FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The interior of the airship was more crowded than Mellisa had been expecting as she squeezed her way towards the cockpit, unable to avoid swaying as the airship rocked a little. She was just able to keep her feet, tightening her grip on the strap fixed to the ceiling. She was out of practice, it seemed. Once, this had been second nature to her. She hope she got it back quickly, she was already feeling a little nauseous. Funny, how her new companions seem to have a greater tolerance for it. Hiromi's small platoon had turned out to be ten wolves, all clad in heavy armour, the solid dark plates pocked with scratches and dents. They did look a bit under equipped compared with her troop's maybe, but they did make for an inspiring sight. The tight visored helmets did make for an inspiring sight. Or a terrifying one if you were fighting them, Mellisa decided.

They hadn't introduced themselves and Mellisa hadn't pressed them. She would have had a hard time telling them apart under all that armour anyway, the solid metal plates and chain mail not even letting her see their fur colour. And they clearly didn't seem bothered by what anyone thought of them.

The divide inside the airship was obvious, but Mellisa wasn't going to insist on mixing them up. She felt they had reached some tenuous understanding and didn't want to tear that down or break it apart. Besides, she was more focused on their destination. It hadn't taken them long to reach the eastern edge of the city, the broken and crumbling building visible even from this height. The landscape stretched out for miles, a grim grey vista, devoid of the light and life it had once been home to. Mellisa always felt cold looking at it, a shiver running down her back. And today is no exception.

Mellisa had no real memories of her home town from when she lived there. But even she couldn't help feeling sad as she looked over the ruins. This had been her people's home and while they have made a good new life in Mercia, it is plain to see they still nurse the loss. A loss made worse by the role they played in the actions that lead to them having to flee. She is sure there would have been a time when they couldn't have seen a way back from this

Hiromi pointed to the screen, her finger circling around a small area. 'According to our intelligence, the person we are looking for should be in this area. If we can find him.'

'Shouldn't be that hard.' Mellisa adjusted the controls, the plain blue topography overlaid by a collection of red dots. 'Demons aren't active during the day, they don't sleep. But they don't like the light. So...'

'So..the person we are looking for will be the other thing moving. If your ship can detect his movement, we should be able to find him. If we get low enough that is.' Hiromi says, leaning over her shoulder. She is picking up the technology very quickly. Had she not known the truth, she would have sworn Hiromi had been working with this level of technology as long as she had. She certainly doesn't seem that phased by the technology she has been presented with. That had been her one worry. She knows her people have more advanced technology than the Central Forces. But Hiromi seems to have taken to it like she has been using it all her life.

And she isn't the only one. The rest of her troops have taken to their new surroundings with ease, or at least they seemed to. The one difference was the woman in polished silver armour with gold tracery seated in the flight chair nearest to the cockpit, the lioness wanting to stay as close to Hiromi as possible it seemed. Her eyes are closed, but her red fur is rippling, her ears twitching. She certainly seems alert, and very focused.

'So, eventually we are going to have to go in on foot.' Hiromi said. It wasn't a question.

Mellisa had come to the same conclusion. Not that it was a difficult decision. But she was tempted to ask if Hiromi really wanted to do this. But neither did she want to embarrass her. Hiromi was trusting her, so she had to trust her as well. And her troops.

And why shouldn't she? She knows more about the combat skills of the Mercian Armed Forces than most of her people. And had found them to be equal to any soldier of the Stillwater in terms of skill. And in hand to hand combat, they probably have them beat. And Hiromi is clearly an experienced commander, she had picked up on the conditions of the mission easily enough.

'Eventually, but we will be safe enough while we have daylight.' Mellisa keeps her eyes locked on the screen as the airship drops.

'Daylight..the demons don't come out in daylight correct?' Hiromi asked.

Mellisa was impressed. 'You've done your homework. And yes, the weaker ones don't. They can't stand daylight. The Alpha levels can move in daylight but will only do so if hungry or really threatened. And we shouldn't be going near their territory. So that shouldn't be an issue.'

'Assuming nothing has changed. These demons sound very territorial. And who is to say they haven't decided to go and grab some more.' Hiromi

'Most of them don't have that kind of intelligence.' Redlas walked up behind them, his gruff tone having returned. Or just being refocused to someone else. 'They don't think like that. Once they have staked out a claim, they hang onto it. Unless they are under the command of a Bloodfang. And you'd hope we don't meet one of those.'

Mellisa draws all attention back to her with a soft cough, clearing her throat purposefully. 'Alright. Enough of that. We'll be landing in five. Everyone get ready.'

'You've got something?' Hiromi asked, neatly drawing everyone back to their focus.

Mellisa pointed to the screen, to the small blue dot flashing on the edge of the scanner. Hiromi had already turned to face it too. 'I think so. This trace is moving from one zone to another. Which isn't normal. So, yes. I'd say that is a fair bet.'

She was planning in her head. Her squad would go first. It wasn't just pride either, her team had the weapons. And she didn't want to have to worry about obstructed fields of fire. Her hand had strayed to her sword, almost on instinct. Understandable maybe, she had been using her sword more than firearms recently. Something she would have to get out of the habit of doing. And she was wary about forcing the two teams to mix, it wasn't hard to tell there was a little friction there, neither squad quite knew what to make of the other. At least they did seem to be able to work with each other. And they would need to. She didn't have to tell them that this was going to be dangerous. They all knew that, she could see the same focus in her men than Hiromi's. Part of her hated that word, hers and theirs. But she couldn't do anything about that now.

'Weapons..check and ready.' Mellisa snapped out, rewarded by the click of four rifles being cocked and the rattle of the chamber being cleared. Very much a mistake made by rookies, not clearing the chamber will cause the weapon to jam. Ironic, since that is the thing the chamber clearing is meant to prevent. But her men aren't rookies.

But weapons were her concern..she might have rushed in just a bit. She was taking a gamble here. She didn't have the time to requisition any heavy weapons from the armoury. That would have required an order from her mother, and she would have not just denied her that, she would have forbade her from undertaking this mission. Has she had the time, she would have taken at least two heavy weapons. That would have made her more comfortable. But she is confidant in her squad's abilities and skills.

As much as she wants to take point, she knows she must hang back. She just doesn't have the weapons to match their firepower. And she isn't used to how her squad works in combat. That is why she is glad to have Redlas here. He had been senior nco before she arrives and she had no qualms about letting him keep that position. And now it becomes obvious she had made the right choice.

Without even a word from him, the others had formed up and, as soon as the door opened, fanned out into a defensive pattern. Each one covering the surround and each other. Luckily, they didn't seem to need to, but the precaution was a good one anyway. There were too many crevices in the front of the buildings around them that could hide more than one surprise.

Maybe that is what is such an issue with her mother. She thinks that she sees the city more important than her own people. She doesn't. If only it was that cut and dry. She more sees them as close, bound by common purpose. A purpose that could unite them given half a chance. Even the sliver of a chance.

'So..where do we start?' Hiromi asked. Her platoon joined them, forming a loose circle around Hiromi with the lioness, not surprisingly, by her side.

They all moved the same. Mellisa was intrigued by that for a second. She had never seen the forces of the city and her people together before. And never made any comparison before. But she had never thought of it. Right now, she can't help but notice it. They are the same in a lot of ways, in many ways. They move the same, all deferring to training that is not much different beyond the equipment they use. She wished that more people would see those similarities, could recognise what they have in common rather than their differences.

Mellisa didn't answer straight away, her eyes fixed on the airship, but she is looking inward. And not just looking. Feeling. She can feel something. Auras and energy and fragments of memory swirl around her here like they always do. She had learned not to focus on them, to let them just wash over her. She tried once, to draw one close. And she was nearly overwhelmed by it. It had been a mistake, she should never have opened her mind. Her..sensitivity makes her vulnerable here.

But something feels..different this time. Not changed, not like a new scent admits familiar. Just something stronger, more wakeful. She is hesitant about searching any deeper. This is a place where it is best not to disturb unless needed. And her reaching out with her mind might disturb something best not disturbed. 'This way.' Mellisa points ahead of her down the deserted street, nothing but wind and light moving over the scarred stone. She is confidant with that at least, the airship tracking their target still and feeding directions to her ear price. It is one constant in this place. 'About a couple of hundred meters. Heading away from us.'

'Then let's go get him.' One of Hiromi's troops growls. But the vixen raised a hand, stilling him with that gesture.

'No. We will not go rushing blindly. Captain Lockwell and her troops know this place better than we do. It would be best if they lead.'

Again, her squad needed no guidance from her, just following the general sweep of her hand to mark the direction she has been given. They moved ahead with a confidant caution as Hiromi stepped up beside her.

'Do you think we will be able to find this man we seek?' Hiromi asked

'Find him, yes. Stop him doing what he seeks to do, I am not so sure. But I do see why this is so important. But I do have to ask, why you have felt the need to come yourself. Do you not have any subordinates you could entrust this task too?' Mellisa asked carefully, hoping her question didn't give offense.

'I do..but this is my mission. I will not, cannot ask anyone to do this, when I could do it myself. All of my soldiers volunteered for this mission.' Hiromi said.

'Including your friend?' Mellisa asked.

That drew a pause before Hiromi answered, one that gave Mellisa pause. 'She's not really a soldier..more my bodyguard you might say.'

Mellisa agrees with that. She may not be a soldier but she certainly carries herself like one. She would almost use the word warrior. But she isn't from Mercia. She is certain of that. So where had she come from? Mellisa clamps down on her curiosity, reining it back with her focus.

'Ma'am..a moment please.'

Mellisa looks up. 'Excuse me.' she nods politely at Hiromi. 'What can I do for you, Sargent?'

He waits till they have moved out of earshot. Tact perhaps..or this is something he feels the need to keep not just private but secret. 'Are you sure we can trust them ma'am? I mean, I did. But they are playing this pretty close to their chests aren't they? I'm sure they are competent enough but..we can't say they have ever even seen a demon before, can we?'

'I'm sure they can handle themselves.' Mellisa says coolly. 'And perhaps they are. But wouldn't we do the same? Everyone in the army has secrets they keep. Or they could have told us all they know. I get the feeling they aren't keeping anything from us. We are all taking the same risks. And they don't want to get killed any more than we do.'

She had hoped her words would help calm him, but she doesn't seem to have done that. She can still see the worry in his eyes. Maybe he wonders if they will have to risk their lives to protect those that are at best allies, and at worst outsiders. And she has been wondering the same thing. She knows what she will do. But her men..they follow their Sergeant, not her. She cannot fool herself over that. They may work for common goal and purpose right now. Maybe even trust her. But will they trust her when they are done here? She is using them for her own ends, to get one over her mother. Will they trust her when they find that out?

She sighs. She hasn't got the time to be thinking like this, she has a mission. They all do. And she can't afford to lose focus, can't afford too..

'Ma'am. Contact. Movement on your three o clock..200 metres.'

'Demon?' she asks, casting her eyes to the sky, her scout hovering low over her head, her wings beating slowly and steadily.

'No ma'am. One lone figure. Over that ridge.' Jess points down, her keen eyes tracking what she has seen. 'He hasn't seen us yet.'

'Or is pretending he hasn't.' Mellisa muses. This could be a trick. Lire them in close. But why? He shouldn't be trying to attract attention, he should be staying hidden. Or maybe his mission is that important. Hired gun..or professional soldier? Or not a soldier at all. Better to assume he can fight.

'No ma'am. He has something else on his mind.'

Mellisa doesn't have to ask what that means, the words in her expression are plain enough. 'He found a demon.'

'Not just found, killed. I didn't get a good look but he really did a job on it. Blood everywhere.'

Now, that is worrying. But it gives them a narrow window as well. 'Right, we have to go now. We don't have time to waste. If he gets his prize, he is just going to leave. And I'd very much like to do the same before more demon's show up.'

'Why don't we just take him then..if he is just one man.' One of the wolves growled, his arms crossed over his chest.

Mellisa had crawled to the edge of the ridge, leaning out to peer over the edge, just enough to see what her scout had described. And she was right, she didn't like what she saw. 'Because there will be more demons around. And we don't want to disturb them. Daylight or not, they will try to kill us if they find us. And they have their own way of making the night come earlier if they can. No, we go silently. Sergeant, you know what to do.'

'So, we just sit here?' One helmeted soldier asks gruffly.

'Yes..unless you like being ripped limb from limb.' Mellisa rises up to her full height and jabs a finger in his chest..or resists the urge to do so. 'Which is what will happen if you charge in there. So yes. We wait until we are needed. Now, just stay down and watch.'

Mellisa is watching, her eyes fixed on her squad. She had been right to send them ahead. She would just have got in their way. And while that may be yet another sign of her not belonging with them yet, she is impressed by the way they move as one. No words had passed between them since they climbed down over the ridge, not one slightest sound. Not even the whisper of scree tumbling down the hill, nothing. Not even the scrap of boots on rock. Nothing.

And yet..it had been going so well. It is always when something is going well that things are about to go wrong. And if did. Mellisa had no idea what tipped them off..but the air was rent by a chilling screech. One that froze her blood. She didn't even have time to call out to her squad, to give them any warning. That screech gave way to more sharp cries, cries that reached a peak as demons boiled out of the building overhead. Dozens of them, scrabbling down the wall like spiders. She curses herself, her paw balling into a fist. She should have seen this coming, should have prepared for it. If only she had thought to bring along some heavy weapons..or some more troop or...

Mellisa snaps herself out of that. She can't change that now. She just has to help her squad. Not that it seems that they needed her help. Not even a word came from Redlas before they moved without any sign or order. Quickly they formed up, back to back and covering each other. Mellisa can't help being impressed how quickly they formed; back to back, each one covering the other's. They have this bond, this ability to work so closely and to instantly know what the others are going to do before they do it. Their poses are exactly the same, weapons aimed dead centre and firing steadily with no wasted ammo. Just two shots and move on, next target. But even with this cohesion, they are in danger of being overwhelmed. And yet, she is distracted. The cloaked figure has heard the demons too, standing and running in a smooth movement. She could help her squad. Or chase after him. And she is torn between which one to do.

The sound of harsh rapid fire cuts through the demons as it cuts through their screams, those sounds becoming harsher then dying away. Had these been furs, she might have felt some concern. But she couldn't for demons. They are just beasts and should be killed like beasts. And she can't do that here. She has to do something, she can't just sit on the side-lines. They are her men and she can't leave them to fight alone.

Any worries about her motives and what she has to do are banished in that one second, Mellisa's sword flashing into her hand. Her firearm slung over her back is forgotten, just a weight on her back she doesn't even notice. She is back where she knows what to do. No questions, no thoughts, nothing to hold her back. And she doesn't let anything do that. She saw the demons moving around to circle her squad, striving to completely surround them and look for a weak point.

Mellisa cannot warn them, no words could come in time. But she can. She stood and gathered her focus, her concentration drawing the magical circle into life around her feet. Power that surged through her legs and she leapt. There is no other word for it. The ground dropped away from her, Mellisa soaring over the ridge and down towards her squad.

It had taken her years to get this familiar with her magic. But now using it is as easy as closing her hand. She just has to think about what she wants to do and she does it. That makes it sound simple maybe, and it isn't. But her magic has never let her down. And it will aid her now, her mind focusing the power inside her like an archer drawing his bow string

Mellisa landed with an explosive yell of power, her hands swept forward, her fingers tingling with energy. Energy that flowed from them, rippling through the air and slamming into the horde of demons. She didn't even see them as separate things, the mass of them just like a sheet of metal, an unceasing tide. Until the wave of her power swept them away like leaves in a storm. She had brought them time but she needed more than that.

Tsunami flashed out, the curved edged blade neatly beheading one, two, three demons. She is just purely focused on what is in front of her, her squad in the back of her mind. Distractedly, she hoped they knew she was there. She has to assume they do, since she hasn't been shot yet, not even feeling bullets ripping past her. They do then, they must. She breathes, reining in her power, letting her focus spread out. She must widen her gaze and see what is going on around her.

Her mind slowed with her breathing, time seeming to slow too. For a quick and slow second of time, Mellisa could see everything, the battle raging around her in an odd slow motion that she knew to be a trick of her mind. It was adrenaline, nothing more. She knew there were magic arts that could allow a warrior to do that, but she lacked the focus right now. All she could focus on was her blade and what she could do with it. The tip was soaked with blood but she couldn't do anything about that. Her attack had brought them some time, her troops using her distraction to focus their fire in front of them to allow Mellisa to defend their backs. Well, they trust her that much anyway. Or they have just put any doubts aside like her.

'Ma'am..you have to go.' Redlas calls out. 'You can't stay here.'

'I'm not leaving you.' Mellisa said, beheading a demon that got too close with a tight slash. His voice had brought her back to now, everything suddenly normal and fast again. 'You can't hold them all.'

'We can..and even if we can't, we still have a mission to do here. We can't let him get away.'

'I won't leave you to fight them alone.' Mellisa cursed. She knew he was right..she had a mission. That was the detachment of an officer. But right now she couldn't think like that. She just couldn't run and leave them to die.

'You won't have to. Now, go.' Redlas snapped, his muscled arms flexing, the butt of his rifle smacking into a demons head, the scrawny creature driven to the ground to be finished off by one quick shot, the crack of its skull sounding louder than the rifle round. Up snapped his rifle, two more quick shots and two more dead. But a third was charging, leaping and he was out of position.

She saw him brace for the attack, but it never came. The demon roared as it was picked up bodily, it's neck snapped by the powerful paw around its throat. Hiromi's troops had joined the battle. With a growl they dived into the group of demons like a snarling pack, teeth and claws flashing and slashing..and yet they had enough focus to keep her team's line of fire clear. By the goddess, they can move. Mellisa is speechless. With a ferocity and grace she couldn't hope to match, they cut a path through the demons like a scythe through wheat, knocking aside any demon stupid enough to attack. Or cutting them down with razor sharp claws.

But they are just the spearhead, Hiromi and Natsuki had come along in their wake and quickly moved to her side. The tide that had slowed to a trickle in front of her blade now starts to falter, unable to avoid the flashing blades that are now turned against them.

Not just Mellisa's blade, but Natsuki's as well, her two short swords forming a wheel of steel that nothing can pass. No effort of hers is wasted, one attack moving seamlessly to another. She seems to be able to read the entire battle around her. She has never seen a soldier so in control, her power utterly overwhelming. Each movement is deadly, an elbow smash turned to a quick strike turned to a kick that looked like it could literally shatter bone. The demon's attacks were turned aside like a summer breeze, Natsuki slipping between them like a leaf..a leaf with razor sharp blades. Cut..slash..thrust..each one so perfect. Bodyguard indeed..she was unstoppable. Hiromi was no slouch either, her long staff more than enough to keep any demon at bay that made the mistake of charging her, dropping one after another.

'Go.' Hiromi orders, her tone as irresistible as her companions skill. 'We can hold here. Go. You must do this. If he gets away, this has all been for nought. Now, go.'

Mellisa didn't hesitate. She ducked under a hasty slash from a demon, her repost removed his arm before she sprinted away. She didn't really see the fight around her, all her focus now on the fleeing figure. She still has a mission to do, one she won't fail it even if a hundred demons lie between her and her quarry. But the only thing between them is distance, distance her legs are starting to eat up. So, where is he going? He has to know he can't outrun her, she can hear him breathing heavily, seeing how he is starting to falter. But this had been very well planned, so she has to expect that he has a way out.

Which might explain why he is heading to the top of the squat building ahead of him, his feet pounding up the crumbling steps. Does he have backup? Transport? Mellisa has been thinking as she ran, her mind moving as fast as her legs. He might have someone coming to rescue him. Well, she won't let him get to them. Slipping her sword into her scabbard, Mellisa races up the stair behind him. She can hear she is closing, drawing on deep reserves of strength. So that she is just feet behind him, reaching the roof a second later.

Stones crunched and scraped under foot and still she ran, the narrow stairway opening out to a flat roof. It didn't take her long to spot her target at the other end of the roof, standing and facing her. So..why had he stopped?

The answer came too quickly and too late. She saw the spell before she felt it, his hand snaking into his robes and pulling out a talisman. She recognises the shape and races forward, knowing she won't make it. Just give her one more second, she prays.

That had brought her up short..should have done. But she had a sudden flash of emotion. She saw the spell before she sensed it. And quickly divined its purpose. But too late.

'No. Stop.' Mellisa cried, a cry of helpless frustration. She was just a few feet away but she could see it was too far. Her fingers were just about to close on the robe when the figure faded away as if he had never been there. And if she hadn't seen the footsteps around her, she wouldn't have believed he had been.

'Damn. He got away.' Mellisa curses, her words sounding empty and hollow. And obvious too. But she can't help blaming herself. She should have been able to get to him, she nearly had. If she had just been quicker, she could have..she sighs, breathing heavily. The adrenaline is fading from her body, leaving her shaking. And that doesn't help her confidence...that energy has to go somewhere and it goes right to her doubts. Distractedly she looks up and sees one of her squad dispatch the last demon, unable to make out which one right now. Her mind is lost to her concerns, Mellisa screwing one paw up into a fist, feeling the urge to..to..she doesn't know. Then her ears twitch to the sound of soft footfalls.

'Do not blame yourself. You did all that you could.' Hiromi says, placing a hand on her shoulder. 'You could have done nothing else.'

'My mother wouldn't agree.' Mellisa muttered, not surprised to see the vixen standing before her.

'Haven't we both seen that your mother is not always right?' Hiromi soothed.

'You don't know my mother.' Mellisa sighed. 'There is no room for second best. You either succeed or you fail. Good enough..isn't good enough.' How many times had her mother used those words. She had strived so hard to be good enough, pushing herself so hard, yet the nagging doubt that next time she wouldn't be couldn't be shaken.

'You are being too hard on yourself. Now, come. We cannot stay, should not stay here. More demons could come. Am I not right?' Hiromi looked around her warily.

'Yes..we should.' Mellisa sighed, looking up as the dropship moving overhead, preparing to land. She will be glad to get back, even if she isn't sure about the reception she will receive. Her mother may have found out. Nothing really gets past her. But she will have to deal with that when she gets back.

The atmosphere in her office was frosty and Mellisa just kept her eyes locked on her mother, standing ramrod straight and to attention. 'Let me get this straight, you lead an authorised incursion into the forbidden city? Without seeking approval from anyone.'

That had pretty much been her reaction as soon as they had landed. She hadn't let Mellisa answer when she stepped out into the hanger, just ordering her to her office. Some people might think that was favouritism, but Mellisa knew better. A real dressing down is something she prefers to do in private. Not that they are alone. Hiromi had followed. Her mother had just shot her a look, one that said she would be having words with her later. But she was glad of the moral support. It wasn't much maybe but it was vindication that what she had chosen to do was the right. 'With respect ma'am..you did place the squad under my command.' Mellisa said, her voice surprisingly calm.

'Field command, you had authority in the field..not to decide where and when you could deploy your troops.' Her mother's voice is anything but calm. She isn't shouting, but she can hear the anger under her soft tone. And more than a little disappointment. 'Had you asked, I would have forbade this action. I would not have had you put our forces at risk for a threat to the Mercian Army. And you knew that.'

Mellisa raised her chin just a fraction, choosing not to answer that last bit. 'A threat to both of us, Commander. I felt that I would be remiss in my duty to not attempt to resolve that threat.'

'A threat.. one man entered the city. Concerning perhaps, but hardly a threat.' Tiffany shuffled the papers on her desk, her face firm and steady.

Mellisa took a deep breath, being careful how far she presses this but not ready to let it go. 'But If he has a sample of demon genetic code..'

'Which he can do nothing with.' Tiffany said shortly.

'Ma'am, you don't know that. How do we know that..' Mellisa started to say.

'That what?' Lockwell cut her off sharply. 'Do you think anyone could have got access to our technology without our knowledge?'

Mellisa fought to keep calm. 'I think anything is possible ma'am..if you want it hard enough. Someone did manage to breach the city, so..'

'yes..and killed a single demon. Hardly a great military threat. Neither is this supposed loss of our technology. It cannot have happened.' Lockwell said.

'Then, why take the genetic sample? If they can do nothing with it?' Mellisa counters.

'Oh..I believe that they maybe think they can do something with it. But wanting and doing are two different things. And even if they can, I will wait to hear that from my own people. Not from the Mercian Army.' Lockwell said. That statement was directed at Hiromi, she didn't need to see the way her eyes flicked over to the Army officer to see that.

'Commander, if I may. Our intelligence was correct, someone did manage to get into the city. And they did manage to steal what they came for. So, why could the rest not be true.' Hiromi replies evenly.

'Very well. If you feel so strongly about it, I will put some assets into investigating the possibility.' Lockwell replied, probably sincerely. For all her faults, if she promises to do something, she will hold to that. Just for a second, she steps outside the debate, all too aware of what Hiromi might think. Anyone who doesn't know her would be forgiven for thinking she doesn't like her mother. She does, she has nothing but respect for her. She did raise her and did her best to be a parent. And loves her. It's just that they have started to disagree more as the years had passed. And those disagreements had started to get bigger, until they were consumed by their difference about the responsibilities of their people.

'Thank you, Commander. Permission to take charge of that operation Commander?' Mellisa asked.

'Denied. You and your men are confined to base on limited duties, until you learn exactly what your duties are. Dismissed, Captain.' Lockwell gave her a steady gaze then returned her eyes to the paperwork in front of her

'Ma'am.' And that was that. Mellisa kept her face steady, turning smartly and walking out, fighting the urge to slam the door behind her. She did snarl as soon as she stepped outside, her frustration bubbling over. Right now, she just needs a bit of time alone to cool down.

Those plans are smashed as she sees Redlas approaching, his face clearly not making any effort to be calm. 'Now..I can understand that you might have some issues with your mother..but don't go dragging us into the middle of your spitting match. You want to ruin your career, that's fine. But don't drag us down with you.'

Mellisa bristled at his tone, but didn't let that show. Insubordinate it might be, but she can't hold it against him for feeling that way. 'You disagree with what I did, fine. It was a judgement call. And I would do it again. But don't challenge me on it.'

'Challenge you?' He snorted. 'You come in here like some big hotshot from the city and want to show off to your new buddies maybe? And I'm challenging you?'

'You really think that was what I was doing? Sergeant, I did what I felt was the best for both us and Mercia, what was needed to stop this threat. What would you have done?' Mellisa asked.

'Left well enough alone, ma'am.' Redlas snapped,

There is that tone, that snide way of using her title. Not even snide, just cold. Was I like that once? When did her people get so..inward looking. Or had they always been this way? And how does he see her? Can they continue to work together like this? If they keep having these issues about everything they do? Mellisa had been right on the verge of saying that, the words just building in her throat when Redlas stalks off. And that is for the best maybe, there is nothing to be gained by pushing them. She just has to give them time to cool down. Time she is going to need as well before they have to work together again.

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