Bounded by Secrets

"Fractured Commands"

"I lost," Jack muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I lost the mission... I failed everyone."

Kevin's expression shifted, a strange smile creeping onto his face. He chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "You think this is the first time something's gone wrong? We all fall down sometimes, Jack. What matters is that you get back up."

Jack opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling. "It's not that simple. I feel... defeated."

Seeing Jack's despair, Kevin's laughter faded. He reached down and squeezed his son's hand. "Listen, you've been through worse. You'll get through this too. I promise."

---

Norio's Room

Meanwhile, in another room, Norio was growing increasingly agitated as his younger sister, Midori, pestered him over something trivial. He had been through enough that day, and his patience finally snapped.

"Stop it, Midori!" Norio shouted, slapping her hand away.

Midori's eyes filled with tears, and she stormed out of the room, grabbing a kitchen knife in her rage. Just as she raised it, Ren entered the room and quickly intervened, grabbing her wrist firmly.

"That's enough!" Ren's voice was stern, though his expression softened as he carefully took the knife from her. "Midori, this isn't the way."

Midori, still sobbing, dropped the knife, collapsing into Ren's arms. He led her gently out of the room and took her to his wife, Sindy, who was recovering in her own room with fractures in her hand and leg.

---

Sindy's Room

Ren sat on the edge of Sindy's bed, pulling Midori onto his lap between them. His body was covered in scars from the battle, but his attention was on his family. He reached out for Sindy, a small smile on his lips. "I could really use some quality time right now... maybe a kiss?"

Sindy glanced at Midori and shook her head, signing to him, *Not in front of her.*

Ren sighed, leaning back. "Alright, alright," he muttered, his voice tinged with exhaustion. He glanced at Sindy again, noticing her distant look. "You're thinking about Zeo, aren't you?"

Sindy nodded. "She's my best friend, Ren. I care about her."

Ren's mood soured quickly. "She's suspended. Zeo's reckless decisions put everyone in danger. She's lucky I didn't do more."

Sindy frowned, her expression growing serious. "I don't care what you say. I respect her. And Hiroto's still in the ICU... I want to visit them both."

Ren shook his head firmly. "Not in your condition. I'm going to the Defense Minister's office tomorrow. I'll visit her on the way there."

Sindy finally smiled softly, nodding. "Fine. Just... make sure she's okay."

---

Mayumi's Room

In another part of the hospital, Dr. Michaela stood over Mayumi, injecting a syringe into her legs. Mayumi winced, tears welling up in her eyes as the pain surged through her body.

"You won't be able to walk until the injuries heal," Dr. Michaela explained. "It's important you stay off your feet for now."

Mayumi couldn't hold back her sobs, feeling helpless. "I want to see my mother," she whispered, her voice cracking.

Norio entered the room, overhearing her plea. Without hesitation, he walked over to her, gently lifting her from the bed. "You want to go? Then I'll carry you."