Chapter 35: Away
Lyra woke up from her sleep, still fully naked, with an ache between her legs. Captain James has left the room, the faint sound of water running in the shower a distant, soothing murmur. She stretched languidly, her muscles still tingling from the afternoon's exertions. The room was bathed in the soft, golden light of dusk, filtering through the thin curtains, casting long, dancing shadows across the floor.
The air was cool against her bare skin, and she shivered slightly, pulling the thin sheet up to cover herself. She lay there for a moment, her mind drifting back to her sex with Captain James, the intensity of their encounter still fresh in her memory. The scent of their lovemaking lingered in the air, a heady mixture of sweat, sex, and the faintest hint of Captain James' cologne.
Lyra lay there for a moment, her mind drifting back to their encounter, but her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden realization. As the Barrack's Bunny, her body was expected to provide 'services' for her team mates, not out of love, but to maintain morale. The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth, a stark reminder of the role she was expected to play.
She looked to the clock, it showed 1920 hrs, and she was starving, having missed lunch. The gnawing hunger in her stomach was a constant reminder of the demands placed upon her, both as a soldier and as the Barrack's Bunny. She sighed, pulling the sheet tighter around her, as she sat up in bed. The room was quiet, the only sound the distant hum of the base's generators. She knew that she had to maintain her composure, her professionalism, no matter what challenges lay ahead. She couldn't afford to let her emotions get the better of her. She had to be strong, to be the soldier that she was trained to be. She had to be the Barrack's Bunny.
She had to be strong. She had to be ready. With a determined sigh, Lyra threw off the sheet and swung her legs out of bed. The cool air of the room prickled her skin, but she didn't let it deter her. She walked over to the cupboard that Captain James had shared with her, her combat boots thudding softly on the tiled floor. She pulled open the door, revealing her neatly folded gear, a stark contrast to the chaos of her thoughts.
As she reached for her fatigues, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror attached to the inside of the cupboard door. Her short ashen hair was mussed from sleep and their earlier encounter, her green eyes were bright and alert despite the late hour.
As she donned her combat gear, she reached for her radio, her fingers brushing against the cool metal. "Captain James, this is Lyra," she said, her voice steady and professional. "Permission to leave the barracks for a moment to have dinner at the cafeteria." She waited for a response, her eyes scanning the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. She knew that Captain James was a man who expected obedience, but she also knew that he understood the importance of maintaining morale. She hoped that he would grant her request, that he would understand the need for sustenance after their intense encounter. "Permission granted, Bunny," Captain James' voice crackled over the radio.
Lyra nodded to herself, a small smile playing on her lips. She knew that he understood the importance of maintaining morale, and she was grateful for his understanding. She quickly finished dressing, pulling on her fatigues and combat boots, her mind already focused on the task at hand. She took off from the Wolfpack Barracks, her steps quick and purposeful as she made her way towards the cafeteria.
The cafeteria was bustling with activity, the sound of clattering dishes and low conversations filling the air. Lyra could see Maria and Laura sitting at a table in the corner, their heads bent together as they laughed at some shared joke.
She grabbed her dinner tray from the counter, the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation filling the air. She made her way through the crowded cafeteria, her eyes scanning the room until she found her friends. As she approached their table, she could see the relief on their faces, a silent acknowledgment of the tension that had been building between them.
"Lyra, you're here!" Maria exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she saw her friend. "We were starting to worry about you."
Lyra smiled, her eyes flicking to Laura who was watching her with a curious expression. "Sorry, I was... occupied," she said, her voice nonchalant as she sat down at the table. "But I'm here now, and I'm starving."
Laura raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Lyra. "Occupied, huh? That's a new one." Laura's gaze lingered on Lyra for a moment longer before she turned back to her meal, a small smile playing on her lips. "So, what's been keeping you so 'occupied', Lyra?" Maria asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. Lyra felt a blush creep up her cheeks, but she kept her expression neutral. "Just... work stuff," she replied vaguely, picking up her fork and starting to eat. Laura snorted, rolling her eyes. "Work stuff, my ass. You've been MIA all day, and now you show up looking like you've just rolled out of bed." Lyra's blush deepened, but she refused to rise to the bait.
"I'm just here now, and I'm hungry," she said, taking a bite of her food. Maria and Laura exchanged a glance, but they didn't press the issue. They knew Lyra well enough to know when she wasn't in the mood for questions.
Maria and Laura exchanged another glance, then Maria spoke up, "Lyra, have you heard about the delay in deployments?"Lyra looked up from her plate, her eyes meeting Maria's. "No, what's going on?" Lyra asked, her fork pausing mid-bite as she turned her attention fully to Maria. "Why haven't you deployed yet?" Lyra asked, her brow furrowing as she looked at Maria. "I thought you were leaving today." Lyra's brow furrowed as she looked at Maria. "What's going on?"
"Deployment is delayed," Maria explained, her voice tinged with both frustration and relief. "They found Red Phantom's body in the Eastern Forest yesterday. And there was a send-off ceremony earlier today too." Maria gave a small sigh, picking up a crust of bread and popping it in her mouth.
"Lyra, you're pale as a ghost. Are you alright?" Maria's voice was filled with concern as she looked at Lyra, who had suddenly gone quiet and still, her eyes wide with shock.
Lyra's fork clattered to her plate, her appetite suddenly gone as the memories of that fateful day in the Eastern Forest flooded back. She had been part of the team that found Red Phantom's remains, a grim discovery that had sent shockwaves through the base. The body had been decomposing for over a year, a stark reminder of the dangers they faced in their line of work. She could still see the scene in her mind's eye, the eerie silence of the forest, the smell of decay, and the haunting sight of the remains. She had been one of the first to see it, and the image was forever etched in her mind. She had been the one to call it in, her voice shaking as she reported the discovery. She had been the one to see the body, to see the remains of a man who had once been a legend.
"Lyra?" Laura's voice cut through Lyra's thoughts, sharp and concerned. "You spaced out on us there. Everything alright?" Lyra blinked, her gaze refocusing on Laura's worried face. She took a deep breath, pushing the haunting memories aside. "Yeah, I'm fine," she lied, forcing a small smile. "Just... thinking about something." Laura's eyes narrowed slightly, not entirely convinced, but she let it go.
Maria, her eyes sparkling with mischief, leaned in and asked, "Lyra, was it the Wolfpack team who found the body?" Lyra's smile was nervous, her eyes darting away from Maria's gaze. "It was classified, Maria," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't discuss it." Maria's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Come on, Lyra. You're blushing like a schoolgirl," Maria teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Lyra's gaze flickered away from Maria's, her eyes landing on Laura who was watching her with a concerned expression. Laura's eyes were soft, her voice gentle as she said, "Hey, Lyra, you know what we need? A little break from all this." She reached out, her fingers brushing against the sheaths of Lyra's combat knives, her eyes lingering on the bunny-shaped butts. "I've been meaning to ask, where did you get these?" she asked, changing the topic deftly. Lyra's shoulders relaxed slightly, grateful for the reprieve. "Oh, these?" she said, her voice regaining some of its earlier nonchalance.
"These were a gift from the Wolfpack team. They thought it would be fitting with my codename," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of bitterness. She reached down to her utility belt, pulling out the combat knife with the bunny-shaped handle. She placed it on the table, the metal glinting in the cafeteria's harsh fluorescent light. "They thought it would fit with my... personality," she added, her eyes flicking to Laura and Maria, who were watching her with curiosity.
Laura's eyes widened as she reached out, her fingers wrapping around the handle of the combat knife. "Wow, this is amazing," she breathed, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "It's so sleek, so... dangerous." Maria leaned in, her eyes scanning the knife with a critical eye. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice filled with awe. "And it's got a bunny on the handle. That's... unique." Lyra felt a small smile tug at the corners of her mouth as she watched her friends' reaction. She knew that they were impressed, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. She had earned this knife, had earned the respect that came with it. She had earned the right to be the part of The Wolfpack Special Force Team. "It's not just for show," she said, her voice steady and serious.
"These knives serve a purpose, and I'm honored to carry them."
Maria and Laura exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with admiration and respect for their friend. "You truly are an extraordinary woman," Maria said, her voice filled with awe. "I'm honored to serve alongside you."
Laura nodded, her eyes shining with pride. "You're a true inspiration to us all," she added, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lyra looked down at her knives, her fingers gently tracing over the bunny-shaped handles. She felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over her, knowing that she had earned the respect of her comrades.
But as she looked up from her knives, she remembered Maria's deployment. "Maria," she asked, her voice steady and concerned, "what time are you being deployed tomorrow?" Maria looked up from her meal, her eyes meeting Lyra's. "0600 hours," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and apprehension. "I'll be leaving at dawn." Lyra nodded, her mind already racing with plans.
"I'll be there to see you off," she said, her voice filled with determination. She knew that Maria was nervous, that she was facing an uncertain future. But she also knew that Maria was strong, that she was capable of handling whatever came her way. "And I'll be here when you get back," she added, her voice softening as she looked at her friend. Maria smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Lyra," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It means a lot to me." Laura reached out, her hand covering Maria's. "We'll both be here," she said, her voice filled with warmth and support.
Maria's smile widened, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Laura," she said, her voice filled with emotion. Lyra looked at her friends, her heart swelling with pride and affection. She knew that they were strong, that they were capable of handling whatever challenges lay ahead. But she also knew that they needed support, that they needed to know that they were not alone in their struggles. She reached out, her hands covering theirs, a silent show of solidarity. "We're in this together," she said, her voice steady and determined. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together." Maria and Laura nodded, their eyes filled with gratitude and determination.
"Together," they echoed, their voices filled with resolve. Lyra felt a sense of calm wash over her, a quiet strength that came from knowing she had the support of her friends. She looked at her watch, the hands ticking away the seconds, and realized that it was already late. "I should get back," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "Captain James will be wondering where I am." Maria and Laura exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with understanding. "Of course," Maria said, her voice soft. "We'll see you in the morning, Lyra." Lyra nodded, standing up from the table and gathering her things.
In the next morning, Lyra strides to the edge of the base's field, the crisp morning air nipping at her cheeks. The sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sprawling expanse of green. She sees Laura waiting for her, her friend's figure silhouetted against the gathering soldiers. Their breaths mist in the cool air as they exchange a silent nod.
The two platoons of soldiers stand in crisp lines, their uniforms pristine and their faces etched with a mix of determination and apprehension. The sight is both awe-inspiring and sobering, a stark reminder of the dangers they face and the sacrifices they make. Their gaze aim towards the field medic line, she can see Maria is standing ready, her kit neatly packed and her expression resolute. Maria's eyes meet Lyra's, and she offers a small, reassuring smile. Lyra can see the mix of excitement and apprehension in her friend's eyes.
"Maria!" Lyra calls out, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. The two reach each other and embrace.
"I am going to miss our lunches and our conversations," Maria said, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. She reaches out, grasping Lyra's hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay? Don't let anyone push you around. You're stronger than you think." She turns to Laura, her eyes softening as she looks at her friend. "I wish you two could come with me, I wish you could see what I see." Maria leans in, her voice lowering to a whisper as she confides in her friends.
"I'm just a field medic, nothing bad will happen to me. I've got my trusty kit and my wits about me," she says, her eyes sparkling with a playful mischief. "Besides, who's going to mess with a girl who can stitch up a wound and make a mean cup of tea?" She winks at Lyra and Laura, trying to lighten the mood. "I've got this, don't worry. I'll be back before you know it, and we can catch up on all the gossip."
Lyra and Laura exchange a glance, their eyes filled with a mix of concern and amusement. "Maria, you're something else," Lyra says, her voice filled with affection. "But we're still going to worry about you. That's what friends do." Maria smiles, her eyes softening as she looks at her friends. "I know, and I appreciate it. But I promise, I'll be fine." Maria's voice was steady, but Lyra could feel the slight tremble in her friend's embrace, her arms wrapping around Lyra's waist, her hands resting on Lyra's exposed midriff. Lyra hugged Maria deeper, her own arms tightening around Maria's shoulders, feeling the slight tremble in her friend's body. "We know you will," Lyra murmured into Maria's ear, her voice filled with conviction and reassurance. "You're one of the strongest people I know." Maria pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting Lyra's, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Lyra," she said, her voice soft. "That means a lot to me." Laura stepped forward, her arms wrapping around both Lyra and Maria, pulling them into a tight embrace. "We're going to miss you," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
"I'll be back before you know it," she said, her voice steady despite the slight tremble in her hands as she reached out to grasp Lyra's and Laura's hands. "And when I do, we'll have so much to catch up on." Lyra and Laura nodded, their eyes filled with a mix of concern and pride. "We'll be here waiting," Laura said, her voice filled with warmth. "And we'll make sure that you have the best stories to tell when you get back." Maria's smile widened, her eyes shining with gratitude and affection. "Thank you, both of you," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
"I'll see you soon." With a final wave, Maria turned and walked towards her transport vehicle, her boots crunching on the gravel. Lyra and Laura stood there, watching as Maria climbed into the back of the truck, her figure silhouetted against the rising sun. They could see her wave one last time before the truck started up with a roar, its engine rumbling as it pulled away, kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake.
Lyra and Laura stood there for a moment longer, their eyes fixed on the retreating truck until it disappeared from view. Then, with a sigh, they turned and started to make their way back towards the base.