped, saluting the silver haired man that was basically my direct boss. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry for yelling at you, please forgive me I thought-!"

"At ease Degurechaff please," growled the general, looking behind me from the driver's seat as I just dumbly covered my mouth with my hands. He glared at me, cursing under his breath as he put his eyes back on the road and began to pull into the street.

"Major…do you have any idea how big of a mess things have been for me today?" complained the older man.

"I don't know sir… I haven't been in-"

"It was rhetorical Degurechaff," he replied bitterly, swerving to the side and speeding up to pass another driver. "I haven't slept in days because of planning out our invasion of Dacia and the other combat situations across the Empire, and just when I get a single hour of rest, you call me at one o'clock in the morning and tell me that some alien fell from the sky!?" he roared out in frustration, passing another car as it honked at him. "The fuck am I supposed to think, huh!"

"Oh damn! What the hell do I say to him? He's pissed!" I pondered, squirming in my seat as he drove around like how my deranged uncle did back in my first life. "How about…", "Sir if we're not going to a bunker of sorts, where are we going?" I asked in a sing song voice.

"The hospital. We can't exactly put it in jail or imprison it can we?"

"I don't get what you mean by that," I say, feeling a nervous sweat break out across my skin.

"It's completely obvious, even you should understand through that thick skull of yours, Dummkopf," berated my boss, "We can't exactly chain up an intelligent creature who could potentially be part of a massive intergalactic empire. No, we need to respect it while doing our best to keep it under wraps from the rest of the world for as long as possible and- hold on a moment," said Zettour calmly as he furiously rolled down the window. "Du Arschloch! Out of my way asshole!" he belted out the window as he swerved past another driver in his way, causing me and the creature to slide all the way to the left side of the car.

"How much road rage does this geezer have!? Which is he trying to do first? Get us killed, or me to hurl out my breakfast!" I mentally fume as I hold onto the side of the car for dear life.

"And you Major," he glared through the rearview mirror at me.

"Yes?" I squeaked out.

"You're staying with that creature, for as long as we deem it necessary. I want you to treat it like it's an extension of you. I don't care if you complain about it, because if you mess up, by god if you screw this up. It could be the end for all of us! Understood!?"

"Yes sir!" I shouted back, just agreeing with him as my eyes were squeezed shut. Suddenly, we stopped completely, causing all the built momentum to make me slam my head against the headrest in front of me.

"Fucking finally," grumbled the general, as I clumsily opened the car door, hand clutching my head as I felt a bruise coming on. Stepping out of the death trap, I reached back in to pull out the creature. Zettour rolled down his window to give me another delusional order. "You are to put that thing in any room on the top floor. It doesn't matter which, we cleared them all out," grunted the man, reaching into his glove compartment to pull out a cigar.

He also pulled a lighter out of his pocket to light it, taking a huge gulp of the smoke before he blew it all out in my face. I choked on the horrible smell, not helping the migraine that was aching my mind. "And one last thing, more personal really…" he said slowly.

"Y-yes," I say wearily.

"If there are any problems, you call strategic HQ. Not me, strategic HQ, understood?" he growled through gritted teeth. "We'll have someone check in on you in the morning. Any questions?" he asked, taking another puff off his death stick. "Good." The bastard didn't even bother to wait as he rolled up his window and took off, leaving me in front of the hospital like some abandoned child.

I couldn't believe what just happened. I wanted to scream, to lash out at my boss, I wanted to grab my rifle and blow his stupid, FUCKING brains out. But noooooo, I couldn't do that, I had to walk into the empty hospital lobby and go up the rickety ass elevator. "Because what's proper workplace safety huh? Yeah, let's leave the old fossil who hasn't slept in days in charge of picking up the little girl holding either your savior or nuclear bomb in her arms!" I snapped to myself as the elevator chimed at the top floor, revealing the dark empty top floor.

I turned right into the closest room and plopped the son of a bitch right onto the hospital bed. I pulled the covers back so I could see that stupid, unassumingly cute face of this… "Actually…I have the perfect name for something like you," I say glaring at the snoring pink blob. "Being Y. Being Y is perfect for something like you. Because just like Being X, you make my life miserable again. At the very least I can make some sick joke as to whY you are doing this," I spat out as I turned on my heels away from the thing.

I took the seat directly in front of Being Y, crossing my arms as I glared at the creature in the darkened hospital room.

And there I sat, for however long I stayed awake. Glaring at Being Y with all the contempt I could muster. Wishing with all my being that this thing never, fucking existed.

Editing Number: 8/21/2024-8/21/2024