The vast expanse of the Luná blue merges with the distant skies as though one has been embedded within a snow globe. The forests of Dantas glisten as the island seemingly floats amongst the infinity of the horizon, waving as the ship rocks in its direction.

Ara struggles to recall ever coming to Dantas, knowing that her parents had once brought her here. The view alone has plastered a frame on the wall of her mind, reminding her of unseen beauty.

Sometimes, I forget how beautiful Luná is. She reminds herself.

Chaung and Nina stand beside her as they all watch the island's approach, silent. In awe. She feels it. A soft tingle throughout her body as though she feels herself connecting with infinity.

It feels like anxiety.

The future.

The unknown.

"We'll need to be ready when we arrive," Chaungs voice breaks the ambience as he draws them back to reality.

"What do you mean?" Ara asks.

"We will be arriving in enemy territory. There is a significant presence of the Bada military,"

"Shouldn't we arrive somewhere else, then?"

"We've been ordered to overrun this town. Tolith's militia needs a dock," He responds, as he turns to look her in the eye. "Have you made up your mind?"

She stammers, unsure of herself and bouncing between the options. That's all her mind keeps doing, and it shouldn't be this way. People make decisions like this every day. Right?

Is it this difficult for everyone else?

What else can she do? Thinking doesn't work. Answers don't just arrive after questions are asked. Doesn't even matter? What else can she do?

"I don't know." She admits.

"How do you feel?" Nina asks

Feel? Her mind echoes.

Feel.

Ara closes her eyes, taking a deep breath in before slowly releasing it, focusing on the sensation of the air escaping her lips.

"Worried."

"Good." She replies as it reminds her how straightforward Nina can be. "Fear will keep you alive, don't flee from it."

Ara's eyes drift as Nina's words churn in her mind.

"We haven't arrived yet. So you still have time to decide," Chaung adds. "We're going to the lower deck to prep-"

"I'll come with you," Ara interrupts.

"To Dantas?"

"Yes."

A smile peels on Chaungs face. As though he's impressed… Proud. "Alright, then you should join us on the lower deck."

He pats her on the shoulder, passing her a comforting glance as he heads to the hatch.

"Welcome to the team," Nina smiles as they both follow behind Chaung.

Ara smiles. Half-heartedly. But not because she doesn't want to do this. Because she's scared… Right? Talks of war are a lot for someone who's only recently witnessed death.

Maybe she wants to stay out of her comfort zone.

Maybe she doesn't want to be alone.

"I have a feeling you'll be good at this," Nina adds.

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"I've never killed before," Her voice shimmers with anxiety as they make their way into the lower hallway.

"Every killer had to become one."

"And if I don't want to become one?"

Nina chuckles, "We all tried our best to be pacifists."

"What happened?"

"We realized that our opponents don't play by the same rules."

They enter the dining hall where Yasuke and Kimi are seated. The room had an energy about it. As though everyone had become a lot more pensive.

They all take a seat around the table as Matsuko walks in. "So what's the plan?" She directs to Chaung.

"As you all know, our orders are to overrun the dock town of Setii so that Tolith's militia has naval access around Dantas. At the moment they're gridlocked and getting the convoy around Dantas is becoming strenuous without it."

He unfolds a map of the eastern tip of Dantas, with the town Setii drawn at its edge.

"When we arrive, we're tourists. Plan A is to seize the town without alerting Zeno's men."

"They will find out eventually," Remarks Matsuko.

"It's still worthwhile. Even for a temporary advantage." He responds.

"As soon as we pass the checkpoint, we'll split into three groups. I don't want us to waste time. Group one takes the Norther route up and around to the town square and group two will take the south. On the South route group two will rush to the comms center and shut them out. Both groups will draw all of the guards to the square, and loop at the Western tip of the town to box them in. From there, we execute on-site."

He draws his finger along the map, marking both routes to the square. "Kimi and Yasuko, you're group one. Me and Matsuko are group two."

The three of them nod, passing a glance at one another and then directing their attention back to Chaung.

"Group three will provide overwatch. Nina, if a guard isn't following the crumbs, make them. Ara, watch her back."

Nina looks over to Ara, nodding her head in confirmation. She nods back without a thought. The intensity of the room has her locked in a state of focus she didn't know she had.

As if courage was contagious.

"And Plan B?" Kimi asks.

"We go loud. Shoot on sight and clear the town. If we can stop them from getting the message out, even better."

"What arms they got?" Yasuke rumbles.

"Twelve guards, two managing comms, two at the docks. Standard arms. We'll take out all sixteen, stock up, send out a signal using their comms, and head out."

"Anything extra for us?" Matsuko queries.

"Keep an eye out. I don't mind donations." He responds.

"How long until we arrive?" Nina directs to Yasuke.

"Three hours."

"We gonna need any spice?" Kimi chuckles.

"We want to seize the docks, not destroy it." He laughs.

"Group three you'll find two guards posted at the watch tower just beyond the docks. Group one and two will usher you into position before splitting off." He looks over to Ara, reassuring that she got the message. "If we do this right we'll be out within the hour. If plan A goes right, dinner's on me."

Ara feels the pressure building, the air weighing down heavier as each moment ticks. She's afraid. But, psyched.

"Do everything I tell you," Nina says sternly to Ara. "If you don't, we could both die. Yeah?"

Ara stutters, unsure what to say, and just nods… Slowly.

"And afterward?" Matsuko asks.

Chaung turns to her, gesturing in confusion.

"Where are we going after?"

"Oh. After this… Hmm," He mumbles, opening up a creased, browning letter.

"It is a personal request from Tolith. A family member of his was abducted. He wants them set free,"

"So we try sneaking them out?"

"Uhhh, no. Actually. He wants us to liberate the town. They have a much stronger presence but once they receive word from the dock, they'll send some aid to help with the insurgency."

"What's the point?" Kimi asks.

"From my knowledge, the town of Aliim is of strategic value. I'm not sure if it's the positioning or the resources but there's more to it than a family member."

"Otherwise we wouldn't need an insurgency."

"Exactly, the town is much too big for us to seige alone. I'm not sure what, but there's something he won't reveal."

"Mmm" Yasuko groans. "Too many unknowns."

"Fuck. If we get screwed-"

"Relax." Chaung interrupts Matsuko. "Focus on the task at hand. When we signal them, I'll see if we can get more information. Until then, we focus on this." His finger slams into the map.

"We all know what's building around here. We've seen wars. Revolutions. We know what to expect. If something isn't right, we take care of ourselves first. Always… I would not put any of you at risk."

They all nod, quiet and returning to the present.

"Any more questions?" He asks, scanning the group. They all stay quiet, passing wondering glances at one another.

"Alright, get packed up and ready. Mission starts as soon as we land."

"War is not always determined by a single battle. But when it is, miracles can happen."

- Prophet Sutzu