Chapter 36 On House Arrest

Combelt III rolled forward slowly, its tank treads grinding against the ground as it took up the slack and began to pull Combelt IV along. 

Once they were moving smoothly, she accelerated, navigating through the tight, rubble-filled streets. As they reached the edge of the city, Aria pressed a little harder on the throttle, picking up speed. She was cautious not to exceed the maximum strain the cables could handle, but the open path ahead allowed her to push Combelt III closer to its top towing capacity. 

As the open wasteland stretched out before them, David's voice crackled to life in Aria's comm.

"So... we’re finally out. The city ruins behind us, I can't believe this, we might actually survive. Thank you... ummm... I didn’t catch your name, though... sorry."

"Hey, don’t sweat it. I did what I could, that’s all. Liana Hale, just a nobody who happened to pass by."

The comm crackled again, "Liana Hale, huh? Well, I’m damn grateful for a ‘nobody.’ Could’ve left me there, but you didn’t. Feels like I’ve been trapped in that city forever. I honestly thought I’d… well, I thought I’d die there.”

Aria glanced at the rear monitor, watching Combelt IV trailing behind her.

 “Trust me, David, I didn’t do it for a thank you. Just saw someone in trouble and figured I’d give a hand. No one deserves to die in that place.”

“Still… I’ve seen a lot of people walk right past others in need, thinking it’s not worth the risk. You’re… different. Not exactly what I expected from someone out here. You must be military too, right?”

Aria’s lips tightened as she considered her words.

 “Something like that,” she answered vaguely.

 “Just… trying to finish a job I started. Don’t think too much of it.”

“Even if it’s just a job to you, you saved me, I really thought… I’d never get out of there. I thought I’d be just another body in the rubble. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t shown up. I know you say you’re ‘just a nobody,’ but... you saved me.” 

“Let’s just say, I’ve been in a few tight spots myself. Kinda know what it’s like to want a second chance.”

 “Guess we’re not so different, then. Only, I don’t know what I’d do with a second chance. I thought I was ready to be a pilot, to fight those things… but after what I saw back there, I’m not so sure anymore.”

She thought back to her past - all the pain, the losses, the relentless battles.

 “Not everyone’s cut out for this. Being a pilot isn’t about proving something to yourself. It’s about surviving, and protecting others if you can. Sometimes it’s a burden more than anything else.”

“Sounds like you’ve been at this a long time,” he said after a pause.

 “Maybe even longer than me.”

Aria felt a pang of irony in her chest. 

"Longer than you can imagine," she thought, but only said, “Maybe.” 

 “For now, though, let’s just worry about getting back in one piece. You can figure out the rest once you’re back in safe territory.”

“Yeah… one piece. That’s all I need right now. Thanks, Liana. Really. For everything.”

 “You’re welcome. Now try to get some rest, it will take a bit till we get back home.”

By the evening, Aria finally caught sight of the Beehive's distant lights flickering against the night. But her relief was short-lived.

Her tank mech’s internal systems were blinking, warning of escalating temperatures as the engine strained under the load of towing the Combelt IV. She ignored the flashing alerts, pushing her mech a little further, willing it to make the final stretch.

But before she could reach the outer gates, two armed Combelt III burst into view, racing from the Beehive. Their heavy footfalls echoed across the barren landscape. She watched them close in fast, their barrels locked on her position. Her commlink crackled to life with a command.

"Unknown tank mech, this is Beehive Outpost," a stern voice barked.

 "Shut down the tank mech and get out! I repeat, shut down and get out! We have clearance to open fire at will! If you refuse to comply, we will open fire. Now do as told!"

"Combelt III units, this is Liana Hale, pilot of Combelt III designation Echo. I’m returning with critical assets - salvageable tank mechs, including Combelt IV. I repeat, I am not hostile. Stand down."

There was a tense pause. One of the patrol pilots seemed to hesitate, then replied, "Liana Hale? We don’t have you listed on any mission or recon logs. And there are no approved recovery ops for the city ruins."

Another voice cut in, colder, more authoritative.

 "Hale, this is Major Stark. Unauthorized departure from Beehive and theft of military equipment! You are in for some serious disciplinary action! You are lucky we even speaking now! I would gladly riddle that mech with bullets myself if were there right now! Step out of the mech! Now!"

Aria clenched her jaw. She knew Major Stark’s deep hatred for mutants all too well and realized he wouldn’t hesitate to make an example of her. Like Aria, he had lost everything to those creatures, and his hatred could rival - even match - her own.

Through the comm rang out David's voice, "Dad?! I mean, Major Stark! What the hell! She saved my skin back there! What's going on?!"

"David? David?! My boy, Is it really you? But! But we thought! We thought everyone was killed! We..."

Aria cut him off, “Major Stark! I understand the breach, but I’ve recovered critical assets, including a stranded pilot, Second Lieutenant David Harlow, a survivor of the Raptor 01 ambush. I’m requesting permission to escort him and Combelt IV back to the base.”

David’s voice broke through the comms, “Please, sir! This is Second Lieutenant David from the Bravo Squad. She saved me - pulled me out of there after weeks in the ruins. She... she did what no one else would. I just want to go home.”

There was a murmur of voices on the other end, followed by Stark’s begrudging reply.

 "Hale, you’re coming in under escort. Any deviation, and we’ll consider you hostile. Do you understand?"

“Understood, sir. No deviation. Proceeding under escort. But may I ask? Where is Major Dyar?”

"Seargent Major Dyar is on house arrest, you will meet him shortly. You will get the details then."

The two Combelt III’s shifted formation, flanking her and David on either side as they moved toward the Beehive’s towering gates. As the patrol mechs guided them forward, the lights of the Beehive grew brighter, illuminating the reinforced walls and mounted defense turrets.