00061 --- The Little Prince in the Ossuary----=
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#Trap (5), Camp Roberts
Sergeant Pierce, with the flexibility of a wartime situation and unofficial means, managed to open the armory door. The cooperation from a sergeant from the logistics department was significant.
However, suspicions were inevitable. The amount of weapons and ammunition being taken out by Charlie Company was considerable, and the soldiers guarding the armory couldn't help but look curious.
Corporal Cohen asked Sergeant Pierce.
"My god... grenades are one thing, but LAW, claymore, and even No. 777... What kind of training requires all this?"
"This is also a drill for ammunition distribution in emergencies. Keep your nose out of it, Cohen."
"Ah, yes!"
Despite their curiosity, Cohen and the other soldier simply closed their mouths.
Then they stealthily approached Gyeo-ul. The other soldier besides Cohen was a familiar face. If it weren't for Gyeo-ul, they would have perished at Paso Robles. Hesitant, Cohen smiled slyly as he called out to Gyeo-ul.
"Lieutenant Banana."
"What's up, corporal Choco Ball."
The corporal's smile widened even more, his white teeth standing out due to the dim surroundings.
"Can you tell me what's going on?"
"I told you, it's training."
"Come on, don't be like that. I have a knack for things. Aren't we close, Lieutenant?"
He hadn't changed much since they last met. Naturally, people don't transform that easily. From beyond Cohen's sight, Sergeant Pierce signaled with a nod, leaving it to Gyeo-ul's discretion.
First, he needed to create a more favorable atmosphere. Gyeo-ul joined in with a fitting joke.
"I'm not sure. What's our relationship, corporal?"
"Oh-ho! Lieutenant, you're going to be in big trouble with such talk. You can't leave a comrade, who's shared life and death on the battlefield, feeling neglected. Come on, just whisper it to me."
To the cheeky black corporal, Gyeo-ul approached more seriously.
"If I tell you, will you help?"
"Huh? Do you need my help?"
"Yes. I'm telling you because I trust you. If you pretend not to know, I'll hold a grudge for life."
Perhaps feeling the underlying threat in his words, the two men's expressions hardened. After a brief pause, Corporal Cohen nodded.
"So, I don't know what it is yet, but you're saying this Matthew Cohen is needed by Young Lieutenant? Ha! Just give me the orders. I'll do anything except give you my testes and butthole."
His attitude was more like that of a friend than a superior. While Gyeo-ul's unique position might have contributed, it was perhaps more about not wanting to feel distant on a personal level. Gyeo-ul looked at the other soldier.
"Private, what about you? No matter what happens, will you trust me at least once?"
The response here was quite different. The private stood at attention with feet snapped together.
"I'm okay with it as many times as needed, Lieutenant."
Even if they see the same thing, people have different feelings. Leaning on the fact that Gyeo-ul was a savior, the soldier seemed overly influenced by Gyeo-ul's record so far. Since earlier, he also seemed displeased with Cohen's attitude, reflecting the atmosphere of Able Company that Amy mentioned.
With the company commander in such shape, they likely see some fringe benefits.
Gyeo-ul extended his hand.
"Thank you, Akridge."
It was a simple handshake, but the soldier was greatly pleased.
From the beginning, if circumstances allowed, they planned to bring personnel from Able Company as well. The two soldiers easily empathized with Gyeo-ul's concerns and viewed their given roles positively. Cohen nodded and spoke.
"Damn it. Anyway, superiors are always too relaxed, aren't they? From the training material alone, you'd know not to underestimate the 「Tricksters」. Anyway, don't worry. I'll only bring reliable ones. If it's your request, Lieutenant, even Mr. Ashford will rush right over."
Sergeant Ashford. Gyeo-ul remembered the first time they met at the Paso Robles health center. A guy wasting morphine with a broken arm.
"Has he recovered from his injuries? I don't think I've seen him since then."
"He returned a few days ago. He's a sturdy guy, so he's fine. He hasn't removed the cast yet, but he still manages to do everything, even charming ladies!"
Judging by Akridge's expression, it didn't seem like a fabrication. If that's the case, Gyeo-ul thought it's alright. An amicable officer would be a valuable addition.
"Once guard duty ends, gather them as quickly as possible... Should I head to the training ground?"
"Yes. The vehicles are there."
"Understood. You can expect a lot. We'll show you the camaraderie of California men."
"Be cautious. After all, it's essentially disobedience. What superior would like moving troops without reporting? You can't get caught. If nothing happens, we plan to return the ammo and play innocent. Pretend it never happened."
"You sound just like my grandmother with the nagging. Is it inevitable once you become an officer?"
Gyeo-ul decided to chuckle once more at this point. Satisfied with Gyeo-ul's expression, Cohen assured him to leave it to him. When he extended his fist, Gyeo-ul met it with his own.
The vehicles were parked per company at the training ground. They wondered how long they'd waited after bringing the ammunition. The Able Company personnel arrived to join them. There were more than expected, almost a platoon worth.
There were no officers, mainly soldiers. The senior-most, Sergeant Ashford, saluted Captain Capston.
"We heard you needed us."
"Though it was probably burdensome, thank you for coming. Having extra troops is indeed reassuring."
"We don't want to go halfway to the grave in our sleep, especially not on Christmas."
Sergeant Ashford looked at Charlie Company, ready for battle, exchanged a nod with Gyeo-ul, and continued.
"Still, I hope nothing happens. I'm worried the platoon leader will be upset about being left out."
"Well, it's unavoidable. In the event of an actual engagement, your task is to cover each company's quarters until they're combat-ready. I'm most concerned about an ambush. I'd like you to guide so the entire force doesn't fall into chaos."
"You're absolutely right. If an emergency arises and we aren't present, they'd panic."
Having confirmed their mission, Ashford approached Gyeo-ul.
"This is the first proper conversation since Paso Robles."
"Not much choice, it's been a while since we've seen you."
"I received a Purple Heart. Thanks to you, I didn't get a promotion, though."
The Purple Heart is a medal for wounds received in battle. Promotions were honors for casualties. Adding light-heartedness to his words, he sincerely thanked him.
"Thank you for confiscating the morphine back then. Honestly, I was so exhausted and desperate... I was contemplating just letting go and seeing it through. I'd already taken some, so I wasn't in my right mind."
American soldiers dispatched to hellish places like Iraq or Afghanistan often misused narcotic painkillers. Upon retiring, they turned into drug addicts, unable to adjust, sometimes committing crimes and being shot by police. It was one of the social issues in the United States.
He was grateful for preventing him from that path, and Gyeo-ul deserved to hear such appreciation. He simply responded.
"It's good to see you again."
"Yes, it truly is."
As he turned away, he addressed Gyeo-ul again.
"Lieutenant. Even bedridden, I've seen much of you..."
It seemed he referred to Gyeo-ul's TV appearances. As Gyeo-ul listened, he expressed concern.
"You should moderately excel in the future."
"What do you mean?"
"There's a group called DEVGRU. They're far better soldiers than me, and because they're so good at their job, the upper ranks assigned them all sorts of tasks. Even the sharpest blade gets damaged with reckless use. I heard they suffered greatly due to mental strain. I'm concerned about you suffering a similar fate."
Left without a reply, Gyeo-ul just smiled, as the sergeant concluded his thoughts.
"Not that it's exactly related, but I hope this incident turns out to be an unfounded concern."
"In truth, so do I."
That concluded their conversation. The sergeant found his place with Able Company members.
From then on, it was a matter of waiting.
Gyeo-ul was the fireman. His role was to put out urgent fires. Unlike other officers or soldiers who had clear missions and zones, he was to assess and support areas as needed.
In some ways, it was the most challenging role. However, Captain Capston viewed Gyeo-ul as the strongest asset, assigning him this task.
"I hope this all passes quietly."
This was the murmuring of Corporal Latchman, assigned to the same team. Gyeo-ul nodded in agreement.
"Me too."
Gyeo-ul wasn't certain. There were plenty of signs and a strong premonition. Previous experiences showed that after a new special mutant appeared, a glacial period often began. While its length wasn't set, concluding already seemed odd.
The 「Survival Sense」 warning wasn't infallible. When available information formed enough probability, 「Survival Sense」 might warn of imaginary deaths.
'Still, it's better to exceed than to fall short.'
Although there's a saying that excessive is just as bad as too little, preparation is different. The worst case comes from being unprepared.
Curiosity about Gyeo-ul's past was clear among the soldiers in the same vehicle. What kind of upbringing led to such a monstrous human weapon was their wonder.
The AI controller suggested keywords and phrases, but instead of responding, Gyeo-ul dismissed it with a smile.
The conversation lost momentum. There was little they had in common. As the soldiers exchanged idle chatter, Gyeo-ul placed his arm on the open window, gazing at the night sky.
A clarity never tiring, no matter how often observed.
When quietly gazing, he disappears first, followed by time, distance, until only stars and sky remain, this feeling.
Anyone who's seen a pristine night sky would relate.
There were few who could relate in the city's life.
The stars in that world felt like heavy tears.
From ages past, people pinned wishes upon stars. Perhaps those stars tasting like tears reflected the hearts of those gazing.
The other world's audience was quiet too. Earlier, as he captured the night sky through night vision, their messages no longer steeped in unfulfilled desires from a deficient life.
His inner self continued to settle.
'If only I could watch till dawn.'
Thud. Startled by the sudden noise, everyone jumped. Turning around, Gyeo-ul saw that the drowsy driver had dozed, his head slamming against the steering wheel. Soldiers added light curses while the driver shamefully protested. Their cursing was friendly.
Gyeo-ul commented.
"Good thing the horn wasn't pressed."
"Indeed."
Corporal Latchman nodded, while the driver gave Gyeo-ul an aggrieved look.
They continued waiting. Not sure how long it would stretch. Soldiers determined watch shifts and caught shut-eye by turns. Playing Rock, paper, scissors within, they called to Gyeo-ul.
"Join in, Lieutenant."
Gyeo-ul quietly declined.
"The stars are too bright."
"How romantic you are, Sir."
The soldier in the rear scratched his head under his helmet. Then over from Latchman's side, a cautious inquiry.
"We originally planned one at a time, but if you're staying awake, can we manage with just two?"
"Go ahead. I'm fine on my own."
"Eh, we can't do that."
Barely a moment later, the snoring of soldiers began to mingle with the starlight Gyeo-ul admired.
Shifts of thirty-minute intervals passed, exchanged five times between soldiers. In the deep midnight darkness, a distinct sound broke through from a distance.
Screeeech-
Gyeo-ul instantly became alert.
"Did you hear that?"
The driver, still catching on, responded puzzled.
"What sound do you mean?"
The soldier, watching for Gyeo-ul's cues, held his breath. Without the compensation effect, it wasn't unusual they hadn't heard.
And then, the sound echoed again.
Screeeeech! Screeech-!
"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!"
Gyeo-ul's shout had everyone on their feet. Vehicles nearby also jolted to attention. Corporal Latchman, previously on the rooftop, slipped from his spot. Untidy commotion followed with the driver cursing.
"Which direction?!"
"That way! Where the aviary is!"
"What? That's inside the base, it can't be!"
The driver stared in disbelief. Gyeo-ul was equally perplexed. How could a mutant other than 「Trickster」 infiltrate within the camp?
Thanks to prestarted engines, their response was swift. The engine roared to life. Mutants' cries heightened too. Initially, only infant mutants, but now mingled with adult mutant shrieks.
Suddenly suppressed gunshots and screams joined. Probably the last cries of sentinels guarding the aviary.
"Sound the horn!"
Understanding his intent, the driver furiously honked. Other vehicles joined in, alerting the entire camp to the danger.
Radio chatter over company channels exploded. Without direct sight, it felt like watching soldiers panting to secure defensive positions. Captain Capston's report of an emergency to the control room could be overheard.
While en route, Gyeo-ul spotted mutants within visible range, taking down six heads within five seconds. Observing them running with flailing arms, it was clear they were mutants. Their skin was pale but not rotted, indicating recent infection.
'Could it be that infant mutants infiltrated, triggering new infections?'
At that notion, a squelchy blast resounded from their destination. And then.
Shudder-
Suddenly, their Humvee stalled.
"Huh? What's happening?"
The driver, veering into the steering wheel, immediately tried restarting. Initially, it only coughed, refusing recovery.
But that wasn't all. One by one, nearby streetlights flickered out with a "Thunk, thunk."
Even radios were affected. After a sharp noise, they too went silent. All previously bustling communications vanished as if a lie. The once vivid tracker monitors went dark, leaving no artificial light around.
'At least night vision isn't affected.'
Though static crept in, it remained usable. As Gyeo-ul checked his personal gear, the driver finally managed to restart the engine.
They arrived at the aviary only to find its door ajar. The 「Trickster」 lay dead, appearing burst from within.
Corporal Latchman unleashed machine gun fire on lingering mutants.
Gunfire overlapped with distance. Fifty-something muzzle flashes dotted the other side of the night's darkness. But even brighter, illuminating flashes that lingered outside the camp were apparent. These were clearly the flares of landmines detonating.
The attack had commenced.
---------------------------= Author's Note ---------------------------=
1. The author's pace isn't slow... At this rate, it's about one book per month. Even during rental shop times, that pace was rare.
Overseas, it's not uncommon for authors to release one or two episodes monthly.
In that sense, those who release multiple chapters daily are really... gifted.
2. I'm not considering a scenario of mutants overtaking a satellite base. Makes me shudder...
3. I thought there might be one or perhaps no correct guessers... Yet how are you all guessing so easily? What on earth do you all do?
Too many right answers make handing out gifts challenging... John_Doe was the most accurate, yet the fastest was, won't Happen To Me Mr.
I don't know... It's just you readers being too good.