00057 --- The Little Prince in the Ossuary-------------------------=
#Trap (2), Camp Roberts
The atmosphere inside was heightened. Yun-cheol was successfully setting the mood. The party was extravagant, utilizing the resources available despite any shortages.
Eight tents were joined to create a larger space.
At the center, coincidentally, Song Ye-kyung was singing. A woman whose husband had started a new life at the 「Damul Development Society」.
As suspected before, she sang exceptionally well. Her voice was beautiful, her technique impressive, and her volume excellent. The sight of her singing while holding a child was maternal. Thinking back to her once furious past, it was astonishing how much she had changed.
'It's a bit difficult right now.'
While Yun-cheol was indeed perfect for handling stateless refugees, the atmosphere would quickly cool without him around.
In truth, Gyeo-ul felt the same. Yun-cheol, who had asked him to stay, was also concerned about Gyeo-ul's absence. Many others shared that sentiment. As they turned to welcome the returning little leader, their joy was mingled with slight confusion at the sight of the unfamiliar five.
There were many people bustling around for the event. There were also unfamiliar faces to Gyeo-ul. Likely, these were people managed by the two deputy leaders. Gyeo-ul had admitted to knowing less about the alliance than the deputies, which was partly true.
But there was nothing to worry about. Gyeo-ul beckoned a nearby person. Although unfamiliar, they immediately showed friendliness and respect, with a hint of wariness.
"Please make some space for these individuals. Close to me, if possible."
"Ah, yes!"
While he made the arrangements, Gyeo-ul gave the five a gentle smile.
"For now, just enjoy yourselves. Things like accommodations and other detailed matters will likely be settled after the party."
"That's fine. Thank you for your consideration."
Benjamin Mayer responded, naturally assuming the role of spokesperson. The other four showed slight unease, a typical tension experienced in an unfamiliar place.
As Gyeo-ul filled the space, the cheers grew louder. It was difficult to distinguish sincerity from formality.
The song performance continued. Enthusiastic performances followed, regardless of age or gender. Unexpectedly, the dark horse was a grandmother singing trot. People swept up in the rhythm sang the chorus as a group.
Nonetheless, the winner was Song Ye-kyung.
'It's beneficial to have a good singer. It would be nice to have someone skilled with instruments as well.'
Gyeo-ul's thoughts were pragmatic. Survival is about preserving life. Life requires enjoyment.
Music is the language of the heart, a lubricant for the spirit. It delays the collapse of the community in unseen ways. It's challenging to find a community functioning properly that ignores hidden durability. A community void of human life is its cause.
Can cultural needs be satisfied? Can solace for the heart be found?
'Can happiness be discovered?'
Gyeo-ul recalled the things he had prepared beforehand. He had heard that even animals would resort to solitary behavior in environments with extreme stress. Of course, this happens in nature too. However, in confined spaces like experimental cages or zoos, the frequency of the behavior increases abnormally.
To Gyeo-ul, it seemed like an instinctive struggle to find pleasure, because there was no other way to relieve stress. Plus, a joyless life is not truly living.
From observing virtual personas in a reality-imitating virtual world, Gyeo-ul concluded people were not so different.
Perhaps this was the reason. Those building human zoos from high and superior positions often showed deliberate leniency towards films, sports, and sex.
Though Gyeo-ul might be tormented by spectators from another world, he did not resent them.
The boy understood them.
"Let's begin the voting!"
Yun-cheol's lively voice brought Gyeo-ul back to reality. The borrowed microphone was handy; without it, Yun-cheol's face would have been twice as red.
The winner was Song Ye-kyung. Throughout the contest, she consistently chose cheerful songs. To Gyeo-ul, it appeared to be a form of determination.
She handled three encore requests, and with a sweat-soaked face, greeted people with a bright smile and a bow. The baby in her arms reached out to her, smiling brightly.
Wouldn't holding the baby be more exhausting than the singing itself? It would have been alright to leave the child for a moment.
Yun-cheol handed her the winning prize and asked for her thoughts. At the end of her brief message, ye-kyung directed her gaze at Gyeo-ul.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to express great gratitude to our little leader. If it weren't for you, none of us would be here today. Right, everyone?"
She transferred the cheers she received straight to Gyeo-ul. Feeling a bit awkward, Gyeo-ul responded to the cheers with a couple of nods.
"I actually have a favor to ask the leader."
Gyeo-ul tilted his head in curiosity. Ye-kyung lifted her child slightly higher.
"Do you remember? I said I would change the baby's name."
Yun-cheol quickly came over and handed the microphone to Gyeo-ul.
"Yes. I remember. How have you decided to change it?"
"I plan to make the change right now."
"Oh."
Gyeo-ul displayed an awkward expression.
The recently joined members were not aware of the backstory. They vastly outnumbered those originally there. To alleviate their confusion, ye-kyung explained her situation. She declared her intent to pass her family name to her son.
People now showered her with support and cursed her husband. The heightened emotions seamlessly transferred over.
'Was this her intention from the start?'
Her hostility hadn't disappeared. It was just concealed within her composure. Today might be the beginning of a new chapter for her.
Waiting for the atmosphere to calm, Gyeo-ul gently shook his head.
"It's not easy to decide right now."
A politely evasive response.
"The name will be with the child for life. I won't hastily decide. Deputy Jang, gather opinions from everyone. We'll shortlist the good names, and then I'll make a final choice. Will that be suitable, ms. Song Ye-kyung?"
Since the situation arose, it should be used to strengthen community spirit. That was Gyeo-ul's decision. Ye-kyung smiled gracefully and bowed deeply.
"Yes! Thank you, leader."
Yun-cheol roused the cheers once more.
Gyeo-ul then focused on the stateless refugees.
"Not being able to communicate must be frustrating, right?"
"Well... a little."
As ever, only Benjamin responded. The other four watched cautiously. Gyeo-ul sat down near them and called for Yun-cheol. Since it was a break period, Yun-cheol had some leisure.
"What can I do for you? And who are these people?"
His curiosity was apparent, given how promptly he asked as soon as he arrived. Gyeo-ul explained.
"They're stateless individuals."
"What do you mean by stateless?"
"I'll first introduce their names. The gentleman in the center is Benjamin Mayer. To his left is August Corma, Clara Carter, Casey Blackwell, and lastly, victor Cook. They were all adopted to America when they were young."
Though the conversation between Yun-cheol and Gyeo-ul was in Korean, the sequential introduction made it clear to the five that this was an introduction. The five gave reserved greetings to Yun-cheol.
Yun-cheol, receiving the awkward greeting, asked again.
"So, they're adopted... why are they here?"
"They encountered unfortunate adoptive parents. They were taken in for childcare support but were never given citizenship. They lived assuming they were American citizens, only to find out yesterday that they weren't."
"Oh my...."
The explanation was deliberately detailed to motivate Yun-cheol. With his kind and sympathetic nature, it was better to provide more information. Yun-cheol's eyes had already turned red.
"Since they have nowhere else to go, I decided to take them in. I apologize for not discussing it with you in advance, deputy Jang."
The apology was an intentional provocation.
"No, not at all! You've done a rightful thing!"
As expected, Yun-cheol vehemently waved his hands.
"You're most welcome! The 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 welcomes all of you!"
Despite his awkwardness, Yun-cheol welcomed them in English. He was diligently working on his self-improvement, which included learning English.
'Maybe he felt motivated by Deputy Min as well.'
Competition has its merits.
Gyeo-ul introduced Yun-cheol to their new family members.
"This here is Mr. Jang Yun-cheol. Jang Yun-cheol is his full name, with Jang being the surname and Yun-cheol the given name. In Korean names, the surname comes first. Yun-cheol is one of the two crucial figures assisting me. He manages the organization in my absence. You will be relying on him quite a bit moving forward."
The five looked at Yun-cheol with refreshed eyes. Yun-cheol appeared somewhat bashful. Gyeo-ul advised.
"Please make sure they have what they need after the event concludes."
"Rest assured. There's no need to even wait."
He immediately called for someone. Observing the few summoned familiar faces, Gyeo-ul could sense an organized operation. Later, it would be beneficial to formalize some people's positions in consultation with the two chiefs. Their character would, of course, need to be assessed. Gyeo-ul reaffirmed that inheriting the community of disabled individuals was a great decision.
To the five departing with the mid-level officers, Gyeo-ul said.
"Let's work well together from now on. It will be tough for a while, but I'll support you as much as I can."
Despite their outward composure, they were exhausted. Finding a place to rest was a priority over enjoying the party. How many of them would end the night without tears?
However, Gyeo-ul couldn't fully enjoy the party either. A speaker's wailing sound from outside echoed inside. As a buzzer rang three short times, the venue fell silent.
Fortunately, it wasn't an urgent emergency.
"Second Lieutenant Gyeo-ul, stationed in camp, please equip yourself for duty and report to the central parade ground immediately."
A call? At this hour? A glance at the clock confirmed that the sun had long set.
"It's probably nothing serious. I'll be back shortly, so please continue enjoying yourselves."
Gyeo-ul reassured everyone with a few words before slowly stepping out and then quickening his pace.
Arriving at the parade ground fully armed, several Humvees and a platoon awaited.
"Is it you again? Aren't you getting tired of this?"
The quip came from Charlie Company's 1st Platoon Leader, second Lieutenant Jeffrey Brown. Familiar faces were spotted as well. Sergeant Marvin 'Boar' Lieberman, private first class Darren Elliot, and Private Antonio Guilherme—all had initially worn annoyed expressions but brightened slightly when they saw Gyeo-ul.
Perhaps it was apparent why he joked at a late-night call. Jeffrey, as the leader, had to consider such nuances. Gyeo-ul casually played along.
"It's tiring. Seeing Jeffrey after leaving mid-party is a real drag."
"Well, that's a joke, right? At least, I was joking."
"I'm sorry. It was a true statement."
"Hey!"
The soldiers chuckled subtly. Jeffrey gestured for Gyeo-ul to get in the vehicle.
"Hop in first. I'll brief you on the way."
As soon as Gyeo-ul boarded, the driver hit the accelerator. Jeffrey's voice echoed from the radio.
"Ah, ah. Attention, everyone. I'll start the briefing now."
The soldiers in the vehicle turned their ears. Apparently, only Jeffrey had received direct orders.
"There's been a strange transmission detected near San Miguel since a while ago. It's been intermittent and from various locations. We can't call in the Air Force without exact coordinates, can we? Transmission-tracking missiles are useless if the signal isn't continuous. It seems like it's the 「Tricksters」, but we don't know how many have shown up. By now, you've got an idea why we were called, right?"
It was clear. Gyeo-ul and Charlie Company's 1st Platoon were the only ones at Camp Roberts with experience confronting 「Tricksters」.
Their engagement was notably superior compared to all other cases involving 「Tricksters」.
An achievement unattainable without Gyeo-ul.
The convoy halted at the checkpoint near the entrance. Many obstacles needed clearing.
---------------------------= Author's Note ---------------------------=
Today, I'd like to recommend a movie.
The title is Annie, a 1999 film. A memory from childhood that elicits nostalgic emotions, it's a touching film.
The theme song "Tomorrow" gained some attention after recently airing on TV.
Of course, readers might have difficulty accessing this film.
Why? Because even the author is struggling to find it.
I can't be the only one to suffer...