Fate Breakers

Chapter 24

Gannon

If there was a magic way I could figure out how many times the word "fuck" has come up in the story of my life, I would search it up in a heartbeat. I'd feel some guilt to a degree, but sometimes, there are simply no other words that can convey a certain level of exasperation. Such as knowing we just marched well over forty miles and being told we'll have to make the whole journey back in just two days' time.

"We can't do that!" Aviva's really losing it over this. I've noticed the threads of her mind snapping, but it seems the progress is further along than I realized. "Fox," she says, "Units 15 and 16 barely got here hours ago. We've spent every waking moment since the attack doing damage control. We. Are. Exhausted. Not only that, but these people just had their entire livelihoods uprooted. They're scared, and while they may not fully trust us, we leave, they're all going to be left defenseless."

Tills stares at Aviva. I can see the agitation clear as day on his face. "Are you done?" He asks, giving an exaggerated tilt of his head as he uncrosses his arms. He pushes off from the tree he leaned against, getting in Aviva's face. "These people aren't our problem, Quintero. Let O'Malley and Waveya figure out their mess, because I don't have any intention of sticking around and slaving away for their sorry asses."

Most of the time, I feel compelled to help Aviva. She was the closest I could get to normal before I got assigned my own unit. I like her. But then her gaze hardens, and she cocks her head. I brace for impact. "Perhaps you, given you are from O'Malley, are used to laying the kindling then being surprised when there's a fire, but in case you have forgotten, it's part of our jobs to serve and protect the people you seem to have such contempt for." Aviva cocks her head again, going chest to chest with Tills. "What's the real issue? Don't want us digging up the remains of the barn you used to call home, goat-fucking pot-pisser."

Tills' hands go straight for Aviva's throat. He tackles her to the ground, giving Aviva the perfect conditions to dig her heels into his guts. The two keep fighting, meanwhile Knoll is still wheezing over the insult, and Fox walks away to take a breath.

"Where the hell did that even come from," Knoll asks, hardly able to speak around his own chortling.

"You didn't know? Tills joined the Balor for the paycheck." It's a sorry paycheck to work for. Fishmongers pay more, and their work is shockingly far more predictable. "His family does actually own a goat farm."

"Oh my Gods, that is so vile." Knoll whacks my arm, still snickering. "G, remind me never to piss her off."

"Okay, okay, break it up!" Fox separates them both, smacking them both upside the head, though I swear Tills' smack sounds like it was harder. She gives Tills a glare. "Remember your position, boy. IM Mas has been gunning for your position, and if you keep talking like a private, I'll sure as hell bunk you back down to one."

That shuts him up fast. Evolet Mas always should have been a sergeant. The only reason Janos Tills got it over her was because he filed a false claim that she was sleeping with one of her superiors. By the time all was said and done, he'd weaseled his way into her position. He doesn't know that I know that claim was the pot calling the kettle black, but that's a little tool I believe will help me more later.

Fox lets out a heavy sigh, looking at Aviva. "You're right," she admits, "it's a stupid call to make, but it wasn't my call. I have every intention of fighting back against it. I'll let you all know of the verdict by sunset tomorrow, but until I get a definitive yes or no, just be prepared to leave on a moment's notice."

"What do you want us to do in the meantime, Specialist Fox?" Knoll stands up straight, prepared for instructions. At least between the six units currently here, three out of the six have capable sergeants.