Chapitre 4: Invincible
"Exactly, what the hell was that?" Felix questioned for the millionth time.
Kore squirmed under his scrutiny. Her and the men had retreated to the mess hall for dinner, along with the others. Her battles passed by every once in a while patting her on the shoulder for her victory, others offering actual praise. Apparently, regardless of her cheap shot, she had gained points with her brethren.
"I don't know, Fee." She shrugged, trying to ignore his questions. "I just got irritated. He laughed at me."
To be completely honest, she really had no idea why she had kicked Alekai in the jaw, knowing it was against the rules. He had laughed at her, and she didn't know why, but that had made her so angry she lashed out at him. And then, she was on her back...with him between her legs. It had happened so quickly, she really didn't have time to react, except in the way that she had.
Fresh heat crept to her face. "He had it coming."
"Maybe now, he won't underestimate you." Madocc chimed in, short and smooth.
"He doesn't underestimate her." Wolfe interjected. "I'm not sure if anyone on base questions Kordelia's capabilities."
"He'll be sporting quite a bruise tomorrow, that's for sure." Felix chuckled. "That kick was fierce for such a small person."
Kordelia rolled her eye with annoyance, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. She was used to the men of her platoon commenting on her size, but coming from Felix, it just made her want to punch him. Just as she were about to finish her meal, she looked up to an approaching Adonai. He was a beautiful man, if Kore were the type to fall head over heels for a man that oozed infidelity; long, straight black hair tied just at the nape of his neck, dark brown eyes, and a chiseled jaw covered in scruff. Something about him was always just...off. It made her sick to her stomach.
"Major General Adonai, what do we have the pleasure of your company tonight?" Felix didn't even look up.
"OTA General Everett has requested your presence, Major General MacIntosh," he looked to the side, "and your's, Lieutenant Wolfe."
"Great." Kore sighed. "And now, we're in trouble."
Kore shifted from her perch, Wolfe mirroring her, following Adonai from the hall. Adonai slowed his pace to match Kore's falling easily into step with her, all but pushing Wolfe to follow behind them. Kore tried not to notice how close his swaying hand came to her's. It rather disgusted her that he made his intentions so blatantly clear.
"Tonight was a sight." He said casually.
She could tell he was testing the waters for conversation, and for some reason it really bothered her.
"It was just a spar, Ado. Nothing more." She huffed.
"That may be true, but that isn't what everyone is gossiping about."
She fully turned to face him as they walked. "And you would know something about gossip?"
"I would." He smiled. "Everyone on base now assumes there is something going on between you and our Commander. We were all there, Kordelia. We saw what transpired on the field tonight. There's something neither of you are sharing with the rest of us."
"There is nothing going on between us, Ado. And it would be best if you kept your mouth shut. What you are suggesting is treason. And I won't listen to another minute of it."
They came to a stop in front of Everett's door. Without giving another look or word, Kore composed herself and let herself into his office, Wolfe close on her heels.
***
"I cannot believe you two." Everett growled. "You know the rules, and they are put in place for a reason."
"Jac..." Kore started.
"Save it, Kordelia." His tone could almost be taken for fatherly, almost. "Do you realize the danger you two could have put this base in? The families that could have been torn apart, or the deaths we could of had on our hands?"
"But, Jac..." Kore tried again.
"No!" Everett slammed down his hands, his breathing higher than before. "Are you or are you not supposed to report to me whenever it comes to complications or findings when it comes to your device?" He motioned towards Kore's face, tossing Wolfe's lab notes across his desk. "Not only did you disobey orders, you managed to hack into the device, which ultimately could have sent a signal to the enemy. Alerting them to our findings, giving them our location, and putting this base in their direct line."
"OTA General Everett, sir." Wolfe shrank under Everett's glare. "I took every precaution to prevent anything from hacking my systems. Nothing can get into my hardware unless they have been in my lab. That of which, we would have been alerted immediately. The procedure went smooth, and Project Sparrow was implanted safely. It has raised the optical's effectiveness from ninety-seven percent to one hundred-seventy percent, which was tested and proven on the training field tonight. Major General MacIntosh was able to bring down Commander Ivanov, one on one."
Everett couldn't help the raise of his eyebrows, almost every hint of anger dispersed, replaced with genuine surprise. "Really?"
"Yes, Jac." Kore let out the breath she had been holding.
"Regardless." Everett cleared his throat. "That does not excuse the danger you both could have put us in. I expect, in the future, to be made aware BEFORE any further studies are conducted. Is that clear?"
"Sir, yes, sir." Wolfe and Kore both saluted.
"Lieutenant, dismissed." He waved his hand.
Wolfe saluted again before taking his leave, leaving Kore standing in the spotlight.
"Kordelia, do you understand why I'm so worried?" Everett pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I understand your anger, and we shall not disobey orders in the future, sir."
"No, Kordelia. The danger to the base aside, what if the procedure hadn't worked? What if you were harmed?" He sighed.
Kore looked down at Everett, easing her stance, her gaze becoming warm again. "Jac, I trust Wolfe with my life. He's my brother, and my best friend. He wouldn't have had me sit through it, if he thought it wasn't going to work. He said so himself, verbatim."
"I don't think I would be able to handle it if something were to happen to you. And not because you have become such an asset to the cause, but for my own selfish reasons. You're the daughter I could never have. I care a great deal for your safety."
"I know..." She smiled halfway. "Just let me worry about me, Jac. I've got this. You just need to put your trust in me. Please."
***
Kordelia rested against the frame of Everett's closed office door. Sighing, she ran her fingers absentmindedly through her hair, brushing it to the side. She could feel the exhaustion settling in. Today had been busier than usual, not only for her body but for her mind. Her muscles were starting to stiffen in protest, unused to the abuse they suffered without the proper exercise Wolfe's project had interfered with.
"Hey, there." Kore looked up, Adonai rounding the corner slowly.
"Were you waiting for me?" She accused.
"Maybe." He grinned, trying to display his usual charm.
Kore groaned internally. "Why?" She pushed off the door and began to walk past him, her focus on the floor, disregarding his impending answer. Or excuse. Whichever, really.
"Hey, now." His hand shot out before she could respond and gripped behind her elbow too tightly, stopping her retreat. "I just want to talk."
"I..." She began, unease bubbling up her throat.
"I suggest you remove your hand from her, Major General Adonai."
Kore's eye shot up. How she could still be surprised by his sudden appearances, she would never know. Alekai took up most of the hallway. And he looked...pissed. Anger emitted from him like a satellite signal. His glare bored into Adonai, and if looks could kill, this would be it. He was gripping a folder a little too tightly, obviously Everett's office having been his destination. Adonai's firm hand eased just enough for Kore to rip her arm loose. She made her way towards Alekai, and instinctively shifted to hide behind him, glaring at Adonai.
"Commander Ivanov." Adonai stiffened, inclining his chin upwards.
"Do not touch her again. That's an order. Understood?" Alekai spoke through a clenched jaw.
Adonai only stared at Kordelia, a hint of menace in their depths. "Understood." He said, after a long pause, turning on his heel and disappearing around another corner.
Kore finally exhaled, the unease still present, and rested her forehead against the back of Alekai's arm. "Thank you..."
"Are you alright, Kore?" Alekai turned slowly, gently leaning her back, inspecting her bruised arm. He rubbed the spot soothingly. It was so unlike him to be this gentle. Everything about this man screamed solid and unmoving.
"Yeah. Adonai just gives me the creeps." She murmured, watching the red hand print slowly turn dark in the middle.
"I need to hand these papers over to Everett. Would you like me to escort you back to your room?" He asked quietly.
"Please."
"Just a moment." Alekai straightened, squaring his shoulders, and entered Everett's office without a knock. He left the door cracked, and soon enough was right back by her side. "After you." He gestured in front of them.
***
"Alekai, I'm sorry..." Kore started, trying to fill the silence between them.
"What for?"
She tangled her fingers together, palms sweating. "For earlier. I'm not sure what came over me. I didn't mean to kick you in the jaw."
Alekai chuckled, rubbing his jaw with amusement. "It'll be sore tomorrow, but I'm alright. I was actually impressed. Most don't do everything it takes to bring down an enemy, and here my partner is, brave enough to kick me in the face."
Kore's face began to match the same shade as her hair. "I'm not sure that could be considered bravery, but thank you for the compliment."
"Do you know of anyone else that would do the same?" He inquired with moderate interest.
"Well, no."
"Exactly." He stated, firm.
She sighed, not willing to argue as she usually did. Her arm casually bumped his as they walked, and she became acutely aware of the heat that radiated from this man. The rest of their walk was left to silence. They finally arrived at the female General's barracks, stopping just outside her door. Alekai took up her hand tenderly.
"I always have your back, Kore. If you ever need me, just let me know, and I'll be there." He murmured, yet she knew he meant every word.
"Thank you...I know I can count on you, always." Her heart fluttered.
She opened her door with her spare hand, unwilling to look away. He brought her captured hand to his lips and spared a light kiss on her knuckles. "Goodnight, partner."
She backed into her room, almost whimpering when his skin left hers. "Goodnight."
Her eye kept locked onto his gaze until her door closed, severing the link between them.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone