[Val Verde]

[May 20, 2021]

—

Before me stood my cabinet. The people I currently trusted the most in the country.

They were people I had served with. People I trusted with my life.

Candice, and her Jade Falcons, were now my Regalia. The guardian force that ensured my protection.

This rotated out Thomas Fenris, and his Iron Wolves, to roam free. They could leave the country on their own for the first time in decades.

The Iron Wolves were currently making their mark in the mercenary world. Fenris was able to use the well funded force as desired.

Often to devastating effect.

Supreme Leader, Richard Jackson was a man who regarded his own life above others. Thus he funneled most of the military funds into his Regalia, the Iron Wolves, over the other legions.

I had to earn funds to buy my own damned equipment, while Fenris got his as soon as the ink dried. Now Fenris was usually galloping about in other countries, having a fun.

While I was now locked onto that desk and never ending paperwork.

Until I called him back for the upcoming operation. Something that luckily meshed with the man’s schedule.

It was a all perfect timing. Or so I had thought at the time.

“I am the Supreme LEADER!” I slammed my hands onto the table.

The six people arrayed before me stared. They did not flinch, and they did not look away.

“You are the ‘Supreme Leader’ so long as we allow you.” The gravelly voice of the oldest man in the room stated.

I stared at Fenris. The old man stared back, and he grinned as he brushed his graying hair to the side.

I stared hard at the only man I respected since I first enlisted.

He was still considered the unofficial ‘general’ of Val Verde’s military forces. A title that the Supreme Leader often reserved for themselves.

I was under no illusions.

The Gray Wolf himself was no fool. Even the previous Supreme Leader, Richard Jackson, avoided angering the man.

A anger that Fenris was currently directing at me. “You are out voted. Six of us, against your one. Without Candice, you have no soldiers.”

I growled, but made no further words.

I understood their position.

I was the Supreme Leader. A man who was the head, and the heart of Val Verde.

I was not allowed to die.

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Truth was, I was actually interested in the growth, and prosperity of the nation. Unlike Jackson’s more prevalent weaknesses to vice.

The fact that Jackson died with many of the old cabinet was only a bonus. Those self serving politicians who had long since entrenched themselves into their positions.

It was less about Val Verde, and more about their comforts, and their bank accounts.

Accounts that had long since gotten repossessed. Half to their families, half to the island as a final ‘gesture’ of goodwill.

A goodwill that included armed guards, and a delighted Fenris. Any complaints dried up as he showed up on their doorsteps to ensure legal security.

“We will sit here as long as necessary, Johnny.” Candice warned.

“Gah!” I smashed my hands onto the sturdy table once more. If anything, the assembled eyes of the six commanders hardened.

I pondered on how many of my predecessors did the same thing to the old table. It was sturdy, and currently had maps strewn all over it.

“You win. I will not partake in the vanguard tomorrow. I will let you oh so ‘wise’ leaders take the reigns.” I gave in. They were right. I was wrong. Blah blah blah.

They all smiled, and Fenris actually shooed me away.

I took a second to wonder if I could execute the man. Then I gave up the idea. Other then myself, I doubted any would take up the order to pull the trigger.

I sighed, turned around, and left.

In my defense, I did not leave like a rejected puppy. No matter what Candice, or Fenris said.

—

The evening wind was calming to me.

I suppose it always was, and always will be.

Life on Val Verde was not perfect, and yet I felt no stronger desire to be anywhere else in the world.

I had seen so many vistas. Usually they were getting blown up. I had seen a good selection in both ‘safe’ and ‘dangerous’ zones.

“How are you feeling, friend Johnny?”

I jumped, and keeled over.

Kori’s, and Kara’s laughter filled the air. Their smiles made me smile.

With an offered hand, Kara helped me back to my original sitting position.

“I am… frustrated.” I replied. A simple and honest answer.

Kori nodded at my words. She understood the desire to lead the charge. As a Princess of Tamaran, her childhood involved many things.

There was many stories, and examples, of leading by example. Even when she had got sold into slavery, her values did not change.

It was also what drew her to embracing Val Verde. A strong, underlying culture of warriors. All tempered by a belief in goodness in all people.

The fact that we were willing to kill also helped with her odd sensibilities. A queen must sometimes make decisions for the whole. Even if it meant that would go against her own principles.

“Because they won’t let you in with the vanguard?” Kara sat down beside me. The fading light lit her hair into a golden sheen.

Kori followed suit and sat down on the other side. Her hand rested on my knee as I stare at the island I could not see.

“A lot of people will die tomorrow. I joined as a simple soldier. I know how to fire my weapon. I know how to charge forward despite the odds.” I recalled my younger days. The futile defense of the Mourning Mountains. The faces of my friends.

Of Carmen, and Cheryl.

I missed them all still.

“What I don’t know how to do. Is. Is to let others charge without me.” I fumbled around the words.

Letting other die under my command was one thing. I was usually right there, and able to respond right away. I was with them.

This invasion? We had no air superiority. No sea superiority. Hell once we landed, we didn’t have land superiority.

All we had was more bodies then the grunts did on that secret base. A green tide of manpower.

“Are you truly out of options?” Kori leaned back. I stared at her, and my eyes filled with the fiery reflection of her hair. It looked like fire.

“We cannot let them keep the prisoners. I will not let my people suffer if I can help it.” My voice was steady, and my heart was earnest.

One of my biggest fear was turning into those self serving monsters. They looked like humans, they spoke like humans. Yet, their hearts were anything but.

“You would risk the lives of many, to rescue the few?” an even voice asked.

I looked over at Kara. Her blue eyes bore into mine.

Her question was as heavy as her gaze.

“Yes.” The word came immediately, and without hesitation.

“First Service instills discipline, and values. Second Service lets us prove them.” It did sounded odd, coming from my mouth. So practiced, and ingrained that I knew the set by heart.

Kara nodded, but said nothing else.

I closed my eyes, and let myself fall back onto the soft, white sand.

“Third Service is its own reward.” I whispered out into the air.

The girls said nothing, but perhaps... that was all that needed.

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Chapter Eighteen: Soldier’s Heart