Lieutenant James Ironwood drained what was left of his coffee, and let out a deep sigh. After hours of filling out paperwork with Adjutant Vocino and attending meetings with his superiors, they were down to the very last thing that needed to be dealt with before he could actually go home.

Ordinarily, he would have left it until the following morning, when He could give a more detailed report, but Captain Albus Hawthorn, Senior Captain of the Air Fleet, (and the Captains of both Military Admin and Archive) could not be left waiting for very long.

So it was already early evening by the time they got to reading the letter that Archivist Schwartz had found with young Cinder. The 'random mystery child' as the younger man had put it had caused less problems with her existence than she did by actually being where she was. Whilst thankfully an entirely a rare occurrence, a child without any traceable history or family wasn't unusual enough to faze the Military. In areas where bandit raids were more common, it was all but expected that the Blues would find at least one or two children in the aftermath.

But that was not what was concerning...and angering his Captain. No, what Hawthorn was most infuriated about was that someone had apparently known about the ruin and its properties and not told Atlas. True, Hawthorn had little connection to the Science Bureau beyond what was professional, but even he could appreciate the possibility of never needing to worry about the Grimm again.

Although in Hawthorn's case, it was more the power and influence it would gain Atlas rather than the fact lives would be saved that irked the Captain more. For an older, post-UE Captain, having some semblance of Atlesian superiority...or possibly even supremacy, was worth as many lives as it took to achieve. That someone on Solitas hadn't allowed such a state to exist was likely near enough to treason or treachery in his mind.

Right now though, Ironwood was trying desperately to keep a lid on his anger and disgust as he read through the offending letter.

My daughter

I know not when you will read this, or even if our lady will allow it. I pray she does.

This was not abandonment, but a blessing, my sweet one. Always remember that. To serve our Goddess in person is the ultimate honour in this world. I pray that I shall see you rise to glory before I die.

Your mother,

Luna Fall

"Adjutant Vocino." Ironwood spoke, trying to keep his voice calm and even. "What do you make of this..thing?"

The Adjutant glanced over the letter, and remained silent for nearly a full minute.

"...A cult perhaps?" She eventually offered hesitantly. "The fact that Archivist Schwartz found her on the altar would lend credence to that theory. I'd suggest a Bandit Queen from Vacuo or Mistrall were it not for the use of the word 'Goddess'. The Brothers know even Bandits would not risk such..sacreligious declarations."

Ironwood inclined his head. "That makes about as much sense as I think we're going to achieve today. I'll finish up a preliminary report...without using the words 'Child Sacrifice in Solitas'."

"Agreed sir." Vocino replied with the faintest of smiles. "I cannot imagine that..declaration would gain you many friends with the Board, sir."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Brothers, don't I know it. Ironwood thought with a grim smile. "That should at least allow us a few days to actually provide a more….comprehensive answer. And allow us not to want to strangle someone just by reading this."

"Yes sir." The Adjutant paused, and cleared her throat. "..What of Luna Fall, sir?"

A dark look crossed Ironwood's face. "..I'll put in a note with the Yellows. But without actually knowing what she looks like, I very much doubt there is much they'll actually be able to do."

"...I assumed so, sir."

The Lieutenant let out a sigh, and ran a hand through his hair. "...I'll get this wrapped up. You can go home, Adjutant."

"..Are you certain sir?" She asked. "I truly do not mind remaining.."

"I'm sure." He grinned a little. "There's little point in both of us to be late going home tonight."

The Adjutant held his gaze for a few moments, before giving a reluctant nod. She packed her things away, and stood up from her desk. "..Have a good evening, James."

"..And you, Jade."

___________________________________________________________________________

In all honesty, I really should have seen it coming.

Whilst Cinder got herself ready for bed, I had dug out a spare blanket and a few pillows from the 'Room of Many Boxes'. I was, after all, sleeping on the sofa until Cinder's room was set up. It wasn't that big an issue. I'd slept on the couch for the first few months of buying my apartment before I earned up enough to properly furnish a bedroom. It wasn't uncomfortable, but the sooner Cinder's room was ready, the better.

The little girl had eaten dinner in contented silence, not being overly picky with what she ate. Privately, I hoped that this was due to her having genuine preferences, and not just that 'the choice Luna Fall gave her was eat or starve'. She had quite clearly enjoyed the pancakes though.

Whilst I didn't exactly have any books to read her at bedtime, I managed to pull off a highly Remnantified version of Goldilocks, so I could at least be pleased with myself for that. I tucked her in, and after a warm 'Goodnight', I departed the room, I eased the door closed as quietly as I could.

As I did so, I could have sworn I heard a "..G'night, Mister Casper".

I began to finally make myself a cup of tea, and soon settled onto the sofa. There was a documentary on the old Mantellian Monarchy I had wanted to see for a while, and now was as good a time as any to see it.

But not even fifteen minutes after I had closed the door to my room, however, did it slowly creak open. And with all the subtlety of a baby Polar Bear painted bright red (that is to say, none whatsoever), Cinder slipped into the main room, dragging her bear along behind her. I stood up, and strode over to her, a concerned look upon my face.

"Can't sleep, Cinder?" I asked her.

Cinder shook her head.

I smiled kindly, and offered her a hand which she took almost instantaneously. "...Alright. Let's see if we can't fix that, hm?"

She smiled, and followed me back to the sofa, and soon curled herself up at my side. I'll admit, I was tempted to carry her back to bed...but truthfully, I didn't have the heart to do so.

It was only going to be for one night, after all.

___________________________________________________________________________

Fun fact: Adjutant Vocino is named after the voice actress of the Adjutant from Starcraft 2, Anna Vocino.