Nightmare Fantasy 2: A soldier's story

Chapter 9: Refuge

The next morning came swiftly, she didn't move the whole night. As she rose, every muscle in her body rang out in sheer pain as she slowly adjusted herself up. Today, with sleep, she would handle more tasks for the group. It was the least she could do to make her keep. Walking with a bland face was becoming quite the challenge. Her dizziness persisted to an extent, but she would have to ignore it. After the meal, Chaos retrieved the camping bags and gathered up the equipment.

Marix studied her carefully. He was frowning all the while. She feigned like she was absolutely fine in front of the others, but her Superior was extremely perceptive to see she was a bit off yet. Her sore body just gave out as he guided her down to the floor.

"Oops," she winced, looking around for the others. It was bad enough that it had to happen, worse if the group knew she was hindrance on their travels. "Tripped. Just being clutzy is all. Going to get back to packing."

Marix studied the area as well. The rest were traveling up a path out of the canyon to see their next coordinates. He watched her return to her work as he bundled what he could as well silently. After a moment, Marix paused and came back with a flask.

"Drink to here," he commanded expressionlessly.

She didn't have the slightest idea if he was being nice or annoyed. Chaos debated how to respond next. To refuse was unthinkable in her military minded hierarchy, but to accept was against her interests as well. "That is your water ration," she clearly stated, not disagreeing but not taking the item either.

He didn't move an inch but stared her down so coldly she felt she had no choice. The water was so wonderful. However, she stopped immediately at the mark. He continued to watch his command followed succinctly. Taking back the flask, he settled on the ground while rolling the mats tight.
"I find it very strange that you would be out here," he noted. It was obvious he was scrutinizing the event ever so carefully.

Chaos looked down. The reason she possibly was sent out here on those orders was because Marix may have mentioned her offense in the investigation. It was the most plausible cause. She didn't know what to say. Carefully, she responded, "I do too."

He nodded slowly as he stopped. No one was around to worry about being overheard. "What were your orders, might I inquire? You can't even stand. You're dehydrated beyond safe limits, and didn't even stir once, though I nudged you on watch last night. How long were you in that?"

Calmly Chaos automatically reported, "Nevar gave the orders to take the town with no supplies but one ice gun and five milliliters ammunition. I had forty of Ment's Secondaries fives with me. There was no timeframe attached to report back at all. It was not intended that I would be coming back from it to report such to Nevar. Since I have no order to do such, I guess I am at my leisure. My troops were depleted two days ago, and we were out here six days. Rations were stolen from the town until depleted, same with water and whatever."

Marix listened without a word. He knew it was an inappropriate amount of soldiers needed to complete the mission successfully. He gathered each detail carefully. She wondered if he was amused with her suffering. As much as she looked up to him, she couldn't fathom him being so petty.

"Don't go back to Tribrinka. Remember you now swore to serve Orionna. You don't get to back out on that oath," Marix firmly ordered. He looked very venomous, but she couldn't discern the meaning.

Chaos nodded as she stood up. She couldn't help mention now that all was settled firmly, "I had hacked into the Elite One security cameras, I believe the punishment fitted the crime."

"There was no proof of that unless you mentioned anything," he answered, grabbing the packs.

Chaos looked at him carefully.