San Jose, August 22nd, 20:34 p.m. PST
The victory at San Jose brought a newfound enthusiasm like never before at the UEF, now having the confidence to keep up going with the war. People, once separated, reunite with their loved ones, both from the soldiers and civilians that were held captive in the city.
Of course, that would also mean that they need to stay focused and alert of any Zlocan activity near the region, to ensure they don't lose ground.
Nonetheless, the troops will still have their time to celebrate.
In the city, lots of people are celebrating in the streets, shooting fireworks, drinking and eating together, telling stories of what happened before the battle and what they plan to do next, many things to discuss.
But it's not limited to outdoor activities, the bars are also enjoying new arrivals from people who come to celebrate. And like in the outdoors, there is some drinking, chatting, eating, and reveling.
The Paper Plane bar is one with the most guests, where people are partying to the maximum, all while Phil Collins and Phillip Bailey's "Easy Lover" plays in the stereo machine.
And it's a special place reserved for the best for a good reason.
Inside, Jackson, Andrei, and Lucy play some darts with fellow soldiers. For certain shots, they're doing a bit well in the game, hitting the dart on high scores. Eddie, Tany, and Seiner are on the bar rail, while Ed tries to show Tany some of the drink that he has in his hand, one with an amber coloring in it. Tany, on the other hand, had a soda can in her hand while looking away from Eddie while Seiner looks away from them, arms crossed as usual.
"Come on, dear girl, you better take a shot at this precious flavor for warriors!" he says as he shows his cup to her.
"Nah! Sweets all the way!"
"You're in your twenties and you still refuse to drink? Just give it a shot!"
"Nuh-uh."
"Come on! Don't let yourself be dry!"
Tany chuckles in response while rapidly tapping on Eddie's forehead, which he quickly brushes off while looking away from her.
Near the main table, Malak is dancing with some of the soldiers to the rhythm of the song using the best moves she can think of.
Not to mention, singing the song well-pitched.
Yet from all the joy going on, there is still a missing piece that could make it full.
Logan is leaning near the window while keeping his hands in his pockets, looking outside. He has a frown on his face, his eyes look puffy and dull, all while he strokes his left eyebrow.
Even after doing something so good, something still felt different for Logan. Something hard to explain.
Jackson, after laughing for a good while, turns his gaze to Logan, noticing him all alone. This prompts Jackson to walk over the corner where Logan is.
A leader who leads his men to victory with kindness is repaid as such. A true reward for a battle.
And now, Jackson is coming to offer it.
He sits in a chair at the empty table, all with his gaze still focused on Logan.
"Something wrong with this party?"
"Not really..."
"So why you're being by yourself?"
"It's just...I'm not sure what is going to happen to her once she comes back to the base. You know the consequences of disobeying orders from military command."
Jackson could only slightly nod from Logan's response.
"I can get that. But then again, knowing what she did, it's probable she may not stay locked up for too long. No way heroism will be denied that easily ya know. Sly knows it. I know it."
"I hope so..."
"Hey man, keep that chin up for the moment, it's the best time to be up right now. There's always a matter of time of whether the right thing can be made for men like him," he adds. "Of course, you'll never know how much levity his commands may give."
Logan can only stand silently, still looking outside. Jackson then taps on Logan's shoulder.
"She'll be back soon, I promise."
"Giving comfort already? That's not the right moment for us brave warriors, so go drink up, Jackie!" Lucy yells.
"Well, I'd say it is now," he replies.
"Jackie!"
Jack laughs in response while still holding Logan's shoulder. This, in fact, makes Logan slightly smile while slowly changing his gaze at Jackson's direction.
"Getting a hang of it, right?"
Suddenly, Jackson's pocket starts to vibrate, prompting him to take out what's making the vibration. It turns out to be his iPhone, containing a message from Sylvester himself which says the following.
Celebrating already? Head to F.O.B Jefferson for your next briefing. Tell Logan and co to get their heroic asses right here. Messaging G.o.D as well.
"It's Sly. Well, gotta get going, enough R&R for today."
Logan then leans aside from the window and heads up to gather up the remaining warriors to head back to the base.
A victory that good must have guaranteed an immediate new assignment.
Later, in the conference room, Sylvester Walker is waiting for them, sitting on his chair with his hands folded. Both the EW and G.o.D are present.
"You called us Sylvester? What's the deal right now?" Jackson asks.
"Yes, it is. Well, the reason I brought you here is that of an emergency mission of the UEF."
"But we did a mission already, please give the friendly friends some rest for it!" Tany says.
"Just please listen, OK?"
"What's the emergency then, Colonel Walker?" Andrei says with a grin on his face.
"Reports coming from agents from many agencies found out about the huge presence of Zlocan battleships in the deeper territories in South America, Africa, most of Asia and parts of Russia, these battleships carry enough firepower to annihilate an entire expeditionary unit or hell, even a whole naval fleet, so even if we may be able to free most of the territories under Zlocan control in other countries, there's a chance that trying to push deeper into enemy territory will only lead to futile deaths of our soldiers, something we can't allow to happen. But fortunately, our solution for this problem came under the name of "Project Horizon"."
"Project Horizon? Some kind of new project?" Seiner asks.
"Let me explain young man. In this world, warriors tend to have three types of terrain to fight in, land, sea, and air. With time, we could fight with our guns on the sea, amphibious vehicles were created to travel across the sea, now the air seems to be the same battleground that will go unchanged. But this project is willing to change that forever."
"No...You don't mean?"
"Yep! The project is about the creation of the first Human Aerial Fleet, a huge next step for air warfare of the next generation. But that's not all, the construction of this project it's all depended on a group of famed scientists and professors in aeronautics, cybernetics, and economics, they are called: The Navigators." Sylvester says as he shows pictures of the members involved in the project in his desk.
"The Navigators is composed of 12 people from all around the world. These people have the power to combine their great intellect to create Airships of the next generation, believe it! Now you will see kickass Star Destroyers in the sky for real!"
"......So, whit does that have to do with the mission Colonel? Tryin' to distract us with cool but unrelated stories?" Lucy asks.
"Hell no! Do you think I'm being silly at this moment? Think again...Well, as I was saying, The Navigators are in charge of the projects, a few weeks ago they finished the final preparations of the construction of the Airships and planned to fly to Manchester where they will reveal the schematics of the project. But unfortunately, on their way to Manchester, the plane got shot down on Zlocan territory, near San Diego to be exact."
"I bet those sorry scientists survived...or are you messing with us?" Walter says while spinning his stick near the table.
"Of course! They're alive and well. However, there's one catch to their unexpected survival, they have been captured by the Inquisitors and relocated to Qualcomm Stadium. But that's not even the worst part, the footage found by drones sent there also revealed that among the Inquisitors, the "retired" Marine major Nathan O'Ellis and his own platoon."
"What?! Marines on the side of Inquisitors?! No no no! This has got to be a ridiculous joke, you naughty dog!" Tany says.
"Sadly no, that is no joke, magical girl. It seems that the Marines found among the Inquisitors may be the same ones that defected from the armed forces after the formation of the UEF, five entire divisions led by that major."
"But...why did they do this? Why helping them instead of us?" Logan asks.
"Well, as you know, since the 40 months conflict that lasted until 2022, although it ravaged everything in its path, it also created a great sense of patriotism among the people who fought on it. They felt their sense to serve their country has risen to a whole new level, a level that will make the ancestors beforehand proud. They thought they were victors that they deserved, ready to become the defenders of the next generation. I frankly, don't share such ideals. Any people who are willing to fight for anything is worthy of my respect and help as long is for the good of all Humankind. But when they heard that some of the nations they fought before had allied with his country, they felt nothing but betrayal, that their own nation is now being tricked by the "enemy" which later they plan to betray them and take revenge. I've heard many reports of soldiers defecting to the Inquisitors but none of them are as shocking compared to this."
"Never thought these soldiers would be as shameful like a blind herd following anything they think it's good," Eddie says while looking down on the ground.
"Now, back to the main topic. Your mission is to ensure that The Navigators are rescued fine and well before something happens to them, but this is not a simple task. The Marines you are about to face are tough as nails foes, which means that you'll have to use expert tactics to return The Navigators to safety. You will be deployed on the morning of the 24th, that will be our chance to strike without gaining too much attention. G.o.D squad will be with you as well."
"So, more assholes to kill then!" Ji-Ae says while clenching her fists.
"Exactly, a perfect chance," Valentina says.
"Don't worry Colonel, we'll handle those nasty wasties as plain paper like we did to the suckers in San Jose!" Tany says while holding her staff.
"You miss the entire point Tany. In fact, your point just contradicted my previous statement, did you know that you are about to face renegade Marines in the mission?"
"Sheesh, you never give us anything easy, naughty dog!"
"You're a magician, can't you summon everything, or is that you're too wimpy to use them?" Ji Ae asks.
"I...only now the elements and basic things."
"Still a wimp!"
"Shut it, little girl, don't make a fool of yourself with this little gal here," Eddies says as he steps forward to her.
"Mind your business."
"That's enough! Be grateful that you'll have at least one day off before setting off to tomorrow. For now, you're dismissed and good night."
"Yeah, good night Sylvester, this better be great," Walter says as he walks away.
"Anything precise would make it great," Celina replies.
"You wish."
They all start to leave the room and head back to their barracks, all getting ready for another day while Sylvester goes back to reading some documents on his desk.
Except for one.
Logan, who was trying to leave as well, just stops short by the exit while turning towards Sylvester and breathing slowly while slowly walking back to him.
Such noise makes Sylvester raise his head, facing Logan in front of him.
"Something that matters, Logan?" Sylvester's question makes the rest of the warriors to turn around as well while G.o.D squad leave the room.
"Yes...It's about..."
"Oh...I get what you mean."
Logan steadily raises his head to look at Sylvester while shaking for a bit and holding his left hand near his chest while pressing it.
"First, hear me out. We all know that heroes are ones who probably deserve a fair and special treatment for others. After all, in their eyes, they have done something special to deserve it right?"
"Yes."
"And as you all know, today you became part of such groups alongside your team, I'm sure you're proud of it."
"I'm simply happy for it, at least for now."
"Figures. Yet at the same time, heroes also need to be subjected to the rules society itself implemented so they can know what to do properly and know the consequences when they don't enforce them. And no matter how selfless, kind, or brave they are, they'll learn from it."
"Sylvester...?" Jackson whispers.
"With that in mind comes the important part of why I said it, but you should know for now. Yes, I did hear the reports of saving civilians and soldiers in the battle, acting with caring over others, and managing to turn the tide at the last minute...and yet she violated the agreement I made with her by escaping her cell while knocking the guards out and taking her property without my consent, not to mention that she'll bring more confusion on what entails for races that aren't the Zlocu. Do you realize what that implicates for the whole UEF?"
"But Sylvester, she-"
"She violated rules, Logan. And as far as I'm concerned, her true nature could still be unknown and for such matters, there's still no point in giving her the leverage of being a hero just now after that stunt of her."
"Now you listen up you-" Seiner tries to speak up.
"I don't remember asking you a goddamn thing, young man! So be quiet." Seiner can only grit his teeth in response while holding close to his gun on his holster, even being held back by Lucy's arm.
"Think about it, people. There's a responsibility that applies to each and every team I handle in this part of the UEF. Safety is what I value the most for these teams, each being a seed the plan to unify Humanity, to start a new chance for us all. Would you really feel safe being with one being that we don't really know that much about apart from the Zlocu, one that by extreme emotional pressure unleashed a power so dangerous and doesn't even know how much she can handle it? I can see what she went through to lead up to that, but that's that. Not to mention about others like...Tany."
"Why me?!"
"How'd you react if you see someone you truly love and care so much die in front of you? How'd you react if your burden, if you have one, gets the best of you?"
"I...I would try to do anything to solve it...for my friends!"
"Really? And how?"
"With my magic...?"
"Well, if you look at Amira, an extraterrestrial's chance to lash out to incredible levels compared to what you have is my concern. Yes, we explode at times, but beings like her are far more realistic to cause more harm than good."
"It's what I do to protect and make me feel secure, you dog!"
"Perhaps it could make you feel better afterward, yet, at what cost?"
Tany can only stand silently at his question, only staring at him while trying to formulate something to say. It's at that point when Tany looks down while the others look at her.
"The truth can hurt a lot, and you pretty much know that."
"But still...that doesn't mean that locking someone with such power can be the answer...Sylvester, there's the need to-" Logan says while still shaking heavily and looking right at Sylvester.
However, he still keeps his own face.
"So what? Do you also believe that you're capable because your mind is the most stable of the team? Or there's something else that clouds you in what you're really capable of?"
Logan only stands silently in what Sylvester says while still breathing heavily and getting his composure together.
"As I was saying, as per my duty as one of the main commanding officers of the UEF, and under the maximum authority of the Armed Forces, my decision comes loud and clear for you to hear and you'll listen; Amira will remain in custody for a longer time until I say so, with more suited doctors and therapists in handling such power compared to people like you. And that's final."
This causes most of the group to gas. Despite her best efforts to make a good impression to Humanity, to prove there are good Aliens out there, to prove her reliability.
But Sylvester doesn't give much of a care of it, only seeing if she can be totally worthy of Humanity whatever means necessary.
Logan's eyes are tearing up, his hands trembling up while staring down at Sylvester from what he said.
Beneath his slow breathing, growling comes from him.
"I know you're upset about this. But consider well in that as long she's alive-"
Before he could finish what he says, he's suddenly stopped from the impact of Logan's punch who rapidly swung, enough to catch Sylvester off guard.
The impact of the fist is strong enough to make Sylvester fall off from the chair while hitting the ground.
"Logan!" Seiner yells.
"What are you doing?!" Jackson asks as he tries to hold Logan up while he tries to break free so he can take more from Sylvester himself.
"Logan, you need patience for-"
"She deserves to be freed!" Logan yells at the top of his lungs while breaking down as well.
Sylvester slightly turns his head to see Logan. Even with a bruise on his cheek, he can still keep on with it.
"So, you'd rather care more of what you want for her like a child instead of respecting the consequences? Not even yourself and the rest?" Sylvester asks while frowning, still kneeling from the pain Logan gave to him.
"I don't give a damn about anything you believe! I want you to focus on who she is and what she feels and everything!"
"...Go ahead...try to strike me once more...let's see if you have what it takes to face down something that even you can't brush off that easily..."
"Logan, come on!" Jackson says.
"Listen to him, it is for the best..." Malak says while holding tight of him.
Logan, still with tears and a flaring tone, tries to keep his composure while trying to deal with Sylvester with another one, still thinking he deserves it.
"Think about what will Amira think of this if you hurt him!" Tany says.
From Tany's words, Logan's rapid breathing from his heavy nostrils start to dwindle, all while more tears come down from Logan's eyes. He moves his hand away from the sword he was about to grab.
Now, the only thing he could do is to weep at the news. He wanted the best.
Yet didn't get it.
Perhaps Aliens and Humans still need more to learn after all.
"I honestly don't want this, but looking at you and the team and all the chances the others to fight in such battles. I'm afraid that I have to suspend you from all UEF activities until further advice. You and your team will be in your barracks and stay here for it. Don't take it personally...it's all for your safety alone until you can properly understand who you are. Understood?"
"Y-ye-ye"
"I asked if you understood."
"Yes sir! If only...If only...If only..."
Logan's grief is too much from him, and yet despite what Sylvester said, the team doesn't hesitate to escort Logan out of the room, with Malak and Tany holding him well.
"Hey, now Logan...I know you deeply care for the precious Alien but resorting to that is way too much for you!" Eddie says.
"But...she..."
"Just what is she to you?! Yer life source or what? Caring more for an Alien than a Human?!" Lucy snaps.
"I don't..."
"Just admit it! You have something in you that makes you feel something to react extremely to such news. I honestly don't agree with it but not to the point of resorting to violence!"
"Please stop..." Logan whispers, still weeping and feeling a bit numb, prompting Lucy to slap him in the face.
"Luce!" Jack says as he steps back from Lucy while holding Logan.
"Our leader, people! Our leader! All for just one girl from another planet!"
"Please st-top...!"
"We won't until you reveal the reason for your own thing with her."
"Stop it!" Tany yells as she hits her staff to the ground, enough to cause some shaking from the ground that causes most of the team to stumble.
Noticing this, she carefully lifts the staff from the ground while trying to look away from what she did.
She then changes her gaze to Logan, slowly wiping his tears away while caressing his cheek.
"It's something from the past...right, Loggie?"
Logan nods while trying to breathe normally.
"So...something from the past after all. But I think it may not be the right time to push him to tell us...he needs all the care and love that he deserves because pushing him because of what he did won't solve anything. That's what friends do, it what they should do..."
"Exactly, Tany. And whatever happens next, let's hope Sylvester reconsiders his choice, even if it sounds implausible at the moment. Logan, just whatever happens next...we'll try to see what to give of our time, OK?" Malak says while tapping his shoulder as well.
Logan, now with a bit less of tears and regaining his composure, simply looks at his teammates, all painting watery or strained gazes at him.
He really needs the time.
"I guess Tany's right...way too much for him for now, let's better get some rest," Eddie says.
"Seconding that," Andrei replies as well.
"Guys..." Logan whispers. Yet from all the emotional stress, his slack expression and all still does his best to smile at them. Even if it's too painful for him.
"We know, mate...we need to go now," Seiner says.
Logan can only look down while being escorted back to their quarters so he can get his time to recover from the incident, with the team following suit.
"That man surely has something..." Jackson whispers near Andrei.
"I see it too...all that devotion to her just seems to stem from something from him...but we should drop it for now...at least not to piss off Colonel asshole for a while," Andrei replies as well.
***
Sylvester sits on his chair again, yet he doesn't proceed to read the documents as he did, he just looks down while his eyes start to look puffy.
This will teach him...but...was it really the best choice after all...?