"Just sign at the bottom," said Becca. She handed Will a datapad with a pleased smile on her face.

Will scrolled through the pages of the contract. "Is this really necessary? There could be easier ways to get out of the fort."

"I'll say," said Remy, munching on a protein bar as he glanced at the datapad.

They were in the dormitory now that classes were over, and cadets were getting ready for dinner. Becca and Will were seated on one of the beds, with Remy leaning over them, one hand resting on the frame.

"It is the simplest solution," said Becca. "We work on my project together, and we get permission to go out to get materials. It's a win-win for everybody."

Remy gave a chuckle.

Becca frowned. "What? You disagree? Remember, you promised me that you would join before all this craziness started."

Remy tapped his chin. "Hmm, I don't recall that."

Becca put her hands on her hips. "You asshole! You know what, both of you don't appreciate me enough. There were a lot of people who would have liked to join my group. You are lucky that I even asked you!"

Remy shook his head. "No matter how many people had come, I'm sure you would still have picked us." He took a bite out of his protein bar and grinned.

"Oh? Why are you so sure?" Becca said haughtily.

"You found us extremely annoying at first, didn't you?" said Remy. "And yet you still stick around. You care about the two of us now and would have picked us anyway. Admit it!"

A hint of red appeared on Becca's cheeks, and she snorted. "I still find you both annoying."

"You are dodging. You like us, and you think we are pretty cool. Admit it."

"No!"

Will laughed, and for the first time in his life, he didn't bother reading the whole contract.

"And we like you too, Becca. You've been a good friend," Will signed the datapad and handed it back to her. "And I don't know what I would do without you."

"Um! Yes... Good." Becca faltered but broke into a wide smile. "I'll set everything up with the administrative office."

She got up to leave and was halfway out of the room when Remy exclaimed, "Wait! Don't I get to sign the contract?"

"No!" yelled Becca without turning around.

"Hey!"

"Ask me more nicely, and I might sign you up."

▼.▼.▼

A day later, they got their permission. After they were done with their usual drills, Remy, Will, and Becca headed out.

"I'm freezing my ass off," Remy complained. He rubbed his gloved hands together to get some warmth.

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"Talk about bad timing," said Will as he adjusted his jacket and tucked his hands in his pockets. It was a lot colder today than usual, and the temperature was dropping fast.

"Stop complaining and walk," said Becca, her breath misting in the air. She jogged beside them with a scarf around her neck and a pair of earmuffs over her head.

They jogged their way to the outer gate of the fort. A large gate blocked their way, and a soldier stood sentry. Becca promptly walked up to him and handed him her slate. The guard scanned it and took a good look at the three of them before nodding to someone in the security booth.

The gate slid open, and the three trooped out of the fort.

"Where did he say he was meeting us?" asked Will.

"Take the first exit by the bank and then turn right," muttered Remy. "Come on, this way."

They made their way past a few government buildings and administrative offices. When they reached the local bank, they turned right down a small pathway and waited next to a residential building.

"You sure this is the place?" asked Becca.

"Positive," said Remy. "Now, where is he?"

"He'll show up," said Becca. "Have some patience."

No sooner than she said that, someone covered head to toe in thick, insulated winter gear came jogging down the road.

"Sorry I'm late," huffed Victor. "Had to find some proper clothes."

"Hey, Vic," greeted Will.

"Good, you are finally here," said Remy. "We have been waiting here for hours."

Becca smacked his arm, and Remy winced.

"Hey, guys," said Victor with a smile. "I've got so many places to show you. There's a mall here, also an arena. Might catch some exhibition matches."

"We were thinking more along that direction," said Will, pointing towards the east. "Near the airstrip."

Victor deflated. "Why? There's not much near there."

"We're looking into the airship incident," said Remy. "A few of the people we know were caught up in it."

"Damn, that sucks," Victor sighed. "I can take you to the airstrip. Though I doubt you will find much. There are hundreds of ports everywhere. What's special about this one?"

"This is where they were last seen," finished Will.

Victor nodded. "Alright then, follow me."

The four of them trudged through the snow past several squat buildings. Will pulled the hood of his jacket up when it started snowing.

Remy bundled up even more and shivered. "Is it always this cold?"

Victor shook his head. "It gets like this only this time of the year. The cold snap ends around Returning day."

Will sniffed. "Looks like we are the only idiots who thought this would be a good time for an outing. That reminds me, how did you get out of the base? Did you get a pass like us?"

Victor grinned. "I don't need a pass."

"Bull!" exclaimed Remy. "How did you get out?"

"I have my ways," Victor said, trying to look mysterious.

"Yeah, right," Remy scoffed. "Probably begged someone from the kitchen staff to let him out."

Victor made a zipping motion on his lips, and Remy laughed.

Fifteen minutes later, they were near their destination. Several trucks passed them, and they hugged the sidewalk to avoid the snow spray.

Will pulled the hood away from his face and stared past the chain-linked fence ahead. He had found his runway.

"There it is," said Remy. "Looks well-guarded too."

Will squinted. There was a control tower and a terminal building, and off to the side were several hangars. But what was more interesting were the many sentry posts.

"Yeah, we are not getting in there," said Will.

"Too risky," added Remy.

Victor looked alarmed at where the conversation was going. "You two are not serious."

"No, we are not serious," said Will and tapped Remy on the shoulder. "Don't stare too long."

Remy looked away and asked Victor, "Is there any other place where we can gather some info?"

Victor scratched his head. "There was a pub close by. The customers are mostly pilots."

"That's great," said Will. "Lead the way, Vic."

A few blocks down, they found the pub. It was a small corner bar and heavily snowed in. The front doorway was cleared, and piles of snow were around the building. Dim light emanated from the windows, and sounds of laughter came from inside. Will raised his head and glanced at the signboard. "Hangar 19, a good name for a pilot bar."

"I could use a drink," said Remy and walked forward. Will followed along with Victor and Becca when he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks.

"Wait!" he hissed and pulled everyone back.

"What?" asked Becca puzzled, and Will pointed at one of the pub's windows.

A group of soldiers in exo-suits were laughing uproariously with a pint in hand, and sitting with them was Damian Ryder.

Remy swore, "Ah, shit!"