Deserving of More

Chapter Eleven: The Necessity of Friendship

I sank into the chair at my desk. It would probably be a long day, given the night before. The forums were still buzzing and busy from what had happened. I warned as many as I could, trying to get them not to read what I had. Most of them listened.

"Lieutenant Vasa," came a voice behind me. I turned to face one of those young Corporals that were always in excess.

"Yes, Corporal?"

"General Shinoda requests to see you in his office."

The room went silent, and I watched my fellow Soldiers plant their eyes on me as I stood up. I could see the questions in their faces. What did he want? Would they ever see me again? They had no idea that I saw him most days. Though I wasn't sure what this was about.

I made my way to the elevators and took one up to the top floor. The General's office was uncomfortably quiet.

"Lieutenant Vasa for you, sir," another Lieutenant announced as he showed me through the large wooden doors.

Mike's office was beautiful. Lots of wood and art. One wall was nothing but windows that overlooked the city. The sun made the room bright, and the view was breathtaking. I couldn't help but wonder how it looked at night. I imagined it sparkled.

"Minerva," he greeted me with a smile, "Thank you for coming up. I have something for you."

"Me, sir?" He nodded.

"Come on in," he announced towards the door of the adjoining conference room.

Cara appeared in the doorway. Outfitted in new fatigues. It made me a little emotional as she approached the desk.

"I'm out of boot camp, Lieutenant," she said with a grin, looking at Mike, "Do you want to tell her, or shall I?"

"It's your news to tell, Private," he gestured for her to proceed.

"And I have my post assignment," Cara continued. I raised an eyebrow. "Post 90069- Capital City."

I stood there, letting that sink in. Mike laughed.

"It's all right to react, Lieutenant," he chuckled. Without another thought, I grabbed Cara and hugged her. I looked over her shoulder at Mike and he gave a small, knowing nod. I let her go eventually, and Mike dismissed her, leaving us alone.

"Why did you do that for me?" I asked, still a little breathless.

"Because," he replied, "I see, now more than ever, how necessary friends are."

We held eye contact for a few beats, both of us knowing what... who... he meant.

"She'll make a good addition to our," I paused, "Other project."

"I had that thought too. So did Grace, which was why she asked me to do this. We just have to wait for the right moment." I nodded, hoping the moment was soon.

* * * * *

I took a seat at the far end of the room. This was the most formal and organized I'd ever seen this place. Mike was at the head of the table, the other Generals and Grace nearby.

"This is very serious," Mike said, "The release of this report. We have to figure out how to handle this. If we need to combat it, or if there's a way to use it to our advantage." His words were accompanied by lots of nodding from his brother-in-arms. "The addition of the other story this morning also needs to be addressed."

I knew what he meant. The vultures had piled on even more disrespect and unnecessary awful by releasing another story. About a couple of the king's other battles with demons and the plague. A swimming pool; an attempted drowning. Other things I dare not think of again.