EMPIRE

4. Valedictions

THIS CHAPTER HAS BEEN REWRITTEN

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After the team had suited up and collected their gear, I had called them back into the strat room. Talon has been incredibly quiet since our last talk, staring unfocused into the distance with a furrowed brow. He's troubled and distracted, and while I would have no qualms about talking it out with him in a normal setting, his indecision is something that I need to get rid of before we launch the mission. Friend or not he is still my second-in-command and him being focused could mean the difference between life or death for my unit.

"Wake up, Talon," I snap at him through the Link, watching as he visibly jolts from his reverie. "If you're not able to rid yourself of whatever is distracting you then you will sit this one out."

I see him straighten up significantly and his eyes harden at the threat of expulsion from the mission. Usually, I'd be confident in his correction, Talon's not one to have to be told twice and he's definitely never blown off a mission. Though, I can't help but hesitate in allowing him to join; the subtle distance in his gaze tells me his thoughts are still in turmoil. I turn to face the team again, huffing lowly as I eye out each separate squad carefully.

"Before we go, I need to run over a couple of vital orders," I say, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You may not call anyone from our division for back up should something go wrong."

Skeptical murmurs rise up from the squads and I hush them quickly, "It may be a distraction." The ranks fall quiet once more, mulling over the information. I continue, "We cannot have wolves leaving their stations to aid another, as they would leave their own stations vulnerable to intruders. You must immediately notify the team and call in for back up from the patrol guards in your quadrant, their links will be open. They will send in Delta Warriors to come to your aid."

I inhale deeply, "It is critical that you do not leave your post for any reason at all."

My team is disgruntled, despite having operated in immediate high-risk situations with comfortable ease. Tonight's mission is different, there is a proper chance that we may all die tonight at the hands of the Blood Rite Pack. My heart stutters lightly when I realize that this could be the last speech I make to my team.

Rolling my shoulders in a feeble attempt to ease away the tension rising in my muscles, I jut my chin up proudly. "The situation we are in may be a clean op," I say, words careful and deliberate. "However, it could go very wrong, in which then it would be the most dangerous thing we have ever faced as a division. I want you to know that no matter the outcome, it has been an absolute honor to serve with such fine warriors."

The room dissolves into dead silence, everyone processing the sudden speech. They have never received such gratitude towards them on my behalf and never had I spoken with such uncertainty of the future.

Just as I open my mouth to cover the awkward silence, my Delta steps forward with hard eyes and squared shoulders. "I think that I speak for all of us when I say that we will follow you wherever you may take us."

I exhale sharply, feeling my heart swell in pride from within my chest. His cerulean eyes pierce through mine as every individual takes a step forward. "Lead us to victory."

It is said that violence is never the answer, that it is something that no one should enjoy. No normal being should ever find happiness or a sense of satisfaction from inflicting pain on another being. However, I am here to disagree on that statement.

I will unashamedly admit that I find great satisfaction in defeating my enemies. Destroying those who threaten to harm the Pack when it is my duty to defend them. To shield those that are relying on my team and I to deliver protection and that is what I will do until my last breath leaves my body.