GATE: Task Force Guillotine

Chapter 4: Building Trust (Rewritten)

Camp Alnus, 5th Division HQ

March, 27, 2028 06:03 (27th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

Upon returning to base with the refugees, 3rd Recon and Bravo 1 were greeted by two very different faces—Major Higaki's stern glare and the amused smirk of Captain Caldwell.

Major Higaki crossed his arms, his frustration was evident. "What the hell are you two doing?"

Itami shifted awkwardly, glancing at Adam for support. "Uhhh... were we not supposed to bring them here?"

Adam, standing at ease with his hands in his pockets, shot back without missing a beat. "We're just following the Geneva Conventions, sir."

Higaki's frown deepened, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "Goddamn it, Captain—please talk some sense into your subordinate!"

Caldwell gave a lazy shrug, clearly finding some entertainment in the situation. "Sorry, Major, but that's just how he is. Can't do much about it." He tilted his head toward the refugees outside. "Besides he's right, they're civilians. We're obligated to protect them—it's kind of the rulebook."

Higaki let out a long, tired sigh. "I guess you're right, Captain." He pointed a finger at the two soldiers. "You two—return your gear and have a report on my desk before the general gets wind of this. Clear?"

Itami and Adam responded in unison. "Yes, sir."

With that, Higaki turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, muttering something under his breath. Caldwell lingered for a moment longer, the corners of his mouth still curled upward in amusement, before he gave the pair a knowing nod and followed after Higaki.

As they made their way out of HQ, Itami cast a sidelong glance at Adam, curiosity gnawing at him. "Why'd you push his buttons like that? You were way too casual back there."

Adam smirked but kept walking, his expression unreadable. "Sometimes you gotta keep things light, Itami. Keeps everyone sane."

Dispatch to Special Region HQ, Camp Alnus

March 27, 2028, 06:33 (27th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

General Hazama sat behind his desk, sifting through a thick stack of reports while the soft overhead light cast a warm glow over the neatly arranged papers. His adjutant, Lieutenant Yanagida, stood close by, skimming through a separate pile of folders. Both were immersed in the details, though one report in particular caught Hazama's eye—a report from 3rd Recon.

Hazama leaned back, tapping the report with his pen. "So, it was 3rd Recon that brought refugees to Alnus Hill?"

Yanagida nodded without looking up. "Yes, sir. The Americans pushed for it, citing humanitarian priorities."

Hazama frowned, tapping his pen absently. "I agree, helping refugees is a priority, but taking them in at Alnus is a different issue."

Yanagida closed a folder with a soft thwap, meeting Hazama's gaze. "With respect, sir, this could be an asset. We've had little success gathering intel from the locals so far. With refugees here, we could study their culture up close. Firsthand interaction is more reliable than reports."

Hazama considered it, brow furrowing. "Good point. But do we have enough resources to sustain them? We're already stretched thin maintaining this forward base."