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Behind Alabaster Walls
Topic Started: Sep 13 2010, 04:39:46 AM (2,159 Views)
Reziel
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Der Fuhrer Dyszel
Nov 26 2010, 01:20 PM
"[...]Bring me a list of nations who have gone off the radar since my accident.  I need to see who is doing what," Novac returned to the General he was despite his inabilities to move.

«Packilvania» Lachdanan’s answer came with no hesitation. As the Mahanonian General glanced interrogatively at him, he simply nodded «The Hive. The Pax Empire… name it as you prefer. We’ve had a major alert, as it seemed they were preparing for some kind of global-scale attack… and then, nothing. Their nodes flashed with blue light for a while, but after that everything went quiet again. We’re getting reports about a moderate drones’ activity in Drakkengaard… apparently, to help fighting back the magic freaks in the outer wastelands. Aside that, yes. Off the radar. But Novac… this has to wait. Our position with respect to you have to be solved. Questions are being made… and we cannot postpone the answer forever. We… I need to know what you intend to. Above all in terms of Mahanoy. We cannot realistically challenge them… you. The Elites. Whoever is looking for you»
Armis Exposcere Pacem
They demanded peace by force of arms


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Again Novac's gaze fell on Lachdanan, analyzing and interrogating him. "Help me up," the order was respectfully direct and as Lachdanan moved in to assist him, Sawyer stepped forward to stop him.

"Sir, he should not be moved at this time. It may exacerbate the degree of his injury."

"Thank you for your concern Sawyer. However, you have already stabilized my spinal column. I will trust that you did your job well and take my chances. I need to sit up." Again the response was direct but it carried with respect for the men and their authority.

With an exasperated sigh and shake of his head in disbelief, Sawyer's reluctantly consented to moving the man knowing Novac would continue to make it difficult for them if his needs were not met. After all, he had personally ensured the man received the best care and perhaps the General was right and they had to put their trust in the job they had done.

Once up in the bed, Novac seemed significantly relieved to be able look about him and see the room for what it was, noticing for the first time the guards stationed within the room. He was clearly a man accustomed to knowing his surroundings at all times and it showed with each analytical glance around the room he took.

"Thank you. As for the pressing issues, Packlivania may be attempting to test our abilities. Now is the time we should divert them. Let them believe we cannot meet their demands. We must turn their attention to fabricated weaknesses, break down in our structure, decline in our unity, lack of direction from our leadership. If we can convince them we are ineffective at maintaining EPTO, we will hold the greater strength in the long run when they reveal their plan. They will anticipate our fabrications as being our weaknesses. This will provide us with the leverage needed to form an effective counter."

"Novac....Mahanoy," Lachdanan redirected the General, the hint of a silent demand for answers buried within the simple response.

"Is irrelevant Reiser. Mahanoy poses no threat. I have no doubt Desanti handled the affair. Unless," the idea struck Novac with a suddenness and he again turned his glance to Lachdanan, "she believes I am dead."

Nodding in confirmation, Lachdanan watched as Novac fell into a silent contemplation, analyzing the degree of how serious this situation was and the consequences that could arise.

Meeting Lachdanan's eye, Novac looked to him and although his expression remained calm and motionless, the imperceptible knowledge of commanding officers seemed to pass between them...the seriousness of a dire outcome, critically low ammunition in an active warzone, a suicide mission, the situations they all knew would end badly but maintained the illusion it was just another mission, just another gunfight, just another day. "You will need to notify Desanti immediately that I am alive. She will handle the rest. It may not be too late if you act now."

Official Approval by Terasu

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She was irresistible as she sat beside him, the faint scent of her hair, the frustration at his jokes flashing in her eyes. He wanted to be with her at that moment, to ignore her questions and concerns and just enjoy being with her. But her questions pressed him for an answer and he too looked to the floor for a moment trying to think of the best response, disappointed that the potential moment was ruined by the seriousness of the topic.

"I think it is best not to talk about this right now," Brandon's voice was crestfallen as he stood up and uncomfortably adjusted himself. "I need to go now. You need your rest, we have a long day before us. Kuro Institute will be taxing on your body, the campus is expansive and most people tend to walk it. Thank you for pulling through today but I should go."

Not allowing Cassandra an opportunity to respond, he slipped out of the room and closed the door, pressing himself against it as he did so. Leaning his head back, he looked at the wall across from him and shut his eyes a moment, the night his reputation was born replaying before his eyes. Pushing back his decisions, he turned from the door and walked down the corridor dejected. He wanted to be with her but he could not bring himself to enjoy the mood when that question loomed over them.

"Dinardeau," the voice menacingly beckoned him.

"What now?" Brandon asked, his voice exhausted with the constant interruptions, and as he moved to turn, he felt the cold metal press itself to the back of his head.

"Six years. Six years you avoided this bullet. And now I finally get close enough to pull this trigger and we are in Diehl's home."

"I guess I should consider myself fortunate," Brandon responded casually, meeting his response with the handle of the gun into his skull. Brought to his knees, Brandon grabbed his head, cursing at the man who reheld the gun to the back of his head.

"Six years Dinardeau. Are you even a human any more?"

The words resounded in Brandon's pounding head and the voice suddenly flashed into his mind.

"Largo...." his attempt was silenced when the man grabbed his hair and wretched his head back, pressing the cold metal into Brandon's temple.

"How can you sit here today and pretend that you are welcome here. Why don't you stay in whatever hell hole you came from and rot you bastard?"

"The situation changed," Brandon spoke before feeling his head pulled back with more force.

"You deserve to rot. You are not even dignified for the death I'd grant you....it would be too sudden for an asshole like you," the man bit back, meeting Brandon's eyes for the first time.

Remaining silent, Brandon continued to look at the man before he felt his head again wretched in a fit of anger.

"Well what do you have to say!" Largo cried out, his finger tensing on the trigger.

"Gentlemen, you know the rules. While you are in my house, this behavior is not tolerated. Please lower your weapon and unhand Mister Dinardeau. I invited him to this house and he is to be treated with the same respect all guests are treated with," Aria's voice emerged from the darkness before she stepped around the corner, her face a pale contrast to the darkness of her dress and corridor.

"Yes ma'am," Largo responded as he released Brandon reluctantly and stepped away. "I am sorry Lady Diehl. I was carried away with my emotions. It will not happen again."

Aria nodded and remained standing there, her eyes bearing with her the ominous warning of a harbinger of death. Watching as Largo retreated to his room, Aria extended her hand to Brandon.

"You have been the source of many disturbances in this house tonight Mister Dinardeau. I trust you will make yourself a less available target for them in the future," she spoke as she helped pull the injured man to his feet.

Bracing his side in obvious pain, Brandon grimaced, "yes Aria."

"I do not like your politics brought into my home. This is the game. Your politics and your government stay outside of this Sector. When you are in this Sector, you will follow our rules and our game, do I make myself clear Mister Dinardeau?"

"Yes," Brandon responded, shuffling to move against the wall as he clutched his side.

"You have offended a great many people who have been residing here Mister Dinardeau. You should know my home is a retreat to your fellow betrayed brothers and sisters. General Diehl has opened our home to them since the collapse. It is my responsibility to maintain that warm, welcoming, and relaxing environment. Your very presence here threatens the fine intricate integrity that I have built. Please keep in mind that I wanted to welcome our new allies to Mahanoy, but your presence here has many people nervous and afraid of what you will do. Do your best to reassure them that you are not here as a threat or a warning that your government is advancing on their lives."

"I understand Lady Diehl. It was not my int-"

"Brandon?" the voice peaked out from the room and Brandon quickly stood, fighting back the pain in his side to look towards the opened door at Cassandra.

Hesitating, Brandon nervously ran his hand through his hair as he looked from Aria to Cassandra, their private discussion perhaps giving Cassandra the wrong impression. "I...um...."

"Go to her Brandon and do not be afraid to show them why you are really here," Aria's voice carried with it a sense of knowing as she watched Brandon nod and slowly slip away back to the room.

"I....um....Cass....that's not what it looks like," he spoke, afraid she would think he had run off to gallivant with the lady of the house while he slipped back into her room.

Official Approval by Terasu

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Terasu: "Well done DFD you imploded the universe"

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;)

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The woman Brandon had come back to was not the woman he had left dejected in a hurry to hide his real self from her. She stood there her arms crossed and her prosthesis back on so that she could stand to face him with a certain angry dignity, not like an awkward, weak existence. Brandon felt colder under her icy stare, a stare he had not seen since he had met her.

“Not what it looks like? Do you think I am so naïve and stupid to think you could be fooling around with another woman behind my back?” Cassandra said flatly, “My name is Cassandra, nicknames are reserved for people who are very close to me.” A sarcastic smirk came across her face, “You? I don’t even know who you are, you are a stranger to me.”

Brandon stared at her incredulously, he didn’t know what to think one moment he was sitting with her, staring into her green eyes longing for her and the next he returned to a woman who stood to him like she didn’t even know him.

“Cass…”

“Shut the fuck up,” She swore, her face returning to a stone cold stare, “I have ears, I could hear that man yelling at you, what Aria whispered to you,” she spit the words out rather than speaking them. She resisted the urge to punch him, it would do nothing but bring him physical pain and she knew her words could hurt him more than any physical blow could. “I don’t know you,” She reiterated, “I have shown you who I am, I’ve let you become a part of me, shown you my most vulnerable states and what have I been given in return?”

Her criticisms slammed into him, as he stood there helpless against her assault. “Trust me, he says, don’t listen to them, he pleads. He’s a charmer, they say, he’s turned around and killed those who he was closest to, they explain.” Her simple paraphrasing of what she was told only adding to the gravity of the assault. “How can I trust someone I don’t know?”

Brandon looked down at the floor speechless as Cassandra stood there facing him, a minute passed and he could hear her foot steps as she circled around him, one soft thump of her foot and the other a faint clank of a metal joint. The blow to the back of his knees came swiftly and he fell easily to them, bracing the rest of himself from falling flat on his face with his arms. He moved to get up but Cassandra’s firm; commanding grip on his shoulder beckoned him to stay there. She came back around facing him as he continued looking at the ground. “Look at my legs.” She said. “The scars, sometimes I can still feel that hot shrapnel cutting them up like a cook to a steak,” She kneeled down onto her good knee, “A meager punishment for my crimes. You called me soulless killer once?” She took his chin in her hand and forced him to look at her face, the soft beauty he remembered gone, replaced with a spiteful look that did not suit her, “You may have though of it as a joke, but I was that. I’ve killed men and women and even a child once even if it was by mere accident from thousands of meters away, and I walked away from that without an ounce of emotion, not one ounce.”

She continued to hold his face with her hand, reaffirming her grip on him, Brandon could easily break it if he wanted to, easily stop her vitriolic speech right there, but did not, opting to take the punishment.

“WE… were soldiers Brandon. Whatever you did for or to your country I can understand it. AS… a soldier we have that in common. We may not be true soldiers now… but that part of us… that history remains, Brandon.” She stood up and forced him to do the same, standing only two feet away from him. “You did something for me, you helped save my sister. That is the only thing stopping me from telling you to leave now from my life. All I asked you to do was tell me yourself, I don’t want to hear it from someone else… that is not trust. If you cannot tell it to me as my lover then tell it to me as a fellow soldier or get out of here and forget your feelings for me, because if you don’t… I certainly will.”
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Unable to meet her retaliation with retaliation, Brandon lowered his head in silent defeat. It had come to the choice, the hardest choice he could make. Knowledge of his actions put her in harms way but the lack of knowledge jeapordized what they could have together. Allowing his selfish desires to overcome him, he moved to lean against the bedpost, the sturdy frame supporting his weight as clutched his side again.

"What do you know about my nation?" Brandon's question seemed serious enough as he hung his head down. "From what you should know, The Elite Empire was ran by a Figure Head named Dante for as long as it became a world power. It is feared as the ruthless vicious beast it is solely because of that man's military prowess and knowledge. He was a strategist. He could plan complex military moves in the blink of an eye an execute national assassinations with ease. The man was in all respects one of the most dangerous men this world had seen. You may recall the World Court's attempt to apprehend him. That is the last known history of the man known only as Dante. His disappearance was only recorded as a lack of interest in maintaining the Empire he built. The official story is that Dante had simply abandoned his post. His actions would leave this entire Empire to collapse."

Bringing his eyes to meet Cassandra's he saw that she was indeed listening. The simple confirmation made him retreat once again to himself as he looked away from her, staring off at some object that could not move, could not feel, could not harm him at this point. "The reality is that he never disappeared on his own volition. I spent thirteen years of my life infiltrating his Elite Guard just so I could take the bastard down. Dante fell at my hands. I knew where he would be, what he would be doing, who to suppress when the move was made. I knew just where to strike and just how to make this look in all respects a mere coincidence to the general public. My plan did not fail. On the contrary, it was executed far too easily. The results were more than we could hope for in the end and amid it all I stood as the man who made it all possible. I may have not been the one whose hand immediately brought Dante's death, but I am the man who destroyed his Elite Guard, making Clara's hand move without a hindrance. So if you ask me why my reputation is what it is, it is because many people could not believe the amount of dedication I poured into fucking this nation over. Just like you at this moment, no one knows who the real me is anymore or just how far I will go maintaining an illusion just to bring someone to their knees."

Official Approval by Terasu

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Terasu: "Well done DFD you imploded the universe"

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Cassandra stood there stunned at his confession, now in the aftermath of her rage she could see how damaged he was from her assault. She stood there feeling foolish, not knowing whether she should go to him and hold him or let him be. He did not look at her choosing to keep his eyes elsewhere. He had betrayed his own country, something she could not fathom, yet she knew that a betrayal like this was not black and white but shades of gray, especially considering Mahanoy's own brand of political systems it was no ordinary country.

She was smacked with longing to go back to a much simpler time with him, the wind coming from an open window reminding her of the forest they had spent time in alone back at her home, a time when they lay underneath a tree and needn't say anything to each other. She regreted her words almost instantly, even with the knowledge of what he had done of what he had kept secret from her. "Brandon," the call of his name sounded like a bomb in the quiet atmosphere, "If you can't be real with them out there, if you can't be yourself in public, at least be real with me... I don't want to have to judge you by the words of others. I've confided in you now confide in me." She pleaded. "I lied when i said I knew nothing about you, I know when you are lying to me and if that is some sort of elaborate illusion then I ask you that when it comes time to end me... do it quickly and painlessly."

She could see that those words did not help the conversation but she felt they needed to be said, "I know you love me, everyone I have spoken to here has seen it. All I want you to do is be open with me. Armendia said something else to me, she said you were having a change of heart, I didn't know what she meant then but now I do," Cassandra walked up to Brandon and wrapped her arms around him, his body was cold, "I've noticed when certain topics are broached you get nervous, you hand runs through your hair one to many times. I want to be there for you during those times like you were for me," She said still holding on to him. "I can't do that if you hide yourself from me."
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Reziel
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Dec 2 2010, 04:50 PM
"You will need to notify Desanti immediately that I am alive.  She will handle the rest.  It may not be too late if you act now."

«This is not an issue. At all» replied Lachdanan, his right hand moving swiftly to the armband covering his left forearm. Seconds after, a green light flashed for a short moment before everything seemed to be turned off again.

«About Packilvania… I see your point. And I honestly agree. But the bureaucrats down there… they will need plans. Details. That’s not something the Grand Duchy can do alone… at all. Above all… I cannot step in myself. I’m not EPTO. Officially, my troops there do not answer to my commands. Despite unofficially I can assure you that no problems will come from Rezielan troops… be it the ones wearing Elistar’s colors or the one serving in EPTO»

As the General nodded, the Archangel Colonel glanced all around the room, smirking.

«Would your concealment be part of this strategy… or do you prefer ‘re-emerging’ from the depths we’ve buried you into?» he asked, silencing Major Sawyer before he actually had a chance to interject. Remaining hidden or not… that was Novac’s choice. Novac’s only.



Free Pacific States – Liberty City
EPTO headquarters – Right outside Vaeda’s rooms - In the meanwhile

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IDNIA

One word. No more were needed. Storm was someone you could rely onto, when it came to the gift of summarization. Grinning, Derrick skimmed the display of his Archangelic armband, then knocked at Vaeda’s door. The fact it was night… it didn’t really matter. Patiently, he waited for a while, then knocked again. This time, he simply entered, ignoring the absence of any answer.

«You have never been taught the meaning of ‘privacy’, it seems» hissed Vaeda. For a moment, Derrick stared at her, standing in the middle of the antechamber. The black silk dressing gown she was wearing made her even more sexy… if that was needed at all. Judging from her aspect, she had probably been waked up by his initial knocking, but instead of just answering she had preferred to jump out of the bed, make herself presentable… and then, go straight to the door to face whoever had disturbed her.

«General Novac is alive. I suppose this is relevant for you. For EPTO. For Mahanoy. Whatever»

Her beauty was definitely an interesting addition to his task. But he wasn’t liking at all the ongoing situation. Hidden Generals, international implications and ramifications… it was a game he wasn’t accustomed to play. And having to play it while staring at that black silk… damn’it. Even more complicate.
Armis Exposcere Pacem
They demanded peace by force of arms


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As Jordan sat down beside him, clearly uncomfortable approaching him, Damon looked up to the man. He seemed familiar enough and the conversation seemed to be one of jest among friends, yet the man's face and name could not immediately come to his mind. Turning back to looking out the sky, the cool air chilling him through the shirt, he sat in silence for a moment, hoping the answer to this mystery man would resolve itself.

"Kill you? No, I would rather not," Damon tried to joke, his voice attempting to suppress the hint of his accent, but his gaze fell again to the sky as his mind tried without avail to recall the identity of this man. Trying to fill the gaps in without revealing how little he remembered in fear of offending the man Damon laughed some, "so what brings you here? I do have to warn you, if you are here to arrest me, we are in FPS and I hope you filled the paperwork to extract prisoners from this nation out three years ago. The bureaucratic hellhole this nation is makes it impossible to make a quick decision. Fortunate for me I guess....cuffs and mugshots are not a good look for me."

The grin was real enough as Damon flashed it, gauging whether or not the man would be mortified or confused, both of which were telling signs as to who this man mind might be.

Official Approval by Terasu

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Terasu: "Well done DFD you imploded the universe"

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"Thank you, but I have taken care of it already. I suspected he was alive earlier and notified Mahanoy. You can tell whoever informed you about this that it would be best if Novac made an official appearance to show that he is indeed alive and well. I can trust that he is, but I cannot speak for Mahanoy. There are people who will want confirmation that he is alive. I am afraid anything short of physical proof at this time will not convince them. They have no reason to believe us unfortunately," Vaeda responded as she pulled her hair up into a clip quickly.

Looking at Derrick, she softly sighed, "have you been up all night? You really should rest. These security measures are not necessary. I highly doubt anyone is going to make an attempt on my life. What threats does EPTO even face? It is making me nervous....as if I should have a reason to fear for my life. I have stared into the barrel of a gun once in my life, I am on borrowed time now and do not fear the inevitable. Please, these security measures are redundant, get your sleep."

Official Approval by Terasu

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Terasu: "Well done DFD you imploded the universe"

:lol:


;)

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OOC: DFD cries for this post was lost the first time and with it the awesome epicness. I apologize for the weak reiteration.


"Cass...." he began, the words failing to speak themselves as he moved towards the bed and pulled her into it, "just lay with me please."

The words seemed lost in that moment, masked behind his actions as if he could not really speak the truth. Embracing her, he buried himself into her, wanting to remove himself from it all. He was a broken man, the facade shattered, and as he tucked his face into her neck, kissing her softly, she could see that he no longer knew who he was. The years of facades, the lies, the deception had all taken hold of him and his words no longer sounded true to even him. He could only hold her and hope that it said enough. When the mask was removed, his words failed, and it was in the way he held her at that moment that she could see he was being the truest to himself he had ever been. When he no longer knew himself, he was finding the man he was destined to become in the woman he loved. It was then that Armendia's words replayed in her mind.

"Brandon is a former Elite, he will defend what he believes the most in. I envy you in many ways....you will know a positive devotion that many of us will never see."

While the tips of his fingers gently caressed her, his lips lightly brushing against her skin, her mind began to race. Could Armendia be right? He could have walked away at any time, could have left her. There had to be more behind it than their nations. It was clear that this nation did not need anyone else...so why the alliance? Why his determination? Was it all for her? Even when it caused him physical agony, he had chosen to stay with her, refusing to abandon her when walking away would have been much easier. He had to be telling the truth. It couldn't all be a lie, could it?

The questions raced in her mind and as she shivered from Brandon's light touch and the lingering of his lips along her abdomen she knew she had to make a choice....to believe him or not, to fully trust him or not. There could be no half way without it impairing their relationship. The truth would always be obscured and she had to learn to accept that truth took on a new meaning in Mahanoy. She was about to make her resolve as she looked at him when she noticed for the first time that he was graying. The silver hairs concealed themselves in his full head of hair. And as she brought her hands to his head, running her fingers through his hair, noticing each silvery strand, she saw that his age was not only showing in his hair but in the way he moved, much slower. She was reminded that he was no longer a young man and that this moment might have been so very different if she had met him twenty years ago. The slow build up, the soft touch, the lingering of the moment. This was a man who knew time was dear and his end nearing. With each kiss she was reminded that he was not rushing for the end game, but rather, expressing his love for her and he would spend all day doing it if he knew that was what she needed.

Lifting his head to meet her eyes, Brandon smiled softly and sadly, unsure of what was running through her mind but glad that she no longer seemed so angry at him....almost as if she was understanding and accepting. Bringing his lips to her neck again, he kissed her softly before whispering to her, "please don't leave me."

"Brandon...." Cassandra began but he brought his hands to her lips as he leaned over her, unusual sadness in his eyes as if perhaps he was thinking the same thing, he was no longer a young man.

Kissing her slowly, he pulled away, his eyes still holding her with an intensity she had not seen before, "I love you Cass...I don't want to be alone, not without you....please....marry me."


Official Approval by Terasu

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:lol:


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Time stopped or so she thought it had as she looked up at the man lying in bed and leaning over her. Her eyes had widened as she looked at him, she could feel him stare deep into her as the question softly left his lips. "I..." Her voice was taken away from her as she reacted to the shocking question almost like a reflex.

"Marriage?" She thought to herself. The thought had never really crossed her mind during her life, she had spent a large portion of her current life alone and it was only until she had met Brandon that she even remotely thought about spending it with anyone else, her chaotic life not leaving time for such thoughts, but marriage? Could she spend her life with him? Could she share the challenges of life, challenges she had defeated on her own with him? All of these thoughts raced through her head for a question that demanded an answer and even though time had felt like it had stopped for her she could see the seconds wearing upon him in his stare as he waited for her to answer him.

She opened her mouth to speak again but the words failed to come, there was no phrase she could use to stall for time while she thought about it. She could see it in his eyes that he really did love her with every fiber of his being and at this realization tears began to form in her eyes, she blinked letting them fall and trickle down her cheeks as she continued looking at him. He saw this, his expression changing thinking that something was wrong, worried that he had asked the question at the wrong time.

"I don't want to be alone, not without you."

His words raced quickly through her mind, she had found someone who needed her, something she never thought she would experience. The block in her throat disappeared as she moved to speak to him with her answer.

"I don't want to be alone either," Her voice trembling, "I will." Brandon smiled and wiped her cheeks dry before kissing her; holding her tightly against himself, never wanting to let her go.
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Even as they fell asleep, Cassandra could still feel his soft touch upon her, remembering the lingering of his lips, as if he really would never let go. He fell to sleep so quickly, much too quickly, and she saw with the slow even rising of his chest that he was indeed complacently resting. Her own mind rushed, keeping her awake even as his embrace around her loosened.

Despite their time together, she had come to realize this was the first night that he had stayed with her sober and even as she realized it might not be the best time for them to be seen together, she could not bring herself to arouse him from his deep sleep. He looked at peace while he slept so soundly, as if the world he lived in was not an elaborately set stage. Could she deny him that simple pleasure? That one time where he could really be himself?

Before she knew her own breathing synchronized to his and she too had slipped into sleep, comforted by his simple presence, feeling as if together they could take on the world. Together they had survived Shepherd, had come to survive Mahanoy so far, any future challenge seemed much more possible with him at her side.

With that last remembered idea playing in her dreams, the sudden knock at the door startled her. Despite the darkness in the room, she could tell a light hue was breaking outside. Brandon was still asleep, his arm draped over her loosely, his breathing still as slow and deep as she had remembered. He had not moved since she had fallen to sleep and she could see he very much needed the sleep he found that night. Slipping from him and reattaching her prosthesis, she was about to open the door when the door opened itself, Patterson peaking it.

"Normally I would respect your privacy, but Aria insisted you should come this very moment. No worries about getting dressed, it is just us," he spoke, peaking over Cassandra's shoulder at the other body in the bed sleeping soundly.

Pushing him out the room, she quickly stepped outside and closed the door before Patterson could confirm Brandon when Aria slipped around the corner. As if the woman had lived in a perpetual state of beauty, the woman was dressed despite the early morning hour. Her regale voice sounded softly in a hushed whisper, "I was just about to make sure that you were both coming. Please, come quickly, you do not want to miss this," she spoke as she slipped her arm under Cassandra's and walked her along the corridors to the gardens outside. The crisp cool air mountain air reminded Cassandra of home for a moment, the freshness of this Sector some surreal image of them stretching out to pristine untouched lands. Guided along a series of paths both Patterson and Cassandra were surprised to find Aria finally stop when the ground cut off and they overlooked an untouched valley spreading beneath them.

No sooner did they arrive then the softening gray horizon broke with golden light. As it slowly advanced, spilling its soft rays across the valley, it seemed to come to life around them. The sound of the rushing waterfall sparkled with each ray cast upon it and they both could see an unusual herd of white deer drinking from the water. Their behaviors almost seemed human enough, a few alpha males scattered to protect the herd, young couples nearing the other, proud parents watching their young fawn play peacefully with one another. The white fur seemed to be the only major distinction and when the sun spilled out the valley, a large buck stepped forward over the herd, the herd yielding to its protection.

They watched in silence for a moment when the male looked up at them, its stance in every way suggesting it had known they were there. It seemed to gauge them for a moment before it turned away and with it the herd leaving as well, dashing away quickly into the woods.

"The Jacoula," Aria began as the rising sun continued to bring to life the valley, "is one of the rarest and oldest species of mammals in Mahanoy. That is the only known herd still in existence. It had survived time, their leaders mindful of any threat to their existence. We only get the opportunity to see them at the break of dawn in this valley and only this time of year. It is unfortunate that they cannot be found any other time of the year and so very fortunate that you happened to be with us when they arrive to this valley. The white deer are a legend in Mahanoy, outlasting many species and events that have passed through this nation. I must apologize for so hastily dragging you out of bed to see this, but I wish you to see the real essence of Mahanoy while you can. We are a nation that values the protection of the old while integrating the new. This valley is untouched by our people, we have for ages stood over and watched the them as they watched us while we build above. Today you will see some of Mahanoy's top technology and as Armendia had her own words of wisdom, I too must leave you with mine. Remember this nation as integration. In our strive for perfection, remembering and respecting the past and those who share this world with us has become very important. So while we continue into the future, we exist with creatures who have survived time to remind us that life is very tenuous and fragile. We must hold onto those brief moments of the happiness we find and never forget the simplest of pleasures. Today you saw a jacoula, while you may not find it as impressive as the fighter jets you will see at Kuro, it is equally as important in Mahanoy. I hope you will come to understand this during your stay here," Aria spoke as she allowed them a moment with the natural beauty of this place before winding them back inside.

The house stirred awake as they returned, some of the guests beginning to mull about while Aria's house staff began to bustle around preparing for breakfast and serving the guests. Smiling to Cassandra and Patterson, "Thank you for joining me this morning. I again apologize for waking you so early, but I do hope you will come to appreciate what you witnessed this morning. You are welcome to prepare for your day and join us for breakfast in about an hour."

"Thank you Aria," Cassandra spoke as she watched the elegant woman depart again.

And it was when they were alone that Patterson seemed to questioningly glance at her with the question looming in his mind all morning, "was that Dinardeau?"

Despite her steely will not to let him know the truth, the ever slight blush at being caught flushed in her face and Patterson, a man of much simpler ways could not ignore the sign. He was after all her mentor....knew more about her quirks than she even realized.

Laughing Patterson nudged Cassandra in the side jestfully, "Fraternizing with the enemy! No wonder Shepherd wanted him dead. I was guessing that fall Dinardeau sustained was a cover and had my suspicions since the start, but all seems to make sense now."

"James....please don't," Cassandra began, mortified with where the turn of the conversation may go.

"Commander, it is not my job to interfere with your decisions. You are a superior officer and I must trust you know what you are doing. As your mentor, I have seen you progress and earn the position you have today because of your own hard work and efforts. I have no doubt that you are capable of prioritizing your importances and doing what is best for both our nation and this man. As your friend, I can only tell you to do what you feel is right. Trust yourself, you are smarter than you know. The guy might be Mahanionian and might not be able to shoot for shit, but he is not so bad. I know your father passed away and since then you have had to make some hard decisions without paternal guidance. If I may Cassandra....some of us want to see you happy. If he makes you happy, do not be afraid to seek it. He has my blessings for what it is worth. We just need to put him through some good ole Alleghenian training. How can he protect you if he cannot hit a target right in front of his face!?" Patterson playfully laughed while again nudging Cassandra to do the same.

"Commander!" the soft voice of Armendia seemed all too excited to see her, "I hope you slept well. It is very good to see you awake so early. You should hurry and ready yourself, we are having a game before breakfast. You both should join us. While you were away last night, your officer here was dominating our men. Seems he is making friends quickly here, is that right James?" Armendia laughed, having heard the stories about Patterson's legendary dart throwing from the previous night.

Before she knew it, time had passed so quickly and Cassandra was ready for her morning and already engaged in a heated game of darts.

"You missed! How the hell could you miss!?" she found herself yelling at the man who had missed their team's third bullseye and thus the game to Patterson and his team.

"And the master triumphs again!" Patterson laughed, taking the opportunity to playfully gloat at Cassandra. "Maybe you need to accept that I cannot be defeated!"

"Over my dead body! Re-match!" she challenged, losing herself for a moment in this Mahanionian atmosphere devoid of official responsibilities. Despite the knowledge that this nation was a stage, she felt comfortable there momentarily as they challenged another, thinking perhaps there were times when the masks were removed and everyone could just relax, It was then she grew aware of how casual and at ease everyone was compared to yesterday and it was then she realized that through her whole morning, Brandon was not there. She had left him so suddenly and had completely forgotten that he was still sleeping in the rush of their morning.

In the moment she was about to leave to get him, Aria entered the room almost as if timed, issuing them all towards the dining hall and it was then Aria's whispered words to Brandon replayed in her mind. She could see now that Aria was right, the definite change was noticeable when he was not around, everyone far more relaxed and comfortable with being themselves.

Slipping her arm around Cassandra, Aria guided her to the table, "you must try some of our breakfast. My home is usually busy with guests who pay us a visit just for the meals, I must admit."

With the comment came a flurry of laughter, no truer words being spoken as it seemed everyone had come from their respective rooms to gather for breakfast with the only obvious loss being Brandon and the two men from the previous night. It was then Aria smiled at Cassandra with a silent knowledge.....Aria was stage master. She had set the stage and let the actors take hold with her props. The facade she may or may not have been playing was irrelevant, she could only move her props and backdrops and hope that they created a much more pleasant atmosphere for her actors.

The lavish dinner had gone well, Patterson and Cassandra both losing themselves in the Mahanionian atmosphere again, and it was not until they were done eating and the guests who were preparing to join their entourage departed to ready themselves that Armendia rejoined her, pulling her off to the side. "Cassandra, where is Brandon? I have not seen him all morning. Is everything alright?"

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Cassandra shook her head, "I have no idea. He may still be sleeping, you know with an injury like that he probably needs it." She explained throwing out the first excuse that came off the top of her head. Cassandra let out a sigh, "Good food around here eh? I should get back to my room and cleanup properly, change clothes that sort of thing."

Armendia nodded with a look of suspicion but let her go anyways without asking questions. Cassandra celebrated under hear breath as she got out of the situation without having to explain she had spent the night with Brandon. Even though they only fell asleep together other people may have different thoughts as to what may have happened. She hurried through the hallways of the elegant home almost getting lost before she found the door to her room. Inside Brandon was still sleeping heavily as evident from his heavy breathing. She moved to watch him sleep for a few moments before opening her suitcase and picking out a new clean uniform. She always took two with her when she traveled along with a set of combat fatigues should she get anywhere near a combat zone.

She examined the uniform its purpose mainly to make the person wearing it look sharp, the tight fitting tunic hugged there wearers waist and gave them a thinner profile, being a military anything in Allegheny meant that you had to subscribe to a certain amount of theatrics when it came to military culture, you were to look honorable, strong, admirable, a hero to all civilians no matter what. Just another piece of propaganda in the machine. She laid it out on a nearby table and undressed for the shower, the t-shirt and slacks she put on to go out and see the deer with Aria folded up and neatly placed into another suitcase.

The warm water of the shower massaged her skin as she washed, the last bit of tiredness going down the drain with the dirt. The shower had done wonders for her spirit, the big breakfast and friendly game came together to put her in a good mood. Cassandra quickly dressed but left the tunic and tie off for the time being, formal uniform standards wouldn't be needed until she left for Kuro.

Brandon still slept like a rock, not even moving to change position, if not for his breathing one could assume he was dead. Cassandra moved over to him and stood leaning over him. The prospect of waking him from such a peaceful slumber depressed her slightly, Brandon most likely never slept this well often in his life. She slid the covers down and examined his injury softly feeling around it before removing her hand and looking back at him. His proposal slapped her across the face again as she suddenly remembered the night before, she had said yes to him. His deep and peaceful sleep suddenly made sense to her as she continued leaning over him, watching him. She didn't know if her acceptance was the right thing to do, but she had yet to have any feelings of regret spending her life with him did not seem so radical. She kissed him on the lips as he slept and than spoke into his ear.

"Brandon, it's time to get up." His face changed from a peaceful look to that of a perturbed look, like a child wanting to sleep longer. She repeated the phrase and he finally woke, breathing in a rush of air as he broke through the layers of sleep. He smiled when he saw her face over his.

"You missed breakfast," She said playfully.

Brandon took a few moments to take the sight of her in. No matter what she was doing, wearing or time of day she always looked beautiful to him. Her presence gave him a overwhelming sense of calm. He wanted to go back to holding her in his arms, to lay there with her for an eternity in comfort but the daylight called, beckoning him to face it the knowledge that he would face it with her erasing any sense of trepidation he may have had.
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Reaching out to feel her one more time before having to face his day, he extended his hand and touched her cheek, her skin soft beneath his gentle touch. "You are a beautiful woman," he spoke softly a hint of a grin spreading across his face, "but the question is, are you a kind one?"

Looking at him with confusion, Cassandra watched him as he grabbed her arm firmly, preparing to move before she began to sense what Brandon was asking without him needing to finish his sentence. He was unable to pull himself up without assistance. Using her own strength, she helped him onto his feet, where he stood for a few seconds collecting his breath, grimacing in pain.

"I know...." he spoke sadly before she could speak her thoughts, "I shouldn't be up. We need to do this Cass....we need to get them on board. The people of Mahanoy love you....we just need to get them to see you. They" the allusion to a people beyond the people came from Brandon's mouth as a sneer, "cannot deny our alliance once we win the support of the people."

"Brandon....I'm worried for you. What you said last night? If you keep pushing yourself....what future will we have?"

Smiling sadly, Brandon's eyes fell to the floor. "I thought about that.... I am one of the only people who can do this Cass. I need you to trust me, please. If you see I'm faltering today, I give you permission to make me take a break. We need this though. Kuro Institute is a major key....you will see," Brandon brought his eyes to meet Cassandra's slowly. "It just takes me a while to get moving. I will be fine," he insisted, forcing the grin.

"Please don't push yourself too much Brandon. I need you too," she persisted, watching as he nodded and worked his way to the bathroom, holding his side as he moved.

"Cass....I'm going to shower here. Can you get my uniform? My room is down the hall, last door on your left."

He watched as she slipped out of her room before he stepped into the shower. Alone now, he hung his head as the warm water fell on his neck. He had been fighting the nausea and now that she was away, he doubled over, expelling the thick black substance. "Cass...." he groaned, calling out to her despite knowing she was too far away to help him. Painfully, he dropped to his hands and knees in the shower, the water washing away the evidence of his injury as he brought up another wave of the blackened substance. His side ached with the Generals blow and as he touched his tender side gently, it was just another reminder of how serious his injury was becoming. He knew she had a right to be worried, a right to be concerned, a legitimate reason to fear for his wellbeing, but he could not bring himself to abandon their work in the middle of it. If he could just get her before the line....if they could just see her....they wouldn't harm her, couldn't touch her. She would become an untouchable. He had to push himself....had to keep going, for her.

Pushing himself back up at his resolution, he painfully completed his shower before he heard the door open. Moving to greet Cassandra in better spirits, he wrapped the towel around his waist as he stepped out of the bathroom grinning.

"Cassandra?.....oh...." the voice asked as Brandon met Patterson's stare.

Mortified Brandon stood paralyzed, death gripping the towel, the only thing keeping him from being fully exposed in front of this officer. "I...." Brandon stammered pitifully, failing to come up with a response to the situation, a response that would not doubt fail as Cassandra's tunic laid out before Patterson, confirming this was indeed the room she was staying in.

"Do not need to explain yourself Dinardeau," Patterson smiled. "I did knock, three times to be precise. Figured she might have been talking to Gordon or something....." he lingered off, his eyes catching the surgical scar on Brandon's side. It was a finely done surgery, he could tell by the healing of the wound and he felt proud at his nation's work. But his glance brought with an uncomfortable shifting of stance from Brandon who seemed to regard his admiration for his nation as analyzing the man's competence.

Covering the wound with his free hand, Brandon tried to force a grin that fell into a grimace, "It's not as bad as it looks."

"I do not think many of us are concerned about the external appearance of that one Dinardeau," his eyes met Brandon's with a knowing glance, "and if I may be frank, you need to be careful. Recent bruising from the last time I saw it. Seems your enemies are already exploiting that weakness. The Commander has taken a liking to you Dinardeau. As my commanding officer, I need to respect her decisions, but I would hate for her to be disappointed in life because the man she seems to have chosen does not know when he should rest."

"I wouldn't do anything to deliberately hurt her like that," Brandon confessed, hanging his eyes.

"I hope that is the truth," Patterson held the man, his remark confirming that he had learned the rumors about Brandon.

"For perhaps the first time in my life, it is," Brandon admitted.

"I thought so," James spoke with a smile, "take care of her Brandon. She means the world to some people in my nation. She's a role model to thousands. She's the pinnacle of strength and commitment. It would be hard finding anyone who can do the job half as well as she can."

Brandon nodded as Patterson turned to leave, taking in a deep breath to alleviate the sudden rush he felt at being exposed.

"And Brandon," Patterson turned before closing the door, "that is a combination of digested blood and bile you are vomiting. You get it worse in the mornings when its been sitting in your stomach all night. It has a distinct smell, no masking that. If you are not going to rest, at least take the medicine I am going to leave in your room. Your not such the bad guy they paint you out to be. Plus....I need to teach you how to shoot before you drop off."

Laughing Patterson departed and Brandon smiled to himself, a genuine response to the man. He was growing to appreciate this man's honesty and frankness....a trait that came from being on the lines he had almost forgotten. Despite his lies, a soldier was a soldier and he knew there was no masking some injuries from a trained soldier. Sitting on the bed, Brandon waited for Cassandra to return with his uniform, his thoughts running back to his conversation with Cassandra.

A few minutes passed before the door cracked and Cassandra slipped in, carrying the black suit bag she failed to conceal so well. "You are done?" she asked with a warm smile as she handed him it. "Sorry it took so long. I had to dodge some people on my way over."

Taking the bag, Brandon held it before he looked away, unable to meet her eyes. "Patterson knows about us," he confessed, ashamed to be the one who had incidentally let the cat out of the bag.

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Cassandra just smiled at him and nodded. "I know. He won't bother us Brandon and he isn't the kind of person to go spreading secrets around, even if this secret is horribly kept," she said knowing Brandon would know she was speaking about the few Mahanionians who somehow already knew. Cassandra finished putting on her uniform as Brandon dressed into his. Her intricate clothes a sharp contrast to his plain black uniform both having different meanings to different people.

Cassandra went to put on her beret but did not find it in the place she left it. She sighed and started looking in the different drawers and closets she may have accidentally put it in. "Brandon have you seen my beret?"

"Nope!" He said, a hint of laughter in his voice. Cassandra turned around to see it atop his head and a large grin on his face. He amazed her, even in his current state he still found the energy to play games with her. Cassandra shook her head and walked over to Brandon.

"Are you going to give it back? Or am I going to have to take it from you?" Cassandra said, a smile on her face as well.

Brandon feigned defeat and took it off, "Clashes with my uniform anyways," he said. Brandon did not give it back however instead choosing to put it on for her making sure it was straight on her head. Cassandra adjusted her tie one more time before putting her arms out for show. "How do I look?"

"You already know that answer to that," Brandon said, examining her, he moved in for one last kiss before they left but Cassandra pushed him away.

"Cass...?" Brandon said feeling a little dejected.

"You've been throwing up haven't you," she said, her smile replaced with a look of seriousness, "I can smell it on you."

"I thought I cleaned it all up, I'll go wash my mouth out again," Brandon said moving back to the bathroom. Cassandra handed a bottle of mouthwash to him and leaned up against the door jam as he cleaned a look of worry on her face. Thoughts of what he said about Mahanionian life spans raced through her head, if he kept this up he wouldn't even make it to that age. She choose not to press the point anymore, she knew he had a new responsibility to her, one to stay alive. Brandon looked back at her when he finished. "I will be okay, I promise."

Cassandra nodded a hint of sadness in her eyes, "OK."

"Shall we leave now?" He asked.

Cassandra nodded and they left the room back to where the other guests were as they slowly noticed Brandon's return, Cassandra could feel the atmosphere that had filled this room earlier slowly begin to tighten up.
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Dec 8 2010, 10:21 AM
"[...] Please, these security measures are redundant, get your sleep."

Care. That was rather unexpected. The woman was coming out far better than he had imagined in the very beginning. Smiling warmly, Derrick gently shook his head.

«Lady Vaeda, I do agree with you about the fact your life is not directly threatened. About EPTO, on the contrary… I cannot. As long as we’ll not have understood what happened during the assault against Lord Novac, we have to assume we’re under attack. The security will not be lifted… not yet. I regret this is making you nervous and… yes, I promise I’ll try to make the whole thing more… discrete. It’s just that… well, we’re not yet used to this change. And our typical Iremian reaction is… yes, overreaction, sometimes. I suppose the bigger guys are feeling… in charge of the whole security. We… yes, we tend do that. To assume nobody else can do the work as well as we would, so…»

«The same bigger guys hiding General Novac?» she asked, her eyes moving inquisitively on his.

«Well… that would imply I still answer to New Irem, directly or indirectly» he smirked «And that’s definitely something I cannot do, not while wearing the EPTO’s uniform» he added, his eyes saying a completely different thing «But I promise I’ll do whatever in my power to have your message about General Novac delivered as quickly as possible»
Armis Exposcere Pacem
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The flight was short despite the distance between the Sectors, yet long enough for Brandon to have slipped back to sleep, his head falling to rest on Cassandra's shoulder in the process and despite her best efforts to shrug him off as to not draw unnecessary attention, he remained fast asleep. It was Armendia who smiled as she approached Cassandra, the knowing smile of the truth she spoke the previous night.

"He must be really tired, I have never seen him sleep so much," Armendia spoke, looking towards Brandon, who did not even stir as Cassandra pushed him back into his own seat.

"He has not been sleeping well the past few days," she partially lied, unsure whether to reveal the fatigue was a result of his injury. Despite the friendly nature of most of the people around her, she could not be sure that anyone would not use such information to hurt Brandon, and that knowledge alone kept her concerned enough to tell half-truths around these Mahanionians.

But just as Cassandra should have guessed, the Mahanionian Elite already knew the truth, having seen Brandon's facade cracking ever so slightly since his return to Mahanoy. "With an injury like that, I am sure he has not been sleeping well. Keep an eye on him today Commander. He has never broken his mask like this before.....I suspect there is something deeper going on and as much damage as Brandon had done to Mahanoy in the past, I still respect the man who could dedicate himself so fully to what he believed was right. It takes a strong man to stand by his decisions even in the face of adversity. His decisions may have hurt my fellow brothers and sisters, but I would never want to see him killed for defending what he believed in....it is after all what we teach each and every Mahanionian to do. Which reminds me....we are almost there. See those black beacons out your window? Never cross a black beacon without authorization. Our nation is lenient with flight regulations once you enter the nation, but black beacons are a mark of high security areas. Kuro Institute is one of most protected Sectors of Mahanoy, with due reason. We have too many future leaders within one Sector. Imagine the damage anyone could do to our nation taking out this facility?"

Looking out, Cassandra could see the lines of black beacons, seeing that perhaps they were ineffective in accomplishing their goals as they were certainly difficult to see at night. That was, until they crossed the first line and the beacons began to light up, turning more red as they progressed.

Armendia smiled with some knowledge hidden in her memories as she looked to Cassandra, "If you reach the infrared lights, it turns to white before you are fired upon. Fortunately, most never see that. Somewhat of a pity I must say, I designed the system with a few of my fellow Elites many years back. It is a magnificent show at night, I must say."

Sliding over, Patterson crouched beside Armendia and looked to Brandon sleeping before turning to Cassandra and Armendia, "Excuse me Commanders. How many people are actually in Mahanoy's military Armendia?" he asked, a hint of concern playing across his face as if perhaps he had just awoken from a nightmare.

Again Armendia smiled, "I take it the line has assembled already?"

Patterson seemed to nod but remained motionless....unsure if their newfound allies should be respected or feared. Sliding around Brandon and Armendia, Cassandra walked over to the other window to see what Patterson was talking about, only to see what appeared as a black sea spreading alongside an impressive campus. At their height, each row appeared like a well structured ripple in the sea, mapped and planned precisely for the aerial vision it held above. It was then that the allusion to a black sea finally made more sense.....Mahanoy's military as seen above was nothing short of churning sea and a military march, the crashing wave. No doubt she had known her own military was impressive, even Brandon seemed to respect their strength. Still....it was not a matter of skill that separated them, it was the sheer numbers that were standing in that line. The fact that they made a visual impact from their height confirmed the overwhelming man power this nation had contained tucked away in those Sectors. They could give each one of their soldiers a rusty knife and send them against many armies she knew and come out victorious by numbers alone.

Sliding back into her seat, Cassandra was speechless as Armendia smiled, "Remember what I said back at Aria's. We are about to descend, I will see you on the ground," she spoke softly before moving back to her seat and watching as Patterson too returned to staring out at the assembled students.

The descent was just as rapid as always, a feeling Cassandra was quickly becoming accustomed to in Mahanoy. She was beginning to lose herself in her thoughts when the gasping and subsequent clenching of her arm beside her startled her. Brandon's death grip did not loosen and he seemed to be fixed on staring at something before her, awoken with the descent. "Are we there?" he chanced his question, his heart pounding as fear lingered in his voice.

"Yes, we are descending. Brandon....are you okay?" Cassandra asked again, concerned that he was diaphoretic and breathing rapidly. Was it only his fear?

Loosening his grip slowly, Brandon clenched his jaw tightly while he again fixed his stare onto a stationary object before him. It was not until they landed and he rushed out of the plane to step foot on ground that he seemed to relax.

Slipping near him, Cassandra analyzed him silently as he looked off to the distance, "I fucking hate that," he muttered to himself, confessing for the first time his fear of flight. "They always make it feel like you are crash landing."

"It's not that bad," Cassandra admitted, shrugging as they walked, "could be worse....we could be crash landing," she said with a slight smile, yielding only a slight shudder from Brandon who seemed too distracted by his thoughts as they walked towards the campus.

"Cass......." he lingered with her name, avoiding eye contact as they approached the campus spreading out before them. His mind was set on telling her something, fixed on confessing something he seemed to be reluctant to mention, but he struggled with the words, a struggle long enough to be broken by the advancing team of black uniformed men.

"Dinardeau. I almost arrived before you." Orr's voice broke from among the men as the man broke formation and joined Brandon and Cassandra's side. "Allegheny, is that right? Welcome to Kuro Institute. I hope you do not mind. I will be joining you today on your tour. I wanted to examine recruits. I am disappointed to learn that Diehl's son will not be here today. I was looking forward to finally meeting this Mahanionian protégé and only now learn that he has been away from Mahanoy for a year."

Brandon nodded but spoke little as Orr joined them, sensing it was best to keep himself together now that the power players of Mahanoy were collecting before them. It was there that Cassandra saw fewer insignia on Orr's uniform than Brandon's and as they approached the line, she saw that certain men seemed to carry an inherent air of respect, a reverent power as they stood before men who nodded in their presence or stopped their discussion to stare for a moment at him. Each and every man that had less insignia as the man before him carried with him an air of command, of earned respect, and Cassandra saw just how different it seemed to be, how rank was not necessary in Mahanoy, how it was removed as one man seemed to find himself within their system.

It was at the moment that this thought developed when they turned before the line and standing before them was student after student for as far as she could see, their black uniforms identical....no differentiation between one and another, as if identity were stripped from these young students.

"Welcome to Kuro," the unidentified voice among them spoke as Cassandra stared out at each young student.

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Cassandra stood there for a moment her back straight and rigid and her hands folded behind her. She looked the students up and down, "Very impressive!" She exclaimed, her face straight and serious. She moved closer to them, they all kept their eyes straight ahead as she passed by. Patterson followed close behind doing the same, "Much larger than the inspections back home, quite impressive indeed."

Cassandra continued to look down the line of students, not one of them moved, all standing still waiting to receive inspection from their superiors. As she moved down the line she stopped in front of a student and stood before him, she stared directly into his eyes and he stared back, a look of confidence born through experience in his eyes. His stance was not as rigid as the other students, “What year is this for you?” She asked.

“Fifth year,” He quickly responded.

“Would you help me with a demonstration?”

The student nodded and stepped out of the line, keeping his eye on her as she removed her uniform tunic and handed it to Patterson. The revolver under the tunic was now in plain sight in a shoulder holster that fastened to the belt almost like suspenders. Cassandra tucked her tie into the front of her shirt and removed the black revolver unloading it as she walked back up to him. Pocketing all but one bullet, she put the remaining one back in and spun the cylinder. “The game is Alleghenian Roulette, it tests your ability to pull the trigger on someone else. One bullet, the loser is the one who gets shot. I am sure you have no qualms with pointing a gun at someone else and killing them.” Cassandra twirled the gun on her trigger finger before pointing it at him and pulling the trigger. An audible click could be heard as the hammer hit an empty chamber. “Because I don’t.”

The student smiled as she handed him the heavy revolver and he pointed it point blank into her chest and pulled the trigger, another click rang out the quiet field. Protests could be heard from Patterson but Cassandra ignored him. The student handed the gun back to her and she pointed it at his head and pulled the trigger again. Nothing. “Oh this is exciting isn’t it? Three turns and still no bullet,” She said handing the gun back to him. He pulled the trigger again but nothing happened. Cassandra took it out of his hands as he handed it back to her. “Want to quit? I won’t think any less of you.”

The student shook his head and she pulled the trigger. Nothing came just a click of the hammer. Cassandra handed it back to him. “You win. Kill me.” She forced him to point it into her chest; her accelerated breathing could be heard as the adrenaline ran through her veins. “Make your choice. Shoot me now or quit,” she ordered, her voice getting louder. The student remained emotionless as he handed the revolver back to her. She patted him on the shoulder. “Were you scared?” She asked. The student nodded. “I was too, you did a good job of not showing it. That is what a leader needs, you can’t show fear but it is ok to feel it. I do all the time when I make command decisions. Making commands is like playing this game, you would have won and I would be dead now if you followed through. You hesitated and I know that it is not fair to criticize you in this manner since I am here as a friend. However if I was here as an enemy your hesitation would have meant your failure. I was the stupid woman who thought I could come here and play this game with you. I should be dead for my foolishness, instead you showed me mercy, and mercy has no place on the battlefield. Remember this.” Cassandra smiled, “You will be a great leader someday. Mahanoy should be proud of it’s future. Now go.”

Cassandra walked back to the tour group. “God help the adversaries who face these future leaders.” Cassandra reloaded and holstered her weapon. Patterson shook his head as he handed her tunic back to her. “I thought you got over that brash streak you had when you were younger,” Patterson whispered to her.

Cassandra laughed, “You thought wrong.”
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"Bold woman," Orr responded while he walked alongside Brandon down the assembled line, meeting the eyes of many of the students and nodding with the customary sign of respect among Mahanionians. "I can see the potential of the alliance you saw with her."

Brandon nodded in agreement, holding back his words to prevent revealing the pain he was in. He thought he could make it through the day, had believed before he came to Mahanoy that a day at Kuro would be doable in his condition, but now as he walked before the line, under the scrutiny of all those future leaders, he began to realize that the knee to his side had been too much and at that moment he began to consider for a moment he would not make it through the day.

"Sir!" the voice of a student broke through the line as the young woman pushed her way past her peers to meet them, "Are you General Orr?"

Orr nodded respectfully while critically evaluating the young woman's intentions.

"I am sorry to bother you General, but I am a major fan of your work. I have been following your campaigns for the past six years. You might remember me, Amy Calitre. I wrote that report that you received about how you could reduce the financial expenditure of your missions by altering the order of your arranged flight patterns to increase mission efficiency. I wanted to meet you sir, I have been looking forward to it for many years," the young woman stood before them, her back straight, her eyes evaluating them just as they evaluated her. With the exception of more insignia on her uniform, she could have been one of them, standing among her own peers.

"I see," Orr responded for a moment, "then I owe you this." In silence, he reached forward and removed one of the insignia from her uniform before the line. "Amy Calitre is it? Walk with us, tell me more about your research. Your suggestions when implemented saved us several millions, I would like to hear more about your thoughts."

Bold. Much akin to Cassandra, Brandon thought as he looked at this young woman imagining that Cassandra must have been much similar to her in her youthful years. He allowed himself to indulge his thoughts of her, grateful that this woman now took the attention back off of him and he was free to slide away from Orr while they walked.

It was Cassandra who did not miss his subtle slowing down, but he was too far away, too far for her to join his side without arising a suspicious glance. Walking with Patterson, she noticed Armendia slow before the line, stopping to talk with one of the students who was animately engaged in conversation. The line....she had so much expected to see the traditional assembled troops but these young leaders broke their own positions at will, looked commanding officers in the eyes, talked with officers like peers, questioned the purpose of this system entirely and the thought dawned on her, that some students were not even there, having prioritized some other need above standing in the line. Looking up, she saw one of those students was walking toward them with that fixed serious look on her face, clearly a student who was actively engaged in her work.

"Brandon," she spoke, hastening her stride towards him.

The simple action allowed Cassandra the time to stop and meet back up with Brandon.

"Where is he?" she asked, trying to keep her voice quiet while they walked, but too much concerned for an immediate answer than to waste time with the formalities.

"Which he?" Brandon examined this woman, suspecting he might guess who she was but not certain enough to answer.

"Damon."

"He is in Free Pacific States from the last I heard. He landed in the nation and was last reported to be at the EPTO headquarters with Ms Desanti."

"I cannot get ahold of him, is he doing well?" the question seemed simple enough, but the look in Tresia's eyes confirmed a much deeper inquiry. She was less concerned about his physical wellbeing but hinted at a deeper struggle the young man seemed to battle.

"Tresia, I cannot answer that. I did not see him, my only reports about him came from a phone. I can tell you he is alive and effectively performing to a Mahanionian standard of performance. That is all I know," Brandon spoke, his voice stiffening, regretting that he did not have a better answer for this young woman.

"Thank you for your time," the response bit back, sharp, quick, without remorse. Tresia gave him not a minute more of her time, already deeming the man as a useless source of information and not wishing to waste more time that necessary with him.

"Tresia," Brandon called for a moment, watching the woman turn back towards him slightly, "try this." Taking the black phone from his pocket, he tossed it to her, knowing she would know how to use it....surely the intel officer of one of Kuro's most well-known teams was adept enough in their technology.

Catching the phone, she regarded it for a moment before nodding back to him respectfully while she continued to walk away. The action caught Cassandra off-guard a moment, unsure of what exactly was happening but based on the interaction providing her with enough information to conclude that Tresia knew Damon and somehow knew about the mission he had performed in Allegheny.

"Teams," Brandon offered a simple explanation.

"What about them?" Cassandra prompted him for more information, trying to understand their ways.

"Students tend to develop teams they work with to accomplish their missions. Tresia is the intelligence agent of of Damon Diehl's team, allegedly one of Kuro Institute's most desired teams. In the past year alone, the team had been in several missions that have either lead to the death or disability of one of their members. In Mahanoy, that means the hottest team to try to be part of. These students crave for any opportunity to be under live fire. They seek out danger to test their responses, learn their limitations, advance their careers forward even if it comes at the cost of their own well-being."

Cassandra nodded, knowing that she too had been there in her life. Pushing the limits and then pushing further.....it was a lifestyle among military leaders, "What about the removal of the insignia?" A simple enough question, but based off what he had told her and what she had seen, she deduced that this action was a sign of utmost respect in Mahanoy.

"Deranking," Brandon answered, trying to hold back his response to the pain in his side, "as students earn their name, they are removed of rank. In Mahanoy, the only rank one has is their name. Titles, positions, ranks are all superficial. One's real worth and respect is carried in the weight of their name. Take Novac. His official position was a General. Had you had the opportunity to have met the man, you would clearly see he was no General, but a man who held himself higher. He could command this entire nation into a mission if he so desired. Men like him, men like Dante," the name seemed to bring a slight stop in Brandon, "did not need a position to lead. They could say move and this entire nation would mobilize. They could step forward into battle and the entire Empire would follow. They needed not utter a word, offer an explanation, have a reason even. They only needed to act and someone would follow. That is what our system promotes. Commanding by presence," Brandon answered, the understanding beginning to play in Cassandra's mind as she began to realize why Brandon did what he did. Perhaps his actions were not so much of a betrayal, but rather they were something more....maybe what a nation saw as backstabbing was Brandon's attempt to attack the system he disagreed with by going straight for the jugular.

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