Lanada was back in the plane of infinity. They were confused, not having been there in some time. But familiar feelings overwhelmed them, the low buzzing drone still filling the air. The figure had returned, but rather than its statuesque lack of motion, it was moving slowly, breathing life. The blackened eyes burned like flames, but were shaped in such a way they were no longer horrifying, but rather caring, loving.
Lanada’s head spun as they acclimated to the new environment. It took all their energy simply not to stumble over the uneven triangles. They rubbed their head at a particular pang of vertigo, noticing their leg was still intact.
“Not this again.”
Lanada braced for the feedback of their words, but it never came.
“Welcome, Lanada.”
The figure spoke with a gentle voice, backed by several harmonies to create one final chord. Its arms were stretched to its sides, welcoming Lanada in.
“I can understand you now at least.”
“It can take several uplinks to establish a connection, our apologies. We have been looking forward to this moment, Lanada.”
“Yeah, I’m actually sick of this shit. What the hell is going on? Who are you?!”
“Simply, we are you, Lanada. You are a part of us. Now that we have made our connection, we will be your eternal home after you die. Otherwise, you would suffer a far worse fate.”
“Um. What worse fate? Shouldn’t that be my decision whether I like you or not?”
“There is no decision in death. Whether you accept us or not, it will be for the better. Trust us, Lanada. Trust me. Most importantly, trust yourself.”
“So you’re like past me then? Future me?”
“Nothing that simple. It will all become clear. We will meet again upon your death. We only hope it isn’t soon; we will be watching closely. Goodbye for now, Lanada.”
❂
“Wow, bad dream?”
Lanada jerked up, a steady hand on their shoulder guiding them back down. Doctor Kalio was sitting at their bedside, occupying a small clinic. He had a light smile on his face, but it barely hid his worry.
“Your brain activity was all over the place, never seen anything like it. Got any headaches?”
“No. Like you said, bad dream. Would you believe I touched an orb and now a mysterious figure is haunting my dreams?”
Kalio gave an awkward smile and a chuckle.
“I can’t give you a medical response for that… I’d caution against touching random orbs though.”
“Right. Where are we? Are we on Bofi’s ship?”
Kalio paused a moment, only making Lanada's chest sink.
“No, no, she didn’t make it. We’re at my personal clinic at the capitol.”
“Fuck… They killed Bofi? Did they get the whole crew?”
“Yeah. They were trying to get you guys out of there. Died within minutes. I was lucky.”
“Yeah, they left you on the ship?”
“No, I was reassigned here after the Ahria was destroyed. Lucky, because the Geldor captured the Fera.”
“Fuck that… I’m sorry doc.”
“It’s not you who should be saying that. And Bofi knew what she was getting into. They all did.”
Kalio was checking some of Lanada’s information on a nearby machine, his face grim.
“Where’s Sam? I should let him know.”
“Rendell's been waiting on you to get healthier before she grills you, but Sam got a head start I guess. He’s out already, dealing with the backlash from Ildar. He recovered quicker, burns are easier to treat than a missing leg.”
“Leg? Oh. Oh shit.”
In a panic, Lanada removed the blanket covering their body. They tried to move to sit up, get a better look, but the normal movement was interrupted when Lanada failed to use their missing leg. Instead, they flopped back down a couple times, the third time receiving help from Kalio. With a good view finally, they observed the stump at their knee, not breaking eye contact or blinking. They could feel dread building up, the rush of thoughts and feelings about to overwhelm. They simply laid back down to avoid them.
“It’ll take some time, but you’ll get used to it eventually. Command did order you a nice prosthetic though. It’s bionic, should feel almost normal.”
“I… I…”
Lanada could barely find words to speak. With such a permanent change to their body, it was the final nail in the STAR coffin. There was no escape or return, the institution had permanently left its scar.
“You should head up to Rendell’s office, I’ll let Sam know you’re up. Sorry you can’t get some more rest, but she’s angry. Don’t want to keep her waiting.”
“I’m angry too, so I’m sure this will be fun.”
❂
“That was utterly irresponsible of you! That was dangerous, and disobedient, and ultimately, treasonous! You endangered Captain Jenill and her crew, your partner, and the people of STAR and Mikoril! I expected more from you, Sam. Especially after all the service you’ve given so far.”
Rendell was pissed when she found out Sam and Lanada had been injured at Ildar. Mikoril had “won,” and were still counting casualties. So far, the count was very one sided. As the reports came in, King Lactain was nowhere to be found, taking a small break in the aftermath. The Mikoril Council was meanwhile scrambling to handle the Ildar situation, making plans for the people that had been displaced there.
Every home had been cleared, and anyone who didn’t flee in time was dead. In the meantime, the Monarchy’s forces and sympathizers would return. Many of them surprisingly protested the Monarchy’s actions in Ildar, calling it a massacre. With it, approval for King Lactain was the lowest it had ever been.
“Ma’am, with all due respect, that battle was a shitshow. I don’t think we need to wait for casualty reports to see that. I acted against orders to protect those people, a notion you seem to have forgotten. I used to think highly of you, before you let King Lactain bully you into committing a massacre!”
“And did you protect those people? No! You risked your lives! This is only a warning, only because I know what you’ve done for us. But don’t let it make you think you’re above the law or above my orders! Mine! Not King Lactain’s! Mine! I do my all to protect you and the other agents, and when you take risks like this it puts us all in danger!”
“So what do you want from me? A promise that I’ll throw lives away to follow your orders?! Fuck you! I’ve been putting all of my effort into protecting people since day one! If I have to violate your orders again, I won’t hesitate.”
Rendell only sighed, shaking her head.
“Just… leave. Just leave, Sam.”
Sam still looked pissed, but he kept his mouth closed as he turned on the spot to leave. Rendell looked exhausted, but honestly, rightly so. Lanada was glad Sam did all the yelling for them. As the office door closed, Sam stood still, his thoughts clearly racing.
They hadn’t had much time to talk, and it was the first time seeing Sam since Lanada was healed. Both of their scars were visible, Sam going completely bald to cover the burned hair. Lanada’s limp was still taking getting used to, and they struggled to even stand still.
“Have I really thrown my life away? I’ve spent almost a decade thinking I was doing a good thing, but… Rendell, the other commanders have all just been tools. Even me. I don’t know how I’ll forgive myself.”
“Nobody’s asking you to. You gonna stay with STAR? I know I don’t have a choice, thanks for that.”
“Yeah, I will. Someone needs to keep them in check.”
“Sam, you can’t keep all of STAR in check on your own.”
“Then what should I do? Leave? Just sit on my hands while STAR continues committing acts of horror? I can’t, I can’t abandon those people.”
“Right, pretentious ‘til the end.”
“If that makes me pretentious…”
“No, maybe it’s the wrong word for once. You did the right thing Sam, even if it didn’t work out.”
“Doesn’t matter. It didn’t change anything. I’m only one person, Lanada.”
“Well, you have me, so we’re two. Think that’s enough to stand against STAR?”
“No. I used to think the other agents just weren’t as good, that they didn’t think for themselves enough, that they just blindly followed orders, but I’m realizing they’re perfect for STAR. Those are exactly the kind of people they want. I always put in so much extra care to my work for STAR, yet it hasn’t made any difference. I’m expendable.”
“Took you a while, but I’m glad you’re there.”
“I should have listened to you earlier, Lanada. I’m sorry. And I’m sorry for getting you wrapped into this.”
“Heh, I probably would’ve gotten wrapped in somehow. The government wants me, and the Geldor are all my former gang friends… So who knows, maybe you would have been one of my targets if I wasn’t STAR.”
“Please don’t scare me like that. Facing you sounds like a death sentence.”
“You really think I could kill you? A highly trained, elite STAR agent?”
“Yeah. You could probably kill Lactain as well. Gangs have better security than him.”
“Pretty sure a STAR agent shouldn’t be talking about assassinating the King.”
“Pretty sure the King shouldn’t be such a hateful, murdering prick.”
“Good point.”
“We can’t let him take over with the Geldor. We need to see him. Personally. I’ve been trying to track him down, but he’s practically invisible. When he’s back though, let’s pay him a visit.”
Sam looked troubled.
“Why Sam?”
“Telling people won’t do shit. He’s the one giving all the orders. If we’re going to stop him taking over with the Geldor, he needs to be confronted.”
Lanada was shocked again. They understood the implications. It was likely confronting the King would get them life in rehab, or killed.
“Huh it really is up to us then. A couple lousy murderers to save the world.”
“You’re fine with that? I understand if you don’t want to get involved Lanada.”
“No, It’s my business too. I need to start actually doing shit, right? I sure don’t want a Geldor government.”
Sam looked pleased, but still stressed. He ran a hand through his hair, but he was bald. He retracted his hand quickly, a sour look on his face.
“Yeah… Hey, what do you usually do in your free time here?”
“What? You’ve been here longer, don’t you have something?”
“Nah, I’m usually doing work. I don’t get out much.”
“That’s obvious. There’s a bar I’ve been to a couple times though, friend goes there too. Why?”
“I just want to spend some time together. Not as partners for once, you know? I feel I’ve been getting in the way of getting to know each other. Genuinely.”
“Hah, right, okay. Just don’t look so… coppy…”
❂
Lanada and Sam had a nice night out for once. Although they clearly lacked the energy of the bar’s other patrons, Sam at least managed to not look like a cop, rocking skinny jeans and a cropped shirt. Lanada got to know Sam more than ever before in a couple simple conversations, and Sam learned just as much about Lanada. For once, Lanada got to know him as a person. It was the kind of relationship they needed to feel stable, so they were glad to see Sam coming around.
The next day there was no briefing or mission, and so Lanada found themself able to sleep in for once, a rarity since joining. It recalled their earlier life, where they could sleep in every day. To further the theme, they called their old friend to join them as well. Gerry met at Lanada’s apartment, Lanada already wrapped in blankets and watching Love Dove when he entered.
“Heeey! Ready to get lit! Oh, yeah, Ildar… shit…” he lost his energy as he crashed on the couch next to Lanada. His eyes stuck to their prosthetic leg on the coffee table.
“I don’t want to think of that place. At all.”
“I bet. Can I at least see your leg?”
“What? Why?”
“Because it’s new and interesting? I don’t have much motivation behind my mind, very primitive. Lizard brain wants to see horrible injuries for entertainment.”
“That’s the worst kind of entertainment.”
Lanada unwrapped their blanket, waggling around their stump for Gerry’s amusement. His smile was gone though as he looked, studying the complex contours of their burns crawling up their thigh.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“Shit Lanada, does it hurt still?”
“No, some of it’s still numb actually, from the medication.”
“Hahah… Got some extra to spare?” Gerry gazed off in the distance with a bashful smile. Lanada knew what it meant.
“Has the flow of men slowed at all at the capitol?”
“Nope, still going strong. They’re even hotter here, and less scary. Very pretentious though. But that’s also kind of hot, I love it when people make me feel small.”
Gerry had a finger to his chin, staring vaguely into the distance while he crossed his legs. Lanada gave him a joking, disgusted look.
“The fuck?”
“We don’t need to speak anymore on that. I have been talking to someone a bit different lately though, he’s a bit special. His name is Lex. We’ve been meeting up twice a week so far.”
“Really? Are you trying to settle down Gerry?!”
“Hell no, he’s just cute, and nice, and, great… Let’s call him an addition to my permanent circle, maybe?”
“That’s the worst label I’ve ever heard put on a relationship.”
“Lanada, but I’m a ho! I don’t get the privilege of neatly fitting labels! He knows too, how do you think we met?”
“By whoring around?”
“Exactly!”
“I’ve tried that here. One kicked me out because they found out I’m STAR. They were cute too.”
“That blows, but honestly… Same. STAR guys are scary, and they’re always looking around for stuff. I don’t blame that person, they don’t know you like I do.”
“Nobody does, Gerry. It’s so suppressing working with them. I haven’t felt like myself in months.”
“I do miss old Lanada. They were a lot nicer to look at too, like holy hell!”
Gerry had a teasing grin, motioning his arms at Lanada’s grizzled up body.
“Some people think scars are hot.”
“I’m just kidding, sorry. You still look good though. Just a little scarier now. Somehow.”
“Wish the gangs could see me now. I wouldn’t have a problem getting their respect.”
“Do they really focus that much on looks?”
“Yeah. They all have their own getup going on. Leo Ravioli had all his teeth replaced by wood, and he wears a long purple overcoat. It’s so funny.”
“And that’s what scares the gangs? I’d laugh in his face.”
“He’s always well armed, and if you meet him you’ll watch him kill a couple people before he even talks to you. If anything, he just looks deranged.”
“Alright, got it, keep an eye out for clowns because they may be gang leaders.”
“Oh, you’re not far off. One gang for a while used clown masks for all their people. It didn’t last long.”
“And to think, STAR could be stopping all these gangs with you, and all they have you doing is fighting communists.”
“Well, we just learned the Geldor are all gang members, so that’s basically what I’m doing. I’m sure some of them are still doing their own thing though. The only reason they probably haven’t caught up to me yet is because they’re busy with the Geldor. You know, King Lactain has been coordinating with them this whole fucking time?”
“Fu—WHAT?”
“Yeah. We learned that fucking around in Ildar. Not sure how long he’s been involved, but this is all planned out between the Monarchy and Geldor.”
“Gods… Makes sense Mikoril’s military doesn’t mind blowing you up…”
“Yeah, I kind of wish they’d just killed me to be honest.”
“Noo, you can’t die! I need you! You’re my bestie!”
“I know, Gerry. I won’t leave you.”
“Better not. I’ve picked up a few tricks from you, I bet I could track you down.”
“If we’re being serious? No, Gerry, you wouldn’t stand a chance!” Lanada laughed.
“You might be surprised. These bony arms deal great blunt damage!”
“More like piercing.”
“Just wait, I’ve been putting on a bit of muscle lately.”
“Really? Where? Where is it?” Lanada scanned Gerry’s body up and down, squeezing his arms for the joke, they were both laughing as Lanada poked and prodded.
“Haha, Lanada stop! It’s not there yet, I just need to—”
Gerry was interrupted by Lanada’s Circle ringing. Upon picking it up, the screen showed the usual silly picture of Sam.
“Oh shit that guy? He still bugging you?”
“Well… We’re getting along.”
Lanada’s face was morphing into something new for Sam. He seemed pathetic and scared. Lanada felt pity for him.
“Yeah, what is it?”
“Are you home? We need to talk.”
“I’m with my friend, remember him?”
Lanada pointed the camera so Gerry could get in a wave.
“Hi Sam!”
“Hi! That’s okay, I’m coming over.”
He hung up quickly, still feeling formal despite all the time Lanada had spent with him. It seemed he really was that way with everyone.
“Okay, I was scared to say it before because he was bullying you into working for the state; but he’s cute!”
“Yeah yeah, Gerry.”
“Do you want me to leave?”
“No! I would trust you with the world’s most classified information, Gerry.”
“I would just blabber it out to the first boy who sticks his dick in me.”
“Well, not my classified information.”
“Wait, I thought you were talking about the Monarchy! I’d protect your secrets Lanada!”
“I know Gerry. You didn’t sell me out to STAR, right?”
“No!”
“Mmhm. I'm glad I can trust you. Seriously.”
“Well, if you didn't trust me you'd kill me, so that's a good motivator!”
“Oh yeah, and who's going to pay me to kill little old you, huh?”
“Uh, STAR? I'm sure I'm on a watch list or something! Hey, can you find that out for me??”
“I already did. You were on a list, congrats! I asked and Sam took care of it.”
“Cop guy? Oh. Well…”
Gerry was deep in thought, his face very serious. Lanada watched with a dry smile, only taking their eyes off when the door knocked. It was Sam's usual pattern.
“Just come in, dude!”
Sam struggled with the doorknob before swinging his way inside, quickly closing the opening behind him. His face was grim, the ends of his lips bent down. Gerry just stared at him wide-eyed, but Sam didn't seem to care as his eyes darted from him to Lanada.
“Hey, uh, guys. Have you been paying attention to that asshole?”
Gerry's eyes got even wider.
“Uh, who?” Lanada tilted their head at him. Sam seemed incredibly uncomfortable, looking back at Gerry quickly.
“He finally made an appearance again, made a statement and then gave us new orders. Did you see it in your reports?”
“Obviously not.”
“Sam who are you talking about??” Gerry looked exasperated without that knowledge.
“The King! King Lactain!”
“Sam what did he do??!”
“He wants to implement martial law! He’s going to start restricting travel between cities, shutting down private supply lines, giving the police military training and APC’s! It’s like he’s crashing out or something!”
“Shit!”
Gerry looked panicked as he flung his Circle onto his hand. As his fingers twisted to type, his mouth even opened in a grimace. He left the room to make a quick phone call, likely spreading the news to the Co-op.
“That's classified information, but I don't give a damn. I'm going to finally talk to him. Are you coming with me?” Sam had his arms crossed, looking from Gerry to Lanada.
“Yeah. You sure you want to do this? No turning back afterwards.”
“Who the fuck else do I talk to? I'm sick of dealing with the cronies he sticks between us. Even if it doesn't accomplish anything, he needs to know he's not so invulnerable from his own people.”
“And you can talk to him? Like, just go up and talk to him?”
“I know where his office is at. He's having a meeting. I haven't pissed STAR off enough yet to lose my clearance. If his door is locked, we can break in. I'm done sitting on my hands.”
“Damn Sam!” Gerry exclaimed from across the room, pausing his conversation on his Circle.
Was this what Lanada was waiting for? They had pushed Sam, and pushed him to do the right thing, and now it seemed like he was finally listening. None of this was what Lanada told him to do though. Were their words really what he listened to, or had something else convinced him to change?
“Let me get my armor and, uh, leg.”
While Lanada hopped to their armor, Gerry was finally done frantically calling his friends, collapsing on the couch. His smile was completely gone, and with his hand squeezing his forehead he simply watched Lanada prepare.
“I've made some calls. We’ll be running our transports overtime so our businesses have the goods they need. That will keep them from shutting down from all this. Now, I'm going to get the hell away before you implicate me in whatever shit you're planning.”
Gerry didn't look any happier despite his small joke. He slowly stood up, taking a long look at Lanada.
“Yeah. Hey, Gerry? I love you buddy. Take care of yourself.”
“Lanada shut up! You're making me cry!”
Indeed he did have a tear, but at least he was smiling again, hugging them. Lanada hated seeing the smile leave his face, knowing it usually never did. They hated even more they could have kept his frowns away.
“I love you too, but don't die on me! If this guy goes off the rails again, go into hiding or something! Please!”
“Gerry, I'll be there to keep him in check. Don't worry.”
“But who's going to keep you in check, Lanada? Who's out there looking after you? Lil’ ol’ me is lil…’ and… kinda not old.”
“I have myself looking after me. Always have.”
“No, you're supposed to say me! Or even Sam here! Or, literally anyone!”
“You're right Gerry, I know. Like usual. I have to do something good in my life though. Even if it kills me.”
“Doing good shouldn't kill you, Lanada.”
“Gods, I’ve got them Gerry, don't worry about them! But you need to go! His meeting is about to be over, I don't know how long he'll stay afterwards!” Sam ran his hands through his hair, checking his Circle.
“I love you Lanada!”
“Yeah, Gerry, love you too.”
“Protect each other I guess, you're both scary.”
He left with tears in his eyes, not the way Lanada wanted him to leave. At least he still had his smile, Lanada got to see it as he left that time.
They didn't know what to expect talking to the King, but a peaceful discussion was the last thing. If anything, they'd throw Lanada in rehab without a second thought. Sam was their boy toy, but Lanada was an expenditure to STAR. By going along with whatever Sam had planned, they lost their last bit of freedom. But could they ever get any freedom again as an agent of STAR?
Their armor seemed even more ironic as they looked at it again. There were never enough resources even for a patch job, and the glitter and ripple of bullet impacts flowed throughout the suit. That armor wasn't there to protect them at all. Sam had received a few new plates for his armor, but even his looked worn. If that's what they took from Sam, how much had they taken from Lanada?
“You ready? Need a moment to set your head straight?”
“Never straight. I'm good.”
“Right. Come on.”
Sam's eyes were so unfocused, it was clear he was deep in thought, likely rehearsing what he would say to the King. For once, Lanada didn't give their input. Just maybe he'd get this one right. But maybe, Lanada would get this one right as well.
They were quiet through the Capitol's lobbies, and still on the elevator ride up. At the proper floor, right in the middle of the tower, was only a security checkpoint waiting for them. Sam just had to show his badge, it seemed even after all he'd done his bridge with STAR hadn’t burned.
King Lactain was supposedly in his office, opened by a simple door to the outside world. Sam knocked as usual, and forced open the door. His force was unnecessary though. The King was still there, staring into his computer, only glancing up as if he expected two grizzled, torn up STAR soldiers to march through his door.
His eyes pushed into the top of his head through wide glasses, round and towering over his nose. His mouth drooped at the sides, as if any force wouldn’t change its position. He was slender with balding, gray hair. He didn't look nearly as pampered as he did on TV with his makeup off.
“Gods for being my new agents you sure don't look new. You just got back from the battlefield? Please don't tell me they picked a couple grunts again because they ‘have potential.’”
“No. I saw your recent order. And I know you’ve planned an attack by the Geldor. You need to rescind that now.”
He sighed with exhaustion, rather than anger in response. Finally he looked at Sam and Lanada properly, his eyes raising a point into his eyebrows. If he rolled them, perhaps they would have disappeared.
“Gods, what?!”
“You ordered the Geldor to attack the Capitol! That order! Rescind it!”
“Who are you? I'll have you out of that armor and into a body bag.”
The King went quiet and grabbed his Circle, leaning back and lowering his glasses to see it properly. His neck almost disappeared, despite there being no fat to hide inside of. Despite looking down, his head aimed up, and his eyes rose to the top of his skull.
“This isn't something you can do! You can't get away with it! People won't stand for it, they're already organizing!”
“Are they…”
His eyes darted back to the doorway a couple times before finishing his business.
“This will only kill more people! Don't you see? Don't you get it?! You can't do this!”
“Mhm. Now. Security is on its way. I hope you're some idiot who stole that armor, otherwise your career is over. Maybe if you run now, you can beat them, hm?”
Sam's head shook in fury. He almost fumbled as he reached for his sidearm, aiming at the King as a trained professional. This was the first response elicited from him so far. The King sunk back into his chair, shaking with his eyes wide open. His glasses slowly slid down his face while his hands shot up, even then lazily held up.
“Y-You—you can't!”
“It's as easy as pulling this trigger. Will you rescind that order?”
“No! I-I can't! It's already done! I—”
Sam took the shot, his bullet impacting the King's forehead. It was a clean line through, a mark of STAR's specialized weaponry. Already far back in his chair, King Lactain was already in a position to die; only his head fell to the left.
Sam lowered his gun slowly, his face unchanged. A flash in his eyes told Lanada his mind was spinning. They stood to the side after quickly locking the door and barricading it shut, watching for Lactain’s security. They still wouldn’t have heard Sam’s silent shot.
“Fuck, Sam…”
His neck snapped to Lanada, then to Lactain, his gun still raised. He stared for a solid few seconds before rushing to his desk, rolling Lactain in his office chair out of the way. Plugging his Circle into the King's computer, he began downloading all he could, sifting through the most recent files.
Knocking at the door meant security had arrived, completing the trek down the short hallway. Despite unlocking the door, the bits of furniture wedged against still held it closed. They rustled for it to open, shouting to get in.
“Here's his last meeting. There's no name on the person he met. It wasn't a government official, someone… off record. There’s not even a video or audio recording. Only a pinned note of a time, and an escape plan. It’s soon, 13:30, only an hour away.”
“I’d guess that’s when the attack is scheduled for?”
“I’m pretty sure. There could be more in the rest of this data, but… there’s so much. I can’t sort through it this fast.”
“Wasn’t that your whole job? And now you murdered the King. Wow, you really are the worst STAR agent, Sam!”
“Yeah. Let’s follow his escape plan. I don’t know what that meeting was about, but we need to avoid that shit, and STAR.”
Sam unplugged his Circle and holstered it, walking away from the desk. Lanada looked to the door and back from Sam, their mouth open in a grimace. The guards were still rattling the door, battering it open slowly. They’d easily track the ballistics in Sam’s gun.
“Sam, wait. Give me your gun. You should go alone.”
Lanada held out their own, stopping Sam from opening the office’s side door. He looked confused at first, until he shook his head.
“You want to take the fall for this? Are you serious?”
“Yeah. What do I have to lose? A long, prosperous career with STAR? You’re still good in their books. I know you can do good, Sam. You deserve that chance.”
He didn’t look at them, his mind spinning. He glanced back at the King, quickly turning away though. He was, moving too slow for Lanada. They tugged Sam’s gun out of his hand and replaced it with their own. He grabbed it after a moment of hesitation.
“Go, before they get in.”
“I’ll do what I can to get you out of this.”
“Nah, It’s over. Go. Leave. Bye.”
“Lanada. Thank you.”
He nodded, then left out of the office’s side door, the emergency escape route already planned. The battering at the door was getting more intense, the door already cracked open. Lanada stared at Lactain while they waited, unable to look away from his cold face. It wasn't even warm to begin with.
They aimed Sam’s gun at the dead King, giving a show to the security that were almost through. The door exploded open, sending bits of furniture across the room, covered in a cloud of dust.
Four armed STAR soldiers rushed in with rifles aimed into the room, followed closely by a person in a suit. With no time to think, Lanada aimed their gun at them, staring at the invading force.
“Drop it!”
“I said drop it!”
“The King! He’s dead!”
One of the agents had found Lactain’s body, still in the same pose. Finally, though, Lanada could see who wore the suit, Rendell herself. She looked at Lanada in disbelief, aiming her gun at them steadily.
“Hey, just saved the Monarchy for you guys.”
Lanada smiled, knowing they wouldn’t be believed. Rendell didn’t move a bit.
“Drop it Lanada.”
“Sorry Rendell.”
Lanada took the shot, their bullet zipping over Rendell’s shoulder. She only paused a moment, understanding Lanada’s intent. There was a split second where she almost looked sorry. Regardless, Rendell pulled her own trigger, quickly shooting Lanada in the head at close range. They fell to the floor. Dead.