Viper 1-1, on standby.

49: Epilogue

John PoV:

I woke to the Intercom telling everyone we were ten minutes from landing in Oregon and that snacks and drinks were gonna go round one last time. I waited for the waitress - strange how that worked.

"Could I get a donut and a coffee?" She came back later with the items and handed them to me. I nodded a quiet "thanks" and she left.

After I had finished my food and liquid energy, I waited for us to land. According to orders, I had to head straight to the Rainbow base and get chewed out by Harry. Sounded like fun.

I got off the plane and stopped at a Starbucks where I got a Bacon-Egg-Cheese Gouda to try to fulfill my hunger. My phone started vibrating like crazy in my pocket. Seemed like I had a damn rat in there.

Not too far-fetched, ay?

Oi, get your head out of the gutter!

I checked my phone and saw a ton of missed calls. Nine.

Wonder how many happened before I had gotten cell service.

Opening the phone app, I checked the logs.

Seven from Dad. I sighed and wondered whether I should call back.

Fuck nah! You fuckin crazy?

Well, we talking to ourselves, so...

True, true...

I put my phone back in my backpack and shook my head. After a minute or two, I got to my feet and began walking through the large Southwest Oregon Regional Airport. After getting to the exit, I called an Uber to come pick me up. He showed up soon after. Getting in, I told him where I wanted to go as we rode, the sound of his radio playing some Spanish song.

I put an earphone into my left ear and listened to one of my artist playlists.

Sick. My Creed playlist.

Driver: "Hey, we made it." The Mexican man told me an hour later.

I nodded and left his car, yawning. After walking for a while, I had made it to the doorway of the base. I closed my eyes, breathed in deep, and stepped in.

The mess hall was relatively empty, apart from some strangers. Most likely recruits, or just NATO people. It was calm. Very, very, calm.

Making my way to Six's office, I knocked on the door.

Six: "Come in, please." Harry said.

I opened the door and walked in.

"Hey, Si- Harry." Fuck me.

Six: "Bryne." He said. The conversations atmosphere was weird. Go figure. After a moment of silence, I spoke up.

"Sorry." I muttered. I wasn't.

Six spoke but stopped. Surprised he hasn't yelled at me yet.

Six: "I inquire one thing, Bryne."

"Yeah?"

Six: "Why did you leave? What was so bad about me giving you back up?"

"You'd do the same if it was your brother, Six." I retorted defensively.

Six: "Most likely." He responded with a sigh. "That's all, Bryne."

What? He's not gonna dock my pay? Kick me off the team?

Quit whining about good stuff.

"I understand." I left quietly and closed the door behind me. I wasn't sure what to do then.

Well, let's just head to the dorm, yeah?

Sounds like a perfect plan.

Of course it does. I'm me.

I walked through the base, not knowing whether or not I was out of a job. I reached the door of my dorm and just stood there a moment and looked throughout the hall.

What're you waiting for? Marius to come help you? Tina to come kiss you, say "Oh I love you so much, Bryne!" You don't deserve that! You know you don't.

Do you have to shove it down my fucking throat!?

I stuck my key into the door, my hands shaking in anger.

You dumb fucking bitch. Now everyone is dead. Because of YOU.

I turned the key and slammed the door open- softly, as I liked people not knowing I had come back yet.

Shut up, you hear me! I have the reins, not you! So shut up, sit down, and give me some damn time.

You're arguing with yourself... So immature.

"Stop..." I sat down on the floor and held my head in my hands, getting my thoughts to slow down after the flurry of insults I just tossed around in my brain.

Are you cra-

"No, Bryne, stop." I said to myself, quietly and slowly.

A minute passed and I was still on the ground.

Wonder if Tina and the Aussies arrived yet?

I walked to my bedroom and laid down on the bed. I closed my eyes as I heard a familiar voice.

Tina: "Bryne?"

769 Words

Pretty weird place to end the chapter in my opinion, but, what the hell, I like it here, so why fuck it up further.

Can't wait for yall to see what I have planned for after this all.