Clipped Wings

A Clover fanfiction written by: RinoaDestiny

Chapter 4

Before him stood the squad captain, whose code name was Hachi. Yet, for 284, the only appropriate form of address towards the other man would be "sir." Although the captain was a noncommissioned officer, he himself held no rank and was not enlisted in the Azaiean military. Defaulting to the usual respectful honorific was safe; he knew nothing about this man besides his brief profile.

Here now for an interview – he was the unfamiliar one, not affiliated with the immediate unit – 284 took his measure of the captain. Perhaps a year or two older than him, just as tall, and seemingly genial with an open earnest face. Simple glasses, reminding him with a pang of Ryuu, and the standard short haircut soldiers had. Even as he studied the other man, he could tell the captain did the same. Their purposes were different, though. For the captain, possibly to judge if he'd work well with his squad. For him, it was a critical matter of survival.

The captain's disposition would determine everything. If the man was more lenient, there was a chance of passing through this assignment unscathed by his unit. However, if the man was harsh, the possibility of mistreatment by the others would be high. Despite being the ace in their sleeve, he didn't belong and it wasn't inconceivable that resentment was present, already there against him.

Those in the military knew who he was and that at one point, he'd ordered soldiers against their own. Had personally killed their brothers-in-arms on multiple occasions. Nothing unexpected, but he was the enemy amongst them and therefore, mistrusted and shunned.

"Do you have any questions about your orders?"

"No, sir."

"I was told you were former military and a commissioned officer at that." The captain's expression was unreadable. "That makes it easier for us. You understand our objectives and require fewer explanations."

"Yes, sir."

"Before we depart, I want to let you know I've made a determination regarding your handler's instructions about your management. You're probably aware of them and the permissions it gives me and my squad. While I cannot rescind them, I will disregard them and order the others to do the same. So long as you're with us, you're one of us and I'll not have bullying and abuse among my men. You need not fear for your safety."

Stunned, he stared at the captain and then, fearing his action would be deemed insolence, dropped his gaze. He took a step back, distancing himself out of habit and precaution. "I… Thank you."

"It's nothing. You'll do your best work with your mind clear and no nearby threats, least of all us. Do you have a name? I like to know the people I work with."

"My paperwork refers to me as Agent 284. That's appropriate, sir."

"Appropriate, yes, but a number doesn't tell me much. It's not even a code name from which to infer meaning. Surely, you have one."

"I don't." Barus's threat from a few weeks ago lingered over him, malicious and always actionable. He dared not push his luck. "My conditioning, sir. It shouldn't be disturbed." Better to let the captain know than run the risk of everything being undone. He couldn't have been the only agent this squad has worked with? Was the captain always this amicable or had something about his background intrigued the other man? Why? "My former name is no longer applicable."

"Former?" the captain echoed, giving him a curious look.

"My fortunes changed, sir. After my capture."

The other man's unwavering gaze continued to study him, as if prying for clues. "If I asked, would you answer?"

"I have no rank. Would I have a choice?"

"Yes. You're offered one here. I'm not your handler."

284 paused, uncertain if this was a trap. Other people weren't as well-meaning, insofar as he knew since being in Azaiea for two and a half years. Trust could be misplaced with serious consequences down the line. He'd reason to know, having the scars to prove it. What if this captain was aligned with Barus and purposefully sought to win his trust, only then to backstab him?

He shivered, fearing the dire consequences. He'd never recover.

"Here." The captain clicked a button on his uniform lapel. "Recording's off. You may speak freely."

"You won't tell anyone?"

"No."

He took a deep breath and nodded. "What would you like to know, sir?"

"You mentioned capture. What were the circumstances, who were you, and what force or unit did you command? What was your rank?"

So much information to reveal and none that the captain already knew. Strange. Why didn't the other man know? Wasn't the information divulged to him, perhaps by the military officer behind this assignment? If not, why? Was there a reason this man was left in the dark about him?

Barus not disclosing the specifics was understandable. The Azaiean brass to one of their own?

"Take your time. I understand it's difficult."

"My former country fought an offensive against yours. Azaiea put up a strong counteroffensive, with numbers beyond what we estimated. The Special Forces Hisoku…" Another breath, remembrance threatening an onslaught of emotion. "I commanded its battalion."

"So you were a lieutenant colonel," the captain said, answering that question for him. No judgment in his face or tone. Not yet.

"Yes."

"And my country defeated your battalion."

"We were forced to retreat. I…my men managed to get out. Those closest to me. We lost two companies. My friend…" It hurt even thinking about Ryuu. What happened and because he was seriously injured and unknowing about Ryuu's plight, how he'd been unable to do anything to stop it. "He didn't make it. And me –"

"You were taken prisoner. No exchange? Negotiations?"

He shook his head. "Azaiea wasn't thinking about negotiations or prisoner exchange. No. They found something more valuable. Why give it up?"

"How long have you been here?"

"It'll be three years in six months."

Silence. The captain looked at him – sympathy or pity? – and nodded. "Allow me to extend my condolences regarding your friend. And my personal apology for what my country has done to you."

It was clear now why the Azaiean brass hadn't given his information to the young captain. With his softheartedness, he was a liability. Then, why in charge of an elite squad? Unless the Azaiean higher ups never meant to promote the man beyond this rank. Perhaps, like Ryuu, this man was also considered troublesome.

"I'd be careful, sir. Even with the recording off."

"You outranked me. Could've commanded my unit in this operation."

Caution flickered, a slight warning. "Sir, have I offended?"

Surprise in the captain's face, his glasses half-moons in the interior light. "No. You haven't. Why do you suppose so?"

"My former rank no longer matters. I have no command. It's yours I follow. I do not mean to give offense, if I have."

"Relax. You've done nothing of the sort."

The interview had gone smoothly and yet, 284 was uneasy. "Were my answers satisfactory, sir?"

"Yes. I believe I understand you a bit more now. Just one thing." The other man's gaze, now compassionate, remained on him. "Your former name. I know you're reluctant and forgive me again for asking, but…"

He raised his head higher, daring to meet the captain on almost equal ground. Almost. "Just here, sir. Outside, everyone knows me as 284." Barus was the exception, but his handler weaponized his name against him. Turned everything good about it to shame and guilt and twisted its syllables like a knife in his gut.

"Understood."

Facing the specter that haunted him for the past couple years – steeling himself just to vocalize the name that had been his – 284 felt a vast swell of grief. What he was. Who he had been. Who he was now. "It was Gingetsu, sir."

When he entered the transport vehicle, Tetsu glared at him and spat at his feet. The bigger man was the squad's communications specialist, one out of twelve assigned to this operation. A large face, small eyes, huge hands and open hostility despite the captain's order. Inside, the vehicle was large enough to fit sixteen men plus gear and weapons. Eleven soldiers sat within, waiting for their captain.

He was the thirteenth man and unwelcome. Not wishing to start trouble, 284 ignored Tetsu and made his way to the farthest edge of one of the long seats. Quietly, he sat down, looked as the captain entered and then directed his gaze to the floor. A few soldiers said something to their leader, none of which was for his ears.

The captain hadn't seen Tetsu's action. He wasn't about to bring it up.

As their driver got in the seat in the divided front compartment and the vehicle began to move, the soldiers started talking. Ribald jokes, the usual things military personnel discussed between themselves. No one spoke to him; he didn't bother inserting himself into conversations where he was unwanted. Instead, he stayed in his corner and remained silent.

It wasn't dissimilar from experiences in his former life, even when he held rank.

Except back then, he had Ryuu and the man liked to talk.

"Are you all right?"

Addressed by the captain, he looked up. Sitting across from him, the other man seemed concerned. He wasn't sure about what. "Yes."

"Don't waste your time with him, sir." A voice from near the doors, gruff and deep. "Fucking prick murdered our brothers. Should be six feet under."

"Enough, Ryuto." The captain's tone had changed, his face hard. "You were given an order."

"Yeah, not to beat the bastard into the ground. Ain't nothing against shit-talking."

"Ryuto's right, sir." Tetsu shot a glare at him, arms crossed. Unlike Ryuto, Tetsu's voice was higher. "We have to work with him because the bigwigs say so. Doesn't mean we need to tolerate him."

"You do and you will. I'll not have my order counteracted, understood?"

Keeping quiet, 284 listened and didn't react. It was best to act invisible, as though none of this existed around him. By being here, he affected unit cohesion, which was bad. He didn't want that to happen – it just did. Drawing the captain's attention was detrimental to the squad as well, favoritism to the newcomer an easy source of rage. He'd try not to do that.

"Yes, sir." Tetsu and Ryuto grumbled, both men falling silent.

Across from him, the other row of soldiers had less than cordial expressions. While they lingered in the background, harboring ill feelings, Tetsu and Ryuto spoke on their behalf. Despite the captain's order regarding his treatment, 284 sensed he wasn't safe among them. At least if removed from proximity with the captain.

He lowered his head, once again keeping his gaze down.

Felt someone looking at him. Didn't look up.

Several hours later after a switch in transportation from ground to air and on the last leg of the journey towards their destination, the captain approached him. On the flying transport, there was more room and he'd taken a spot far away from the others, not wishing to cause more disturbances. Azaiea had small winged craft, able to fly low for infiltration purposes and even these had port windows.

He was looking out one, seeing his reflection in the glass when the other man stopped before him. Since it was the captain, he turned around and accorded him respect by acknowledging his presence. Was he checking on him or was there something to discuss?

"You're welcome to join us. No need to be by yourself."

284 shook his head. "Your squad prefers each other's company. I'll be fine, sir." None of it a lie and a subtle hint at the unit's disdain of him, if the captain had chosen to ignore it for the time being. "Your men need you."

"I count you as one of us."

"They don't, sir. They have legitimate reasons for that."

The captain gave a quiet sigh and pushed his glasses upward on the bridge of his nose. "That may be so, but they won't disobey the order. Still, I've been thinking. When we reach our living quarters, take the room closest to mine. It's for your safety."

"Sir," he said, no question in his reply. Whatever the captain ordered was to be obeyed. After Tetsu and Ryuto's comments, the likelihood of being threatened was plausibly high; indignant people could be unreasonable, especially if there were many of them. Eleven was enough.

"Do you need anything? Food? Drink? Playing cards?"

"No, sir." The sunlit view outside was sufficient. "I'm fine."

"You need anything, let me know. It's another two hours before landing."

He nodded.

The captain made to lay his hand on his shoulder, but 284 jerked back, not wanting any physical contact. Startled, the other man withdrew his hand, stared at him for a second or two, and then gave a brief nod. Left, looking deep in thought.

He returned to his window, to his reflection (thinner, eyes hollow) and the view outside (sunlit water below). With the captain back with the squad, the soldiers' conversations had started again. Here in his corner, it was quieter, self-imposed isolation nothing new. All he had to do was complete his assignment; agents weren't expected to make friends, only acquaintances. Not difficult.

Azaiea would receive what they dispatched him for.