Rhivera (Complete Novel)

~Chapter Nineteen- The R&D Lab~

The Norino Arc
Chapter 19-26

(7/10/21) Self edited and peer edited

Peer edit by Mikrokosmostae 

~Chapter Nineteen- R&D Lab~

~Raul~

~October ~

Lena's funeral was a solemn affair. Her family sat nearest to her coffin. Lena's cousin Korina openly wept at the funeral. Her husband, son and brother didn't fare much better. Only Elian and Victor maintained their composure.

I took the podium at her funeral, "Twenty years ago, I joined the military. Lena joined at the same time and over the years we grew close. Up to her dying day, she supported Population Control and understood why it's necessary. I was chosen to take over as the Southern General in her stead. I don't believe myself to be of the same caliber as Lena, but I'll do all I can to uphold what she stood for. "

Lena Veran (July 20th, 1981- September 29th, 2020)

Daughter of Elian and Nailah. Sister of Belo and Victor.

Wife of Antonio. Mother to Ivel.

A General dedicated to serving her country

I enter the General's office in Uneva, meant exclusively for the Southern General of the military. Lena's belongings were cleared out of the office earlier that week. I sit at her old chair.

If she didn't go to that conference, she'd still be here. Still be alive. It feels familiar though. Eugenio didn't have to go on that mission to chase after Santoro 10 years ago either. That mission was meant for me, but Eugenio insisted he take it himself. There was an incessant hunger in him, a desire for grandeur and a chance to prove himself. He was crippled when I saw him next.

Of the three of us, I'm the only one left standing. Lena and Eugenio were truly fearless. Maybe that's why outlasted them, because I didn't have the same courage they did. They were better than I'll ever be. I'm simply the only one left.

But, you're only given so much time to mourn before the world catches back up with you. With my promotion, several others in Uneva's base were due their own.

I promoted Ilyana Ferzo to a Lieutenant. "I won't let you down sir." She said sternly. She reminds me of myself. I'm glad I can grant her the recognition I wish I was given at that age.

I'm provided an escort wherever I go. I visited the bases of Sotra and Joldair to become familiar with the forces there. After the battle of Mount Rhive, Joldair is still in a weakened state. It will take time to rebuild its strength.

The other Generals of Rhivera ask me to meet them at the Research and Development Facility in the Central Region of Errest. With my escorts, I travel into Errest and find Victor, Felix and Elian in the facility.

"Hello, General Rios." The kind old General Felix greets me.

"Greeting, Generals." I nod to them.

Though Felix puts on a content look, I can tell he's still mourning. He never had any of his own children, and he always treated Lena like a daughter.

They all still seem downtrodden from Lena's passing, but all deal with it in different ways. Felix seems openly sorrowful. Elian copes by refusing to show any emotion at all. But Victor... It's like a fire has been stoked in him. A great rage is building. He's only waiting for the opportunity to let loose.