Code 365 Project Memory

Datum 47 : Conspiracies

"You complement way too much, Admiral—"

"Please, just call me Algis. As if we didn't know each other back then, Maris." He said gently that somehow sounded genuine.

The tall gentle admiral then chuckled on his most formal way and offered his hand to lead the way.

"Shall we? The higher ups are waiting for us." He smiled as I started to walk along side with him.

The silence between us was nerve wrecking as the awkwardness started to fill in the dead space in my ear.

Snappy salute was given by the door guards as we finally made it through the venue of the said meeting. The door opened and we were welcomed by the different leaders of each of military sectors of both Xavierheld and EAF.

As the steel door shut sealed, my eyes wandered through the whole dimmed room. From the very end of the long table, seated the mighty 7 leaders of EAF, a thing so rare and difficult to see even for the military officials.

It seems that this meeting isn't just an ordinary emergency gathering. There's something more for these events.

Algis then moved a chair and offered a seat, as different leaders from the cities of Xavierheld manifested different emotions on their faces, a thing that somehow made me self-conscious.

Whispers and gossips started to fill the whole room and was mixing along with the voices of the real agenda of the meeting.

"Isn't that Admiral Maris Einsmann?"

"Wow! I never thought the Admiral leader of Xavierheld Military is that beautiful!"

"I heard she was supposed to marry the late Admiral Yohannes? And isn't that Admiral Algis Clements of Verdue city?"

"Isn't he the Admiral's ex lover?"

"shhh—"

"Try not to mind them, Maris. Remember that you're way more superior than them. Even on me." he whispered calmly onto me as he sat down beside me.

He remained silent and unaffected as he opened the hologram tablet in front of him. I cannot help but to discreetly let go of a sigh.

This is really awkward. Of all the times, why now?

Everybody's whispers and chatter slowly became a dead silence as one of the 7 powerful leaders stood up from his chair. All eyes pressed onto him.

His gray hair all clean and fancy as he wandered his tired but fierce eyes onto the whole room. A strong sense of authority commanded the whole room to put their full attention onto him.

"I thank you all for the speedy gathering despite how late it is, duty still calls us here. It is to my greatest joy to inform all of you that after 6 months of full efforts and collaboration of the Earth Alliance Forces and the Xavierheld Military, this humble mission had finally came to an end."

He then moved forward towards the table, making sure that every single ear will listen onto his voice.

"THE HEIR HAS BEEN FINALLY RETRIEVED!!!"

He exclaimed full of joy as the roaring joyous sounds of applause and cheers slowly filled the room.

My worry some eyes looked anxiously onto my clasped hands.

For some reasons, I felt uncomfortable. A thing I cannot really explain at the moment as I clap my hands trying to conceal the unknown worry inside my chest.

There. There's something wrong all about these things!!

"This mission would never come to a fruitful success if it wasn't for the cooperation of the mighty Xavierheld Military, and the full efforts of the great Admiral Maris Einsmann."

Within the split seconds, all eyes and attention were focused onto me. A disturbing feeling of anxiety and worry filled every single corner of my body.

I..I feel guilty. I am not even worthy of their praise.

"Maris—"

I stood firmly, cutting Algis' words and looked upon the whole crowd, my eyes locked onto the 7 high seats.

"Thank you so much, your grace. I couldn't even ask for more compliments. The Xavierheld Military just did their part on this collaborative mission as both are sisters by blood." I spoke as I try to hide my trembling.

"You are as humble as the egrets bow on earth. Truly an impressive leader. The EAF admires your skills." One of the higher officials added.

I closed my eyes and nodded to give respect. I turned my head and Algis was calmly smiling towards me that gave me a confusing emotion.

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With my cold clammy hands, I gently arranged the chair I sat down towards the table. Everybody was already leaving. Everybody was astonished on how short the emergency meeting was.

The 7 leaders made their way back, escorted heavily as the usual. I let go of a sigh.

I am not even sure on what's going to happen after this. My eyes focused on the papers on the table.

Since the mission already carried out successfully, the search team of both EAF and Xavierheld will finally part ways, and will carry on their final mission.

To protect the heir on and during his coronation night, few days from now.

But... it seems that the scenes are happening way too fast. That also means, Vaughn and Stella will have their time shortened and will be back to their normal assignment.

If they tend to be back in their original positions in the military, there will be a chance for Profile reviews—

That means—

"Maris?"

My eyes widened Algis' voice interrupted my thoughts. His golden eyes full of worry as he looked onto me.

"Wha— I mean."

"You should get going now and rest. Managing the whole military isn't a simple work." He replied concernedly.

"Y...yes, you're right. Its been nice seeing you again, Algis." I stuttered but faced him once more, gave a snappy salute and nodded.

"Likewise, Maris. And we will be seeing each other more often, then." He smiled mysteriously that made me more curious.

I found myself nodding back and slowly turning back and walking away out of the room.

Algis' Point of View

I cannot help but to stare at her while she walks away from me and this empty room. It's been years. I never knew that I will find out the unfortunate events about her and Yohannes.

As I closed my eyes, I heard something being laid down on the side of the table. I gave an indirect glance to the said person behind me.

"Is that it?"

"Yes, admiral. I had a little bit of difficulty acquiring these tho." The said person said. I closed my eyes and gently opened the silver folder and pulled one page of the said documents.

My sight was immediately caught by the image of a blonde man.

"Von Devi huh. Tricky Alias you got I see. But will never fool me."

The papers slightly folded as I found myself feeling a great rush of excitement.

*** To be continued

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MELREY'S PREVIEW SCENE

H..How.. How could you do this to me?!!! You promised eternal peace together!! Whyy!!! Why the hell you left me!!!

Next on 365 Project Memory: Datum 48: Crimson Red

"It cannot be!! She wouldn't be doing such thing! She wouldn't take her own life away!!"

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