YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 60: Rest Assured

As the aircraft touched down at the headquarters, Zayden, Marcus, and Calliax disembarked, their fatigue overshadowed by a sense of accomplishment. They were greeted by the sight of Marshal Reynolds waiting for them on the tarmac, his expression a mix of relief and pride.

"Colonel Calliax, Cadets Zayden and Marcus," the Marshal greeted them warmly, his voice tinged with admiration. "You've done well. Welcome back."

Calliax nodded respectfully, acknowledging the Marshal's words. "Thank you, sir. It was a challenging mission, but we managed to accomplish our objectives."

Zayden and Marcus exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgement of the trials they had faced together. "Yes, sir," Zayden added, his voice reflecting the exhaustion of their journey. "We're just glad to be back."

Marshal Reynolds smiled, a sense of gratitude evident in his eyes as he looked upon his dedicated soldiers. "You've made us proud," he said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Rest up, and we'll debrief in the morning. Well done, all of you."

With a final nod of acknowledgement, Calliax, Zayden, and Marcus made their way towards the headquarters, their steps lighter now that they were home. As they disappeared into the building, the Marshal watched them go, a sense of pride swelling in his chest at the sight of his brave and resilient team. Together, they had faced the darkness and emerged victorious, a testament to the strength of their bond and the indomitable spirit that burned within each of them.

As Zayden, Marcus, and Calliax made their way towards the headquarters, the medical team arrived on the scene, ready to provide assistance to the injured Sergeant Rowan. With practiced efficiency, they swiftly assessed Rowan's condition, their expressions grave as they prepared to transport him to the military hospital for further treatment.

"Is he stable?" one of the medics asked, concern evident in their voice as they worked to stabilize Rowan's condition.

"He's holding on," Marcus replied, his voice tinged with worry as he watched over his injured comrade.

With gentle precision, the medical team carefully lifted Rowan onto a stretcher, their movements calculated to minimize any further harm. As they began to transport him towards the waiting ambulance, Calliax stepped forward, his expression one of gratitude for their swift intervention.

"Thank you for your assistance," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Please, take good care of him."

The lead medic nodded, a reassuring smile on their face as they assured Calliax of their commitment to Rowan's well-being. "We'll do everything we can," they replied, their tone reassuring.

With Rowan safely in their care, the medical team loaded him into the ambulance and set off towards the military hospital, their mission clear: to ensure that their injured comrade received the best possible treatment. As they disappeared from view, Calliax, Zayden, and Marcus watched them go, their thoughts with their injured friend as they prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead.

As Calliax and his team marched into the headquarters, the tension that had gripped the room began to ease slightly. Averyn, seated with Captain Isabella behind her, watched their arrival with a mixture of relief and apprehension. She couldn't deny the surge of gratitude she felt at seeing Calliax and his team safely return, yet she also felt a twinge of guilt for the danger they had faced on her behalf.

As Calliax scanned the room, his eyes briefly met Averyn's before she quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite articulate. She couldn't bear the thought of him realizing how deeply she had worried for him, how much she had longed for his safe return.