Chapter 33: The Send Off
The rotor blades of the three helicopters sliced through the air, their thunderous roar echoing through the dense forest as they descended upon the ancient oak tree. The sun had begun to rise, the light filtering through the canopy and casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint, lingering aroma of smoke from the burned-out hut.
Lyra stood with her teammates, their silhouettes stark against the emerging light, their faces a mix of exhaustion and unease. Captain James had ordered them to stand at attention, their eyes fixed on the helicopters as the evac team rappelled down.
The team moved with practiced efficiency, their boots crunching on the damp earth as they secured the body of the Red Phantom. Lyra watched, her heart pounding in her chest, as the team worked to prepare the body for transport. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her, a gnawing sensation that something was not right.
As the team finished securing the body, Captain James turned to Lyra, his expression grave.
He could see that Bunny was disturbed, her eyes darting nervously, her hands fidgeting at her sides. But he didn't say anything, just watched her with a mix of concern and curiosity. He knew she was trying to process everything that had happened, and he didn't want to add to her confusion.
"Alright, team," he said, his voice firm and commanding. "Let's get this body back to base. He turned to Lyra, his eyes meeting hers. "Bunny, we'll ride back with the evac team." Lyra nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she followed Captain James to the waiting helicopter.
As they boarded the chopper, Lyra couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her.
Her gaze was empty, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and doubt as she stared out the window at the dense forest below. Captain James, meanwhile, was deep in conversation with the evac team, his voice steady and commanding as he outlined the next steps.
"Identification will be crucial," he said, his eyes scanning the team members. "We need to confirm that this is indeed the Red Phantom. We can't afford any mistakes." The team nodded in agreement, their faces grim. Lyra's heart pounded in her chest as she listened to the conversation, her mind racing with the implications of their discovery.
In the next morning, as she fetched her and Captain James' breakfast from the cafeteria to the Wolfpack barracks, she couldn't shake the fact of what happened yesterday. The cafeteria was bustling with activity, the smell of coffee and eggs filling the air. Lyra's fingers tightened on the tray, her knuckles turning white as she navigated the crowded room. She could feel the weight of yesterday's discovery pressing down on her shoulders, a constant reminder of the events that had unfolded in the forest.
Her mind raced, replaying the image of the Red Phantom's corpse slumped against the ancient oak tree.
The sight was etched into her memory, the gaunt face and glassy eyes a stark reminder of the reality they had uncovered. As she walked back to the Wolfpack barracks, her tray of breakfast in hand, she couldn't help but wonder if the Red Phantom had truly been the one she had encountered in the eastern forest during her solo exploration a couple of days ago. If he had died years ago, then who was the one she had met?
She pushed open the door to the barracks, the smell of coffee and eggs filling the air. The Wolfpack was already up and about, the room buzzing with activity.
Lyra's heart pounded in her chest as she entered Captain James' partition room, the tray of breakfast she carried balanced precariously in her hands. The room was empty, the bed neatly made, and the desk tidy, save for a single sheet of paper lying on top. She set the tray down on the desk, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Captain James.
"Captain?" she called out, her voice barely above a whisper. No answer. She tried again, louder this time, "Captain James?" Still nothing. I guess he's not in here," Lyra muttered to herself, her brow furrowing in confusion. She turned on her heel and exited Captain James' partition, the door clicking shut behind her.
The main room of the Wolfpack barracks was quiet, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the distant murmur of voices from outside. The makeshift bar in the corner was bathed in the soft glow of the overhead lights, the bottles of liquor glinting like jewels against the dark wood. Lyra's eyes were drawn to the figure sprawled on the sofa, one arm draped over his eyes, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. It was Rashford, as usual, taking a break from the day's activities.
"Sir Rashford," Lyra called out softly, not wanting to startle him. "You're awake." He lifted his arm from his eyes, blinking against the light as he looked up at her. "Bunny," he said, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "What's up?" He patted the cushion beside him, inviting her to sit.
"You alright, Bunny?" She sat down, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Captain James. "Have you seen Captain James?" Rashford nodded, his expression serious. "He went to the main building. The base commander wants to brief him." Lyra's heart sank as she realized that Captain James was not in the barracks. She had been hoping to discuss the events of the previous day with him, to try and make sense of the confusion that still clouded her mind.
But it seemed that Captain James was preoccupied with other matters.
Lyra's curiosity piqued, she asked, "Do you know what the base commander wants to brief him about? Is it about the Red Phantom evacuation yesterday?" Rashford's brow furrowed as he shook his head. "No idea, Bunny. I just know he's been summoned. He didn't say anything about it to me." Lyra's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew that the discovery of the Red Phantom's body was a significant event, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than met the eye. She had to find out what was going on.
But for now, she needed a moment to collect her thoughts. Lyra let out a big sigh as she rested her back on the sofa, her eyes meeting Rashford's.
"Say, Sir Rashford," she began, changing the topic of conversation, "I've been meaning to ask you something. How long have you been serving in the Wolfpack?"
Rashford chuckled, leaning back into the sofa. "Well, Bunny, it's been a while now. I joined the team about five years ago, fresh out of the academy. Why do you ask?"
Lyra shrugged, her eyes thoughtful. "Just curious, I guess. I've only been here for barely a month, and I'm still trying to get to know everyone better." She paused, then added, "I was just wondering if there were any other female officers being a part of the Wolfpack team?" Lyra's eyes widened in surprise as she waited for Rashford's response. She had never considered that there might be other women serving in the Wolfpack, and the thought intrigued her.
Rashford's expression turned somber as he shook his head. "None, Bunny. The Wolfpack has always been an all-male team. It's been that way since its inception." Lyra's heart sank a little at the news, but she tried to keep her expression neutral. She had always been proud to be a part of the Wolfpack, and the thought of being the only woman on the team made her feel both honored and isolated.
But Rashford's next words caught her off guard.
"Actually, Bunny," he added, "this is our first time having a fifth member in the team.
The Wolfpack has always been a four-man squad. You're breaking new ground here."
Lyra's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I had no idea. Why the change now?"
Rashford shrugged. "Beats me. Captain James must have pulled some strings to get you in. You must be pretty special."
Lyra felt a blush creep up her cheeks at the compliment. "Thanks, Sir Rashford. I just want to do my best for the team."
Rashford smiled warmly at her. "You will, Bunny. I have no doubt about that." Lyra's eyes widened in surprise as she realized that Rashford was referring to her.
Suddenly, both of their radios crackled to life, Captain James' voice cutting through the static. "Wolfpack, this is Captain James. I'm on my way back to the barracks.
Be ready in combat gear and gather in the Wolfpack barracks' briefing room," Captain James' voice crackled over the radio, his tone serious and commanding. Lyra's heart skipped a beat as she realized the gravity of the situation. She quickly turned to Rashford, her eyes meeting his.
"Sir Rashford, I'll meet you in the briefing room." He nodded, already rushing to his partition room to gear up. Lyra, already dressed in her combat gear, headed straight for the briefing room. Her micro tie bikini bottom was concealed beneath her low-rise pants, which rested low on her pelvic bones, just below the tie of her underwear. A utility belt rested on her pants' waistband, and a small Kevlar vest barely protected her chest, concealing her sports bra. Combat gloves and boots completed her ensemble.
She pushed open the heavy door to the briefing room, the hinges creaking softly in protest. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with tension. A large table dominated the center of the room, surrounded by chairs. A map of the surrounding forest was projected onto the wall, marked with red pins indicating known enemy positions.
Lyra took a seat at the table, her eyes scanning the map as she waited for the others to arrive. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew that whatever Captain James had to say, it was going to be important.
Not long after her, Rashford and Aldere came in, their faces grim and determined. They took their seats at the table, their eyes fixed on the map. Lyra could see the tension in their shoulders, the way they held themselves rigid and alert.
Lastly, Thomas entered the room, his eyes scanning the group as he took his seat.
After five minutes of tense anticipation, the door to the briefing room swung open, and Captain James strode in, his boots clicking sharply on the tiled floor. Aldere, Lyra, Thomas, and Rashford snapped to attention, their backs straight and chins held high as they saluted their captain. Captain James returned the salute, his eyes sweeping over his team before he took his seat at the head of the table.
"At ease," he commanded, his voice steady and calm despite the gravity of the situation. The team relaxed slightly, their eyes fixed on their captain as they awaited his orders.
Captain James took a deep breath, his expression grave as he began to speak.
"Listen up, Wolfpack. I've just received confirmation from the base commander. The body we recovered yesterday... it was Red Phantom."
A collective gasp echoed through the room. Lyra's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding in her chest as she processed the news. She had been expecting some revelation, but this was beyond anything she could have imagined.
"Red Phantom? But how...?" Lyra stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief. Captain James held up a hand, silencing her as he continued.
"We've been running tests on the body. The preliminary findings suggest that he died around 16 to 18 months ago." Lyra's eyes widened in shock, her mind racing with the implications of this revelation. If Red Phantom had died that long ago, then who was the man she had encountered in the eastern forest?
Lyra's mind raced, trying to reconcile the new information with her own memories. She had been certain that the man she had met was Red Phantom. His eyes, his voice, his mannerisms - they were all so familiar. She couldn't shake the feeling that he had been real, that he had been alive.
"Captain," Lyra said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I'm certain that I met him during my solo exploration two days ago. I'm sure of it." The room fell silent, all eyes on her. Captain James studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable.
"Bunny," he said finally, his voice calm. "I understand your certainty. But the evidence is clear. The man you encountered was not Red Phantom. He died more than a year ago." Lyra's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to process this new information.
"Captain James," Lyra said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "Bunny, I understand your certainty. The tests have confirmed he died more than a year ago. It may have been a hallucination due to your exhaustion during your solo exploration. Your mind could have played tricks on you, especially during a time of high tension and uncertainty," he said, his voice calm. Lyra's eyes widened in disbelief, her mind racing with the implications of his words.
He paused, his gaze meeting each of his team members in turn. "The base commander has informed me that a proper send-off will be conducted on the base's pitch for the Red Phantom in 2 hours. His family and several generals will be in attendance. The Wolfpack is expected to be there." Lyra's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. She had been hoping to discuss the events of the previous day with Captain James, to try and make sense of the confusion that still clouded her mind.
But now, as she listened to his words, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. She had been certain that the man she had encountered was Red Phantom. But Captain James' words contradicted her beliefs, and she couldn't understand why.
She had been so sure, so convinced that the man she had met was Red Phantom. But now, she was forced to consider the possibility that it had been a hallucination. It made sense, in a way. She had been exhausted, running on fumes after days of intense training and the emotional toll of her solo exploration. It was logical that her mind could have played tricks on her, especially in a high-tension situation.
Lyra's heart ached as she thought about the man she had met in the forest. She had felt a connection with him, a bond that transcended words. She had felt seen, understood in a way that she never had before. But if it had all been a figment of her imagination, then what did that say about her? Was she losing her grip on reality? Was she becoming unhinged? The thought sent a shiver of unease down her spine.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
The sun blazed over the Veridania base at 0900 hrs, the verdant fields stretching out like a vast canvas. The air was crisp and cool, the scent of freshly cut grass mingling with the faint tang of exhaust from the helicopters that had landed on the field. Every soldier in the base stood at attention, their uniforms pressed and immaculate, backs straight and chins held high. Among them, the Wolfpack team, their presence commanding and formidable. The backdrop was adorned by the base’s flag, fluttering in the gentle breeze, and the solemnity of the occasion was palpable. Captain James stood at the front, his expression grave and respectful as he awaited the start of the ceremony.
Lyra’s heart pounded in her chest as she surveyed the scene.
She was standing there, in the Wolfpack team line, her midriff oiled and exposed, blending in with the thousands of soldiers gathered on the Veridania base's pitch. The sun beat down on her, its rays reflecting off the oil on her skin, making her feel exposed and vulnerable.
Deep down, she knew that the other soldiers within her ranks wouldn't dare to touch her, as she belonged to the Wolfpack special force team. The respect and fear they held for her and her team was palpable, a silent barrier that kept her safe from unwanted advances.
Yet, Lyra couldn't help but feel a prickling sensation on her skin, as if she could feel every gaze that lingered on her beautiful face and exposed midriff. She stood tall, her chin held high, but her eyes darted nervously from side to side, taking in the sea of faces that surrounded her.
As the ceremony began, a hush fell over the crowd. The base commander stepped forward, his voice booming as he began to speak about the life and legacy of Red Phantom.
Lyra's eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the sea of faces that had gathered to pay their respects. Among them, she could see several generals, their faces stern and somber as they listened to the commander's words. She could feel the weight of their gaze, the respect they held for the fallen hero. It was a stark reminder of the significance of the ceremony, and the importance of the man they were honoring.
Lyra's heart ached as she listened to the commander's words, her mind drifting back to the man she had met in the forest. She couldn't shake the feeling that he was somehow connected to Red Phantom, that there was more to his story than she had been told.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the commander stepped back, allowing the family of Red Phantom to approach the casket. Lyra watched as they laid a single red rose on top, their faces etched with grief and sorrow. She felt a pang of sympathy for them, for the loss they had suffered. She knew that she would never understand the depth of their pain, but she respected it nonetheless.
As the family stepped back, the commander nodded to the soldiers who stood at attention around the casket. They began to march in unison, their boots clicking sharply on the ground as they moved forward. Lyra's heart pounded in her chest as she watched them, her eyes fixed on the casket that held the remains of the man she had met in the forest.
The sound of the marching band filled the air, their music a somber and respectful accompaniment to the solemn procession. As they reached the helicopter, the soldiers lifted the casket onto their shoulders, their faces set in grim determination. Lyra's breath caught in her throat as she watched them, her mind racing with thoughts of the man she had met, and the mystery that still surrounded his identity.
As the soldiers loaded the casket onto the helicopter, Lyra couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that the ceremony was over, that the man she had met was gone, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was still not right. She stood there, her eyes fixed on the helicopter as it prepared to take off, her mind racing with thoughts of the man she had met, and the mystery that still surrounded his identity.
As then, the Red Phantom's family boarded the helicopter, their faces etched with grief and sorrow. Lyra watched as they took their seats, their eyes fixed on the casket that held the remains of their loved one. The helicopter's rotor blades began to spin, the sound of them filling the air as they prepared to take off.
As then, the helicopter lifted off from the ground, its engines roaring as it ascended into the sky. Lyra watched as it rose higher and higher, until it was nothing more than a speck in the distance. A squadron of other helicopters escorted it, their engines roaring in unison as they flew in formation. The sight was a somber and respectful accompaniment to the solemn procession, a final farewell to the fallen hero.
Lyra's heart ached as she watched the helicopters disappear into the distance.
The ceremony was over, but the questions in her mind remained unanswered. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the long day ahead.
As then, the soldiers who had attended the ceremony began to disperse, their ranks breaking apart as they headed back to their respective duties. The Wolfpack team stood together, their eyes meeting as they prepared to return to their barracks.
"Alright, Wolfpack," Captain James said, his voice steady and calm despite the emotional weight of the ceremony. "Let's head back and debrief. We have a lot to discuss."
Lyra nodded, her mind already racing with thoughts of the man she had met in the forest and the mystery that still surrounded his identity. She fell into step beside the others, her eyes fixed on the ground as they made their way back to the barracks.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. "Cadet Ashen!" Colonel John Thompson stood at the edge of the path, his adjutant by his side. The Wolfpack team members turned their heads, saluting the colonel with a sharp, precise movement. Lyra's heart skipped a beat as she realized that she was the one being summoned. She quickly saluted as well, her eyes meeting the colonel's stern gaze.
"Colonel Thompson, sir," she acknowledged, her voice steady despite the sudden surge of nerves in her stomach. The colonel's eyes flicked over her, taking in her appearance with a critical gaze. Lyra stood tall, her shoulders back and her chin held high, meeting his gaze with a steady, unblinking stare.
"At ease, Ashen," the colonel said, his voice gruff but not unkind.
"I've been watching you during the ceremony. You seemed... distracted." Lyra's heart pounded in her chest as she realized that the colonel had noticed her unease. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before she spoke.
"Not at all, Colonel Thompson. Just lost in thought, reflecting on the ceremony." Lyra replied, her voice steady and calm, betraying none of the turmoil inside her.
Colonel Thompson's eyes narrowed slightly, but he seemed satisfied with her response. "Good. I expect nothing less from a member of the Wolfpack. Carry on." Lyra's heart pounded in her chest as she stood at attention, her eyes fixed on the colonel's stern face. She could feel the weight of his gaze, the expectation that she would perform to his high standards. She knew that she had to be careful, to tread lightly, or risk drawing his scrutiny and displeasure.
Colonel Thompson's eyes flicked over to Captain James, his expression turning serious. "Captain, I've been observing Cadet Ashen's performance with the Wolfpack. What's your assessment?"
Captain James's expression remained neutral, his eyes flicking over to Lyra before he answered. "Colonel, Lyra has proven herself to be a valuable asset to the team. Her intelligence, her quick thinking, and her physical prowess have all been invaluable in our recent missions." Captain James' voice was steady and calm, his eyes meeting the colonel's gaze with a level of respect that Lyra had come to admire.
Colonel Thompson's gaze shifted back to Lyra, his eyes narrowing as he took in her attire. "Ashen, what in God's name are you wearing?" His voice was sharp, his tone disapproving as he gestured to her combat gear.
Lyra's heart skipped a beat as she realized that the colonel had noticed her unconventional choice of underwear. She had chosen to wear her micro tie bikini bottom beneath her low-rise pants, the tie resting just above the waistband of her utility belt. Her sports bra was concealed by a small Kevlar vest that barely protected her chest, and her combat gloves and boots completed her ensemble.
She had chosen this attire for its practicality and comfort in combat situations, but she knew that it might raise some eyebrows.
"Colonel Thompson," she replied, her voice steady and confident, "I wear this combat gear because it allows me to move freely and efficiently in high-tension situations. The micro tie bikini bottom is designed to prevent chafing and discomfort during extended periods of physical activity, and the low-rise pants provide easy access to my utility belt and weapons.
The Kevlar vest offers minimal protection, but it's lightweight and allows for a full range of motion. I've found that this combination provides the best balance between comfort, mobility, and safety in combat situations." Colonel Thompson's eyes narrowed as he took in her attire, his gaze lingering on the exposed midriff and the tie of her underwear visible above her low-rise pants. "Ashen," he said, his voice stern, "if you find that this fits your mission requirements and improves your performance, then by all means, continue to wear it." Lyra's heart pounded in her chest as she realized that the colonel had given her his blessing to continue wearing her unconventional combat gear, as long as it did not interfere with her duties or the team's missions. She felt a surge of relief, grateful that he had understood her reasoning and respected her professionalism. "Thank you, Colonel Thompson," she replied, her voice steady and confident. "I assure you that my attire will not hinder my performance or the team's objectives.
As the recon in the Wolfpack team, I need to be agile and quiet, able to move swiftly and undetected through enemy territory. The micro tie bikini bottom and low-rise pants allow for a full range of motion, while the Kevlar vest provides minimal protection without restricting my movement. I've found that this combination enables me to perform my duties effectively and efficiently." Lyra's voice was steady and confident, her eyes meeting the colonel's gaze with unwavering determination.
Colonel Thompson's expression softened slightly, his stern gaze softening as he considered her words. "I see," he said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "Well, Ashen, I must say, I'm impressed by your initiative and your commitment to your role.
But remember," Colonel Thompson said, his stern gaze fixed on Lyra, "you're part of a team now. You have to follow orders, and that includes those given by Captain James. He's your superior, and his decisions are final. Don't forget that." Lyra glanced to Captain James, her eyes flicking back to the colonel as she felt the weight of his words settle heavily on her heart.
She knew that the colonel's statement was a reminder of her position within the Wolfpack, a position that was both a privilege and a burden. As the Barrack's Bunny, she was expected to fulfill certain duties that went beyond her role as a recon specialist. The colonel's words were a stark reminder of the expectations placed upon her, and the knowledge that he was unaware of her true role only added to the weight of her responsibilities.
As the colonel turned to walk away, Lyra couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She had to maintain her professionalism, her dedication to her role, and her commitment to the Wolfpack. But she also knew that she had to navigate the complexities of her dual role, the expectations placed upon her as both a soldier and a Barrack's Bunny.
She gulped, her heart pounding in her chest as she turned to face Captain James, her eyes meeting his steady gaze. "I will follow all instructions and orders given to me, Captain," she said, her voice steady and calm despite the turmoil inside her.
Colonel Thompson nodded, his stern face softening slightly as he looked at her. "Good," he said, his voice gruff but approving. "I expect nothing less from a member of the Wolfpack." With that, he turned and walked away, his adjutant following closely behind. Lyra watched them go, her heart pounding in her chest as she considered the weight of the colonel's words.