The atmosphere within the Dampf Erz Plaza was spirited as the workers went about their jobs and chatted animatedly, both to coordinate for the next step and in anticipation to not just work but actually take part in the fun they were building. Laughter, smiles and smirks were exchanged in loud voices, echoing over the deafening noise of the construction work.
In complete contrast stood the garrison of guards that surrounded the construction area. Guards were patrolling the sides, switching out to make sure that nobody entered illegally and unnoticed. Frowns and neutral faces were the best you would get from here as the guards held up their stern and serious facade to the public.
However, even out of the public’s eye the air was tense within the command centre, located at the back of the barricades. It was a large military bus with its black metal and glass shimmering under the late midday sun. Only higher ranking lieutenants of the guard could be seen entering and exiting the vehicle regularly.
“Report.” The gruff voice of the Central Commander echoed through the dimly lit room. The windows were toned, casting the sunny outsides into a twilight dusk.
The commander himself was a burly bear with dragon-like features. A cigarette hung lazily from his lips, the tip glowing periodically with every deeper breath. His eyes were narrowed into a displeased glare.
The lieutenant stepping before him knew he wasn’t directing it at her but she still felt somewhat unnerved.
“Everything is going smoothly. We have yet to make contact with any major problems. No breaches of the barricades have been recorded.” The avian cat declared briskly, straightening her back and giving a quick salute.
“Well, at least something’s going right…” The Central Commander muttered.
“Sir?” Lieutenant Zepehn said, taken aback by his casual retort.
“Lieutenant Zepehn.” The Central Commander suddenly began, leaning forwards with his eyes turning even shaper than before. “The last three weeks had numerous break-ins into highly secure and classified sections of both military and administration. Special Service has yet to find the culprits and with the festival fast approaching I have both the Erz-Mayor and the Chief Commander breathing down my neck. Security of the city’s safety is of the highest importance at this date.”
“Sir.” Lieutenant eapehn swallowed, giving a firm nod in acknowledgement.
“I can see the questions in your eyes, lieutenant.” The draconic bear stated, taking a deep breath of his cigarette and blew the smoke upwards. It was quickly sucked into the ventilation system and expelled from the vehicle.
“As of this moment you have been promoted to Leading General. Your recommendations speak for themselves and Chief Deputy Commander Velric put in a good word as well.” He continued after Zepehn had waited nervously for him to finish. He pulled out a folder and meticulously laid out onto his desk. “Here are your orders and information. We’re dealing with Arc Users.”
“The thieves have been confirmed to use their Arcs then?” Leading General Zepehn asked, her nervousness melting away as she accepted the folder and diligently flitted through its documents. “I can find no indication of a Halo Sighting…” Her voice trailed off awkwardly as she noted the included pictures, a small blush coming to her cheeks despite herself.
A pair of near identically looking, crimson furred she-wolves could be seen winking seductively in the pictures as they fled from an otherwise innocuous looking building they had just broken into. Clad in not a single piece of cloth they flaunted their bodies for all to see.
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“Either that or a pair of exhibitionistic harlots are better at hiding than even the Special Police.” The Central Commander smirked sardonically, grinding his cigarette stump into the ashtray.
“My apologies!” She declared, straightening her back again as she fought her blush down.
“Accepted. You are dismissed.” The Central Commander waved and, after a brisk nod of acknowledgement, Leading General Zapehn made her way out of the command centre. She had a lot of work ahead of her.
———
“Get back here, you little thieves!” A massive walrus man shouted infuriated, awkwardly trying to squeeze out from behind his stand as he attempted to rush after Jenny and Jak as they fled with wide grins and their pockets filled with sweets.
Gasps and sounds of confusion echoed through the surrounding crowd as the duo easily slipped through, climbing around, over and under anyone as necessary. By the time the shop owner had managed to get free, Jak and Jenny had already flitted into the nearest alley and vanished from sight.
“Damnit!” The walrus cursed loudly, throwing his fist down in frustration before glaring hotly at the spectators who quickly and awkwardly looked away, whistled innocently and fled the scene. Grumbling annoyed he clambered back to his stand, not that some other kids got the bright idea to steal from him as well while he was distracted!
While the vendor was cursing his luck, the two thieves were beaming brightly as they had made themselves comfortable within a cozy section of the Steam Way they had fled into. A hole at the side let the sun reflect off of the bronze metal and the steam pipe itself was great to lean against or sit atop. Going by the moss growing nearby, this place was due for an inspection.
They had tried out various vendors before, the goal to find the best Baumkuchen forgotten among the sea of other sweats. And now they had large collection of hard candy, jellies and pastries to try out in peace.
“Better hide them well before going back.” Jak advised Jenny with a grin as he popped a bonbon into his mouth. “Don’t think the head would like a repeat of the sweat market.”
“Muh, why did you have to steal all the good ideas…?” Jenny pouted back, rummaging through her own collection in search of something interesting.
“Hehe, I’m just that awesome.” He puffed out his chest smugly.
“Lucky…” She grumbled and started licking at a Guri flavoured lollipop.
A comfortable silence had fallen over the small section of the Steam Way. Jak and Jenny enjoyed their sweats and each others company. Luckily the sugar rush had already been used up for their escapades on the pre-festival and so Jenny was starting to feel rather drowsy as the sun dipped down towards the afternoon.
“Seems like we better get you back to the orphanage.” Jak teased as she let out a wide yawn.
“Muh, nyot… tired…” She pouted, her words betrayed by the second yawn interrupting her words. Her pout intensified and a hot blush rushed to her cheeks.
Jenny didn’t protest when he picked her up for a piggyback ride, however. She didn’t really feel like walking, her stomach was grumbling with all the sweats and it was a disgrace that she had still over half her bag left over! For shame!
“Hey, we’re seeing the full festival together, right?” Jenny asked as Jak carried her through the Steam Way, her eyes sparkling excitedly even through the sleepy mist.
“Yup. You better not get in trouble with the head or school before then~” Jak grinned. “Don’t get caught!”
Jenny nodded firmly, the mouse fennec’s ears flopping up and down cutely.
“I won’t!” She declared. Then, after a second, she added hopefully. “Can I see your home, too?”
“What? And have you clumsily sneak in? I will be lucky if only the head manages to follow you!” Jak laughed, playfully squeezing her side and making her squirm with bright giggles.
“H-hey! I got better at sneaking! Haggard didn’t even notice me when I ran into their dumb thing…!” Jenny defended herself indignantly under fits of giggles. “And nobody followed me today either, so there!” She huffed, trying her best to frown. As with most kids, her attempt just made it more endearing.
That’s also because Jak had paid off some of the other kids to make a distraction for the head. Though he wasn’t going to tell her that.
“Well… if you manage to sneak up on me next time I will consider it.” He decided, mischief gleaming within his eyes.
“Hehe, deal!” Jenny smiled smugly, self-assured in accepting the challenge, before another yawn escaped her. She lightly kicked Jak in the side as he teased her for that, a hot blush rushing to her cheeks.