Part 2.1

Part 2.1

Being upgraded has its limits.

I am strong and tough, but the hits make their way through everything eventually.

It took me a few days to walk properly, and it took me a month to be welcomed back into the fold.

That bastard Nero told me I would be Kennedy’s second guard.

I almost ditched Milton to try something else, but I decided to give the St. Patrick house one more try.

Sticking to it would be the best choice I made.

I needed to get into the TAF to find the bastard who killed you.

The Tower would lead me right to him; then I would make him suffer.

Nero let Kennedy stay there while the investigation was ongoing.

When I knocked on the door, I was welcomed by a familiar monocle.

I was surprised that he was still alive, but that wouldn’t be the case for long.

With the same look of disdain he reserved for the ‘help’, he invited me in.

The hallway felt longer than I remembered, and each step made it feel like time slowed down.

Time then decided to speed up the second I saw them.

Kennedy was sitting down on a super-wide sofa while Sandra stood behind her.

She pointed to a single chair across from her.

As I sat down, she ordered a maid to pour me a cup of coffee.

KENNEDY: Plenty of sugar.

[She nodded her head to the side. The maid left.]

KENNEDY: How are you feeling?

[The question made sweat drip down my neck.]

MILTON: Miss Kennedy, why did you ask me here? Are you letting me go?

[She frowned, and I picked up my coffee.]

KENNEDY: No. I asked Captain St. Patrick to send you here.

MILTON: Forgive me for assuming, but you understand why I would think that?

[I glanced at Sandra. She looked pissed.]

[Kennedy let out a sigh.]

KENNEDY: I understand, but none of what happened was your fault. Why should you be punished?

[I smiled and looked down.]

MILTON: Mr St. Patrick lost his life on my watch. That normally doesn’t inspire confidence.

[The lady of the house scoffed at me.]

KENNEDY: Someone put a bomb in his room with you outside. Only a fool would blow themselves up with their target. To me, it seems like someone tried to frame you.

[She never knew how close she was to the truth.]

MILTON: Thank you, Miss Kennedy. Can I start immediately, or do you want me to start tomorrow?

KENNEDY: You may start tomorrow. Captain St. Patrick wishes to see you in his study.

The bangle on her wrist started buzzing.

She looked to the side and spoke with one of her friends.

After a quick nod, I finished the rest of my coffee.

I waited for her to finish her call and stand before I rose to my feet.

When Sandra led Kennedy away, Sandra looked back for a second.

Even though it was brief, it did feel like a punch in the gut.

I took a deep breath and made my way to Nero’s office.

There was a single guard outside.

She wore the issued TAF black uniform with gold trim.

I took my place next to her and scanned her.

She was an interesting case.

The newcomer had the Cable System.

That is a super rare implant, and it takes a year to recover and much longer to get used to the new strength.

Without a word, I waited outside the door.

After an hour, I was called in.

Once again, I had to wait to be seated.

NERO: I assume you are feeling better.

MILTON: Yes, sir. I am ready to return to my post tomorrow.

[He nodded and pressed a button. The woman entered.]

NERO: This is Officer Alexandria Blair.

[I stood up and shook her hand.]

NERO: You said you wanted to be part of the investigation. When you are not working for Miss Kennedy, you will be on probation to join the Tower Assembly Forces.

[Internally, I was dancing.]

MILTON: Sir, with all due respect. You said that I am on probation. Does that mean you want me to join the TAF, or do I keep working for Miss Kennedy?

[With a limp wrist, he motioned for me to sit down.]

NERO: It all depends on how much you impress me. I will speak with Miss Kennedy on the arrangement, and you will receive a schedule.

Without so much as a signal to end the conversation, he went back to his work.

Blair tapped me on the shoulder and led me out of his office.

BLAIR: Just so you know. It isn’t Officer Blair. It is Lefttenant.

[For context, only the Commonwealth says it like that.]

MILTON: Why is a Commonwealth Lieutenant here?

[Her eyes narrowed as I said lootenant.]

BLAIR: Would that be a problem?

MILTON: No, Lieutenant. I was just curious. You are a long way from home.

[She grabbed me by the collar and lifted me off the ground and pinned me to the wall.]

BLAIR: I was told you are a professional, but I don’t see it.

[With a smile, I pulled my pistol out and placed it on her forehead.]

MILTON: You left my arms free.

[She slowly put me down.]

BLAIR: Impressive. How did you stay so calm?

MILTON: Two tours in Madagascar. I saw some heavy shit. Just so you know, I don’t mind the fact that you are Commonwealth.

[She crossed her arms.]

BLAIR: Why should I believe you?

MILTON: I had one of your guys as a medic. Corporal Benjamin Hill. He told us to call him Benji. The best medic I ever had. He would laugh when the other guys called me sarge; he never said why.

[She dropped her arms and started laughing.]

BLAIR: That is because he was taught that your men were calling you a wanker.

For the next few minutes, she explained why, and we shared war stories.

Here is the gist of why that is a joke in the CCCB.

The only sarge is a sausage and massage, and there is no deeper meaning.

I know it is dumb, but that is just how people are.