Hells Bells

Commander out of Action

"My Father fought in Vietnam.... All he's said about it was Agent Orange is a bitch."

-Wyte P. Blechin.

originally written in 2022.

August 16, 2025. Base Aquila. Yensom Federation, Innerworld.

Two officers wander down the desolate halls of the commanding offices. Keeping their stares forward and their pace quick. An order was sent down by the commander to come to his office urgently. Upon reaching the office at the end of the hall, they both exchange a look before knocking. A voice is heard telling them to enter. The door opens and they are immediately greeted with the smell of cigars and a record player playing a rendition of Roll Northumbria. Their commander is standing looking out the tiny window carved into the rock. Puffing on one of his signature cigars. Which indicates to his subordinates of a problem as he rarely smokes now and days. The commander turns around and begins to speak to them.

WYTE: You know this song is about an oil tanker built by the British as a response to the Egyptians closing the Suez Canal. They took a smaller design and just sized it up, which led to a lot of issues mostly the questionable quality of the hull. After that major spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 73, which made double hulled tankers the new standard. Instead of updating it they sent it to the Hong Kong scrap yards.

He wanders over to the record player, restarting the previous song before he goes back on to his explanation.

WYTE: Now this song is about an alternate reality were the questionable hull cracked and caused an oil spill that ignited. With the Northumbria barely escaping the flames by the skin of her teeth.

The commander sits down at his desk snubbing his cigar into the ashtray situated in the center.

WYTE: This song also shares the same chorus as the anthem of the Empire of Northumbria. Which is situated in dimension 76.

RISHU: You called us sir?

Rishu cuts the conversation wanting to know the reason for the summons.

WYTE: You know I hate the formalities, when we've known each other since highschool.

RISHU: Well the atmosphere in your office right now felt like it was necessary.

Wyte sighs in agreement, he looks over to Rishu, while acknowledging Peter's presence as well.

WYTE: My father collapsed... Got the call a few days ago from my brother... 

His words pierce through the droning noise of the record player, slightly unsettling Rishu but having a major effect over Peter. Whose hands start to shake slightly.

RISHU: Are you okay, sir?

Wyte's aura switches from a somber one to an annoyed one at her question.

WYTE: Rihsu, everyone in this room knows that even if I wasn't. I am physically incapable of showing it for reasons that are apparent to only our friend group.

Wyte moves on with the conversation.

WYTE: I have gotten a 2 week leave approved, so while I'm gone you have to promise me you will hold down the fort, cause last time I was gone you had a boxing match with someone from 28th armored and I got into a shouting match with their commander. So please behave, and if you plan on boxing, box someone from the 82nd or 101st. Okay?

Rishu shamefully nods in agreement. Wyte stands up stepping out from behind his desk, walking up to Peter and placing his hands on her shoulder. Giving the most reassuring face he can.