Ultima Ratio

Chapter 46: Royal Proclamation

As the rest of the Aegis Squad quietly lounged around her, their movements hushed by the gentle breeze rustling through the forest, Akira stared at the projected map before her as if she could force it to reveal the secrets of the displayed terrain.

While Québécois wasn't the most secretive of Concordia's allies, past and present alike, much of their land was protected wilderness, and they prided themselves in preserving their "au naturel" state. Apparently, mapping these areas would detract from their mysterious allure, and the data available only showed the roads authorized for human travel, which was exactly what the Aegis Squad was trying to avoid. To make matters worse, they were already over fifty kilometers deep in undocumented enemy territory.

"We're supposed to be taking a break, you know," Danya said from behind her. Danya's back was pressed against Akira's as they sat in the cool grass, and Danya leaned her head back on Akira's tense left shoulder. "You said so yourself: rest up, get some water, refuel, take a piss, whatever."

Akira's face furrowed as she turned to Danya, the projection following her moving earpiece. "I didn't say that."

Danya squinted as the map shined in her eyes through her fake glasses. While that, coupled with her new auburn bob with bangs, was a simple, old-fashioned disguise, it was enough to hide her infamy when they couldn't use other means. If anything, people might only give her a second glance if they were thinking about hitting on her—in both senses of the phrase.

"It's implied," Danya said, grimacing. "Can you just turn that thing off for two minutes and eat something?"

Akira sighed, but she begrudgingly turned off the display and began rummaging through her bag for a nutrient pack.

It had been two months since they "infiltrated" Intermarium; it had been four months since they did so intentionally with Madagascar. Needless to say they were a little out of practice, and Akira wanted to be certain nothing could go wrong.

The last month and a half had been a whirlwind of successes as they traveled around Europe to fend off Concordia's hordes. But that was the problem, and the more wins they had, the more likely they would let their guard down. Akira would do everything in her power to keep that from happening.

The Aegis Squad continued on their way five minutes later, carefully navigating the dense, unfamiliar forest. Danya and Jivan led the way, Danya on the lookout for predators of any species and Jivan scanning the terrain for traps. Quyen and Navin were in the middle, both with their primary guns out and ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Akira and Elodie were at the rear, but while Akira tried to focus on ensuring they weren't being followed, Elodie would break her concentration when she twitched at every snapped twig and tumbling stone.

Ever since they entered the vicinity of North America, Elodie's mannerisms took an unexpected turn, from her normally calm demeanor being replaced by constant fidgeting, to her gazing into space in the middle of conversations. It was strange but not unwarranted; Akira also wasn't looking forward to passing through her hometown of DC. While she didn't know much about Elodie outside of her brief military history and personnel file, Akira figured that even the elegant corporal had her share of secrets.

Still, Akira couldn't let that get in the way of the mission.

"You okay?" Akira muttered to Elodie, allowing herself to briefly detract some of her attention for the sake of the overall mission.

"Who, me?" Elodie replied with exaggerated bewilderment. "Of course! Absolutely! Spectacular!"

"Because you've seemed a little on edge for a while now," Akira said. While it would've helped to see Elodie's face to gauge her reaction, Akira's gaze was focused on the eerie forest around them. "You nervous about going home?"