In the temporary hospital, next to the room where the corpses resided, doctor Julienne examined Lena thoroughly. She determined there weren't any permanent injuries to the head, but she shouldn't overexert herself for a couple of days, as headaches might persist. Both of her escorts took the news with a big sigh of relief, thanking the doctor profusely.
"It's my job, don't worry about it. Make sure the Colonel doesn't sneak in any strenuous work, because I suspect our patient not to be the obedient type." She smiled politely, knowing this might sound inappropriate if the Commander herself had heard.
"No problem, Doc. We'll watch her night and day!" Shiden announced enthusiastically.
"Let's try not to make it obvious, maybe taking shifts?" Shin proposed with total seriousness, ready to stand beside her anytime.
"Good thinkin' Reaper! I hate to give any satisfaction to the white wench, but we should make Lena stay here for one day more. If Primevére pressures her with food issues, she won't leave." They wanted to leave this cursed land and go back home, but Lena's safety came first.
"I doubt she'll negotiate with the 'non-humans' like us. Besides, the Legion started some weird moves, I think we shouldn't stall any longer. In the Federacy she'll have proper care and sick leave. If the fight breaks here, we will be stuck for God knows how long…" He wasn't keen on the idea, but they had to think realistically. Legion might retaliate after the flooding of their base, crushing the Republic once and for all. The tense atmosphere subsided when Lena exited the changing room in a borrowed orange dress, too big for her frame.
"Sorry, did you wait for long? This was the only piece of clothing we've found, that wasn't a hospital gown. Look at those sleeves, you can't see my hands in them!" She waved both of her hands, showing the discrepancy. None of the people said it out loud, but Lena had looked like an adorable bunny, or its carrot to be precise.
"Not at all, we're glad it's nothing serious. I've got the ointment for the bruises in my tent, if you're okay with that, I'll bring it to you later." He thought about the plausible excuse, but the bruising on her body had already taken a dark purple color. There was no telling if it would lead to a scar like his, but he promised himself he'd do anything to prevent that. Even if that had meant spending his salary on the high-quality medicines, he hadn't had access to in the Eighty-Six sector.
"Thank you! It honestly doesn't hurt so much, doctor Julienne gave me a painkiller shot. I feel like a newborn!" She replied confident in her assessment. Lena was ready to go back to commanding any minute now.
"As I've told you, this is a one-time thing, for your battered body to survive the journey. Don't think you're healthy because you don't feel anything, I'm warning you. It'll come back with double the force." The doctor wags her finger at the girl in orange, already feeling in her bones the upcoming disaster.
"Yes, yes. I remember! No all-nighters, stable position, no vigorous exercises. I got it, but we have a mission to complete!" Lena regained all her optimism, ready to fulfill her duties. She had no intention of delaying it solely for her own good.
"Raiden had called me to ask where we are and that they got some news. I've told him not to wait and some business stalled us, but it's your choice if you want to reveal what happened. I know it's quite… personal." Shin said truthfully, not wanting to expose her without her permission. He was aware she was a prideful woman, and that sort of encounter may not be something she wanted to announce.
"...Thank you. Both of you. What I would do without my two most loyal knights beside me…" She went into a surprise hug with both of them, jumping away immediately from pain. "Ouch. I didn't think that one through. Well, my mistake. The thank you still stands. Please, if you're able to, keep it a secret. Let's just say we were scouring the old basements for valuables or something…"
"Anything for ya, Your Majesty!" Shiden replied with pure devotion in her eyes.
"If you want to hide it, you'll need this." Shin untied the knot on the sentimental neckerchief surrounding his neck and went behind Lena. He carefully moved away her silver hair and placed the white fabric as gently as possible, tying it behind. This way, the fresh bruising would stay hidden from sight. When he had finished, he noticed her ears were completely red. Adorable was the only word occupying his mind.
"T-thanks. I-I haven't t-thought that f-far.." Lena, covered in blush from head to toe, stammered in response. Shiden felt a painful throb in her chest, but it was nothing she didn't know before. Her only consolation was the purple bracelet taking up Lena's left wrist. Nonetheless, she would stay at her side as a faithful knight, wishing for her eternal happiness.
"Damn, look how dark it is outside. You take the pea car with our lovely patient, I'll hop in the doc's car. Take care, Your Majesty!" She mustered a big smile and waved at the two people heading to the small vehicle. "Fuck my luck…"
"Don't fret, there will be another who'll sweep you off your feet. Especially if you taste in silver, the big delivery will soon enter the Federacy…" Julienne joked, trying to console a much younger soldier.
"Fuck no! Even if, it'll be hard to one-up the Bloody Regina…" She sighed, looking in the distance.
"You young people think everything is forever at your age. Life goes, and so will your feelings. Don't shut yourself up for new options, or you'll spend all your time sulking after her. You're not a slave of the Republic, a long life might await you. Look for happiness for yourself." The older woman patted her on the back, making Shiden feel a bit better. Maybe there was a brand new future somewhere, but fuck, now she needed a big pitcher of booze.
At the same time, the journey in Mr Snail on the way back proceeded in silence. Lena was too tired to discuss what had happened, and Shin wasn't keen on opening the fresh wounds. There was a lot they had to do tomorrow, but this day was far more intense than expected. He knew notifying her about Legion's movements was mandatory, but he was afraid she'd decide to move right away. It took him most of the ride to gather the strength.
"Legion started to move, they'll probably attack this place in a day or two. We'll have to move tomorrow by morning." He reluctantly revealed the news.
"I know we should move right now, but it's impossible. Yvonne Primevére won't mobilize the government in the middle of the night, no less citizens. As for the Processors, even without alcohol, they must be tired from partying. I'll notify everyone about the change of the departure time to early morning hours, would that be enough?" Lena admitted to herself she wasn't in prime condition, and reorganizing everything now would be beyond her capabilities. Besides, the people of the Republic were not fans of the hike in the mountains, telling them to go out at night unprepared would make most of them give up. Shin on the other hand felt deeply relieved about her rational decision, even if it didn't originate from her health concerns about herself.
"Yeah, if they keep the pace, it'll be enough. You can give the order now, the smart ones will go to sleep before tomorrow. That way eventual fighting wouldn't be such a problem." He added, aware of the increased amount of Shepards and Sheepdogs. They could be planning something insidious, but it was too late to speculate. The best they could do was to accelerate their plan by a few hours. Lena gave the updated commands, focusing the rest of the journey on responding to calls. When she was ready to exit the car, the big empty mansion suddenly became a scary place to be.
"...Shin?" She asked with her voice trembling a little. "Would you mind if I stayed in your hut tonight? I can sleep on the floor, quiet as a mouse."
"No need for that, we have a spare bed." Shin didn't need to ask why, he was about to propose he would stay here instead. A small part of him felt a bit disappointed, but he was adamant about making her the most comfortable. "Do you want to take anything from here? We probably won't have the time before the departure."
"Actually, yeah. You can go to the basement and bring the aforementioned chests with alcohol, just check if the contents aren't broken. When we're back in the Federacy, I'll make up for this unsuccessful grill. I'll go upstairs to take a few keepsakes." Shin nodded in agreement, asking her to yell if any problem occurred. The girl went upstairs, past her room, entering her parents' bedroom.
"Hi, Mom. Hi Dad. This is probably the last time I'll be here. Are you watching? I promise I'll fight until the end. I hope you'll be proud of me when you see me again." Tears escaped from her eyes when she uttered those sentences. The traces of her father were long gone, but the room had all her mom's stuff. She didn't go in properly before, thinking it would become real when she saw Margareta Milizé was not there anymore. Lena approached the nightstand, opening the drawer with a heavy heart. Just as promised, a starry box resided within.
August 27th Republic Year 368 (Stellar Year 2149)
2 days since the start of Legion's Large-Scale Offensive
The Brísingamen Squadron barely defeated the Dinosauria, with severe casualties both civilian and military. As the radar currently didn't display new reinforcements attacking immediately, many wanted to prematurely announce a victory.
"It's not over yet. They are changing their strategy, we have to prepare for a brutal siege. Many units are roaming in further Sectors, waiting for the arrival of reinforcements. We are basically in the dead-end." Lena calmly explained, not wanting people to make the same mistake. Celebrations would cause insufficient preparations when the next attack came, and the people of the Republic were more than likely to use a high percentage beverages. Drunken idiots in the middle of the battlefield were a recipe for disaster.
"What now? Just waiting before they start killing again?" Annette asked bitterly, knowing there was nothing they could do.
"Now we rest. It can resume anytime, we need to gather the energy. Please, try sleeping at least a little. I'll go to my house, to check if anyone stayed there…" Lena saw the plummeting morale, but currently, the lack of sleep was the biggest threat. "To all units. Gather in the first sector, reload, and refuel, after that, you can sleep. We have a few shelters prepared, feel free to use them. Food inside is also at your disposal. You'll be notified directly when we detect approaching units."
Not waiting for answers or questions, Lena asked Charlotte to relay the message to available Republic officers. She hitched a ride with Shana, who gave her a ride to her villa. It wasn't in bad shape, but a few missiles had already hit the structure. Lena had no idea how long they'll manage to preserve the First Sector, as the Legion kept going further. She had entered her silent home, without anyone answering her questions. Upstairs was empty, but her biggest hope was a vast and sturdy basement.
"Hello? Is anyone here?" A dark inside made her fear for the worst, but a familiar voice emerged from the shadows.
"L-Lena? I-is it over?" Her mother sat in the corner of the room, hugging her knees, swaying rhythmically. Margareta wasn't handling the situation well, with two loyal maids and the butler remaining at her side.
"We pushed away the first attack, but it's only a matter of time. We have a few hours tops, let's try to go up and get some sleep. There is no telling when we'll have such a peaceful moment again." Lena hugged her delicately, helping her to get up after. The woman took the news badly, with her eyes widening in horror.
"I'm sorry my baby, but mommy can't take it anymore. You know Rosie died sacrificing herself in front of my own eyes? I've seen so much blood and heard so many screams. Every second feels like an hour, this is hell. Lena, the Republic is doomed. This country wronged you, honey, you have no obligation to keep defending it. Everyone would understand. Please, Lena. Leave with me. Since you told me about the upcoming invasion I've been preparing. I bought an armored car, filled with fuel for many days. I even have tents and supplies for a few people. Please, run away with me. Don't try to be a saint, it's okay to choose your survival. If there are not many units here now, we stand a chance…" Her mother pleaded with all her might. The personnel seemed to know about the plan and fully supported it. They were always close to the Milizé family, so following them to the end of the world was natural.
"Mom, I know our chances are grim. But the Legion has control in the areas surrounding the Republic. Where would we go? It pains me, believe me. I wish nothing more than to go east as far as I can. But Mom, if I leave, this country will certainly fall. I can't leave my friends alone, waiting without hope for death. Can't you withstand a little longer? I swear I'll do everything in my might to survive." Lena held her hands, with unshaken resolve in her heart. She wouldn't run. There was a promise to keep fighting and she wouldn't give up, for them.
"Honey, there might not be another chance. I beg you, reconsider. I can't bear to stay here any longer, let's start anew. When you were little, you always wanted a house next to a forest. We can run to the edge of the continent, where no one will find us…" Tears were in the eyes of both women, as they knew no one would step down. They hugged, knowing this might be the last time. The staff also felt moved by the moment, with everyone needing a box of tissues.
"I want you to stay and trust me. But I won't stop you. Once there were people who headed east, bravely discarding the Republic. I have no idea what happened to them, but if there is a one-in-a-million chance they made it… please, tell them I didn't stop fighting. Try traveling at night, the Legion is less active then. I'll give you the radar, but it will be useless after you cross the border. Mom, I love you. I want you to know it. I'm really sorry we wasted so much time with a wall between us. I will always love you." Lena was shaking from the intensity of the emotions flowing through her, aware this was a final goodbye. The two plans had a slim chance of succeeding alone, wishing both to be fulfilled bordered on a miracle. Her mother gently stroked her hair, like she did when Lena was little. They called her their lovely Princess, during the serene days of uninterrupted happiness engraved in her memories.
"I love you too, my baby. I wish you went with me. If I find your friends there, I'll ask them for help. I'm sure my little brave Princess will find a way to stay alive. When it's all over, and you'll miss this lousy mother of yours, please, take a starry box from my nightstand. Everything I hold precious will be left with you, my baby. Remember I love you to the moon and back, my lovely child. I'm heartbroken to see how much you resemble your dad. You were born to lead people. This is your gift and a curse. I wish you could turn away your back from this place. But I've seen your stubbornness, just like Vaclav's. There is no force in the world capable of stopping you. Goodbye, my Princess. Mom will always love you." Margareta Milizé placed a soft kiss on her daughter's forehead, and with an aching heart, she left the building with her staff. Vladilena could only watch from inside, as the sturdy vehicle leaves her sight.