With everyone inside and comfortable, I drag a chair over so I can sit across from Sergeant Philip with the coffee table between us. I sit down and get comfortable.
Everyone that wanted coffee has a mug and I take a sip from my own before setting it on the table. Thankfully one of my finds while scavenging around the area was a manual coffee set. Using a grinder, burner, and a small fire I can heat up a pot of coffee. The only problem is finding good beans to grind, so I only have a couple small bags of the stuff. It's going to suck when all the coffee runs out. Unless of course there is someone growing fresh beans somewhere. If there is, they are going to have a very valuable trading commodity on their hands.
Sanders speaks up with a smile as he looks around, “Well it definitely looks you are ready to move. You already have all your stuff packed. How are you planning on moving it all though?”
“I found a couple of wheelbarrows. Sky would be upset if I left her stuff behind, and I want her to be happy on base.”
“How are you going to move all of it though, there is only the two of you…?”
Everyone turns and gives him a look and one of the yet to be named soldiers behind him gives him a smack on the back of the head.
“Don’t be a dumbass, Sanders. Obviously, we are helping move her stuff. It's not like she needs an armed escort, we might as well help her move.”
Sanders shrinks down a bit and gives a laugh and a quiet apology.
“Don’t worry about it and sorry for imposing on you guys to help me move.” I say with a small smile.
Sgt. Philips speaks up after taking a sip of coffee, “Don’t worry about it, it’s the least we can do. But I must ask… Your Kobold, she doesn’t look like much of any Kobold I have ever seen before? Private Rook’s report mentioned that she, Sky I believe it was, was undergoing some changes. But seeing her in person, I am honestly surprised. She almost looks human…”
I turn and look back at Sky. She became nervous with having so many people over and has burrowed deep into her nest. Right now, the only parts of her that can be seen is her face and her tail sticking out of the pile. The tip of her tail is twitching nervously.
“Ya, she’s been turning more and more human… Started happening a couple weeks ago. We both freaked out when she started losing fur; I thought that she had gotten sick or something. But so far, she doesn’t seem to be bothered by it all. Seems to be hurting her a lot less that mine did too, which is good.”
“I have to ask, but do you believe that her changes could potentially be harmful to civilians in anyway?”
“Hmm? Uhhh, no not really. Her claws are a bit sharp, and she can bite. But honestly, while she has gotten a bit stronger; she is only about as strong as a young woman now. Honestly, she is practically harmless unless someone pisses her off into biting their fingers off or something… But that could be said for anyone her size.”
“I see, well that is reassuring. Do know that our researchers will be rather interested in her. Her safety is guaranteed along with yours. Just know that they will be wanting to take a look at her and will probably be bothering you until you consent.”
“As long as they don’t try dissecting her or doing anything invasive, I’m sure we can make an arrangement. With Sky’s permission, of course.”
“Ah, yes… It was mentioned that she can talk. I take it that she can understand what we are saying?”
“Yes. She’s still learning English, but she is smart enough to guess at things she doesn’t know yet. She’s also a very quick learner. Honestly, I am starting to think that her changes are also making her better at learning languages. She’s picking it up very fast.”
“Hmm.” He looks past me towards the hidden away Sky and gives her a smile. “Hello there little miss. How are you doing?” He asks.
Sky gives me a look and I give her a reassuring smile.
“I am good…” She says nervously.
She gives me one last look before pulling further back into her nest and hiding most of her face. The only part being visible are her eyes as she watches us.
I give a little laugh and turn back to my guests. “Again, sorry. She’s shy and not used to having so many new people in her house. Just let her have her space.”
“Hahaha, she reminds me a bit of my daughter when she was little. Don’t worry, I understand. Hmm, I guess apologies are in order for calling her your pet now that I think about it. It’s hard not to think of Kobold as just being smart animals.”
“Apology accepted.”
Still makes me mad that it was even said to begin with but, he seems like a good guy.
The Sergeant sets his mug on the table and pats his knees, “Well, I think that is enough for small talk for now. How about we get to those conditions?”
I give him a nod, “That would be appreciated.”
Digging into his pack, he pulls out a folder. Pulling two sheets of paper out, he hands one to me.
“We kept it simple and made a list for the sake of convenience. Should you agree to the terms, we will have a fully written out contract for you to sign with us. So long as you abide by the contract, you will be given a number of benefits that will extend not just to you and Sky, but also to your family.”
He hands me the second sheet of paper labeled, Benefits Package.
While I could read ahead, I decide to listen to him go over everything and take a sip of coffee.
“Now then, I will simply go down the list and try to answer any questions and concerns you might have. Please remember that these are non-negotiable. It is either that you agree to all of them, or to none at all.”
He continues after checking to see if I am ready, “First and foremost, upon entering base you must allow yourself to be held in quarantine from anywhere of a period of two to ten days. We understand that you wish to rejoin your family as soon as possible, but we must first ensure that you are not a health risk to those around you. There is a possibility, although unlikely, that you could be radioactive or a potential vector for spreading disease. As we don’t know if you are capable of spreading your mutation to others, we need to be sure of some things before releasing you.”
He gestures to Sanders and Rookie.
“So far, everyone that has had any interaction with you has had to go through quarantine as well.”
They nod their heads to let me know that he is speaking the truth.
“Ok, I don’t really have any issues with that. Just know that I refuse to be separated from Sky during the quarantine. I don’t want to leave her alone for days with people she doesn’t know.”
“I’m certain that won’t be an issue.”
“Onto the second matter. You are to voluntarily give medical samples to our doctors, nothing invasive or painful, so that they can study your biology. You are also to undergo a full medical checkup and physical, including a CT scan and MRI. Again, Sky is not held to this requirement, but I imagine that they will be begging you to let them get her taken care of as well. That will be up to you to decide, however.”
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“Hmm, again, as long as they don’t try cutting us open, I am willing to do it.”
He nods, “On to the third then. While living on base, you and Sky are to remain within an agreed upon area of the base and avoid all interaction with civilians outside of your own family. As of right now, you are our only known case of a human-being mutation. If it were to leak to the public, that humans are at risk of mutating as well, it could cause a panic.
“In the future this restriction will most likely be lifted, but that will only be once our researchers have learned all that they can, and we have enough information to be able to assuage people fears of themselves or loved ones of potentially mutating.”
“I guess I can understand that one. People would find it weird if they suddenly had an Imp and a Human-like-Kobold living amongst them. Might even have some Bible thumpers think I’m the antichrist or some crazy bullshit. I wouldn’t want that to impact my family… So, yes. I can agree to that as long as you guys don’t go completely cutting us off from human contact.”
“We won’t, many soldiers are already in the know and I am certain that many would love to meet you. Also, your family will have free access to you at all times to visit.”
I take another sip of my coffee and nod my head for him to proceed.
“Fourth on our list then… and may I give an apology ahead of time if this one seems unreasonable. During your stay with us at the base, you must work with the military as a hired mercenary. You will be going out on missions and assisting in our fight to reclaim the city and push back the threat of monsters and mutated creatures so that humanity can carve out a pocket of safety for ourselves.
“It has been determined due to the reports filed and the pictures submitted that your abilities are too powerful to not be put to use against our enemies, while also making you too dangerous to be allowed near civilians unattended. The power that you possess simply makes you far too dangerous.
“As a result, it has been decided that if you are to be with us, that you must then fight for us…”
I set my coffee back down and the room grows noticeable quiet. Sanders and Rookie have guilty looks on their faces. Most likely blaming themselves, because it was their reports that helped contribute to this decision.
Clasping my hands together, I sit back and think. The Sergeant remains quiet to let me think in peace.
So, they want me to be a mercenary… Honestly, it isn’t too surprising that they would want to use me to fight monsters.
I’ve never thought about going into the military when I was growing up, although honestly, I never really knew what it was that I wanted to do after graduating. The end of the world also sort of decided that problem for me…
Never thought that I would be a soldier…
I look up at him, “If I am going to be a mercenary, then that means I’m getting paid for my work, right?”
“Yes ma’am. The details are listed in the benefits package as well as the benefits that apply to your family. There are also details pertaining to the case in which you are killed in action. No matter what, your family will be cared for.”
“I see… In terms of the work, I would be doing?”
“Monster slaying. You would be working with teams to push deep into enemy territory and kill anything that moves. Pushing back the monster threat so that we can extend our walls, and also assisting with our missions into the city. I won't lie to you ma’am. The casualty rates for the people doing this work are high. The chances for death and injury to occur are high. From what we understand, you are durable enough to be sent through walls and you heal wounds very quickly. All of that is besides your immense strength. It was determined that you would be a valuable asset in these efforts…”
“I understand…”
“Again… I am sorry. I imagine that you want nothing more than to be able to live peacefully with your family. I can understand that...”
“You're right… It’s not as if I chose to mutate and become like this. I never wanted to spend my life fighting monsters. Don’t get me wrong though… I do get some level of excitement from knowing that I can beat a monster twice my size to death with my bare hands. It's impossible to not enjoy the feeling of having that much power… I just never thought that I would have to use it outside of survival…”
I take a deep breath and calm my nerves.
Wetting my lips, I continue after a long breath, “Alright, if it means getting to be with my family and guaranteeing their safety, then I will be a Monster Hunter for you guys. Just know that my loyalty is to my family first and foremost. I’ll be fighting for them and myself. If I am sent on any suicide missions, don’t expect me to sacrifice my life in some big patriotic explosion or some other bullshit. I’ll be prioritizing making it home alive.”
“That is perfectly acceptable ma’am, and I am sure that those above me will agree. Our intention is not to send you to your death after all. Shall I move on to the fifth point?”
“Yes, please go ahead.”
“Very well then. This matter is in regard to Sky. Quite simply, you will be responsible for her. Basically, making sure that she does not attack anyone or steal thing that aren’t hers. Kobolds have a reputation as thieves, and we want to ensure that we won't have to worry with her.”
“While I am on base, I can guaranty that she won't steal. Kobolds have an honor system, and to do so would reflect badly on me. However, I can’t promise that she won’t try anything while I am gone on missions. I might be able to get my family to agree to keep an eye on her while I’m gone though.” I tell him.
“That should be good enough for that. Honestly, she isn’t seen as much of a concern by those in charge.”
He continues, “As for the final matter, it is an agreement in regard to your own behavior while at the base. If in the case that you find yourself in conflict with others, you are not permitted to engage them in physical violence except for in cases of which you believe that someone’s and/or your own life and/or personal safety is in danger.
“Basically, unless it is absolutely necessary for you to harm someone, you are to keep your hands to yourself and just report the matter to a higher-ranking officer or to the MP’s. Your strength makes you a threat to those around you, and I assume we are correct in that killing a person would be easy for you, yes?”
“Ya, I don’t want to kill anyone, but if it came down to it, it wouldn’t be all that difficult for me to do so. Hells, it would be easy… So yes, I agree to that term, I’ll be extra careful as to not accidentally hurt someone. I only ask that people be warned not to try and push their luck with me. Just because I don’t want to hurt people, doesn’t mean that I am a saint or a pacifist with a bleeding heart.”
“That is understandable, just know that your actions will be deeply scrutinized.”
He takes a drink from his coffee and finishes it off.
“Alright then Miss Lain, that covers everything. Again, there will be a contract for you to sign once we are on base. Please be sure to read it over carefully before signing.”
He stands up and reaches over to shake my hand and I return the gesture.
“Now then! With that all taken care of, how about we get you moved? Sooner we get you back to base the sooner you get to see your family. I’m certain that you are looking forward to that.”
“More than you can know…”
I turn back to Sky in her nest and catch her watching me, “Alright Sky, we are going to get going now. Pack up your nest and get your pack on.”
She nods her head, and after examining the others, slowly extracts herself from her nest and gets to work on folding all her blankets.
Standing up, Sanders and Rookie come over to congratulate me and express their remorse that I have to become a mercenary. I give them some reassurance and thank them for their help when they tell me that they had put in requests of their own for me along with their reports.
The other four soldiers that I had yet to be introduced to come over and give me their names and congratulations, wishing me luck with my future work.
With everything else out of the way, I get everything packed into the wheelbarrows and put my packs on. Helping Sky get her new backpack secured and good to go, I walk everyone out and lock the front door.
I won’t be burning this house down; in the future it will be in human territory, and I don’t want to burn down the neighborhood like a complete dumbass. Who knows, maybe the Kobold wards and totems will keep intruders away and keep it safe.
Heading out on the road, I hold Sky’s hand as we walk, the soldiers escorting us and helping to move our stuff to our new home.
It is about an hour later that we finally make it to the north gates. The walls are solid constructs of wood and barbed wire that stand at about five meters in height. Men and women stand atop the walls at even intervals and towers with snipers can be seen peeking out behind the wall. Leading up to the wall, are barricades, fences, pitfalls and piles of the torched remains of monsters and mutated creatures. I can’t help but notice as Sky looks around in amazement at the fortifications and the remains of killed beasts.
On the way here, the soldiers gave Sky and me some big cloaks to cover ourselves with before reaching the wall and we are let in with some quick words from the Sergeant. Soon the two us and Sgt. Philips are climbing into the back of a vehicle. We leave our bags with the soldiers, and he reassures us that our stuff will be safely dropped off at our new home for when we move in and that the place will already be partially furnished for us.
They even let me keep my Sledgehammer and Sky her knife, as a sign of trust.
The door to the vehicle closes and we are soon moving deeper into the base, Sky gazing out through the tinted windows in wonder, glee, and a small part fear in her eyes as she enjoys her very first car ride. I simply hold her hand to let her know that she will be safe.
It took about a month and over a hundred miles of walking but, I’ve finally got here. Hopefully it won’t be too much longer until I get to see Anna and my parents again. I can hardly wait…