Year 1096, December 23, 17 : 06 PM
Location : Unknown
"Attention operators, we are now beginning our briefing for today's mission." A small Cautus stood in a large room, her voice projecting loudly and clearly across the space. The room was filled with many people, all seated in rows and attentively listening. Despite her small stature, the Cautus commanded attention, her voice cutting through the air with authority and confidence. The crowd, a diverse mix of individuals, was silent, hanging on her every word as she addressed them. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, each person eager to hear what she had to say.
"Today, we embark on a straightforward yet demanding rescue mission." The small Cautus announced, her voice resonating throughout the large room with attentive listeners.
"Our objective is to infiltrate the Ursus city of Chernobog and retrieve Rhodes Island Field Commander, Doctor Aaron.
"Recent reports indicate that a group known as the Reunion Movement has launched an attack on the city." the small Cautus continued, her voice steady as she addressed the assembled team. "While the specifics of their weaponry and the types of Arts users they employ remain uncertain, it is highly likely we will encounter fire Arts users."
"Our mission is clear: locate Doctor Aaron and ensure his safe return to Rhodes Island." She paused, scanning the room for any signs of confusion or hesitation. "Are there any questions regarding the operation?"
When no one raised their hands or spoke up, the small Cautus took it as a sign that everyone understood the briefing. She nodded, satisfied. "If there are no questions, then the briefing is concluded. We will depart in 10 minutes."
With that, the team began to file out of the room, heading off to ready their equipment for the mission. The Cautus let out a quiet sigh of relief, glad that despite the brief nature of the briefing, everyone seemed to grasp the plan. She took a moment to collect herself, appreciating the smooth start before moving on to prepare herself as well. Before he could move, a calm voice called out to her. "Amiya."
The small Cautus, known as Amiya, turned her head towards the source of the voice. Her gaze landed on a white-haired feline, who was approaching her with a calm yet determined stride. Amiya's expression softened slightly as she recognized the familiar figure. "Dr. Kal'tsit." Amiya greeted, her voice carrying a note of happiness. A small smile formed on her face as the familiar presence of the doctor brought her a sense of comfort amidst the weight of the upcoming mission.
"You did wonderfully with the briefing." Dr. Kal'tsit reassured. Amiya's ears perked up slightly, her smile widening. "Really? I hope I managed to explain our next mission to the team clearly." She replied with a hint of relief in her tone.
Amiya gathered the report papers, organizing them neatly into a file before leaving the briefing room with Kal'tsit. As they walked down the hallway, they exchanged brief greetings with other operators. Upon reaching the elevator, they stepped inside, and Kal'tsit pressed the button for the hangar area.
As the elevator began to move, Kal'tsit noticed a rare quietness from Amiya. She glanced over to find Amiya staring down at the floor, her hand gripping her jacket tightly while the other held a small dog tag with a logo and a name on it. Amiya's thumb traced anxious circles over the name part of the dog tag, which gave Kal'tsit a hint as to why Amiya seemed preoccupied.
"Are you okay, Amiya?" Kal'tsit asked gently, her voice soft with concern.
Amiya jolted slightly at the question, quickly waving her hand in defence. "A-Ah, yes, I'm fine, Dr. Kal'tsit." She replied, forcing a sheepish smile. "I'm just... thinking about the upcoming mission, that's all." She tried to project confidence as she looked up front, but her unease was evident.
Kal'tsit wasn't convinced. She studied Amiya with a mix of concern and understanding. "Amiya, you know you can tell me if something is bothering you. This mission is challenging. If you're feeling uncertain, I can take over."
Amiya shook her head quickly. "No, no, it's not that. I'm fine with the mission. I'm just...." She trailed off, her smile fading as she became more introspective. Her arm slowly dropped to her side as she continued to gaze at the floor.
"Dr. Kal'tsit." She began softly, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
"Yes, Amiya?" Kal'tsit responded, her tone encouraging as she waited for Amiya to open up.
"Would they be proud of me?" The question caught Kal'tsit off guard, a rare sight given her usual composure. Despite her surprise, Kal'tsit immediately understood the depth of Amiya's concern.
"I believe she would be very proud of you after everything, and the same goes for Doctor Aaron," Kal'tsit answered gently, hoping her words would offer some comfort.
However, Amiya's next question made Kal'tsit hesitate. "And what about my brother?"
Kalt'sit's eyes widened slightly as she fully turned to face Amiya. "Would he be proud of me?" Amiya's voice was filled with a blend of hope and uncertainty, making the question even more poignant.
Kal'tsit took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Amiya, your brother... he was a person of great integrity and strength. I believe he would be incredibly proud of you. You've faced many challenges with courage and dedication. Your growth, your commitment, these are things he would admire deeply."
She paused, her gaze steady and emphatic. "It's natural to wonder about these things, especially when you're carrying such a legacy. But remember your actions and the person you've become speak volumes. He would be proud of who you are today."
Hearing Kalt'sit's reassuring words, Amiya looked down at the dog tag she held tightly in her hand. A sense of confidence washed over her, and she looked up at Kal'tsit with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Dr. Kal'tsit," Kal'tsit responded with a warm nod and a small smile of her own.
The elevator doors opened with a soft hiss as they arrived at the hangar. Amiya and Kal'tsit made their way towards the helipad, where the team was already assembled, waiting for their leader.
"Is everyone here and ready?" Kalt'sit's voice carried a stern and commanding tone as she surveyed the group.
"Yes. Everyone is here and combat-ready." Responded a tall Pythia man with confidence, glancing around at his team and the other mission members.
"Very well. Good luck with your mission, everyone. "Kal'tsit said, her voice firm yet encouraging as she bid farewell to the team. She turned to Amiya one last time, offering a heartfelt, "Good luck, Amiya."
Amiya nodded, her expression resolute. "Thank you, Dr. Kal'tsit."
With that, Amiya hurried towards the helicopter and entered through the rear door. She took her seat next to the Pythia man, and the rear door of the helicopter slowly closed behind her. As the helicopter's rotors began to spin, the elevator platform started its ascent.
Kal'tsit stood at the bottom of the hangar, her gaze intently fixed on the ascending helicopter, a mixture of concern and hope etched on her face. As the elevator platform continued its ascent, her thoughts remained centred on a single, poignant hope. "I hope you will understand our decision, Amiya."
Resolute in her thoughts, Kal'tsit turned and walked towards the elevator, intending to head to the communication room to monitor the mission's progress from there.
Year 1096, December 23, 17 : 57 PM
Location : Rhodes Island Helicopter
The roar of the helicopter's propeller drowned out most of the background noise, merging with the murmur of conversation among the passengers. Operators chatted among themselves, while others busily checked their gear in preparation for the mission. Amidst the activity, Amiya sat in silence, holding the dog tag with both hands. Her gaze was fixed on it as she quietly reflected. Her left thumb traced the engraved name on the tag, and then she enveloped it in her hand, seeking comfort in the familiar, solid weight.
The action didn't go unnoticed by a Sankta operator, who watched Amiya with curiosity. He had never seen that particular item with her before. His team leader, a Sarkaz with a bandana covering his mouth, noticed his confusion and gave him a gentle nudge.
"What are you looking at, Hot Head?" the leader asked, his tone casual.
The Sankta, named Michael, turned towards his team leader and then back to Amiya. "Nothing, I was just curious about what Miss Amiya is holding."
The Sarkaz raised an eyebrow curiously, his gaze drifting to the object Amiya clutched tightly in her hands. His eyes softened, a rare gentleness creeping into his otherwise stern expression. Leaning back in his chair, he spoke with a quiet yet reassuring tone, "Don't dwell on it too much."
Michael's confusion deepened as he looked back and forth between his leader and Amiya. "Huh? Why not?"
YOU ARE READING
Arknights Chronicles One
Action"Wherever he stepped, the battlefield trembled at his presence. "For some, it stirred fear; for others, a thrill of excitement." "Eyes followed him, some filled with hatred, others with respect." "Warriors from every race sought to strip him of his...
