𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐑 || ℝ𝔼𝕎ℝ𝕀𝕋𝕋𝔼ℕ

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕒𝕞𝕖 𝕆𝕝𝕕 𝕋𝕒𝕝𝕖

✃✃✃✃✃✃✃✃✃

A metallic door caught William's attention, adorned with a poster reminding everyone to 'beware of the landmines'. Hoping for any sign that the warning was just a stupid joke, he glanced over at George, searching for a smile or a chuckle. Their eyes met, but George's face remained stern and unyielding, burying William's hopes under a rug of fear. At the Commander's orders, they halted next to the door and waited for whoever was on the other side to let them through.

Only a couple minutes had gone by when the Commander lost all their patience, "Pilot Abraham!"

"Yes... yes. Right here. Calm your horses." An exhausted voice, muffled by the heavy door, appeared on the other side alongside quiet footsteps. "Abim better run. The nerve of him, dumping this stupidity on me while he goes on a date with his wife."

With a loud and ear-piercing screech, the door swung open, forcing William to stop himself from raising his hands to cover his ears, only to realise that nobody else seemed bothered by the noise. Luckily, the Commander's attention was completely consumed by the pilot's disrespectful behaviour, missing the momentary hesitation in William's movement.

"Pilot Abraham, let me remind you that any personal issues with a coworker should be addressed after work, not during a mission," said the Commander, their voice stern and unapologetic.

A standard-looking guard stood at the other side of the door, their helmet masking what William was certain would be a mocking expression. "Yes, of course. I apologise, my good sir. Shall I bring the tea and pastries while you waste my time?"

"I could get you fired," hissed the Commander.

"Oh, I beg you. Do it." The pilot chuckled bitterly. "I've tried for eight years. Still here."

Silent in defeat, the Commander scowled and forcefully pushed past the pilot to enter the room, ordering the soldiers to come in after him. Mae was quick to react, snapping to attention and striding confidently into the room without so much as a glance at the pilot. As the group continued to move forward, each person followed the lead until it was William's turn. He paused momentarily, offering an apologetic smile to the pilot, whose helmet didn't permit reciprocating the gesture.

Distancing himself from his previous mocking attitude, the pilot placed a hand on William's shoulder, keeping him from following his group. "Kid, are those eyes of yours common at that pretty little 'Sanctuary' of yours?"

William's response was abrupt, even to himself. "That information doesn't concern you," he said, realising his unnecessary rudeness and adding, "They make me stand out, that's all I'll say."

"Soldier Five! Get in." The Commander's yell got William to run in without a question.

It wasn't until much later, when the rules for the soldiers' conduct inside the Berg had been thoroughly explained, that a pricking doubt struck William. How did the Commander know about the number on his tattoo? Nobody outside of the soldiers, and Janson knew. Had they told on him for the brief moment he had spent talking to the pilot? Though he wanted to deny it, the soldiers would have complied if it came to an order, as it was their duty. There wasn't any reason to keep it hidden, either.

George patted his shoulder as he whispered in his ear. "Don't space out, birdie. We gotta move."

Though William nodded, the prickling doubt wouldn't leave him be. "Right behind you."

The sheer size of the Berg's interior took William aback, especially in contrast to its seemingly modest exterior. It would take another three groups of soldiers, perhaps up to five if they managed space correctly, to fill the room.