86 Eighty Six Novel- The world engulfed by flames (ShinxLena)

CHAPTER 1 - The reunion

CHAPTER 1 – The reunion

March 21st Republic Year 369 (Stellar Year 2150)

The night was cold, but the morning greeted the world with warm rays of sunshine from the early hours. Sleep was a rare luxury for Lena for the past few months, even more so with the whirlwind of emotions currently occupying her head. The silver-haired girl slowly got out of bed, still not used to the new reality. She really caught up to them. It's no longer an unachievable dream or an empty promise. They finally could stand next to each other as equals. Pride, shame, joy, and anxiety danced together inside her, swirling around like a few ballroom dancers during an uncoordinated waltz. A sudden knock on the doors disrupted the unending train of thought.

"Lena, what's taking you so long...." Annette's annoyed voice suggested, that they were already behind the schedule. "We are supposed to be in the office in the next 15 minutes, you have to hurry..."

"Just a minute! I promise!" Lena hurriedly fixed her black uniform to make sure everything was in its place, and quickly brushed her long, silver hair. The red string seemed to stick out more than usual. After a few unsuccessful attempts to tie them up in a neat ponytail, the girl sighed and just let them fall loose on her shoulders. Dark circles around her eyes were easily covered with makeup, but she decided that anything more than that was not necessary. It's not like it was her mother's preparations for the next grand Republic's ball. There was no need to doll up, no one was here to scold her for not caring enough about her outfits. Never before in her life had Lena thought that she would miss her nagging, with the disappointed gaze wishing that her daughter took more interest in the capital's social elites, than the military like her father. Finally, Vladilena Milizé looked sternly in the mirror for the final time and exhaled deeply. "I'm ready."

"You waited for this moment this long and now you're getting cold feet?" As always, nothing could go past Annette. "If anyone should be worried, it should be me... how can I face a friend I once abandoned.."

Deep inside Lena knew, that Shin probably didn't remember the events before the eighty-sixth sector, but telling so to her best friend seemed insensitive, so she decided to play it as a joke.

"Maybe we both should just ditch this meeting?" But it took only seconds for anxiety to take the lead role. Her face got pale, and the resolve she had gathered all night weakened. "What if I fall short of their expectations... two years have passed, but looking at how impressive the Morpho operation was, they probably grew a lot... Maybe I'm just a reminder of cruel things that they had to endure from Republic..."

"Stop it. Get it together Colonel, you haven't exactly stayed still all this time." Annette groaned, displeased with her friend's mood swings. It was the hundredth time they had the same conversation, and she was tired of it. "Besides, we don't have the luxury of putting it off. The Republic could fall at any time, so we have to get every help we can to save the refugees. Don't let your effort go to waste!"

"I know you're right, as always, but..." The conversation was cut short by arriving at the meeting point. Everyone was already there, the Eighty-Six squadron, Colonel Grethe, and Chef of staff Willem, the last one of which was visibly annoyed at the late arrival.

"We can finally start the briefing. Colonel Milizé was known to work with the Eighty-Six Strike Package during their time as the Republic soldiers. I know it'll probably lead to some opposition, but during the Rescue Operation, this kind of collaboration is necessary. If anyone opposes, you can now voice your concerns freely, but don't bring it up during the mission."

The heart inside of Lena's chest jumped to her throat and the feeling of her insides twisting from fear made her unable to speak even a word. Their short reunion didn't allow them to speak more about those past two years, so she had no idea what did they think of her now. She did not dare to look them in the eyes, for the fear of rejection or disgust. Every second felt like an eternity until the familiar voice broke the silence.