Chapter 20 The Weight of a New Name

As Aria sat there, lost in her thoughts and staring at the faintly twinkling projection above, she barely registered the soft crunch of footsteps on the gravel path behind her. A low, gentle voice broke the quiet.

“Hey, miss… you alright there? Did anything happen?”

"I’m fine. Just… out for a walk.” Aria whispered.

The man gave her a skeptical look as he glanced from her face to her hands, which were clenched tightly together on her lap, and then his gaze fell to her feet and her missing shoes. 

“Must’ve been some walk. Look, I don’t mean to intrude, but… sitting out here all night? On your own? Won't help with whatever problem you're having. Trust me, I know.”

The man hesitated, then moved closer, hands shoved into his pockets as if testing the waters. 

“Well, for what it’s worth, this little spot’s my favorite,” he started, his voice casual, warm. He glanced up at the projected stars with a small smile. 

“Sometimes, on my way home after work, I stop here to gaze at the sky, even if it's just a projection. I work maintenance on the east side, pulling a long shift tonight. And here I find you, alone at the break of the fake dawn.” 

He scratched his head, looking a little sheepish. 

“By the way, my name’s Jac—”

But Aria cut him short, “Look, buddy. How about minding your own business, hmmm? Not interested in what you’re selling, okay?” She looked him up and down.

 “Or what? You see a girl alone at night, sitting on a bench in an empty park, and thought, hey, I’ve got a shot here. Figured you’d swoop in like some knight in shining armor, cheer up the sad girl, and then she’d fall head over heels for you? Is that it? Ha! Get out of here, bub. Don’t make me laugh.”

The guy’s face reddened slightly, caught off guard by her tone. He held up his hands in mock surrender. 

“Hey now, easy there. I was just worried, that’s all. Believe it or not, there are still people left in the Beehive who care about other folks, even if it's strangers sitting alone at weird hours. I just thought you might want some company, or maybe a little help. I get it, though. Guess I was wrong. I just wanted to help.”

“If you really want to help someone, then join the academy. Train, become a pilot, and actually do something. Killing damn mutants - that’s how you’ll help a lot of people, not by… whatever you’re doing here, talking to a stranger sitting on a bench. It doesn’t do a damn thing. However, I tip my hat in respect to you doing maintenance work. You're the real Hero.”

“Just so you know, I am in the academy. Joined not too long ago, and I’m doing my best. Not like I’m sitting around doing nothing. Guess I interrupted… whatever this is you’re doing here. So, sorry for that. Good night."

Aria watched him walk away for a moment before calling out, “Yeah, good night to you too, buddy. And I’m proud of you for trying. I hope you can become a great pilot someday, just don't take too long, there might be nothing left to protect by the time you finish.”

The next morning, she met Major Dyar outside the academy, his expression surprised as he saw her with makeup on and a new hairstyle.

“Well, would you look at that! Is that you, Aria? I almost recognize you. Seriously though, this suits you. I mean, you’ve always been tough as nails, but it’s nice to see a different side of you. Ready to take on the academy, I see? I’m impressed. Just remember, you’re still a soldier at heart. Don’t lose that edge.”

"Never, sir. And thank you for the compliment."

He handed her a small digital ID card and an envelope.

“Alright, back to the matter at hand. Here are your new documents. Your new name is Liana Hale. Age twenty-three. Enlisted as a pilot student from the American outer sectors. No prior combat record. You’re a clean slate as far as anyone’s concerned. The rest of the information is in the envelope, destroy it after reading.”

Aria nodded as she examined the name on the card.

“Understood, Major.”

Dyar looked at her for a long moment.

“Remember, Liana… or Aria, whoever you need to be for this. This is your shot, we need good results. But keep a low profile. Blend in. The higher-ups are still watching closely, and any slip could end this before it even starts. Take it easy, you have time. The mutant activity remains surprisingly low. Which is good, very good. This gives us time to regroup our forces. But leave that worry to me, you just focus on your task. Good luck, Aria.”

“Thank you, sir. For giving me at least a chance. I like the new name, Liana Hale. I can do with that. And you can rest assured, no slips, no mistakes. Just results. Thanks for the heads-up, though. I’ll keep my head down and do what needs to be done. And again, thank you, sir.”

Aria walked into the instructors' lounge, quickly spotting the instructor she was here to meet. It turned out to be someone she knew well - her former instructor from her first time through the academy - Lieutenant Colonel West.

Instructor West leaned back in his chair as Aria sat across from him, his gaze lingering on her face momentarily before he spoke.

 “You know, Aria, I will be honest with you. I did not expect to see your face coming through those doors. When I heard the news, about all the casualties that day... I could not believe my ears or eyes. Our best teams got wiped out, and half of those pilots were in my classroom at one point. Damn mutant! We just can't get a brake. I wish I could return to the field, join the fight once more but after losing my leg... well... you know the story. I'm not much of use in tank mech with a prosthetic leg. I feel so damn useless."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, West. If it makes you feel better, I can promise you that I will avenge their deaths. I will not rest until there is even one mutant left. Now, let's focus and get back on track."

 "Ah, yes. Dyar filled me in on the details, I know what situation you're in. All the paperwork is done, and you are registered as a student who just came from America - Liana Hale. I hope you know some English if others start asking questions.”

Aria rolled her eyes, letting out a sigh.

 “Don't worry about that, West. I will fit in. I have been killing mutants for the past ten years, I will manage such an easy task as blending in and graduating from the academy.”

“Good, I'm glad you think so.” 

 “Oh! That’s right, this group’s not your usual students. Some of them have quite the... colorful pasts if you will. But hey, you’ll fit right in. Even the timing of your enrollment isn’t anything unusual here. Half of them joined midway through the term themselves.”

“Great. Guess I’m not so special anymore, huh?”