Long Journey

"That's settled then. We will set off tomorrow early morning. Go get yourselves some rest, I have a lot to tell Lonara" Kirin lazily motions them to leave. "Where should we go?" Niela turned around and asked.

"I don't know. somewhere but here? Unless you want to stay?" Kirin shrugged. Niela remained silent and Kirin sighed. "Go walk around, maybe practice your aim at the gun range, help some people out there with their duties. You're free to do anything. After you're done, get your suits back to the armory and get some good sleep 'cuz it will be your last for a while. It's a huge empty land out there, we won't be resting in a hotel or something on the way there" With that, the squad is dismissed by Kirin. They went into the elevator and left the office.

"I had so many questions, Lonara. This day is just wild..." Kirin puts both of her hands behind her head and leans back. "Mind sharing them with me?" Lonara leans back in her seat. The two conversed for a while about the day.

Meanwhile, the squad got down to the main floor. Leaving the elevator, they stood still with no idea what to do next. "It's too early to rest. We should bring these suits back to the armory before we do something else" Sterling suggested to Niela. "Yes. let's. It's so hot wearing these... I can't imagine having to wear it every day..." They walked towards the exit. Niela glances at some of the guards on duty with their suits. "They're used to it" Niela slightly jumped when Sterling talked. "Your body will adjust to any environment if you face it long enough" She said. Niela lightly gasped. "Really?" She asked.

Sterling smiled and nodded. "Yes. That's how the Narukh'za were able to live and obtain this pale skin, right?" She said. "Ah... yes..." Niela looked at her skin. She immediately remembers their differences in skin color. "If a whole population of the Narukh'za was able to withstand the poisonous gas of Xatholorna, you can withstand the heat of your suits!" Sterling giggled. "I guess you're right..." Niela giggled along.

After walking for a while, they reached the armory. They headed for the room that stores the suits and returned their own and weapons to where they were. Chirlin just puts her quake protection near her sister's suit capsule as it doesn't belong to any. With everything returned, they left the armory.

They found themselves standing idly in the middle of their base. "So... I guess we just separate and do what we want. I feel like heading to the gun range. I don't know about you people but I need to practice my aim more. See ya" Marve parted from the squad and headed towards the main building. "Can I see the Gallant?! I promise I won't get lost!" Chirlin jumps in excitement pointing at the Gallant that is under repair. "O-okay... Just return to the Barracks once you're done, alright?" After nodding to her sister, Chirlin ran towards the Gallant. They saw Averthos greet her.

"As for me, I'm a little hungry... Maybe I can grab some bite at the Cafeteria?" Terra awkwardly waved goodbye before parting from the two. The only one left was Sterling. The two looked at each other. "Guess it's just two of us" Sterling sighs and tilts her head. "Don't you want to go somewhere?" Niela asked. Sterling looked away and starts twirling her black hair. "I'd rather walk with you if you don't mind" She asked. Niela lightly gasped. "Sure! Where do you want to go?" She asked.

"Just walk around? I want to talk to you" Sterling replied, taking small glances at her. "Oh sure... Do you want to walk around outside or in the headquarters?" Niela asked. "Everywhere is fine" Sterling briefly replied.

Niela nods and started walking at a slow pace with Sterling on her side. They headed towards the Gallant. "Say, what do you think of the Narukh'za?" Sterling strikes up the conversation with a question. "The Narukh'za..." As Niela thinks, they come across some soldiers holding various equipment. They seem to be heading towards the Boar Company.

"I'm not asking this question because the Second Loyalist became friendly with us. I'm asking in general" Sterling added. "I still think of them as scary people. It seems like they only think about war and nothing else" Niela gave her honest answer. "It's true that they only think about wars and murdering and invading planets, but have you thought about their brotherhood? Some say that they betray their friends there and there, but in the books I've read about their behaviors in combat, they don't seem to do it that much. Their brotherhood together with their reckless nature is what makes them strong. Under their lord's rule, they can't just turn on each other unless said so by the lord themself" Sterling said.

The two reached the place where the Gallant is parked. Chirlin and Averthos are busy talking to each other. They seem to enjoy each other's company. "It is said that all of the Narukh'za was once extremely hostile towards the Arkula and Krygstek. They were all after the blood of their enemies, until later. They somehow soften up, people were starting to question the meaning of all the bloodshed, and eventually many desired to stop the aggression" While Sterling is explaining her knowledge, they watch the Gallant get its repairs.

"The Narukh'za was close to becoming an entirely different empire, willing to answer for their crimes to the Arkula. Until the first Loyalist came and slain the founder" "What?!" Niela's eyes widen in surprise. Chirlin heard her voice and turned around. She waved at them with a small wrench in her hand. Niela and Sterling waved back and proceeded to walk.

"Why would they do that?!" Niela asked as soon as they left the Gallant. "The first Loyalist was... the founder's daughter... She takes extreme joy in doing her job as the first Loyalist. Craving violence, she can't accept that her father is willing to end their aggression. She witnessed the drastic change in their empire, and she can't stand it. She murdered her father and challenged all of his Loyalists and won. She reminded her people of what their true nature is, they kill and don't bow to the weak. The people eventually fell for her words and the Narukh'za went back to how they were"

"Can you imagine it? They were one step closer to a big change. If they were successful, the Narukh'za would be different by now. They still might carry their thirst for war since it's in their blood, but they would let it all out to the Zakana and not with Arkula nor the Krygstek" While Niela listens to her story, they reached the Communication Center. They stare into the large radar on the top.

"My point is, they once tried to change. The Narukh'za isn't all that they say. Even though the Arkula is on a mission of pacifying them, a lot of people still think of them as nothing but a threat. If that first Loyalist hasn't done what she did, the Narukh'za wouldn't be a 'threat' to us. It's not only the military that should be thinking of befriending the Narukh'za but its people as well"

"This might sound silly and selfish, but I would like to see the first of that from you" Sterling smiled gently at her. "Give the Narukh'za a chance and spare them the fearful thoughts. If the moment they drop their hostility, try to be understanding. They will definitely come off as rude, so try to be patient" She slightly laughs. "Huge steps have been already laid out. The Narukh'za and Arkula's aggression toward each other has lessened recently once more, and the second Loyalist is acting all strange and friendly towards their hated member of the Arkula" "That would be Miss Kirin?" The girls smiled at each other.

"And maybe, just maybe, we can have the second Loyalist to act as a supporter to our cause. She can bring peace to her people. If it has come to the point that she will have to slay their current founder, we will be there" Her expression went grim for a second. "I'm hoping it doesn't have to come to that. But knowing their history, that hope would be for nothing" Sterling went quiet for a while. Taking this chance, Niela walked away from the comms. center.

"The Second Loyalist... I'm sure Miss Kirin is harboring the same thoughts as I have right now..." Niela looked at her. She looks deep into her own thoughts. "Say, do you think she's wanting to make peace with the Arkula? On her own?" She asked, eager to listen to Niela's answer. The two reached the armory once again. Soldiers are coming through and out of the building, carrying various equipment.

"That... would be reckless. I don't think she's doing it for... peace..." Niela replied and Sterling nodded. "That's true, but you're also admitting that she went cowardly in the presence of the Zakana. Asking for help from their nemesis. Like what Miss Kirin said before, they are too prideful for that, and it is absolutely discouraged by the founder to seek any help from their enemies. They face countless dire situations and never any Loyalists have asked for help" She said.

"Maybe... the Second Loyalist has changed? She might still hate us, but she just can't stand the sight of her people getting killed?" Niela asked. Sterling shook her head. "That doesn't sound right if we're talking about Narukh'za. There's something up with that Loyalist, if not Miss Kirin, I will be the first one to believe that she is believing in peace between our civilizations" She stated. "Isn't it too early to believe in that? There are many reasons she acted that way, we're not even sure if that whole act is a big trap or not" Niela disagrees.

"I watched her carefully and closely. For a fake act of friendliness, she has done a good job. She talked most sincerely, I wasn't able to notice any fake emotions either. It's like, they were all true. She even sent her people to defend us" Sterling sighs. "Well... for now, let's avoid jumping into wild guesses like that... Not like I'm against her, but you... might be entirely wrong, we won't know until we get out there and see her more" Niela says her opinion and Sterling agreed. "It's not the first time they pull this kind of trick off, but I hope that's not the case" She said.

After walking away from the armory, they now face the main headquarters. Sterling looked from below to the top of the headquarters. "I joined the military just so I can see my people with my own eyes. I wanted to confirm things on my own. It will take some time before I can meet my goal, but then I met Miss Kirin" Sterling smiled widely. "Without having to go through all that military training, I am able to see the Narukh'za way earlier, and even met one of their feared Loyalists" She said. "And I get to temporarily lead a small group of them! You have no idea how happy I was!" She placed a hand on her cheek.

"It must be great meeting your people" Niela was happy for her. After looking at her happy expression. "I uh... promise that..." Sterling dropped her smile and looked at her questioningly. "You said you wanted me to be the first one to... acknowledge the Narukh'za... Well, I'd like to keep that promise" Niela looked away, scratching her head as she made a promise. Sterling stared at her, totally surprised. Unable to think of any answer, She wrapped her arms around Niela.

"Thank you... It makes me happy to hear that. It will be difficult, but someday you change many people's hearts and help put an end to this barrier that keeps us from being together" Sterling parts away from Niela. "Miss Kirin saw potential in you. Maybe I can say the same" Sterling twirls her hair. "Your open-mindedness will bring a lot of people to like you and consider your way of thinking and reasoning. I will always be by your side in this huge quest of ours. I hope our squad including Miss Kirin and Miss Lonara will see that future we've been dreaming of" Sterling said, looking back at the headquarters.

"We got a long way to go, and this is the start" She said in a low voice before sighing deeply. "Throughout our journey, we will face more Zakana and Narukh'za. Every next day could be our last day. I hope Miss Kirin trains us a bit more seriously, you know" She said.

Sterling then stretches her arms up. "Okay, I just realized how tired I am. Grab some food at the Cafeteria with Terra before we... or I head to the Barracks?" She asked. Niela nodded and walked with her to the Cafeteria. After spending time with Terra, the three of them head back to the Barracks. Soon after, the whole squad returned to their capsule rooms.

Laying on her own bed, Niela closes her eyes, relaxing her body after a long day. The moment she decides to drift into sleep, she heard beeps to her right. She opened her eyes to see the panel with the room icons. Her own room is flashing orange, and the room next to her is yellow. "How do I..." She saw a radio symbol which she pressed. Both her room and the next one to the left are now green. "Niela?" Sterling's voice followed. "S-Sterling? What is it?" Niela was a bit surprised. "Oh, just want to test this thing out. We won't be having these for a while, so I thought..." As she listens to Sterling, two rooms below and above her start flashing in orange

"Whose room are those?" She asked. "You don't know? It's your sister's and Terra's" Sterling replied. A second later both rooms went green. "Hello, you two" She greets them. The room on the left of Niela's blinked orange. "The one to your left is Marve's. I'm glad you all chose the closest room to each other, otherwise, we're gonna have to connect to random people just to get to you" She said to the squad.

"Niela, I just thought maybe you might want to say something to us, to your own group, your own squad, about tomorrow. It will be a long day and another day, I know all of us are anxious tomorrow aside from the excitement, so I want to at least hear some encouragement from the second-in-charge of the squad" Sterling's giggle was heard through the call.

"Okay... Well, tomorrow is a big day for us, I guess. This is what we originally planned but due to some circumstances, it was delayed. I'm kind of glad that everything that happened has happened because otherwise, we would be leaving this place on our very first day. We were able to shoot some Zakana, and even fought with some Narukh'za. You know, for some people who just got out of their town, we did well. I'm not the only one who has potential here, but you guys as well. With Miss Kirin guiding us, I know we can improve more, and become even more better than the regular military!" Niela felt happy at her speech.

"You will become a fine leader someday, Niela" Sterling giggles. "It was just a little encouragement though!" Niela got flustered. They paused for a second. "Well, thanks for that. I practiced a bit on the range so I'm a bit ahead of you people" Marve chuckles on the radio. "I'm really tired, so uhh... See you guys tomorrow? Thanks for this little meeting, I guess I kinda needed it" With that, Marve disconnected from the call. His room greyed out.

"I almost cried!" Terra shouted to their surprise. "I know we just started, but I also believe you will lead your own squad someday just like Miss Kirin! So learn to be nice to everyone, okay?! Good night!" Terra quickly disconnected, and her room went grey. "Alright, I'm going too. Get a nice sleep, alright?" Sterling also disconnected.

"Niela?" Chirlin was the last on the call. "Yes?" There was a pause after Niela's reply. "...I love you" Chirlin said. "I love you too, little sis. Good night" Niela closed her eyes and sighed. "Who would have thought my quiet big sister will be looked upon by people? Hehehe... Good night" Chirlin disconnected from the call with a giggle. "Geez..." With everyone disconnected, Niela lays her back on her own bed. Thinking about tomorrow, she slowly drifts to sleep.

The next day early morning, the squad is quickly assembled by Kirin at Lonara's office after they had their breakfast. They stood before Lonara's desk. Kirin was standing beside Lonara on her chair. "Well, squad. We're leaving immediately" She said with a smile. "Everything is prepared for you overnight. We got your Lancers' maintenance and refueled, The Gallant is almost ready to go, and its designated transport is ready. I implemented some new materials to Kirin's eyes for your needs out there in the field, we updated her map and we are connected to her eyes with long-range communication. We've also reworked our Skybots and recorded your biometrics into them so it will be easier for them to identify you out there. Unfortunately, The Boars won't be able to go with you. I'm going to assign them to missions concerning the Narukh'za" Lonara listed out the preparations they did.

"I hope y'all slept with your best because we will be sleeping in tents starting this day" Kirin grinned. "Oh, and the rations we've inputted into Kirin's eyes are limited. So try not to be gluttonous and eat them all in a short time, alright? It's enough to fill your stomachs until you reach N6" Lonara smiled. "Trust me, Miss Lonara. No one is going to go glutton over military rations" Marve chuckled and Lonara giggled. "Indeed. I'd rather grill my own steaks myself" She said. "Alright, get your suits on and we're setting off" Kirin asked the squad to get their suits and weapons back on.

They left the office and went down to the armory and to the suit capsules. They put on the same suit, and the quake protection for Chirlin. After getting their weapons and ammunition, they left the Armory. They met up with Kirin and Lonara at the gates with the Lancers ready.

"You will arrive at N6 in two days. In the time being, you will take your resting points at the fields. The Zakana in the wild is your primary threat. You might meet some Narukh'za, but that is not guaranteed. Conserve your only equipment, there will be no settlements on the way there. Good luck" Lonara finished informing the squad and turned to Kirin. They both embraced each other.

"Take good care of them, alright? And you too " She pats her back and let go. "You got it! They will witness how I do back when I was active" Kirin winked at them. "Don't be reckless" Lonara smiled and sigh. "Alright, you had your goodbyes? Let's go. Averthos, see you in the field when it comes" Kirin rode her Lancer and the squad does the same. "Safe travels, everyone" Lonara waved and they all set off.

As she watches them go, she saw some Demon Eagles up the skies. "Second Loyalist, huh... Just what is going on..." She stared at the spacecraft for a few seconds before heading back inside.