Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Chapter 21: When Lines Are Crossed_2

Under the scorching sun, the squad worked tirelessly even though they were injured and exhausted. The facility’s interior buzzed with subdued activity, the rescued townsfolk finding makeshift corners to rest and regroup.

Outside, Billy and Manas moved among their remaining soldiers, checking their wounds, tightening bandages, and offering quiet words of encouragement.

Despite the fact that it helped a little, the air was still remian heavy, not just from being tired but also from an unsaid sadness.

A middle-aged man with a worn but friendly face walked up to them in the middle of everything. His clothes were torn and his hands were shaking a little from being tired, but the thankfulness in his eyes was so strong that words couldn’t fully describe it.

“Excuse me, sirs,” the man said, his voice rough but unwavering,

“I… I just wanted to say thank you,” he said, his voice breaking slightly, “What you did for the town—saving us, bringing us here—I can’t put it into words and we owe you everything.”

Standing up and dusting off his hands, Billy was down next to a soldier who was repairing his equipment. He offered the man a small, tired smile, though the weight in his eyes never lifted.

“It’s nothing special,” Billy said. “Protecting people is our duty, and that means everyone in the Federation—we were just doing what we’re supposed to do.”

He gave the man a pat on the shoulder with an assuring hand, his tone softening. “But I appreciate it.”

But the man shook his head with a firm look. “No, it’s not just that—you didn’t need to come get us and put yourself in danger, but you did, though, and for that we’ll always be thankful.”

While scratching his head, Billy let out a soft chuckle. “You’re making me sound like a saint. And I say this: you’ve got guts, and you’re one of the most capable people I’ve come across out here.”

The man was surprised by the compliment and blinked.

Then Billy’s tone shifting to something more serious. “Okay listen, we’re heading out soon, but your are staying here with these people—keep them safe they’ll need someone strong to rely on until federation sends help.”

Although he was tired, the man stood up straight and lifted his shoulders. “I’ll do my best.”

Billy nodded, and his face became softer. “All right. Also, don’t stop practice. If you figure out how to use that power of yours, you’ll be more than capable.”

The man’s eyes got a little bigger, and then he gave a firm nod. “I’ll keep them safe. You can count on me.” With that, he turned and disappeared back into the facility, his steps steadier than before.

After a while as the helicopters were prepared for takeoff, Billy and Manas began organizing their remaining squad. Soldiers moved with good efficiency, loading the injured into the limited space while others stood guard, weapons ready.

Manas was standing near one of the helicopters and his eyes were low, fixed on the dirt-streaked boots of his comrades and he had a heavy feeling on his shoulders. He could see it through him.

“This is my fault,” he said in a low voice, his sounded voice deep and heavy.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Billy said as he adjusted the strap of his rifle when he turned to him.

Manas clenched his hands into fists; his skin was almost white. “I couldn’t save them, Billy. I have been a failure. If only I had been faster or more clever if only I had seen through Grant and his team before it was too late, then maybe things would have been different, maybe we wouldn’t have lost so many, maybe we would still have our brothers.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Billy said, and marched up to him, not allowing him to speak. He said with a rather loud voice to make sure that he couldn’t respond.

“But—”

“No ‘buts,’ Manas,” Billy interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. “Listen to me. None of this is your fault. You didn’t know they were all awakened. Hell, none of us did. You couldn’t have predicted what would happen. And you did what you thought was right.”

Manas opened his mouth to argue, but Billy raised a hand, silencing him.

“Look, I feel your pain. I’m angry too.” Billy’s words echoed and his eyes got narrow. “But we’re not going to let this go and make sure they are going to pay for what they did.”

Manas shook his head, his expression conflicted. “I don’t know, Billy. These guys… they’re the vice-chancellor’s people. Even if we go to the captain, even if he’s on our side, I don’t think he can touch them. You know how this works. They’ll get a slap on the wrist, and we’ll never get our brothers back.Hell I don’t think we’ll even get the chance to see it through.”

Billy made a frown and his brows knitted together. And he asked, “What are you getting at?” His voice was a little off.

Manas hesitated before speaking, his voice low.”I’m saying we might not even get the chance. Think about it, Billy. When we get to the capital, what’s stopping them from burying this whole thing? They’ll say we died in action. They’ll silence us before we can say a word.”

Billy stared at him, his expression unreadable. For a moment, the only sound was the distant hum of the helicopters and the murmurs of the remaining soldiers.

Finally, Billy exhaled sharply. “You might be right.” His voice was low, almost a growl. “But if they think they can shut us up, they’ve got another thing coming.”

Billy’s eyes flicked to Ghost, the young soldier standing a few feet away, adjusting the strap on his pack.

“Ghost, get over here,” Billy called, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Ghost jogged over, his face alert but confused. “Sir?”

Billy took the data chip from his vest and held it out to him. “Take this. Everything we’ve got—what you recorded, what you saw—it’s all on here.”

Ghost’s eyes widened as he took the chip. “What do you want me to do with it?”

“When we land in the capital, things might go south all is not going to be roses and butterflies. If it is, fine. But if it is not, you know what to do. Make sure the Captain get this and knows what happened here. Got it?”

Ghost paused and put his hand on the chip gently. “But sir, I can’t just abandon you—”

“That’s an order, Ghost, you are our backup plan,” Manas said, voice sounding harsh but insistent. “In case something happens to us, there is only one person who can tell the world what really happened.”

Ghost looked at them and then at them again, his face was tense. At last, he nodded. “I will not fail you, sir.”

Billy put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle rub. “Fine. Now, get ready we have a long way to go. ”

As the helicopters lifted off, the setting sun painted the horizon in shades of red and gold. Billy and Manas sat in silence, their expressions grim, their minds racing.

“Whatever happens,” Billy muttered, his voice barely audible over the roar of the engines, “We’re not going down without a fight.”

*****

Meanwhile somewhere in capital city, Aiden and Tommy sat at a corner table, their chairs slightly wobbly, but neither seemed to care. They were both leaning back, their eyes closed, breathing slow and steady.

The air around them felt heavy but calm, a reveal sign they were meditating, trying to restore the energy they had burned through in the past day and night.

The soft hum of chatter and clinking dishes filled the broken-down café, one of the few places still functioning after the chaos that had gripped the city.

The walls were cracked, the windows hastily patched with planks of wood, and the faint scent of smoke still lingered in the air from the fires that had ravaged the area the night before.

“Sir, this is what I managed to come up. Hope it’s good enough,” came the voice of a young squad member as he placed two mugs of steaming coffee and a modest tray of food on the table.

His tone was apologetic, almost sheepish, as though he were embarrassed by the meager offering.

Aiden’s eyes opened slowly, his gaze soft but tired. “Better than nothing, Private. You did good. Thanks.” He grabbed the mug, the warmth spreading through his cold fingers.

Tommy stretched his arms, cracking his neck as he yawned. “Seriously, kid, this is gourmet compared to what we’ve been dealing with.” He grinned, grabbing a plate. “I’d kiss you if I wasn’t so damn tired.”

The young man chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Glad you like it, sir. I’ll leave you to it.” He walked away, leaving the two to their impromptu meal.

The two ate in companionable silence for a moment, the clinking of forks against plates the only sound between them. Tommy, never one for long silences, eventually broke it.

“So, what’s your take on all this?” he asked, his tone deceptively casual as he glanced at Aiden.

Aiden raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a half-smile. “All this? You’re going to have to be a bit more specific, Tommy.”

Tommy rolled his eyes, setting his plate aside as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I mean. What do you think Chancellor Helen’s going to do about General Karep?”

Aiden’s smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful frown. He leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of coffee as he mulled over the question.

“Honestly? I think Karep gets away with it,” he said finally, his tone steady but with a hint of frustration beneath it.