𝙳𝚘𝚗'𝚝 ʟᴇᴀᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ || 𝐹𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓍

Leaving Base

   I strode down the hall in my uniform, head held high. People moved to the side as I walked by, to avoid contact as well as a sign of respect, mainly it was to keep their distance. Feels like I'm in high school all over again, only I dropped out when I was a sophomore. Never went back, and never went to College. I still have an education though, don't be fooled into thinking I'd be uneducated. School wasn't for me, I needed a more hands on approach, hence me in the Army now. I wanted a more hands-on learning experience, and I got one, and then some.

   I looked ahead, ignoring some of the looks I got as I proceeded to make my way up the staircase. I made my way up the three flights quickly before turning down the hall. I made a sudden stop, my destination to the right of me as I then proceeded to knock on the door. I waited for the okay, which was given promptly after. I opened the door, giving the base Commander a firm salute.

"At ease, solder, at ease... Miss Swan, it's good to see you again." Commander saluted back before letting his arm rest back by his side as he gave me a smile. I smiled back at him, dropping my arms before sitting down in one of the chairs as he gestured towards it.

"You too, Sir." I replied to him while looking at a piece of paper he had held in his hand. Ahhh, not this shit again.. Guess I'll go easy on the old man this time.

"Swan, I've tried to hold this off as long as I possibly could. But it's been three years, and the board won't stop pestering me. It's time for you to go home, soldier." He tried, explaining it as simply as he could, knowing we both knew it was time to stop fighting.

"I understand, Sir. When will I be leaving?" I inquire further, not bothering to fight about it this time around. I stood up from the chair, the Commander looking at me unsure with my sudden compliance.

   I should explain. As you may have gathered, I've been in the Army for three years, everyone or at least most people are required to go home after a certain point. I didn't want to but, two things are stopping me from making it so I can't go another year without it. One being, I have no choice in the matter. The board has been on mine and the Commander's ass since the second year. Two being, I needed to see my sister. With her being the way she's been later, thanks to my dad keeping me very much informed by letters, I think it's time to see if there is anything I could do to help her. Even if it's to just, distract her sadness with anger and resentment of seeing me.

"No fight? Hmm.. Are you feeling okay, Swan?" He asked, the slightest hint of playful banter in his gruff voice. I couldn't help but smile, shaking my head.

"I think it's time I visit home anyways, Sir. It's been a while after all. When will I be leaving?" I gave in, him nodding in acceptance.

"Your ride should be here very soon. So I'd start packing if I were you." I sighed, causing him to chuckle out as he made his way closer for me.

"I'll see you in the future, Sir. And, thank you." I nod my head in thanks, shaking his hand as he personally hands me my paperwork, all tucked into a giant envelope.

"As to you, Miss Swan." We salute each other, before I turn for the door, making my way to my room to pack.

   My room, if it should even be called that. It wasn't mine really, I had to share with other people. Most people in this place did, different rankings getting separate bunking arrangements. However I was female, and unmarried, and though I wasn't starting rank I wasn't exactly top rank either, so at least I didn't have to share with too many people. There was however no privacy in this place, but you learn rather quickly to ignore that factor.

   I opened the door, finding it empty inside. I went straight to my bunk which was the furthest one in the back of the room, bottom bunk. I didn't hesitate to grab my duffle bag and started shoving most of my belongings in, putting the envelope off to the side. Mostly done packing, there was a sharp knock on the door.

"Enter." I replied, looking up seeing a man, maybe four or five years older than me open the door and take one step in.

"Commander says your ride is here, ma'am." He stands tall, showing off his uniform. He may be older, but he still feared me. Regardless of his rank over me.

"Thank you, as to him." I continued stuffing things in my bags, zipping it closed as I threw the bag that held what little valuables I did own over my shoulder, grabbing the envelope swiftly while making my way to the door.

"Of course, ma'am." I walk out, him closely behind.

   I made my way around the building, taking the shortest route to leave, the bag still hanging from my shoulder, as well as the papers in hand. People looked at me as I walked by, again ignoring them all as I made my way outside. I opened the door, being greeted by the driver almost instantly. I held up a hand, dismissing the driver's attempt to help, wanting to save him the trouble. I stopped in my movements for a quick moment, turning back towards the main building, Commander already standing in front of the large glass window, hand held up in a farewell salute. I straightened my form, giving a last salute of my own. I turned back to the car, throwing my bag in before getting in myself.

"Where too, Ma'am?" I stared at the building as he slowly took off from the building.

"Airport, anywhere that goes to Forks, Washington."