Chapter 19: Kathrin

"Looks like the Mayor is missing." Zenesha said after her people searched City Hall.

She stood atop the steps that lead into the building and after receiving the news the leader of the city was missing, along with several others like the city council and others that could be considered the leadership, she looked down towards the captured officers.

"Your city council has left you all to rot as they saved themselves you know?" She said, "Any idea where they could've crawled away too?"

Most of the prisoners glared at her and refused to answer, but a few looked lost. Seems the knowledge of their leaders leaving them for dead was shocking. Especially since one of the missing people was the chief of police.

"Lock them up, we need to secure the city before we proceed." Zenesha ordered before entering the building with a silent Laura following close behind.

"What should we do about our dead soldiers?" The wolf asked in a low whisper.

Zenesha paused, realizing she forgot about them. "We'll send our dead back of course, do I really need to spell that out for them?" She said, shifting the blame to her people.

"You heard her, relay the message." Laura said to one of the soldiers nearby as they continued to walk deeper into City Hall. "Collect our dead and send them back home asap."

Eventually they entered the personal office of the mayor. It was a simple room, if not a bit gaudy. With expensive paintings, furniture, and even carpets, all lined with gold. The designs on these objects weren't fancy or anything, the person just seemed to really like gold.

Zenesha walked over to the desk and sat down. For now, she'll claim this office and check in on the other battles raging across the western river shore. They planned to hit every city and some towns all at once.

Meanwhile, at the same time, New Veroso and Iris would join forces and launch a sudden joint attack in the north. They will slowly push them against Capitol Lake until all resistance is dealt with. For now, Zenesha just wants to make sure her side is faring well and see if she needs to send backup anywhere.

Once things calmed down here, she'll need to head back home, it wasn't a good idea to stay away for too long.

"Alright I'll direct a platoon from the city just north of you. They've already finished there."

"Things seem to be going well."

Zenesha sighed. "Well enough. Even then one of them is struggling to take a city. Turns out there was a hidden military base underground."

"We didn't know?"

"Well, there wasn't much we could do. It wasn't like it was visible, must've been top secret facility."

"I see." Laura said. "Anything I can do?"

"Yeah. Can you take over and direct the soldiers as we solidify our hold over the city while I deal with things in here?"

"Your wish is my command princess."

Zenesha rolled her eyes at Laura's comment before returning to her work. The wolf walked out of the room with a smile, but it was wiped from her face the moment she found herself in the presence of others. She sighed, for it was time to get back to work.

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On the roof of City Hall there was a Helipad with a Helicopter ready to take off at any second. Standing near the door leading back into the building was Laura and Zenesha, saying their farewells. Very soon they would be separated for an indeterminate amount of time.

"Are you sure you'll be fine on your own?" Zenesha asked the wolf.

"I'm sure." Laura responded with a smile. "What about you? Can you survive without my cooking?"

Zenesha rolled her eyes. "I'm being serious here."

"So am I!" Laura said, pretending to be offended. "Are you saying I can't be serious? Low blow princess."

Despite how close the helicopter was to them; they could hear each other perfectly fine thanks to Laura. She created a barrier of wind, blocking out any outside noise. Zenesha couldn't help but marvel at her girlfriend's abilities.

"Don't worry, this is a very small piece of land. I'm sure we'll be done in only a few days." Spoke the wolf reassuringly.

"Make sure of it."

Laura nodded and watched as Zenesha walked away and onto the awaiting helicopter. She stood on the roof watching the flying vehicle slowly grow smaller and smaller, until it was no longer visible. It would return to the flagship, and then the ship would make the journey home.

With little to no enthusiasm, her ears and tail drooping to indicate this fact, Laura walked back inside the building and made her way to the mayor's office. Inside was Kathrin Hopkins, a rabbit Arves dressed as a maid. Laura didn't know why considering she was an eagle rank officer. Which, if Luara remembered correctly, is an equivalent to a Lieutenant General.

"What's the status of the city Hopkins?" Laura asked as she sat down at the gilded desk.

"There was a protest earlier today, but for the most part all is quiet." She answered. "As per our order, we allowed the citizens that haven't evacuated to resume normal activities."

"Good. Keep soldiers posted, but let's try to make things feel as normal as possible for them."

Both Laura and Zenesha decided that instead of imposing a strict occupation, with curfew, and limited movement, they would allow the citizens to continue their daily lives. It wasn't to be nice; they figured if they tried to force them into compliance it'll eventually blow up in their face. After all, the normal person doesn't care who's in charge as long as they can just live their life.

Obviously, any real resistance will be put down. Laura suspected those who protested earlier were arrested, fined and released. Second time offenders would be thrown in jail. Attacks on soldiers were an arrestable offence with no hope of release until they finished their occupation of the White Ash. Even then it wouldn't be immediate, the only change would be a release date.

"Any other news?" Laura asked.

"Just a question Ma'am."

"Speak."

"Are you and Queen Heart in a relationship?" Kathrin asked.

Laura just stared at the rabbit. Kathrin was a lot like Zenesha when it came to her emotions. She didn't really wear them on her sleeve and was mostly stoic. However, unlike Zenesha who seemed like a shard of ice almost at all times, Kathrin's emotions did still show a little on her face.

It was clear she was asking out of pure curiosity. Laura thought about denying it, not wanting to complicate Zenesha's situation, but decided she needed more allies. Her relationship with the Condor's was strained, so it wouldn't hurt to try building a good one with her second in command.

"I am." Laura said slowly. If this doesn't work out, she'll need to kill her. "Why do you ask?"

"That's amazing Ma'am." Said Kathrin. "I ask to get your advice."

Laura raised an eyebrow, but gestured for the rabbit to continue speaking

"If you managed to snag the Queen, then perhaps there's a chance I could… um…." A blush creeped onto the face of the stoic maid… the eagle rank officer.

"What?"

"I want to ask out the Condor Rachel Ma'am."

"Rachel huh?" Laura mused looking at Kathrin. She was about her age, late twenties early thirties. Rachel was also about her age if not a little older.

"I'm not really sure how I can help you there." Laura said. "My situation was a special case, so we didn't start as superior and subordinate."

Kathrins ears drooped in disappointment. Laura couldn't help but find it cute. Not as cute as Zenesha of course, but cute enough. The old feeling of wanting to assist someone emerged inside her suddenly, and Laura was now invested in helping Kathrin win the heart of Rachel.

"Don't look so disappointed." Laura said with a sigh, annoyed at her instinct to try and provide a service. "What if I helped you?"

"You'd really do that?"

"Sure."

"I'll follow you till the end of time Ma'am." The rabbit said, raising her fist to her shoulder in a salute. Which looked odd coming from her since she was dressed as a maid.

She had only met this woman the other day, but it seemed like the two of them would get along just fine.

"I appreciate the sentiment… Kathrin." Laura said. "Let's work well together. Follow, it's about time we inspect the city with our own eyes."