Armed Enlightenment V2

Courtesy Call

Adel couldn't sleep. The bed was warm, the sheets soft, and Avrora was on his side, but they were no use. He couldn't move either, or else the others would notice something was wrong. By the time the deep blue of dawn dimmed the darkness, he stopped trying.

Its pale light bled into the room. Near the window, a figure sat motionless. It could have been hours they had been there.

"Can't sleep, Enders?"

"Lieutenant?" His eyes adjusted slowly. The faint outline of a rifle rested across her knees.

"Someone had to keep watch. Starve a tamed wolf and it will devour you."

He glanced toward Avrora. She was asleep, her breathing slow, and her face turned away from him.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed. "You didn't have to do it alone."

"What's wrong?"

Adel shook his head and let out a slow breath.

"Don't worry, I don't bite."

That was because she'd devour you whole. "Av... she blames herself for getting me into trouble."

"Does it involve her being a Yuke elite?"

He nodded. "They wanted her as ransom for me. Once she gave herself up, they didn't honor the deal."

"I see."

"The goddess blamed her. She says she's fine, but I think that thought's eating at her. And lieutenant, you were singled out just for doing your job. I'm sorry, this might sound like I wish you stayed dead, but I can't let this stand. You two don't deserve any of it."

Adel dropped down for his bag and drowned the drowsiness with coffee. He thought of inconspicuous clothes, but he pulled out the same suit, overcoat, and chest rig he had tried on last night, and a stab vest.

"Curfew doesn't end until the morning bell."

He returned the suit to the bag and pulled out his camo gear. "Then I just have to finesse the guards with our shared sense of responsibility."

"Del, think carefully of what you're doing."

His hands froze. "You were awake."

"Couldn't sleep," Avrora rolled over and sat up. "I was happy to be with you and get a chance to make things right. Kar was fine enough to come and help out. Even if we have our circumstances with the goddess, that doesn't mean you have to beat yourself up for it."

Adel glanced at the lieutenant. She shrugged.

"This is between me and her," he said, squeezing his bag. "If she cherished me like you said, I want to try and see if she can make your lives comfortable."

"Am I a burden?"

"No," he scowled. "You know that."

She jumped to his side. "Then don't keep this to yourself. We struggle together. What would people think if you went to the church alone this early?"

"It'll discourage them. Plus, being alone makes it convenient for a heart-to-heart."

"It's a fucking goddess. She's probably looking at us right now."

Lieutenant Koch reached down for her bag. "I'll go with you. I know where it is. Kalasinova, are you coming?"

"Do I sound like I'm not?"

"Then catch," she tossed Avrora fresh clothes. "If anyone asks, we're just checking the aftermath. If we're far from it, we've just returned from checking it and decided to buy bread while it's warm. I'll use my authority as a league employee."