Clipped Wings
A Clover fanfiction written by: RinoaDestiny
Chapter 10
Breakfast duty was not only informative regarding the total number of mercenaries, but also familiar. It reminded 284 of the mess hall and field missions and the soldiers assigned to those duties. While they didn't eat particularly well, it never hurt to have people who enjoyed cooking and had a culinary flair. This, it seemed, also applied to the mercenary unit – the Shrikes – despite appearing otherwise. Even hardened men preferred something better than field rations during downtime.
284, up since three in the morning, couldn't say he was good at cooking. His food was edible and he wasn't much for experimentation. Huang, a former Xiao Mao member (an ex-Azaiean), surpassed everyone in the kitchen. The man was a bit loud, decently friendly for a mercenary, and didn't mind showing him how to prepare a meal for multiple people. Standing beside him, learning a new skill, 284 wondered how Ryuu would've taken to Huang.
Unlike him, Ryuu had been chaotically happy throwing ingredients together. The effects on his stomach back then had varied; it wasn't always pleasant. But when it worked – when a miracle in the kitchen happened – his late friend had been just as loud, calling himself a genius, and pushing seconds or thirds on him.
A simpler time, when things weren't this complicated.
"Split that into those plates. Give me that," Huang said, pointing at a big container of flour in the corner. "We like our gravy. Been eating Yutenian for years now. Isn't a meal without some."
Not questioning this piece of wisdom from the Shrikes's cook, 284 dragged the heavy plastic container over by Huang. The man was in his element, saucepans and pots before him on the large stovetop like a general surveying the battlefield. Quietly going back to his tray, 284 divided the food into portions on the plates. Twenty plates, including his and Huang's and this was only half the outfit. The others were stationed nearby in separate lodgings, commanded by Teru's second.
Forty plus mercenaries – a decent-sized group. Not enough against Azaiea's full black ops, but not small by any means. Whether he'd meet the others depended on Teru's needs and decisions, as his second-in-command was quite capable. He learned all this from Huang, gathering information to better understand the men he was with. Unlike the Azaiean unit, there was a chance of bonding, no matter how temporary.
"We're almost ready. Move aside."
Standing away from the massive steel table, 284 observed Huang's final touches to the plates. Gravy, plenty of meat and bread, vegetables, and eggs – a standard military breakfast. Most of the mercenaries had to be former soldiers, if not from Yuten, then from other countries. Aside from the gravy, the rest was similar to what the Hisoku forces and other branches of the military in his former home country ate. Pain upon remembering, which he quickly suppressed.
"Kitchen duty eats last. We're on standby if the others want more."
"When will we know?"
"You'll know." A cryptic, yet confident answer. "We're first up for coffee today. Want some?" On one of the burners was a black coffee pot, its surface scuffed. Taking it by the handle, Huang gestured towards two battered steel mugs.
"Yes."
The other man handed him a full mug, pulled up a stool, and sat down. Following suit, 284 did the same. As he warmed his hands, steam rising from the cup, he wondered about the ex-Azaiean. What had caused him to leave his country behind, discarding citizenship for the mercenary life? Or the Xiao Mao rebel group, which played fair but with their own rules? Just money or was it something more?
"They'll be coming in soon, so get that down before it gets busy." As if setting an example, Huang took a gulp. "Never cooked before?"
"Not for this many people."
"Just yourself?"
He hesitated and then took a drink, mindful of the coffee's temperature. "Yes." Decided not to say anymore.
"You're a careful one. Good. We need more men like that."
He wasn't a conversationalist – not even with Ryuu had he said more than was necessary – yet, he did have those questions. "Why'd you join?"
"The Shrikes? Or you mean being a merc?"
"Both."
Huang gave him a discerning look, took another gulp, and set the mug aside. The man had high cheekbones, dark eyes, and black hair shorn close to the scalp. The Xiao Mao all had similar features, possibly originating from the same community within Azaiea. The Hisoku black ops knew them – sometimes cultivated working relationships – due to their reach in the underworld.
Ryuu had been one of them.
"Money, of course. Can't beat making your own destiny. Not saying it wasn't nice, the Xiao Mao. But," Huang said, shrugging, "your own backyard gets boring, right? Scrapping against Azaiean soldiers got old. So I left."
"And your citizenship?"
"What of it?" The other man smiled. "Don't mind wandering."
Silently, 284 pondered Huang's response, drinking his coffee before it cooled. Already, activity was happening outside the kitchen and above. It was six thirty, a little past dawn, and the other mercenaries would soon be here, hungry. His stomach rumbled, but he ignored it. Nothing that couldn't wait for a while.
"And you?"
Looking into his mug, 284 glimpsed an incomplete reflection upon the surface of what remained of his coffee. Heat slowly left his hands, its source dwindling. When he spoke, he kept his voice controlled. "The same. Money. A different way of life."
"Azaiea not doing too good for you, either, eh?"
"No." Finished, he stood and deposited the mug into the sink. "I'll make more coffee."
"There's a second pot brewing in the back. Empty the one we used before you start." The scrape of stool legs against the floor. "Ah, here they come."
Behind him, voices grew clearer and louder as the heavy kitchen door swung open. Laughter and the smell of cigarette smoke. "How's the new kid doing, Huang? Everything still looks edible."
"Fuck off, Ty." Huang sounded amused instead of angry. "Why don't you give the plates a lick?"
"You first."
"Extra gravy! You know it's a big job today, right? Gotta eat my fill."
"Got you covered, Daro. Coffee?"
As the coffee brewed on one of the burners, 284 kept busy washing the dishes and helping Huang out. The other mercenaries didn't stay around long, taking their food outside. This time around, he managed the stovetop with its pots and pans. The gravy quickly disappeared and more had to be made. Extra meat was fried and bread sliced, all demolished upon placing on the table. They ran out of eggs.
It was different, serving from the other side compared to his former position. Not a bad feeling, being useful like this.
Off to the side, Huang set two full plates. Theirs, for when they could eat. Having suppressed his hunger pangs, 284 took his eyes off them and refocused on the task at hand. When Teru entered, checking on his first day, he was glad he had.
"How's he doing, Huang?"
"Not too bad. Learns quickly. Give him a few days and he'll manage by himself."
The mercenary leader's gaze fixed upon him for a few seconds; Teru nodded and picked up a plate. "We leave in an hour. Get some food in you and get ready."
"We'll be ready."
Given the go-ahead to eat, he and Huang rushed through their breakfast. It was like eating in a hurry on the field prior to commencement of an operation. While the hot food tasted like what he had before in his former life, the gravy was rich and comforting. Whatever Huang had added to it, it left his mouth refreshed. About to return to the dishes, he stopped when the other man spoke.
"I'll take care of those. Get your gear together and join the others in the main room."
He didn't need to ask where. Leaving his plate in the sink, he promptly exited and went towards the sleeping quarters where his meager belongings were. His sidearm was long gone, bartered for food, but he brought forth a knife and strapped that to his belt. Not knowing his role in the upcoming job, he decided to await orders from Teru. Perhaps, as the newcomer, he wouldn't be expected to be part of the offensive. There was always a need for support roles, such as communications, drivers, and technical specialists.
The main room was packed, men waiting around and prepared. Those going on the offensive were obvious – helmets and face masks, uniforms, and weapons ready – while those likely serving as support were lightly armed and just as alert. Teru watched him as he entered, expression neutral. 284 could feel himself added to a mental tally. Standing near but not touching any of the other mercenaries, he bided his time.
Only when Huang entered, dressed for conflict, did Teru address them.
"Most of you already know the details, so I'll spare you the rundown. Yu, since you're new, you'll assist with the support staff. Daro and the others in that corner will show you how it's done. There's a dispute that Yuten's authorities have given us the right to resolve with blood, since negotiations have failed. Since it's a big job, the second half of the outfit will pincer the bastards from behind."
"Nice payday for us," one of the men called out.
"It will be when we succeed. Don't get too ahead of yourself, Mirke."
Some of the mercenaries around Mirke – a shorter man with cropped blond hair – snickered. Mirke, unfazed, merely grinned.
"Daro, keep Yu in the van with the equipment. It may be best that he's unseen."
The lanky mercenary raised a brow, question unasked. "Sure, Teru."
"Set your watches. Let's go."
The Shrikes's support staff dealt with communication relays, encrypted messages, and logistics. Although Daro gave him a questioning glance from time to time, the other man helped him adjust and settled him further within the work van. To be out of sight and surrounded by competent men put 284 at ease. Like with kitchen duty, he applied himself, using his analytical skills when necessary.
Daro, the head of the support staff, also worked together with four others: Kin, serious, small, and fierce; Hans, talkative yet efficient; Xie, taciturn and another former Xiao Mao member (an assumption based on his name); and Mori, lightning-quick and tactful. As the sixth member, he himself became the in-between role, learning once again while in action.
"Unit to your left, Teru. Six men, laser guns."
"Second squad moving in from the west."
"Perfect," Daro said, attention focused on the screen with its coordinates and unit movements. "Just in time."
Having sat in war room situations before, 284 observed the proceedings and listened attentively to the noise from his end. He was to catch any relevant information in between the chatter and background sounds, while the others handled their specific information gathering and relays from certain people. He was in training, yet his part was no less important.
"Teru, Errowe's moving in from the west," Daro said, notifying the mercenary leader of his second's advancement.
Kin, tattoos on his face bright, looked up. "Enemy movement spotted southeast."
"Hostiles coming from the southeast," Daro relayed.
"Hear anything, Yu?" Mori asked him, looking towards his direction.
"No." He frowned. "Should I look out for something particular?"
The other man shook his head, light glinting off his glasses. "Just checking. You hear anything, say it."
"Fighting's started in the first quadrant," Hans reported, pointing at the screen. "Looks like we may get a clash in the third quadrant soon."
"Teru's going to join with Errowe once their units converge." Daro, eyes constantly on the screen, provided them with the latest update. "Xie, anything from your end?"
Xie shook his head, the dim light accenting the steel beads in his braided hair. "Quiet here, Daro."
Amid the information exchanges, 284 concentrated and let some of his Clover power out. Despite the fact that he wasn't within range of the action, his hearing could be attuned and sharpened, allowing him to hear things he normally couldn't. That was as far as his capabilities went as a Two-Leaf in this regard; Ran, back when he was his ward, would've picked up on sounds even without the earpiece on. A Four-Leaf could hear anything without needing devices. Since he wasn't Ran or Suu, 284 listened intently and frowned.
"Something, Yu?"
"I think…" Somewhere in the background sounds, there was a muted noise. It seemed strangely familiar. "Does the enemy use electronic traps?"
"You mean EMPs?"
"Full field stun or paralysis traps." He mightn't know the enemy the Shrikes were paid to destroy, but he recognized the muted humming noise beneath everything else. "Did the enemy anticipate action in quadrant three?"
"Oh shit!" Hans's face went pale.
Daro, without missing a beat, began to talk. "Xie, patch in Errowe to same line as Teru. Teru, divert course. Third quadrant might be rigged to instant-stun. Errowe, if you copy, also change course or stay where you are."
284 couldn't hear the responses, yet by Daro's changing expression, it appeared both leaders got the message. Relief overcame anxiety and concern on the other man's face.
"Those are buried underground! How were you able to tell?" Kin asked, staring at him in disbelief and suspicion. "You need scourers for those!"
"I heard it," he stated simply, aware everyone was looking at him.
"This a specialty of yours?" Mori was dumbfounded by his expression, but trying to understand. "Never heard of people being able to do that. Thought it was only animals."
Carefully, 284 navigated the shoals of this situation. "You might say that."
"Whatever it is, it's helpful," Daro said, breaking into the conversation and changing the mood. "Teru and Errowe will switch tactics and maneuver into a more advantageous position. Third quadrant is no-man's land – let those who planted the traps decide if they want to chance it. Yu, continue listening. I'm going to shift you to the second quadrant."
He understood. If their opposition was in the fourth quadrant and the Shrikes didn't fall for the traps, the only other pathway would be to cut into the second quadrant. First quadrant was already occupied with forces and the decisive clash would occur in the second.
Only a poor strategist would try the same ploy twice; in fact, he didn't expect traps in the second quadrant. The fighting would probably be straightforward; nonetheless, he focused. The only sounds his ears picked up from all the linked earpieces, however, were the tramping of feet, the clatter of weapons, shouts, screams, and the telltale firing of lasers.
Disturbingly, even when it was obvious someone had died, their device remained live. Using this to create a vague mental map, 284 pieced together what he believed was happening on the field. The Shrikes were winning – mercenaries didn't play by the rules, but neither did private armies if this was their enemy – despite the losses. Perhaps one-third dead?
"Nothing alarming, but I think we're winning," he said, his voice dominant in the tense silence.
"How can you tell?" Mori asking, not Daro. No skepticism, just the other mercenary seeking an answer.
Raising his hand, 284 touched his earpiece. "When someone dies, the sound drops off. I kept count." From the unnerved expressions on the other men's faces, his explanation must've sounded strange. "Haven't heard any calls for retreat and the numbers have been steady for the past few minutes." A quick glance at Daro's screen confirmed the Shrikes's aggressive advancement. Then, another device's sound fell away, seconds after a sudden scream.
"Was that another?"
"Yes," he said, mentally recalculating the tally.
"Yu," Daro addressed him, turning away from the screen, "how many?"
"Fourteen."
Grumbling, Kin shot him a wary glance. "Too damn many."
"Hans, Xie – anything? Or is it locked down?"
"Think it's locked down, Daro. Yu's right. We've got this." Even in the faint light, Hans's color seemed to have returned. "Not counting the casualties in the first quadrant earlier, we should succeed without overwhelming losses. May have to recruit some new members later, but that's easily done."
"How many did we lose earlier?" 284 asked, not liking the increasing death count.
"Not sure. We'll find out later once Teru and Errowe debrief and fill us in."
"Why? You didn't hear it before?"
"None of that, Kin," Daro said in a chiding tone. "Yu wasn't responsible for the first quadrant. You have issues, bring it up later once this is over. Should be grateful he helped us avoid a slaughter."
"Fucking weird and you know it. Hearing shit we can't."
"Good thing he did. Or do you want to be out there, stepping on one of them traps?"
Like before, people feared what they couldn't understand and he was one of those. Flicking a quick glance at his left wrist – covered by his sleeve – 284 let Kin's hostility pass over him, uttering no words in his defense. The numbers would tell and so would the surviving members of the Shrikes. The mere fact that their work van hadn't been found and destroyed meant the enemy had been thoroughly eliminated.
"Yes, Teru – I'm here. What's the situation?"
Like the others, he turned his full attention onto Daro, who was receiving the current update. Depending on the news, the conflict was either going to be protracted or it was over and they could return after collecting their fee. With the final death count yet unknown, the possibility of them joining in as offensive roles was a near guarantee.
"Okay. We'll start heading back. I'll give you the report afterwards."
Xie as the driver left the back of the van, shutting and securing the doors and within a minute or two, they were off. Kin, having moved away, closed his eyes and crossed his arms. Mori inquired as to the status on the field, Daro answering him; surprisingly, Hans listened without interrupting. In the corner, 284 caught a few words – everything was done, the field was clear, Teru was going to collect the payment – and relaxed.
Allowed himself to sleep, if only for a bit.
Lunch duty was someone else, but as the first people back, they quickly prepared the place for the others returning shortly. Without Huang there, 284 did what he could in the kitchen and then assisted Daro and Hans. While Kin ignored him, still spooked by what happened in the van, Mori and Xie helped tidy the main room and then went outside to stand guard. Keeping his knife on him, 284 quietly waited.
By the time the others arrived, four hours had passed and the food was cold. Not counting themselves, seven men returned. One of them was Errowe, easily recognized because he accompanied Teru. For the remaining five, Huang, Alten, Mirke, and two others 284 didn't know had survived. Ty and Kuroi and six others were missing. A significant decrease and he'd counted fourteen, but Hans had confirmed more had been lost in the first phase of fighting. Now, he knew.
The Shrikes had been whittled down to almost half.
Who had their enemies been, to do this much damage to an experienced outfit?
He didn't ask this question. He joined the others in finishing a quick meal, cleaning up, and then awaiting the order for what he should do next. Unlike the rest, he was still learning how it worked here and where he fit in its hierarchy. Kin had retired, Huang was moody, and Alten continued treating those needing his attention. Daro had left with Teru and Errowe, presumably to report on the support staff's activities in the field, while Mirke went outside for a smoke.
No one bothered him, though he received some greetings.
With nothing to do, 284 wondered if he should retire to the sleeping quarters – likely where Kin was – or request a task. His day felt unfinished, somehow, and until he was certain there was nothing left to do, he dared not presume to leave. After Alten's patients exited, Alten approached him. The medic was short and lean, muscles compact under his shirt, and had a piercing gaze.
"Are you injured, Yu?"
He shook his head. "Where are the others? The ones who didn't make it?"
"They've been brought back. We'll bury them tonight."
"Who was the enemy?" he asked quietly, watching Alten. The other man's expression didn't change, serious and calm-eyed.
"A faction the Yutenian government tried to pacify with money and other incentives. When negotiations fell apart violently, the faction armed themselves for rebellion. So our services were secretly requested to put an end to them."
"They were prepared."
"Yes. Against what, they didn't know, but they were."
It explained the deaths and the traps. Their enemy had put up fierce resistance, strong enough to kill a considerable number of mercenaries. If the traps hadn't been detected and had been sprung, the Shrikes would've been massacred. Stunned and paralyzed men were easy prey. Microfilament traps worked the same way; fortunately, they hadn't encountered any today.
"Yu, we need to speak to you. Please join us."
Surprised, 284 turned towards Teru, whose cool stare revealed nothing. The door behind him was open, Daro and Errowe visible inside the side room that served as an office. Alten clapped him on the back, making him flinch, and without wasting time, he hurried towards the mercenary leader. Once inside, Teru closed the door and locked it.
"Take a seat."
284 obeyed, not sure what this was about. Errowe, studying him with curious gray eyes, was seated behind a desk. Daro was on his left, also observing him. Nervous, he refrained from licking his lips, which were dry. The seat was adequate, not uncomfortable, and yet, he felt apprehensive.
"So, Daro told me about the traps. About your part in revealing them and how it unsettled the rest of the staff. No scourers were deployed in the field, correct, Daro?"
"That's correct."
"My question to you, Yu, regards your claim that you heard them. How?"
"I just did," he answered, understanding the reason for Teru's consternation. It was the reason why Kin avoided him, possibly seeing him as a threat. They were unaware of his true identity as a Clover – the one aspect of himself that didn't change over the past couple years. It was best that fact remained unknown.
"I need a better explanation than that." The mercenary leader strode towards the desk and placed a hand upon the surface. "Those traps are only discernable by specialized mechanical devices, not by human ears. Yet, you're telling me you heard it over your earpiece while you weren't even physically in the third quadrant?"
"Yes."
Errowe leaned over, expression less severe but still disturbed. "Did you have work done? To enhance your hearing?"
"No."
"From what Teru told me, you're former black ops. Perhaps this is a specific specialty of yours? It's been some time since I've been in black ops training and technologies move fast."
284 realized Errowe, despite meeting him for the first time, was trying to ease the intensity of his interrogation. Trying to give him an answer to calm Teru's fears. Daro, quietly listening, simply looked at him with an expressionless face. He could say it was a specialization of his – a unique quirk – but there wasn't any such thing in any military or paramilitary that he knew.
"No. It's just something I can do."
"What did the traps sound like?" Teru's tone was curt.
He didn't blink or react to the man's change in attitude. Was too experienced for that; only Barus and what he'd undergone at his hands still terrified him. "A low humming. They were underground."
"The same sound the scourers catch," Teru said, giving him a wary look. "You were also able to figure out how many men died in the field?"
"Only when given access to the devices in a specific quadrant."
"How many in the second quadrant?"
"Fourteen."
At his reply, Errowe and Teru exchanged a glance. It was Errowe who spoke. "That's accurate. We lost fourteen men total in the second quadrant but seventeen overall. Eight deaths in your unit and nine in mine."
"Yu wasn't monitoring the first quadrant," Daro said, interrupting.
"How were you able to tell?" Teru asked, frowning.
"The sound drops off when someone dies. Becomes fainter." He wasn't sure if Teru liked his response, but it was the truth. "I started keeping count."
Again, the look between Teru and his second before being redirected at him. Acting like it was the Council ascertaining the information he provided allowed him to maintain composure. This wasn't anything new – he'd been questioned before in debriefings. It was just…different when it was two mercenary leaders judging if he was a problem in their ranks.
He didn't want to cause trouble. Had helped save lives.
Daro, still silent and observant beside him, was his witness to this particular fact.
After a few seconds, Teru sighed heavily. "You've made Kin cautious and he's not easy to handle when he's like that. I'll talk to him later, since I don't want division due to this strangeness. Yu, you've done us a service, but I need you to be circumspect on what you can do. If something like this comes up again, keep the reasons to yourself until you can bring it to me. Only I need to know the details."
"What if it's critical?" 284 asked, voice still quiet. "Like with the traps?"
"Relay what you discovered, but do not reveal how you did. Even if the others ask."
He nodded, giving Daro a quick glance. The man had been sympathetic, despite being taken aback.
Behind the desk, Errowe pushed the chair back and visibly relaxed. "You're not to blame, Yu. We're just not used to surprises from our recruits. Since you did your job and also successfully aided us in avoiding a catastrophic defeat, I say you've earned the right to two thousand five hundred as your cut. Teru?"
"That's fine. It's ten percent."
"We'll give you the payment during distribution. Daro, Yu – you may both leave."
"None of this leaves the room, understood?" Teru's tone was blunt, his jaw set.
"Yes," Daro answered.
"Yes," 284 replied, feeling as though he'd barely dodged something harrowing.
"Dinner duty tonight, Daro. Yu, you may help wherever you're needed. Do not speak to Kin."
Again, he nodded.
"Go, both of you. I'll see you later."
Dismissed, 284 followed Daro out of Teru's office, not saying a word. Daro, still quiet and watchful, turned ahead of him as the door closed behind them. The other man's shoulders sagged.
"Had to report it, Yu. Didn't go too badly there, huh?"
"No." It could've, though. He might've been considered suspect and without Teru's trust, he wouldn't last long here. "Do you need help?"
"I'm going to take a rest. You?"
"Maybe later." He didn't know where to go or what to do. There were already men posted on watch outside, but he didn't want to expose his whereabouts with Barus on the hunt. Teru would manage the situation with Kin, so best if he stayed out of his way. Huang and Alten weren't present and Ty and Kuroi were dead. Mirke, possibly, was taking a long smoking session. He was by himself, as it appeared his life was meant to be.
"Dinner, then. Kitchen at five."
"I'll be there."
Then, it was just him in an empty room. Taking a seat, 284 leaned back and stared at the ceiling. Two thousand five hundred in Yutenian currency would last him a week and a half. It was doable and yet, leaving prematurely this far from his former homeland was a huge risk. The Azaiean black ops net had been cast wide and he wouldn't remain hidden long if isolated. Worst, he might be captured.
No, he'd stay with the Shrikes until the time was right.
Timing was everything.
