Chapter 57: The New Order.

The rain drummed steadily against the windows of the Sentinel post, casting a cool, gray light across the room. Ava lounged on Miko's desk, casually tossing crumpled paper balls at Talon, who sat slouched in a chair, making an exaggerated show of catching each one with dramatic swoops of his hand. Occasionally, he’d let one bounce off his nose just to make Ava laugh, and her chuckles echoed in the otherwise quiet post.

Miko, attempting to work despite the distraction, let out a long-suffering sigh and finally looked up. "Do you two ever actually do work around here?"

Ava flashed a grin, a mischievous spark lighting up her eyes. "We do plenty, Miko. We just make it look good."

Talon chuckled, deftly catching another paper ball and leaning back, looking relaxed. "Yeah, Miko, lighten up. I swear, you’re starting to sound like my mother.”

Miko gave him a flat look, struggling to hide a smirk. "Well, with the way you two carry on, maybe I should start locking this door."

Talon looked out the window at the steady downpour, shrugging. "Not going anywhere in that rain. Even the market closing up early.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft hum of the rain against the roof and windows. The post, warm and filled with quiet banter, felt like a refuge from the damp chill of the stormy day outside. Just as Ava was about to toss another paper ball, the door creaked open, and a drenched messenger entered, his cloak dripping water onto the floor. He clutched a leather satchel close to his chest as he approached Miko’s desk.

"Message from Command," the messenger announced, his voice a touch breathless from the rain. He handed over the satchel with a respectful nod.

Miko accepted it, glancing briefly at the messenger’s rain-soaked appearance. With a nod, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a coin, and flicked it toward him. "Go grab yourself a drink and dry off."

The messenger caught the coin with a grateful smile. "Much appreciated, sir. Think I’ll head to the tavern for a bit—rain’s letting up now, sun’s coming through.”

Miko offered a small nod, barely glancing up as he rummaged through the satchel. As the messenger disappeared through the door, he came upon a sealed letter at the bottom of the pile, stamped with a mark from Sentinel Command. The easy atmosphere shifted as Miko studied the letter, his gaze sharpening with intrigue.

Ava, ever observant, noticed the change and raised an eyebrow. "What’s that?" she asked, catching Talon's curious glance as well.

Miko didn’t answer immediately, carefully breaking the seal and unfolding the letter. He scanned it quickly, his expression growing more serious. “It’s about Callie.”

Both Ava and Talon leaned forward, instantly attentive.

“Is she in trouble?” Talon asked, a note of worry in his voice.

Miko shook his head, gesturing for them to give him a moment. He took a deep breath and read the letter aloud:

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"Ronin Sentinel Ava,

Due to Cadet Callie's recent performance and the extraordinary circumstances of her last mission, Command has reviewed her progress and offers a choice. Cadet Callie may return to the base to complete her training with a structured Sentinel program, or, with your consent, she may remain under your supervision here for advanced Ronin Sentinel training. Should you accept, this would include field patrols, combat training, and continuous assessment for Ronin status. The final decision rests with Cadet Callie, though your recommendation will carry significant weight.

Signed,

Council Member Alaric, Sentinel Command."

Ava’s gaze lingered on the letter as she absorbed the full weight of the decision before her. Talon, sensing her hesitation, leaned forward, his voice filled with intrigue. “Well, that’s… that’s a big deal. What are you thinking, Ava?”

For a long moment, she didn’t respond, her thoughts swirling with the possibilities. “She’s grown so much here and she’s proven herself out there. But if she stays, that’s a huge responsibility for both of us,” Ava finally said, her voice laced with a mix of pride and uncertainty.

Miko studied her carefully, understanding the significance of her decision. “It would mean she could stay here, close to the people who care about her. And, between us, Jess wouldn’t mind her staying with us. Callie’s already settled in at ours, and it’s better than her spending time alone in a room at the tavern.”

Ava considered his words, a small smile softening her expression. "She really has become part of this place, hasn’t she?” She paused, her fingers tapping thoughtfully on the letter. “And she has a routine here. She’s safe, she’s supported.”

Talon chimed in, his tone light but his words sincere. “Hey, if it’s about the training, I wouldn’t mind helping out either. She’s already been lending a hand with the ADF, and it’s clear she’s fitting in just fine. Honestly, she’s got the heart of a Sentinel. A bit green, but who wasn’t at her stage?”

Miko nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. “Between us, she’d get solid training and the support she needs. And Callie’s not just learning skills here—she’s learning resilience. Green Arbor’s shaping her as much as her training is.”

Ava ran her fingers over the parchment, her gaze fixed on the words. “It’s hard to think about letting her go back to the base. It’d be like starting all over for her, and… well, I don’t think she’s ready for that. Not with the strides she’s made here.”

Talon shrugged, his grin widening. "You’ve practically been training her as a Ronin already, Ava. We’ve all seen how she looks up to you. Just make it official and show her what it really takes to be one.”

Ava chuckled, though her expression grew serious as she glanced from Talon to Miko. “Yeah, but this is different if it’s official. If she stays, there’s no Command oversight, no structured drills, none of the safety nets she’d have at the base. It’d all be on us—on me.” Her words trailed off, the weight of the decision settling on her.

Miko nodded solemnly. “It’s a big responsibility, sure. But she’ll be with people who know her strengths and understand her value. You’ve given her confidence, Ava. You’ve shown her what she’s capable of. And I think she’d be willing to face those challenges with you.”

The room was quiet for a moment, the gentle patter of the rain filling the silence. Ava took a deep breath, her gaze distant as she envisioned the path ahead for Callie. The sense of pride she felt for her young trainee was undeniable, but there was also a deep awareness of the commitment she’d be making.

“I’ll talk to her,” Ava said finally, a spark of determination returning to her eyes. “She deserves to know the choice is hers. And if she stays, well…” She looked at her friends, her lips curving into a slight smile. “She’s going to get one hell of a training.”

Miko clapped a hand on her shoulder, his face breaking into a warm smile. “That’s the spirit. I have no doubt she’ll do us proud.”

Talon smirked, giving her a playful nudge. “And you’ll get some excitement out of it too. Kid’s got a fire in her—kind of like you did back in the day. Might as well see where it takes her.”

Ava chuckled, shaking her head. “Yeah, but let’s hope she doesn’t get half as many scrapes as I did.”

As the rain continued to fade, a subtle brightness filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. The choice ahead for Callie was significant, a crossroads in her journey as a Sentinel, and they all knew it would shape not only her future but the future of Green Arbor.

With renewed resolve, Ava carefully folded the letter, her mind set on the conversation that awaited her.