Chapter 47: Convoy Confidence.

The next day in the Sentinel post, a calm but focused energy filled the room as the morning routine began. Miko sat at his desk, papers piled high, as he meticulously reviewed reports and inventory lists. Meanwhile, Ava and Talon were across the room, play-fighting like siblings, testing each other with light jabs and quick dodges. Their laughter echoed through the room, a contrast to the usual serious business of the post.

“Bet you can’t get me this time!” Talon taunted, sidestepping Ava’s quick grab, only to trip slightly as she stuck her foot out just enough to throw him off balance.

“Oh, I think I can!” Ava smirked, lunging forward and nearly knocking them both over as Talon struggled to regain his footing.

Miko barely looked up, pretending to ignore them as he muttered to himself, “I come here to escape the kids, and somehow, I’ve got you two bloody twins instead.”

Suddenly, they lost their balance and toppled over a desk, crashing into a heap of papers and laughter. Miko finally looked up, exasperated but amused, shaking his head. “Oi!” he called out. “If she needs stitches again, I’m not doing it.”

Ava looked up, still grinning, even as she lay sprawled on the floor. “Relax, Miko. I’m in one piece.”

“Barely,” Talon muttered, giving her a playful shove.

At that moment, the door opened, and Lucas walked in, catching sight of the two rolling around on the floor. He raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk playing on his lips. “Well, this is professional,” he chuckled, glancing at Miko. “Is this what I’ve been missing out on?”

Miko pointed at the pair with a mock-serious expression. “You see what I have to put up with? I’m locking that door from now on or letting them in one at a time.”

Ava and Talon exchanged glances as they pulled themselves to their feet, dusting off their clothes and trying—and failing—to keep straight faces.

“Oh, come on, Lucas,” Ava protested. “We keep things lively around here!”

“Lively, huh?” Lucas teased, crossing his arms. “Well, I’d love to have you both over at the school. Only problem is, you forget you’re talking to kids half the time.”

Miko snorted, joining in. “Tell me about it. I caught little Ava swearing like a trooper when she stubbed her toe the other morning.”

Lucas’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he burst out laughing. “Let me guess, Jess was in stitches?”

Miko nodded, trying—and failing—to look stern. “Yep, doubled over laughing.”

Ava smirked. “I have no idea where she picked that up from,” she said, feigning innocence.

Talon elbowed her. “Yeah, right. Sure, *Blondie*.”

Once the laughter died down, Miko took a breath, steering the conversation back to the matter at hand. “Alright, back to business. Ava, about Callie… have you made a decision?”

Ava nodded, the playfulness fading into a more thoughtful expression. “Is this for the fuel and supply convoy?”

Talon, ever attentive, leaned forward. “I thought me and the ADF were going to take that on.”

“Well,” Ava said, glancing at Lucas, “since I’m not fully back on duty, this one here had an idea.” She motioned to Lucas with a smirk.

Lucas cleared his throat, crossing his arms as he defended his suggestion. “I thought it could be a good opportunity for Callie to go solo. She could use the confidence boost, and let’s be honest, Talon—you’d probably rather be doing anything else than convoy duty, right?”

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Talon grinned, a bit of relief in his eyes. “Alright, alright, you got me. I was planning on taking the new ADF scouts out for a proper patrol.”

Ava chuckled, shaking her head. “I’d take convoy duty over being stuck here right now.”

Miko leaned in, weighing the idea. “If we send extra ADF support and a few of your scouts, Talon, Callie should be alright on her own. But the final call is yours, Ava—she’s your cadet.”

Ava looked around the room, thoughtfully considering her options. “The fuel truck’s always a target. But with a large enough force, it might make any bandits think twice.”

Talon tilted his head thoughtfully. “Unless they’re desperate or just plain stupid,” he added with a smirk. “But maybe I should go with her?”

Lucas shook his head slightly, leaning forward. “The idea is to show her we trust her abilities. That’s what she needs right now. And if Miko’s right about the ADF team and your scouts joining her, she’ll have the support.”

Ava exhaled, feeling the weight of the decision. “Alright. Let’s do it. She’ll be heading back to the Sentinel base soon to finish her training. This could give her the boost she needs.”

Lucas gave her a supportive smile. “Sounds like you’re confident in your choice, Blondie.”

Talon and Miko nodded in agreement, and Talon added, “Besides, she won’t be so far out that we can’t get to her if anything goes wrong.”

Ava flashed a grateful look at Talon, feeling bolstered by his support. “Thanks, Talon.”

Miko stretched with a sigh, a satisfied grin on his face. “Alright, then. Let’s go break the news to her.”

The group headed out, each feeling a renewed sense of purpose and trust in Callie’s abilities.

Ava led the group along Callie’s usual patrol route, winding through Green Arbor and out towards the river, where she often checked the area for signs of trouble. The morning sun glinted off the water, casting dappled light through the trees, and birdsong filled the air, adding a lightness to the morning.

As they walked, Miko cast a sideways glance at Ava’s worn boots. “You know, Ava, maybe it’s time for some new ones?” he said, eyeing the scuffed leather and softened soles.

Talon groaned, rolling his eyes. “Oh, please, don’t get her started on those old bloody things.”

Ava gave Talon a playful nudge. “I have another pair, you know. It’s just… these fit perfectly, and I’ve had them since my training days.”

Lucas chuckled, clearly amused. “Training? How does a Sentinel never mind a Ronin keep a pair of boots all that time, especially with all that walking? That’s practically a miracle.”

Ava shrugged, smirking. “I get them repaired and looked after—a lot. They’ve been through some close calls with me.”

Miko shook his head with a grin. “You know you get free boots, right? Brand new, every year.” He shared a knowing glance with the others, and they all burst into laughter, Ava joining in.

Just then, they spotted Callie near the riverbank, checking the underbrush. She turned and walked over, a look of curiosity on her face as she saw the entire group approaching.

“Hey, Callie,” Ava greeted her, her tone both warm and steady. “We were looking for you.”

Callie nodded, a flicker of apprehension crossing her face as she took in their serious expressions. “What’s going on?”

Ava glanced at the others, then stepped forward. “We wanted to let you know that we’ve decided—you’re going to handle the convoy duty solo this time.”

Callie’s eyes widened slightly, and her gaze flicked between them. “Solo? Really? Are you… sure I’m ready for that?”

“Of course we’re sure,” Miko said with a smile. “We wouldn’t be sending you if we didn’t think you could handle it.”

Talon gave her an encouraging nod. “You’ve come a long way, Callie. You’re not the same cadet who walked into Green Arbor a while back. You’ve got this.”

Lucas added, his tone gentle but confident, “And you’ll have plenty of ADF support, plus some of Talon’s scouts. This is just about you taking the lead.”

Callie’s brow furrowed with a hint of uncertainty as she looked to Ava. Ava stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Come on, let’s talk for a second.”

The two stepped aside, and Ava lowered her voice, her gaze steady and reassuring. “I remember the first time I went out on a solo mission. I felt nervous too—doubts about whether I’d make the right call, whether I’d let my team down if something went wrong.” She paused, her tone softening. “But those nerves? They’re part of the process. They’re what push you to stay sharp. And you’re ready for this, Callie.”

Callie took a deep breath, processing Ava’s words, and a hint of a smile crossed her face. “Thanks, Ava. I guess… I guess I just needed to hear it.”

Ava squeezed her shoulder, pride clear in her eyes. “We’re proud of you. You’ve worked hard, and you’ve got all of us behind you.”

As they returned to the group, Callie stood a little taller, her confidence building. Talon, ever ready with a grin, gave her a playful nudge. “Now remember, no wild card games with the ADF. They cheat.”

Callie chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And if anything goes wrong,” Miko added with a smirk, “just blame it on Talon.”

They all laughed, and Callie finally relaxed, her nerves settling as she looked around at the people who had shaped her journey. This wasn’t just a mission—it was her chance to prove she was ready to step up.

As she walked off to prepare, the group watched her go, pride shining in their eyes. For each of them, it felt like they were seeing a new beginning in the making, a moment where Callie was finally finding her place.