The Swan's Song.

Chapter 25

"You did very well, Swan. Taking the initiative when Ana went to check on Ava was not an easy task, and nobody asked you to do it. But, you did." Said Brixley.

Back at the base,  Swan sat inside of the General's office. She sat across from him behind her desk, her arms resting on the ornate wooden piece. Behind her, Swan saw the various 1911 pistols that she displayed alongside multiple decorative and commemorative challenge coins.

Awards, a college diploma, and various other items relating to the General were displayed as well.

All in all, Swan simply felt out of place in a regal environment.

He was wild. Brutal. Uncivilized.

Being in the presence of someone and someplace away from the craziness of war was a strange feeling that Swan did not like.

The base itself still held a strange sense of battle readiness that Swan was able to function in to a degree.

But the officer of General Brixley made him feel a sense of unease.

"At your core, you are a soldier. Despite whatever happens, you step up and answer the call to duty. What you have shown me during this last mission is conviction, an unwavering sense of duty, honor, and courage." Praised Brixley.

"I am very proud of you, Swan. I believe that this whole thing is beginning to work. I am able to envision a future where we can show the world that we aren't afraid to work together for a better future." Remarked the wolf.

Swan looked at the brown mixed fur color on her head, and he also noted the elegant and or at visor cover that rested on her desk.

"Working flawlessly with First Sergeant Zhukov to operate her MG in a stellar manner shows great initiative, even when your respective pasts make you unkind to each other." Continued Brixley. Swan sat unmoving and continued to look at the General.

"Because much like you, at her core, she is a soldier. It's why you all never have trouble during a mission, only before and after." Explained Brixley. Swan found himself nodding along slowly, agreeing with the wolf.

He only ever had issues when they weren't at war. Everyone stepped up to bat when duty called.

"Your actions allowed Charlie and Delta Squad to ceaselessly perform their objectives, and your actions also allowed Sako Squad to finish its objective as well." Said Brixley.

"This will work. With enough time, humans will fill our ranks and we will become what always should have been from the very start." Said Brixley.

"More ideals. Give me a break." Thought Swan. He sighed, flattening his lips and looking at the General.

"You're too hopeful for this world, General. You think that you will make a difference with, what? One human? Ten? A thousand?" Asked Swan. Brixley went silent, looking at him.

"19,999. That's how many of us are left. You think each and every one of those humans will fight?" Asked Swan. He placed a hand on his chest, emphasizing that the conversation was about to revolve around himself.

"I am doing this because of specific circumstances. The others have all been sent away to somewhere. What does it even matter?" Asked Swan. He leaned back in the chair as best as he could, given that it was a solid backed leather chair.

"We're gone, Brixley. Give up on your dreams while they're still young." Said Swan. The wolf sighed.

"You are not gone as a species, Swan. With careful tending, we can bring you back. I promise that we will." Said Brixley. Swan flattened his lips.