The Silver Seer

Chapter 18: No Other Choice

I stand right outside of the entrance to Liam's office, holding a letter in my right hand. Though I do not wear my formal navy uniform, Thilo was kind enough to drive to Bern and give me the spare uniform I have in my closet- though it is less formal than what I usually wear. It doesn't have an overcoat, but the top is longer than that of my ruined uniform, forming a tail at the back end.

While walking to his office, I witnessed just how horrible the fire was. It destroyed a number of vital structures and took countless lives of not just soldiers but also civilians. I cannot let this go- though I know how much Liam has had to endure with Leon's past with the knights and the way their father treated the both of them- the safety of Switzerland and its citizens are my top priority, and I must take appropriate action against those who endanger the nation.

I could excuse this entire situation and call the fire a horrid accident. That the kids were forced to set the base aflame and then were taken as prisoners or even killed by Russian soldiers who just so happened upon the base at the time of the fire- an unfortunate coincidence. But there would be no justice in doing such. I could never live with lying to myself and this nation I love. So, I must punish Liam accordingly. This was no accident- this was planned, and those kids were working for the Russians. Liam should have been stricter with those children and, at the very least, kept them under constant supervision. If his thoughts about Leon's past didn't get in the way. . ..

The front doors of the office slowly open, revealing Liam, dressed in his formal blue uniform, with the medals he has earned pinned on the right side of the outfit. The only medal I wear- or am required to, rather- is my Medal of Honor, though I try my best not to look at or think about it too much.

He appears almost bewildered to see me, his eyes wide as he takes a few steps back. But he quickly regains his composure, turns his head away for a moment, and then returns to looking at me.

"General Adelric, I. . .." Liam cannot even bring himself to finish a simple greeting, though I'm assuming he wants to apologize for what occurred.

Will sorry fix the blackened ground? The charred walls and floors of various structures? The supplies in the hospital and half of those in the armory? The lives taken by something that should have never happened in the first place? The punishment he deserves? Sorry will do Liam no good and not sway me in the slightest. He'll just be wasting his breath.

"Lieutenant Adalheid, this is for you." At my use of Liam's last name- something I barely ever say, he bites his lip and looks down at the white envelope I hold out to him.

He takes it, looks back up at me, and opens it. Though I know what's in there- I typed it myself- I do not let my expression change to reveal my feelings on the situation. Doing so will allow Liam to gauge how best to persuade me to let his punishment slide, as I know he'll hate what I've given him- though he should have known it was coming.

The young officer raises his head. His lips tremble as he opens his mouth and attempts to say something. He closes his eyes, turns his head away from my stare, swallows, then looks back at the medal on my uniform. "Indefinite suspension...without pay?"

"Yes. Do understand that your inability to take action against the children and the fire led to this decision. You have twenty-four hours to pack your belongings and leave Basel-Landschaft. I have already notified Leon, and someone will be taking over your position until you return- if you do." At my words, I watch Liam's face turn a faint shade of pink- I know he's on the verge of crying- and he nods before closing the double doors and leaving me alone.

Yet there is a second letter in the envelope. Something I have handwritten, just for him. Hopefully it brings some form of comfort to him- I know this will be hard on both him and Leon.