Capítulo 56: Chapter 56
Location: UNSC Forward Operating Base, Virek
Date and Time: June 23, 2553 – 1700 Hours
It's been a month since we dismantled the last of the URF's operations on Virek, and the base has settled into a rhythm that feels almost peaceful. With the immediate threat gone, we've shifted back to our original duties as part of the Marine Guard—securing key structures, personnel, and helping with the planet's rebuilding efforts. For the first time since we deployed here, I feel like we're not just surviving. We're building something again.
For me, it's also meant having more time with Em. Our stolen moments between missions have turned into something more. We're not just two people trying to make it through the chaos anymore. We're figuring out what this is—what we are—without the constant threat hanging over us.
Right now, we're sitting together in a small common area near the base. The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow over everything, and there's a light breeze that makes the air feel comfortable. It's quiet, and for once, I'm not thinking about patrols or guarding structures. I'm just here, with her.
"So, when are you going to show me how bad you are at cards?" Em teases, giving me a playful grin from across the table.
I smirk, leaning back in my chair. "Bad? Please. I'm the best card player this base has ever seen."
She raises an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh really? Because last week, I seem to remember Dash wiping the floor with you."
I shake my head, trying to keep a straight face. "That was a warm-up round. Doesn't count."
She laughs, and it's a sound that's become one of my favorite things in the world. Hearing her laugh, seeing her smile—it makes everything feel a little lighter. Like maybe things aren't so bad after all.
"Sure," she says, still grinning. "I'm sure I'd crush you just as easily."
I lean forward, giving her a mock-serious look. "Is that a challenge?"
"It is," she says, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But don't worry, I'll go easy on you."
We both laugh, the tension of the last few months slipping away as we talk and tease each other. This feels different—easier, more natural. We've had time to just be us, without worrying about the next mission or the next enemy attack.
After a while, the conversation drifts to more serious topics. Em talks about growing up on Virek, how her family struggled when the conflict first hit, and what it's been like trying to rebuild now that things are calming down. She tells me about her dreams of becoming a doctor, how she ended up working at the base hospital, and how uncertain everything feels when you don't know what the future holds.
"What about you?" she asks after a moment, her voice softer now. "What do you want to do when all this is over?"
I shrug, leaning back in my chair and looking out at the horizon. "I don't know. I signed up for the Marine Corps when I was barely old enough. Haven't thought much about what comes after."
She watches me closely, her gaze thoughtful. "You could stay here, you know. With the rebuilding efforts going on, they'll need people. You've been helping already. You could make a life here."
Her words hang in the air, and I find myself considering them in a way I haven't before. Before now, everything was about the mission, the duty. But with the URF threat dismantled and our battalion settling back into its original role, there's more room to breathe. More time to think about what comes next. And more time to consider staying.
"Maybe," I say, glancing back at her. "It's crossed my mind."
She smiles, her eyes warm. "You'd figure it out, Tom. You're more than just a soldier."
Hearing her call me Tom, like it's the most natural thing in the world, makes something in my chest tighten. We've gotten closer—closer than I expected we would—and hearing her use my first name instead of Kowalski feels… right.
We sit in silence for a while, her hand resting on the table between us, her fingers brushing against mine. The warmth of the setting sun and the quiet of the base make the moment feel peaceful—like the world's slowing down, even if just for a little while.
I glance at her, catching her gaze, and for a moment, it feels like the rest of the world fades away. It's just us, here, in this quiet space, and I realize that I want this. I want more of this.
"Em," I begin, my voice softer than I expected.
She tilts her head slightly, waiting for me to continue, her eyes soft and full of something I can't quite put into words.
Before I can say anything more, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupts us. I turn to see Santiago making his way over, his expression apologetic.
"Sorry to interrupt," he says, glancing between the two of us. "But Lieutenant Baird wants everyone for a briefing. Sounds like we've got new orders coming down the line."
I nod, a familiar sense of duty settling back in. There's always something, even in times of relative peace.
"I'll be there in a minute," I tell him, and Santiago gives me a quick nod before heading back toward the command post.
I turn back to Em, and she smiles, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Go. I'll be here when you're done."
I stand, leaning down to kiss her softly on the cheek. "I'll be back soon."
As I walk away, I can't help but feel like things are finally falling into place. The URF is behind us, the rebuilding efforts are moving forward, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like there's a future here. Not just for me—but for us.
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder