Wanderer strode purposefully toward the office, determined to finish his paperwork quickly. The quiet hum of the air conditioning filled the eerily still room, filled by your average patriotic poster, but a sudden loud banging caused his ears to perk up, momentarily distracting him from the stack of papers before him. His body tensed,

Carefully, he walked out of his cubicle, his footsteps soft and cautious. The sound seemed to stop entirely, leaving only the whirring of the air conditioning. There was no one in sight.

"You shouldn't be out of your cubicle this late," a deep, authoritative voice called out from behind him.

Wanderer turned, surprised. "What?"

The tall figure of Zane stepped into view, arms crossed in a disapproving manner. He looked down at Wanderer with a stern glance. "You know damn well that employees shouldn't be working past 10:00 PM,"

Wanderer smirked. "You know I'm not an employee here, per se. What happened to you? High again from Red Cliff?" he asked, referring to a drug other than Blue Mamba.

Zane scowled, irritation flashing across his face. He didn’t appreciate the snarky reply, but he had to admit Wanderer was right. He had a penchant for self-medicating when the stress piled up.

"Don't play smart with me," he warned. "And don't you dare mention the Red Cliff around anyone. It's not your business what I do with my own damn body."

"Sure... you kinda messed up in recent days," Wanderer replied,

"You don't know a thing," he grumbled, his expression darkening. "I've been dealing with a lot of pressure lately, and those bloody idiots are making things even more complicated." He stepped closer, then pinning Wanderer against the cubicle wall, the stack of unfinished paperwork looming behind him.

Wanderer remained unfazed. "I'm not gay, and you know it. Better back off or I’ll flatten your nose."

Zane let out a sharp scoff, narrowing his eyes as he leaned in closer. "And who says I was flirting, huh?" he sneered. "I was just making a point, you idiot." He leaned in even closer, their faces inches apart. "You're good at what you do, but you're still under my wing for now."

Wanderer laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet office. He punched Zane's gut lightly, causing him to kneel down in pain. "Wake up, man. Stop doing harm to your own body. Stop relying on that drug. You are a fucking commander, you know."

Zane clutched his stomach,. "Bloody hell... You don't hold back, do you?" He let out a weak chuckle, slowly getting up and rubbing his stomach. "I appreciate the concern, but the Red Cliff keeps me going. Without it, I can't handle the stress and pressure from work."

Wanderer nodded, sighing. "Yeah," he said, rubbing his neck. "The situation is a mess. I can feel that too."

Zane leaned back against the cubicle wall, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "You're damn right. Everything's a mess." He paused, his gaze fixed on the stack of papers behind Wanderer. "I've been buried in paperwork for days now, trying to keep this sinking ship afloat."

Wanderer smirked. "Hmh... administration? Did Aresia put you on a desk job, Paper officer?"

Zane groaned in frustration, irritation clear on his face. "Yeah, it's all damn paperwork. And that's not all; she's been on my ass to sign this and that. She's treating me like her damned secretary."

"Good... I mean, bad, ahha," Wanderer replied,

Zane rolled his eyes at the mocking response. "Very funny. You think this is funny, huh? Having to deal with that woman's power-hungry bullshit? She's making my life a living hell."

Wanderer leaned in, a smirk on his face behind his mask. "And what are you going to do? A coup?"

Zane shot him a glare, "Don't mess with me, smartass. I'm not planning a coup. I'm just doing my job, dealing with her bullshit. But it's not easy, I tell you. I have to watch my back around that woman."

"Alright, buddy... you can open up with me. I'm not that rigid, brainwashed recruit," Wanderer said,

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

Zane's expression softened a bit, his tense shoulders relaxing. "Fine," he said, letting out a deep sigh. "But you better keep your damn mouth shut about this. This doesn't leave this room, understand?"

"Sure... a secret," Wanderer nodding.

"Damn right it's a secret," Zane muttered. "Can't have anyone knowing I've got weak moments." He leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "Aresia's been driving me insane. She's pushing for even more power, and I can't stand it. I've been trying to keep her in check, but it's like trying to stop a tsunami with a bucket."

"Yes."

Zane clenched his fists. "She's making decisions that could get us all killed! And she doesn't listen to anyone but herself. It's like she's on a power trip, trying to prove she's the boss. I swear, if she keeps this up, it's going to lead to disaster."

"Yes, a boss who keeps telling everyone she’s the boss is indeed a questionable boss. It shows weakness," Wanderer replied.

Zane scowled. "Exactly! A real leader doesn't have to go around announcing it. she's too busy trying to control everything that she's losing sight of what's important." He paused. "I've been questioning her actions, but she's not the type to take criticism. I fear that things are heading in a dangerous direction."

Wanderer leaned back, "Mhm... at least she still not using anti-aryan card yet while being critize. heh. what’s your view about her progressive views?"

. "Her progressive views? Hah, it's all a show," Zane sneered. "She's using it to gain favor among the younger generation, as if she cares about their needs.The whole 'progressive' act is just a facade. Underneath it all, she's as cold and ruthless as the rest of them."

Wanderer raised an eyebrow,“What is her endgame?” he asked,“At least, what’s your guess?”

“Her endgame? Damn if I know for sure,” he admitted, his voice dropping to a low growl. “But if I had to guess, it’s power and control, all the way. She’ll stop at nothing to climb the ladder and have absolute authority.” Zane paused, his expression darkening. “She wants to be the puppet master, pulling the strings from behind the scenes. And I can’t let that happen. I won’t let her turn this place into a dictatorship.”

Wanderer nodded, “This place is indeed a dictatorship of sorts. But her father, despite being ruthless, was still afraid of us as his soldiers. He allowed for some democratic decision-making, which gave us a bit of breathing room despite his actions. Aresia, on the other hand, might not understand this kind of dynamic in SWAT.”

“You’re damn right about that. Her father may have been ruthless, but he still valued our opinions and input. He understood that we were the ones on the front lines, making the tough decisions. But Aresia... she’s different. She thinks she knows best, and she’s not afraid to stomp on anyone who disagrees with her.”

Zane paused, then look at swat symbol in poster. a dark fist,

“It’s like she’s trying to consolidate power and take control, leaving no room for debate or dissent. It’s dangerous, and it could end badly for all of us.”

Wanderer leaned back, “Hmmh... what should we do?”

Zane ran a hand through his brown hair, “I wish I had an easy answer for that,” he murmured. “We need to find a way to rein her in without pushing her over the edge. The last thing we want is a power struggle that will tear SWAT apart.” He sighed, leaning back against the wall. “For now, we need to bide our time, gather information, and wait for an opportunity to present itself. We have to be smart about this.”

Wanderer chuckled lightly, “Well, yes. So far, the thing that keeps us together is... ironically, our mortal enemy. Ahah, oho, hoohoho.”

Zane let out a dry chuckle. “Yeah, isn’t that a cruel twist of fate? We’ve got a mutual enemy that forces us to stick together, even though we’re supposed to be enemies ourselves.” He shook his head, “Just goes to show you how complicated this world has become. Enemies become allies, and allies become enemies.”

Wanderer leaned in,. “Do you consider me a friend, buddy?”

Zane looked at him for a moment. “You’re alright, I guess,” he finally said, a hint of a smile on his lips. “You’ve proved yourself capable, and I appreciate the loyalty you’ve shown.” He paused, “But just remember, I still need to be cautious around you. In this world, trust gets you killed.”

Wanderer frowned. “Hmmh... come on, don’t say that.”

Zane’s expression softened a bit. “Listen, I’m just being pragmatic,” he explained. “In this world, it’s hard to trust anyone. People have their own agendas and aren’t afraid to betray others to get what they want. I’ve seen it happen too many times before.” He paused, his voice lowering. “I can’t afford to blindly trust anyone, no matter how good their intentions may seem. I have to protect my own, my people. I hope you can understand that.”

“Alright... how about that boy? The young commander... can I befriend him instead? Hmmh?” Wanderer asked,

Zane’s expression soured “Ugh, him?” he muttered, rolling his eyes. “He’s just a spoiled brat, the son of Aresia. He may have some ability, but he’s arrogant and naive.” He paused, his gaze turning thoughtful. “If you insist on befriending him, go ahead. Just remember that he might use you to further his own ambitions. Don’t let him fool you.”

Wanderer rubbed his forehead, “Son? Son biologically or metaphorically?”

Zane shrugged,. “Biologically, I guess. He’s not just some random recruit; he’s got Aresia’s blood running through his veins. He’s the product of her ambitions and power-hungry nature.” He let out a dry chuckle. “But sometimes I swear, he’s more like her puppet than her son. He does whatever she tells him to do without question.”

“Really? Well, if you think about it, it actually makes sense. How can a twelve-year-old boy rule a massive force?” Wanderer said, a laugh escaping his lips.

Zane nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you’ve got a point there. It’s baffling how a child can command an army like that. while normal recruit on his age still a private!. Maybe it’s just a power play by Aresia, using her son to extend her control.” He paused. “Just be careful around him. You never know what tricks he’s up to.”

“Alright... but I’m fine. I’m the merc, while you’re stuck in all of this,” Wanderer smirked and winked.

Zane rolled his eyes at the comment, slightly amused. “Hah, yeah right. You’re a merc; you’re supposed to be the free one. And here I am, stuck in this damn office.” He let out a dry chuckle. “It’s a crazy world we live in. Mercenaries, commanders, mutants... Seems like we’re all just figuring it out as we go.”

Wanderer raised an eyebrow. “Good... hmmh... wanna drink?”

Zane’s expression lit up slightly “Now you’re talkin’,” he said, a hint of a smile on his lips. “I could use a drink. Just one, though. I still have to be sober enough to lead tomorrow.”

Wanderer chuckled, shaking his head. “No... I’m talking about my new habit... tea.”

Zane raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Tea? Since when do you drink tea?” he asked,

“Umm... since... months ago, I guess,” Wanderer replied,

“Months ago, huh?” Zane repeated, taking a seat nearby. “And what kind of tea do you drink? Does it have some special meaning or something?”

Wanderer leaned back, “No, it’s just that it brings my body more relaxation and clears my mind. It’s the opposite of beer.”

Zane nodded “I have to admit, I’m a bit skeptical about this whole tea thing. But if it works for you, I suppose I can’t judge.”

Wanderer grinned. “Good. So will you keep being mad locked in here, or follow me to get some tea?”

Zane let out a sigh, “Okay, fine. I’ll take a break from being mad and follow you for this tea. But just this once, mind you.” He stretching his limbs with a weary groan.

“That’s my good boy,” Wanderer smiled.

Zane rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile back slightly. “Careful there, I might get used to being called that,” he replied sarcastically. “Lead the way, tea connoisseur.”

“Oh... that’s scary,” Wanderer chuckled, turning back to walk to the door.

Zane followed behind him, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Yeah, you just wait. Next thing you know, I’ll start suggesting we have tea parties instead of meetings,” he joked, his voice dripping with mock enthusiasm.