May I Enjoy My Life Entry 6

Entry 10: Day 26

I’d like to say I didn’t sleep well, and that I was tormented by the ghosts of those I left behind. That would be a lie. Once I hit the bed, I slept like a log, and I don’t recall a damn thing. Thank God for small mercies, I guess. 

I was awoken by a knock at my door. Groggily, I sat up, blinking. The unfamiliar environment left me with a sense of vertigo, but I managed to pull on a robe that had been left by the bed and stumble over to the door, opening it a crack. “Yeah?”

Ch’en looked back at me, and proffered a bundle. “Get dressed. We depart in one hour.”

I opened the door wide enough to accept the clothing, then shut the door. I got dressed in a hurry, in unremarkable black pants and a grey shirt. There was also a hoodie, though it was a bit warm for it. I went ahead and put it on, pulling the hood up and putting on the face mask and sunglasses as well. It wasn’t the most original disguise, but it would make me kinda hard to make out, even up close. 

That done, I opened the door back up, and found Texas leaning on the wall and smoking in the hallway, Exusiai standing by the door with her gun in her hands. Well, one of them anyway. She was holding a rifle, but she had two submachine guns and two pistols strapped to her, along with grenades, ammo, and other assorted tactical gear. I didn’t get the sense that any of it was superfluous either. Both were wearing combat vests, heavy pants, and thick black boots. Texas had two extremely large swords as well as a pair of combat knives in her boots and more grenades, with a helmet dangling from her belt as well. 

“Good morning!” Exusiai said brightly. 

“Uh, mornin’,” I said with a nod. “You two, uh, stay here all night?”

“Nah, just got here. We got some rack time, no worries!” Exusiai told me. Texas just used the heel of her boot to grind out the cig, then tucked the butt away in a vest pouch. 

“So, er, what’s our itinerary?” I said, feeling a bit awkward. 

“Wake Dr. Sussorro. Get breakfast, get briefed. Head for Rhodes Island,” Texas said matter of factly. 

Exusiai nodded and went over to Sussurro’s door, where she banged on it rather loudly. “Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey!” 

“Coming,” a muffled voice said, and a few moments later, the door opened to reveal Sussurro already dressed, though she had a toothbrush in her hand and toothpaste on her lips. Seeing Exusiai, she said, “Scusami, un momento. Devo finire di prepararmi.”

“Non è niente. Abbiamo un po' di tempo,” Exusiai said, and Sussurro walked back in. 

She finished brushing her teeth, applied a bit of quick makeup, brushed her hair and tail a few times, then hurried back out, shrugging on a lab coat. “Grazie. Andiamo avanti.”

“Fanno colazione così,” Texas said, and headed down the hall. Sussurro went after, so I went along with it.

“She said they have breakfast,” Exusiai told me helpfully. “Don’t speak Siracusan?” 

“No, I don’t actually speak Yanese or Russian, er Ursus, either,” I said, scratching my head. “So I’m at a bit of a loss as to who I can understand and what I can read.”

Exusiai cocked her head to one side hearing that. “Huh. Weird. That got something to do with…you know.” She wiggled her fingers and gestured with her gun, which my admittedly limited training with the Boy Scouts made me think really wasn’t proper muzzle discipline. 

“My unique situation, shall we call it? Sure. But even if I’m a proto-neurologist, I’m the wrong damn guy to ask about that. This is so far beyond my understanding of brain chemistry and nerve function we might as well be talking rocket science. Or applied magic, I guess.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it then! I’m sure it’ll be fine. Plus, you’re a doctor, right? Well, then Rhodes Island is totally the right place for you! There’s good people there, and they’ve got the best desserts in the kitchen! Ooo, I wonder if I can get Lada to make me Sharlotka while I’m there!” 

“You like apples, huh? Trying to keep me away?” I teased. 

“Hehe! I basically never get sick! Pretty impressive for a Messenger, huh? Texas is always giving me a hard time, but I take all the right precautions. You don’t last as long in this business as I have if you don’t!” 

“How long have you been a messenger?” I asked. The timeline on Arknights was a real mystery to me. I know that events hop around all over the place, like the fact that that whole thing with the haunted ghost ship didn’t happen until after the Main Theme stories did, though how much further into the future it was, I had no clue. Where I was dropped off was kinda important. Like, had the Londinium Crisis happened yet? That was stuff I probably needed to know, because if I had secret future knowledge…

Shit, this was a lot to think about. 

“Five years now! Most of it with Penguin Logistics. I was one of the first people Boss hired, me and Texas both! Though she was, um, well she had some experience prior to being hired.”

“I…might know a little bit more of Texas’ backstory than you’d think,” I said, and I noted that Texas missed half a step. Sussurro, who had been talking to Texas in Not-Italian, fell back, giving me a wide smile.

“James. What have Dr. Gavial and I told you?”

“To keep the weird alien knowledge in my head to myself. But, Lucia…they deserve to know I might know a few secrets about them that they probably maybe wouldn’t share with just anyone. Like about-”

Sussurro shot me a death glare, and Exusiai’s smile had vanished, replaced by a look of worry.

“You…know stuff about me? Like…what?” 

“Your love of apple pie, for one thing. And that you blew up your school a dozen times.”

The grin bloomed again, and her eyes sparkled. “Actually, it was 17. But it was all an accident, I swear!” 

Sussurro sighed and shook her head, “La coda folta della mia vecchia nonna, James. Will you never learn?”

I mean I hadn’t just blurted everything about Mostima and the Fallen and the whole the Law actually being an ancient AI supercomputer that had turned Sarkaz into Sankta (I think, look, I saw the IS5 ending but I didn’t exactly read it super carefully, OK?). So I was counting this as a win. 

“I can understand one accidental explosion. I did the same thing in a chemistry lab once. But 17!? How were you not expelled?!” I demanded. 

Exusiai swelled up with pride, strutting along with a smug grin on her face. “I was considered a tad rambunctious and precocious. I got a special award when I graduated!” 

“Wasn’t that award the staff’s way of thanking the Law you were out of their halos?” Sussurro said, a small grin on her lips.

“I like to think of it as a special blessing bestowed upon them by my departure,” Exusiai said airily as we arrived at a small dining room. 

Ch’en and Gavial were already there, various maps spread out on the table in front of them. Gavial had a cup of coffee and a bun with what looked like meat filling, while Ch’en had some tea and a bowl of rice and eggs. 

“Ah, there you all are,” Gavial said, looking up as we entered. “Grab some grub, we’re struts up in 46 minutes!” 

I took a couple of those buns and a mug of joe for myself, while Sussurro helped herself to eggs and rice as well. Exusiai found some pastries with sweet fillings and chowed down, while Texas took only some coffee and sat down with Gavial and Ch’en, sipping at it. 

“Landing in Vyseheim?” Texas asked after a quick overview. 

“Yes, we’ve got contacts in the city, and they’re relatively friendly to the infected there,” Ch’en said. “We’re using the excuse that we’re an emergency medical flight, transporting VIPs from Lungmen to Rhodes Island for treatment.”

“That’s in Lethania, the deer people place, right?” I said. 

Ch’en frowned at me, while Exusiai gave me a baffled look.

“Caprinae and Elafia make up the majority population,” Gavial agreed, and pulled up some pictures for me.

Ah. Deer and goat people. A few things clicked into my mind, along with a certain evil MILF…

“Uh, Gertrude isn’t still in charge there, is she?” I asked, sweat breaking out on my brow. 

That prompted a raised eyebrow from Texas, but Ch’en shook her head. “No. She…passed away last year.”

Right. She got assassinated or something for killing Ebenholz’s lover by possessing him with Deer Sauron. Or at least, I think that’s how it went. 

That got me to breathe a heavy sigh of relief. “Oh, good. You had me worried for a second there. No objections from me, then. Though I take it I’m to stay out of sight and shut up while we’re there?”

“That would be for the best,” Sussurro said, patting me on the arm. 

“You know about the terroranschlag?” Texas asked. 

“Uh…” I looked to Sussurro, who was now digging her sharp little nails into my arm. Through the hoodie. “No comment.”

“Mmm,” Texas said, and shrugged. 

“Uh, Bones? You mind if I call you Bones?” Exusiai said, and I cringed so hard I think my soul twitched. 

“Literally anything but Bones,” I groaned. “Everyone calls me that. I absolutely hate it.”

That was, apparently, the exact wrong thing to say. Because Exusiai’s grin turned Cheshire, and she purred, “Bones it is, then! Anyway, Bones, where exactly are you from, again?”

“Columbia,” Gavial said, and glared at me. “That’s his story, and he's sticking to it. And don’t you forget it.”

“Sorry, Exusiai. Later, when we’re at Rhodes Island. We can talk then,” I promised. 

“Hmm, OK. I can keep a secret if I have to,” Exusiai said with a shrug. 

Texas snorted so hard she nearly spilled coffee all over herself. 

“What?! I can, you know! It’s my job. I just like to chat with people and stuff! Just because everyone else can’t keep mum about things doesn’t mean I can’t!” 

Texas nodded. “She is trustworthy. One of the few people I actually trust, not just with my life, but my honor. No one better to have covering you in an op.”

“Oh,” Exusiai said, and she actually teared up. “Um, thanks, Texas.”

Texas shrugged, then reached for a fruit that looked like a banana and peeled it. “It’s true. Figured we should all be on the same page. There’s no one here who can’t pull their weight.”

“I trust Penguin Logistics. We’ve worked together in the past, and your records are exemplary,” Ch’en said with a nod. 

“For sure! Glad to have you people watching my back,” Gavial agreed. 

I just looked down at my shoes, feeling rather useless. To my surprise, Sussurro was doing the same. What did she have to feel shame about? She was a bona fide badass doctor. I was just an idiot intern over his head. 

We finished up breakfast, then headed towards the roof. As we went, I glared at Exusiai. “How the hell did you know to call me Bones?”

“Well, you don’t make no bones about you being some sort of weird alien, you know? And you’re a doctor, like a real one, and they get called Sawbones, so I figured, Bones!” 

“Just so long as you don’t expect me to tell you I’m a doctor, not a miracle worker,” I grumbled. 

Exusiai looked wistful. “I dunno, Bones. If you really can…you know. Do what they said you can…sounds like a miracle to me. And I should know, I’m a Sankta. We’re familiar with Miracles. Even the rotten kind.”

The VTOL that was waiting for us on the roof was larger than the Penguin Logistics one, and looked to be more of a luxury craft than the utilitarian vehicle we’d arrived on. It was larger, and painted brightly in red, with Wei’s personal crest on it. Wei was standing there along with Fumizuki, accompanied by Hoshigumi, leading a contingent of LGD. 

Wei stepped away from his bodyguards, and I looked up a little to meet his eyes. So far, him and Hoshi were the only people taller than me so far, though Hoshi only by a hair if you didn’t count her horn advantage. 

“Well, Doctor McCoy. It seems here is where we part ways,” Wei said. 

I nodded, and extended a hand to him. My gloved right hand, due to it now having raw originium crystals that still ached. Sussurro had given me some pain meds earlier, along with some anti-oripathy drugs. We’d talked a bit over breakfast about continuing the routine, as there were risks involved. My biology was obviously different than a Terran’s, but it was decided it was less risky to give me some basic inhibitors than not to do so. 

“Thank you, sir. For trusting me, and Rhodes Island. You could have been a tyrant. But you choose to be something better.”

Gravely, Wei took my hand. “I am a tyrant, Dr. McCoy. But I am also an Uncle, who loves his niece very much. For her sake, and her sake alone…I am willing to let you go. Know this: If I thought caging  you would have been the best route to curing my Ch’en…you would be locked away.”

“Well, then, score one for love, I suppose.”

“Indeed.” Wei turned next to Ch’en, who stood beside me, stone faced as she regarded her uncle. He put a hand on her shoulder, and nodded to her. “Go now, with my blessing. I will do what I can to support you in this, niece. Whatever storm may come…hold fast to your ideals and to your companions. They are all that will see you through this.”

“Yes, Uncle,” Ch’en said, bowing slightly. Wei patted her on the shoulder, then stepped aside. Fumizuki came up next, and to my mild surprise, wrapped Ch’en in a warm embrace, which was returned. I think I even saw the gleam of tears in Ch’en’s eyes. 

“I will miss you. Write often. Even if you are busy, find the time. Your uncle and I treasure each of your missives.”

“Yes, Aunt Fumi. I will,” Ch’en promised. 

To the side, Texas and Exusiai were approached by Emperor and the other Penguin Logistics members. Sora ran up to Texas, taking the lupo’s hands in hers. 

“I thought we’d have more time together this round…but I’ll be thinking of you, Texas, every time I perform on stage.”

“Alice…” Texas said, and Sora suddenly blinked in surprise. Texas seemed to decide something, and suddenly broke Sora’s grip, then swept Sora off her feet, bending over as she rather thoroughly kissed the pop star. 

That move seemed to shock everyone present, except for Croissant, who just nodded and muttered, “‘bout time.”

Though Exusiai did pump her fist and grin when she recovered, turning to Croissant with a raised palm, who gave her a loud high-five. 

After quite a while, Texas stood Sora back up and set her on her feet, causing Sora to fan herself and blush. “C-Cellinia! What, I mean, I thought we agreed-”

Texas took Sora in her arms again, putting one finger to Sora’s chin. “Alice. I might not come back from this one. This time…it’s serious. And since I might not see you again, I want you to know this: I love you, Alice Springs. With all my heart. So no matter what happens to either of us, or how far apart we are, my heart is always with you, amore mio.”

Then Texas kissed Sora again, who rather enthusiastically returned it. 

“I…I love you too, Cellinia Texas,” Sora whispered, caressing her lover’s cheek. “What…what’s going on? Boss said it was serious, but-”

“I’m not a good person, Sora. You know that. There’s too much blood on these hands. But this…this is something I can raise my blade for with pride and honor. Perhaps the world will not remember the name of Texas with fear and hatred after this. I don’t know. Maybe they’ll forget me and my family entirely, and that would be for the best. Either way. This is something I have to do. Not because Boss asked me, or because I’m getting paid. But because it’s right. Because I love you. And I know it’s what you would want me to do.”

“I…” Sora closed her eyes, and nodded. “OK. I’ll trust you, Cellinia. You’re a better woman than you think. You helped a stupid, clumsy girl, and reminded her that life doesn’t have to be so lonely. Thank you. Please, be safe. And come back to me.”

“I’ll try.” With one final kiss, Texas turned to me, and strode over. “These blades are yours. My life is yours. By the Honor of the Texas famiglia, I will see you safely to Rhodes Island, and beyond.”

“That’s…a lot,” I said, feeling both honored and rather concerned. “I’m really just a guy, Texas. A first-year resident in over his head.”

“Perhaps. But you are also something more. Do not forget that. Come on, Exusiai.”

“Right behind ya, Texas!” our angel of superior firepower said brightly. She saluted me. “Well, I don’t have any fancy speeches like Miss Drama Queen here, but my guns are locked and loaded! Let’s get this party started!” 

“Ch’en?” Hoshiguma said in an overly loud whisper. “What’s going on?”

“I’m not sure yet, Guma. Perhaps nothing but a dream. Perhaps the start of something great. Only time will tell.” Ch’en extended a hand to the oni. “Watch over Lungmen in my absence. The LGD will need-OOF!” 

Ignoring the hand, Hoshiguma wrapped Ch’en in a bone-crushing bear hug. “You stay safe, you hear, Captain? Gavial! You watch after her, got it? She needs someone to watch her back, she’s too clumsy to do it herself!” 

“Don’t worry, Lightweight. I’ll make sure these kids stay safe,” Gavial said with a wide grin. “Someone has to be the adult in this group!” 

“And here I thought that was Sussurro’s job,” I mused to no one in particular. Gavial actually cackled and slapped her knee at that, while Sussurro sniffed. 

“And don’t you forget it, James. Alright, people. Time waits for no woman. Andiamo!”

We all piled into the VTOL, along with Andrey, Svetla, and her two kids, Arseniy and Kirill. They were about eight and five, and looked a little better today, though both of them were clinging to Andrey tightly. Ch’en went upfront to act as co-pilot, though the actual pilot was one of Wei’s best. 

“It’s alright, we’re heading to Rhodes Island. Doctor Gavial says it is safe, even for infected, and that they have lots of other kids there for us to play with,” Andrey told the two liberi kids. 

“But, we are not Infected,” Arseniy said. “So why do we have to go? Why can’t we go back home?”

“It isn’t safe, my heart,” Svetla said, looking rather ragged with dark circles under her eyes despite the fresh set of clothing. “There is nothing left for us in Ursus. We will seek a new place to call home.”

“But what about Myshka and daddy?” Kirill asked. 

“Daddy is…not coming,” Svelta said. “And…and Myshka has gone to a farm to live. He will be happy there.”

I guessed Myshka was some sort of pet. Later, I’d learn he was their pet cat, though they stubbornly called it a “kitty.” At least they didn’t call it a purr-beast or something. 

As we rose up into the air, Texas pulled out a tablet and passed it to me. “As requested.”

“Huh?” I took the tablet, tapped it, and a video player with several dozen shows appeared on it. “Wait, you…you actually got me a list of anime?” 

Texas just blinked at me, apparently deciding that the question was too stupid to bother answering. After giving me enough time to feel silly, she pointed at several playlists. “This is Idol. Here, Isekai. Also, sports, and several medical dramas. I was not certain as to your tastes, so I downloaded a large library.”

“I…thanks, Texas. That…that means a lot to me,” I said, gazing down at the lists. I frowned at one. “Wait, Sora no Uta? Is that…?”

A small smile played on Texas’ lips. “A recent release. She voices herself.”

“Guess she’s not small time anymore,” I remarked.

“Yeah, Sora’s gotten real popular! She’s sold 500,000 albums in Lungmen, and she’s super popular in Victoria and even is making inroads in Leithanien!” Exusiai said excitedly. 

“I had heard she’d gotten her own show, but I haven’t had time to watch it,” Sussurro said, leaning over to look at the tablet. 

Unlike the other VTOL, which just had jump seats and a spartan metal interior, this craft looked more like the inside of a luxury private jet. The seats were plush and roomy, and there was a thick carpet on the floor. There was plenty of space to stow gear and weapons, but things were positively roomy overall. 

I took up one of the earbuds Texas had given me with the tablet, and proffered it to Sussurro. “We can watch it together. I’m sure there’s going to be cultural context I just don’t get, so it might help to have you explain. I know, er, some vague details of what all is happening, but a lot of my knowledge is, ah, somewhat centric to Rhodes Island and people attached to it.”

“Oh, the Old Hags are just going to LOVE you when we get back,” Gavial muttered. She had reclaimed her chair and had her eyes closed.

We popped the earbuds and settled in to watch Sora no Uta. Normally, it very much would not have been my cup of tea. I don’t actually watch that much anime, or, well, TV in general. Generally, if I do, I favor something more like Squid Game or Severance. 

That said, Arknights is my baby. I’ve watched not just the main anime, but all of Lee’s Detective Agency, and Kay’s Daily Doodles. So an idol anime about Sora? Sign me up! She maybe wasn’t my favorite operator, but I’d take it. The whole thing was…well, not what I expected, I guess, but at the same time, 100% what I should have expected. None of the other Penguin Logistics members appeared, except for Emperor, who would show up to yell at her occasionally as her “manager.” Most of the show centered around Sora and two other idols working to become popular and win the “Lungmen Lights Idol Bonanza.” 

And, ugh, it was also set in high school. 

“Why can’t they just be adults?” I sighed as yet another episode devolved into stupid high school hijinks, this time with Sora getting nervous about getting some boy to ask her on a date. I can’t even remember the dude’s name and I watched the episode just a few hours ago. “What is up with them always setting these shows in high school?”

“It’s one of the reasons I could never get into anime,” Sussurro said with a sigh. “Seriously, Sora’s worried about getting a date for a school festival? I can’t really relate. Not to mention, well, now I know for a fact she wouldn’t want a boy to ask her out.” 

“Yeah, at least set it in college. Then maybe it wouldn’t be so…what’s the word? Twee?” 

“Hmm, appropriate,” Sussurro agreed. She glanced over at Texas, who appeared to just be napping in her chair, though by how her ears were twitching she was clearly listening to us. “Sorry, Texas. This show just isn’t for us.”

“She hates it too,” Texas said without opening her eyes. “I found it cute.”

“Ooooo, somebody’s got it baaaaad for Sora!” Exusiai said in teasing tones. 

Texas opened one eye. “Yes.” Then she closed the eye.

“You know, Texas, you would be a lot more fun if you reacted to my teasing once in a while,” Exusiai grumbled. She had been disassembling and reassembling her guns with headphones on the entire time, the faint sound of what seemed like hip-hop at max volume blasting away. 

Texas just shrugged and kept pretending to nap. Gavial was playing cards with the kids again, having gotten bored of napping after only an hour. Arseniy and Kirill seemed to have cheered up and were laughing and smiling now, with Andrey in fine spirits as well. Svetla was looking out the window, her gaze unfocused. I was a bit worried about her, but I was a doctor, not a psychologist. I could fix the body and the physical parts of the brain. Not so much PTSD. 

“Anything on here look more riveting?” I asked Sussurro. 

“Hmm, how about Fangbeast? I’ve heard it’s quite good,” Sussurro said. 

“Sure,” I agreed, and we clicked on that next. 

We lasted about five minutes. Then we got to the massacre of the refugees of the Bloodpeak Campaign by Ursus forces. Sussurro started crying, and I felt like breakfast was going to pay us a second visit. 

“That…that one’s too real,” I said, and turned it off. 

“Let’s…let’s try Love is Hard When You Have Seven Tails. That sounds like a romcom,” Sussurro sniffled. “And the protagonist looks like an adult…”

“She is,” Texas said, still with her eyes closed. “It’s a romance between a kitsune priest and a mafiosa running from her life in a famiglia.” 

“Wait, hold on. They made a romcom about Lisa’s mom and dad!?” I demanded. 

Everyone looked up at me. Even Texas opened her eyes and frowned, and Gavial leaned over from the card game. 

I coughed. “I mean, uh, I know who Vulpisfoglia is.”

“Who?” Sussurro said, her eyes narrowing at me. “James…”

“Yeah, yeah, weird alien knowledge.” Shit, I guess that I Portatori dei Velluti hadn’t happened yet. That was the latest event to come to EN, and sort of the limit of my rather spotty knowledge. “Um, but I know who Suzuran is. Er, I know her mom as Vulpisfoglia. And…who she is.” 

“So you know Signora Spaventata,” Texas said, sitting up with her eyes now fully open. “Very few people know who her daughter is. I suggest you not spread it around. I figured it out some time ago. For the sake of Lisa, I kept that knowledge to myself. I suggest you do the same, Bones.”

“Wait, hold on, sweet little Lisa is HER daughter!? That’s who Ingrid is!?” Exusiai demanded. 

Texas gave a slight nod. “She’s left that life behind. I can respect that. We’ve talked. It is…painful for her.”

“You actually talked to someone? What, did you both say a single word and you considered that a conversation!?” Exusiai said. 

Texas turned to look out the window. “No. We talked of family. Of blood. Of honor. Of Siracusa. And of the hollowness of revenge. I wish her well.”

“That’s the sort of connection Lisa has, huh?” Gavial slowly shook her head. “I knew she’d fled Siracusa after getting infected. Didn’t realize her mom was a Made Man. Haven’t heard of any Signora Spaventata, though.”

“She’s why the Tancredi famiglia is a shadow of its former self. It’s a story all too familiar in Siracusa. And one reason I don’t miss my homeland very often,” Sussurro said with a shudder. 

“You know, I thought this job was gonna be kinda boring, but if you keep spilling juicy details like that, Bones, this is gonna be great!” Exusiai said with a laugh. 

“Let’s maybe just watch the stupid romcom,” I mumbled. 

It wasn’t stupid. It was freaking HILARIOUS. Easily the best thing I’ve watched in ages. I don’t normally watch romance shows but this was great. From the way that the higashi priest was a sensitive intellectual that kept trying to appear badass and failing, only to further endear himself to the former stone cold killer, to the kitsune goddess who was trying to set them up in increasingly oddball scenarios, the whole thing was a riot, and Sussurro and me laughed ourselves silly until Ch’en came in over the intercom. 

“We’ll be landing in Vyseheim in a few minutes. We’ve made contact with control there. However, this is a small wrinkle in our plans.”

We all looked up at the intercom, and Ch’en continued, “There’s been an unexpected Catastrophe in our flight path. The city itself isn’t in danger, having moved out of the way. But we’ll need to spend an extra day or two in Vyseheim until the Catastrophe blows itself out.”

“Uh, is that bad?” I asked, looking around at the others. 

“It’s not good, but it’s also not that unusual,” Gavial said, putting away the cards. “Stuff like this happens, especially on long-distance trips.”

“I’ve come across more than one Catastrophe that brewed up out of nowhere and had to high-tail it out of there,” Exusiai said with a nod. “It’s only happened to me four times in my career as a messenger, but it’s definitely an occupational hazard.”

“Even the best forecast can’t predict every Catastrophe. This one sounds fairly major, though,” Texas said with a frown. “I don’t like it.”

“Yeah, I hate to agree with Captain Grumpy Pants, but this smells like three-day-old fish,” Exusiai said with a nod. “Trapped in Vyseheim for an extra couple of days with our most important package yet…could we maybe find a way to fly around?”

“I’ll talk to Ch’en,” Gavial said, getting up and heading up front. She came back a minute later and strapped in, frowning. “The Catastrophe is legit. They’re picking it up on long-range radar, and there’s a lot of chatter about it on comms. But yeah, I don’t like this. We need to get to Rhodes Island ASAP.”

“Vyseheim is still unstable from the terroranschlag and Dame Gertrude’s abominations,” Sussurro said, shaking her head. “But Hibiscus is still there. We’ll make contact with her and feel things out.”

“That’s good,” I thought for a moment, then added, “We should probably bring some ration bars. Just in case.”

“That would be wise,” Texas said, her nose wrinkling, and Sussurro and Gavial nodded emphatically.

“I don’t know why you guys are so against her cooking. It’s not that bad. And Bones hasn’t even had any!” Exusiai said. 

“Lateranos,” Sussurro said, sounding disgusted. “All those sweets have rotted your taste buds. L'orecchio sinistro di mio nonno! She tried to serve a carrot and broccoli pizza! With no salt or oil in the sauce! It was just crushed tomatoes!”

Texas visibly shuddered, her tail bristling, and she growled, “Ambombinazione.” 

“You ate that!?” I said, giving Exusiai an incredulous look. 

“I mean, sure, it wasn’t what I would call tasty, but it left plenty of room for dessert. It was just kinda bland, and some hot sauce fixed it right up!”

“You…you put hot sauce…on pizza!?” I demanded. “Exusiai, that might be worse than putting ranch dressing on pizza!” 

The looks of sheer horror that Sussurro and Texas gave me could only be described as overly comical, especially since it was about as emotive as I had ever seen Texas. 

“You think that’s bad, you should have seen how Texas reacted when I put maple syrup on pizza one time!” Exusiai cackled. 

“You…you are friends with this…creature!?” Sussurro hissed, her tail bristling and her teeth bared in disgust. 

“I burned that filth she made. But I am reconsidering our relationship,” Texas said with a shudder. 

“Pfff, you both love my dessert pizza and you know it,” Exusiai said with a roll of her eyes. 

Both Siracusians immediately blushed and looked away.

“...I thought it was a tart,” Sussurro muttered. 

“I was drunk,” Texas mumbled. 

“Well, I thought it was pretty good. Ranch on pizza, huh Bones? Now that sounds interesting,” Gavial mused. 

The comic gagging sounds that Sussurro and Texas made were actually pretty funny. 

“Don’t worry, I don’t actually put ranch or hot sauce on my pizza,” I assured Sussurro as we taxied in for a landing. 

“Good, or I might have to euthanize you myself,” Sussurro told me deadpan. 

“I do like deep dish, though,” I mused. 

The look of disgust on her face was absolutely worth it. “Idiota Columbians.”

“Technically, American, but sure.”

I actually don’t like deep dish, but I won’t let that stop me. I’ll have to make Hawaiian pizza some time just to see the shock and horror. 

This landing was a lot less rocky, and when the hatch opened, our welcoming committee much smaller. In fact, it was just two people that I recognized: Hibiscus, though looking more like her alter than the original, and Czerny. I didn’t know much about either of them other than that they’d helped banish Deer Sauron’s Ghost or something, though I didn’t think they’d been involved when the Twin Empresses did that thing with Arturia where we fought Deer Sauron again. 

Honestly, I really wasn’t clear on what all had happened because I was laser focused on getting Virtuosa and Viviana, even if Viviana turned out to be a major letdown. Banger visual design though. 

“Dr. Sussurro! Dr. Gavial!” Hibiscus said, waving excitedly. “It’s so good to see you both!” 

“Dr. Hibiscus, it’s good to see you,” Sussurro said, and the three exchanged hugs. 

“And Miss Ch’en, along with Texas and Exusiai! So many old friends!” Hibiscus said. She motioned to Czerny, who bowed slightly. “This is Herr William Czerny. I believe you’ve met Dr. Gavial and Dr. Sussurro before, but I’m not sure if you know the others.”

“I have met Miss Ch’en, if only briefly,” Czerny said, nodding to her. “I am not acquainted with the others. And who is this?”

“This is Dr. Bones, our new medical intern,” Sussurro said, gesturing to me. “We’re transporting four patients who are refugees from Ursus to Rhodes Island. Mrs. Svetla, and her three children. Andrey, Arseniy, and Kiril.”

“Ah, hello there, little ones,” Czerny said, taking a knee to get on the same level as the kids. “Please, call me Uncle William. I will be escorting you all to where you shall be spending the night. Come, the van is this way.”

The pilot stayed behind with the airship, and the rest of us piled into a large van with Rhodes Island markings on it. Hibiscus chattered away with Sussurro. Apparently, Sussurro had been a couple of years senior to her, and had been both a friend and mentor. 

“And what about you, Dr. Bones. Where did you go to school?” Hibiscus said, smiling at me. 

“Trimount Medical School,” Gavial said before I could open my mouth. “He’s not much of a talker.”

That damn nickname was going to stick, wasn’t it?

“Hmm. Quite the mission to have two members of Penguin Logistics, Miss Ch’en, and you, Dr. Gavial. I suppose it’s classified?” Hibiscus said, cocking her head to one side. 

“Yes,” Sussurro said.

Hibiscus nodded, and changed the subject. “You’ll all be happy to know that dinner tonight…is being cooked by someone else.”

“Xing hao,” Ch’en muttered, then flushed. 

“Haha! I’m still working on my recipes. Aren’t I, Herr Czerny?”

“You have…improved. Somewhat,” Czerny said, glancing in the rearview mirror. “We have ordered takeout, however. Some roast fowlbeast, with fried potatoes and bread. Though Dr. Hibiscus failed to mention that she has cooked a dish to go with our dinner.”

“Glazed carrots,” she said. “You don’t have to eat them, but even Lava ate them last time she came through and said they weren’t the worst thing she’d ever tasted. I also made a fruit salad. Dessert comes from a local bakery, though! I got some Zimtsterne. I know they’re not healthy, but…well, you did mention in your message you had children along, and they don’t like to just eat fruits and vegetables.”

“I’ll eat whatever you’ve made, Hibiscus! You know I’m not picky like some people,” Exusiai said, a wide grin on her face. 

Texas flicked her ears, and Sussurro mumbled something under her breath. 

We didn’t end up at the Rhodes Island clinic, but instead at a somewhat ramshackle house in the city’s infected Quarter. 

“You will have to forgive the exterior. I have only just returned after a long sojourn at Rhodes Island, under the most excellent care of Dr. Sussurro. Still, the inside has been well maintained, and I assure you, it is quite comfortable, if a bit cramped for such a large party,” Czerny commented as he parked the van. 

We all headed inside, and while the small house did struggle to fit everyone, the food was actually pretty good. Against my better judgment, I tried the glazed carrots and fruit salad, and was rather shocked by what I tasted. 

“Hey, these are actually pretty good!” I said, spearing another carrot and munching on it. “What is that flavor, honey?”

“It is! I used only olive oil instead of butter since that’s a bit healthier, but the important thing is that it still provides lots of Vitamin A and other important nutrients for growing bodies,” Hibiscus said. “What do you think, Andrey?” 

“Good!” he said, taking another bite of carrot. 

The fruit salad had no dressing, just some lemon juice, but it was still perfectly serviceable. The “roast fowl beast” looked and tasted a lot like chicken, and seemed to have come from a local eatery, so no complaints there. 

“You know, from how Lucia and the others were acting, I half thought you’d try to poison us,” I told Hibiscus. 

She laughed at that. “Unfortunately, my cooking has historically been pretty bad. I still prefer healthy recipes, but I’ve come to accept that if the food isn’t tasty, the patient won’t eat it. That, and a little fat and sugar in moderation won’t kill anyone.”

“Good grub is one of the keys to getting a patient back on the mend! I’ve told you that how many times, Hibiscus?” Gavial asked, pointing her fork at her former student. 

“Only about a million, I’m sure. But I’m finally listening. Thanks for your patience, Dr. Gavial.”

“Ah, you’re graduated, kid. Just Gavial when we ain’t on the clock,” Gavial said with a smile. 

Well, it seems like one of the longest running gags in the fandom is dead. I, for one, am grateful. 

After that, Czerny played the piano for us, and I have to say, I have never in my life heard a more magnificent performance. He moved us to tears with one piece, then sent our hearts leaping with joy and laughter in the next. I detected more than a hint of arts in the song, but it definitely would have been incredible even without literal sorcery woven into it. 

“I think it’s time for bed for little sleepy heads,” Hibiscus said, gently touching Czerny’s arm. The kids were in fact drooping and yawning. They were tucked away into Czerny’s bed with Svetla, while he continued to play a lullaby. 

Once the door was closed, Czerny said softly, “It is cramped, but safe. I have several friends keeping an eye on things. They do not know why, as a matter of fact, I am rather ignorant of the situation myself. But they will keep watch.”

“Good to know. But we’ll be going on patrol all the same,” Texas said, standing. “Exusiai?”

“On your six, Texas. Ch’en, Gavial, you got us on comms. Holler if something comes up,” Exusiai said, her voice soft. They both departed out of a window, taking to the rooftops. 

“You don’t need to tell us what’s going on, or why,” Hibiscus said quietly. “But I got a message from the Director. I’ve never seen a Delta Black level priority before. Honestly, I didn’t know they existed. But we’re on alert. I think Vyseheim is relatively safe, at least now.”

Czerny grunted as he continued to play, soft and sweet. “I am only an adjunct Operator with Rhodes Island. I do not need nor want to know. But I owe Rhodes Island my life, and that of dear Franz. Whatever we can do.”

“Your vigilance is noted and appreciated,” Ch’en said, standing. “Gavial, I shall take first watch. You and the others get some rest.”

There was a couch and a couple of armchairs, one of which Gavial took. “You want the couch?” I asked Sussurro. 

She eyed it, then shrugged. “Probably big enough for both of us. I’m fun sized, remember? As long as you’re OK with that.”

I blushed slightly, but nodded. It was a rather big couch, and we were both fully clothed, even if Sussurro’s back pressed up against mine was, ah, rather noticeable. With Czerny’s music lulling us to sleep, I finished up the journal for the day. 

If more days were like this…Maybe I could have a life on Terra, after all.