Chapter 17

 SEVENTEEN

“Really like what you all did with the place, gives off that regal vibe” Trigger said sarcastically, walking around the perimeter of the royal study. Cossette looked up at trigger from her desk and rolled her eyes, “Well that was kinda the idea, wouldn’t you think?” She said unamused.

Trigger cleared his throat, then spoke in a poorly feigned rural accent “I don’t know what chu city folk like, but where I’m from-”

“Carbanero right?” Cossette interjected, in an attempt to derail the stale joke

“Well uhh… Yeah, the small farming town of Carbanero!” Trigger said, sticking to the bit.

Cossette folded her hands on her desk and let out an annoyed sigh “Yes, the small town of Carbanero with a population rivalling Oured at, oh, last I checked, six-hundred some odd thousand residents?”

Trigger held up his hands, conceding the joke. “Actually, it was Lumen was where I was born. Not that it really matters.” Trigger corrected.

“So, is there a reason you came to bug me Trigger? As you can see im still very busy” Cossette asked, turning her attention back to the documents before her.

Trigger gave a slight sigh and stretched his arms out “Well, I was going to see if you wanted anything to eat. I don’t think I saw you have anything since the plane flight this morning. And I doubt you had anything with all the pomp and ceremony of this afternoon.”

Cossette cracked a smile “Its OK Trigger, I had Gretchen drop me off something small earlier. Thank you for worrying about me.”

Trigger walked up behind Cossette’s chair and leaned down to embrace her in a hug, He started to tease her with pecks on the neck and exposed shoulder. “Come on Trigger! I have work to do, shoo!” She pleaded giggling.

“Hey, I thought you would show me around your hometown when we got here, but its just been one ceremony after another since we were wheels down!” Trigger whispered playfully.

The moment Cossette arrived back to the Royal Palace; she had been attending multiple formal ceremonies. The primary of which had the raising of the Royal Standard of Erusea over the palace grounds, finally symbolizing to the defeated populous that the monarchy had once again returned.

The ceremony itself was subdued, Only a small regiment of Erusean regular military was present in their formal attire, along with a handful of armored and mechanized vehicles for a parade, however there was a rather sizable gathering of Farbanti’s populous to witness the occasion from the exterior walls of the grounds along with multiple members of the press.

“Well Trigger –“ she said, brushing him away “- when you’re in my position, tradition requires that kind of Pomp and Ceremony.” She explained dismissively.

“Doesn’t the attention get annoying?” he asked.

Cossette paused and thought for a moment. Trigger’s heart still skipped a beat any time he saw her with that focused expression. She appeared to be so lost in thought that she hadn’t taken notice of the stray strand of hair that had once again fallen onto her face.

“Well, to be honest, when I was younger, I hated it. But as I grew older, I guess I started to understand the role a bit better and just learned to get over it. The stuff we did today? That was constant for me before and during most of the war. Being a Royal is a twenty-four seven commitment.” She shrugged “Its partially a reason I was so happy to be in Selatapura, not as many eyes watching every move”

“So, your saying we need to be more careful here? Should we even be in the same room right now?” Trigger asked.

“Nothing that extreme. The Palace is swept for bugs and we’re far enough away and in a private enough area that no nosey paparazzi will be able to see anything. And in the off chance they do, well, needless to say the Intelligence Service has its own employees in ENN.” She explained with a wicked grin.

“What, they give them concrete boots or something?”

“Nothing so dramatic. The EIS is very good about making those problem children fall in line, either with carefully documented blackmail or enough information to discredit them into oblivion. No one in that business is clean enough to escape them.”

“Remind me to never piss you off.” Trigger said jokingly.

“Oh calm yourself. Even I can’t use those powers against any of my exes. So functionally your fine.” She said

“I don’t know, I can’t say I’m terribly comfortable with an ex-girlfriend who also happens to have a host of Intercontinental ballistic missiles” Trigger said sarcastically.

“Call it a deterrent. Not that any attempts of using those weapons ever worked.”

“Your welcome.” Trigger quickly chimed in.

“Yes, I had heard that our IRBM facilities in Sierraplata was hit. So, I take that was your doing?” Cossette asked pointedly

Trigger gave a boyish grin in response

“Do you have any idea how expensive those missiles were?” She jokingly chastised him, standing up from her desk and wagging her finger.

She sighed “Well it is what it is. I was never present in those meetings, but Father never liked the idea of those weapons being in the arsenal when we were still trying to be amicable towards the rest of Usea.”

“See? Then I did you a favor! You may shower me with praise!” Trigger defended himself, causing Cossette to roll her eyes a second time.

“We’ll have to see about that. If nothing else, it did deprive the Radicals from using them. But who knows if that even crossed their minds.” Cossette said tired.

The Radical’s had been occupying Cossette’s thoughts more and more Trigger had noticed. It pained him each time to see how distressed she would get each time another report would come in. He could see it was starting to wear on the young woman.

“Hey, Cossette, when is your quitting time anyways? I mean back home, you had a chance to at least leave work at work, is that the same case here?” Trigger asked concerned.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, look at the time, you’ve been almost non-stop all day, is this going to be normal from here on out for you? Or are you going to take a break at some point?” Trigger asked, pointing to his watch for emphasis. The sun had long set, and it was nearing midnight.

She looked at Trigger with weary eyes “Don’t worry Trigger, it should be back to normal routine within the next day or two. We should be able to sneak off after it settles down a bit. It’s just that everything is a bit underwater is all.”

“Just remember to come up for air once in a while.” Trigger reminded her. “Is there anything I can do?”

“I wish, but no, this is all for Erusea to handle internally. It’s been a cluster fuck sorting all this out, but I think I got it mostly figured out.” She reported returning to her work.

***

Adams and Zhao sat on a hill overlooking Axel Bay, the major port leading into Chopinburg. Both men looked through binoculars at the ships coming into the harbor.

“I got eyes on the Cartel’s ship” Adams reported.

Zhao paused for a moment and keyed the radio on his lapel “Magus, Assassin, eyes on the MS Antoine Henri, looks to be Verusean flagged.”

Lieutenant Fick’s voice squawked through the radio “Magus copies all. That matches the report Assassin” Fick confirmed.

“So, any idea what the old man is wanting with the ships anyways?” Adams asked Zhao, still keeping his eyes on the lumbering vessel.

“The numbers are just too off for his comfort.” Zhao responded stoically

“Whats that supposed to mean?”

“They used to ship nearly a million kilos of drugs into Usea. Now? It’s hardly half a million.”

“Maybe it’s not profitable, you know with the war and all that?” Adams replied

“that’s the thing, their drug shipments went down, but arms shipments shot way through the roof. They probably moved more weapons this year into Usea than Albastru.”

“Maybe they’re finally going to push the rival families out of the country with force?”

“Hard telling. This many weapons in play does not bode well for a stable region however, that’s why we’re here.”

“Yeah, I really am digging the Belkan hiker tourist look.” Adams said sarcastically

“Magus, Rider” A voice squawked on the radio. It was Morgan

“Magus, go ahead.” Fick replied

“I sent the Sniffer drone out to the Henri, please confirm what the Manifest said they were carrying?” Morgan asked.

There was a pause

“Rider, Magus, OIA docs show it should just be rifles and ammunition. What are you seeing?”

“Check again, the sniffer is going off the charts, we’re dealing with some serious firepower here.”

“Could the ships machinery be giving false readings?” Zhao chimed in.

“Negative Assassin, looks to be high grade warheads.”

“Rider, confirm its non-radiological” Fick ordered.

There was a pregnant pause.

“Rider confirms. Signature is matching those of a burst-missile type warhead. Likely Estovakian in nature with the off-gassing makeup.” Morgan reported.

There was a sigh of relief at the report amongst the operators.

 

“Understood Rider, wait for the ship to pull into port and see if you can tag the shipment.” Fick ordered.

 

“What the hell does the Sapinish Cartel want with a burst missile anyways?” Adams asked rhetorically.

“Probably a bargaining chip. You’d literally have the ability to erase your competition with one. How they got their hands on one is anyones guess.” Zhao explained.

“Wouldn’t that raise the attention of more than just us if they did that?”

Zhao scoffed.

“By who? The IUN? Those are a bunch of corrupt jackasses, If the Cartel wants to use those warheads, odds are that they would have enough politicians on their payroll to get away with it. Groups like that don’t get ballsy for no reason.” Zhao explained.

“Damn.” Adams said quietly.

A few hours later, the two men were watching the Antoine Henri being unloaded of its cargo. The radio once again squawked to life.

“Servants, Rider, looks like I have the container located. Having the sniffer put the tracker on it now.” He reported.

A moment later Fick’s voice returned to the radio.

“Attention all Servants, Grail is filled. RTB”

Zhao stood up and dusted off his pants

“That’s or cue”

“Thank god, I was just looking forward to sweating my nuts off back in that god-forsaken jungle hut.” Adams groaned.

“Oh, you Sea Goblin boys are such big babies.” Zhao chastised.

***
The Osean Ground Self Defense Force 101^st Airborne was a historical unit, having the most combat drops of any airborne company in Osea, to include into Belka and Yuktobania. Colonel Scott Padbury had personally accounted for four jumps in his 25-year career. His jump wings were that of legend in the Airborne community.

Trigger was impressed with the 101^st choice of Headquarters in the city of Farbanti. Before the war, it had been the Erusean National Bank, now instead of the lobby being taken up with chairs and loan advisors, it was filled with desks cluttered in military hardware.

Making his way up the steps towards the entrance, Trigger was taken aback by the massive size of the pillars that made up the front face of the concrete and marble building. Despite being one of the smaller buildings in the Cities downtown financial district, it still was massive to Trigger.

“Halt! Who goes there!” Barked a Soldier running up to him.

Trigger quickly fished out his military ID. “Sorry about that, I was hoping to check in with the Battalion Commander.” Trigger replied. He was in his standard Airman Battle Uniform, and had the rank on his collar, however he understood the precautions the garrison forces were taking.

The soldier quickly relayed the information over the radio. A moment later he returned Trigger’s ID. “Apologies Major, I hope you understand.”

“Not a problem, can I go in?” Trigger replied

“Yes sir, Colonel Padbury is just inside.” The soldier replied quickly, before making an about face and returning to his post.

 

Inside the building, Trigger was surprised how subdued the room was. Officers and enlisted milled around, quietly working on their assigned tasks. On one wall was a detailed map of the city. Trigger was pointed into the offices to find the units commander. In what was the bank managers office sat Colonel Padbury and a short Erusean military officer. Seeing Trigger approach the room, Padbury cleared his throat and motioned for him to enter the room.

Padbury in person surprised Trigger, most of the senior officer’s he’d known had looked far older than their chronological ages. Padbury on the other hand looked far closer to his mid-thirties than his late fifties.

“Great, you Chair Force boys are multiplying” Padbury said deadpan, garnering a laugh from the Erusean.

“Sorry to show up unannounced sir. Colonel Woods-“ Trigger started to explain

“Yeah, I know, Steve told me about it earlier. Say Major, have you had a chance to meet Colonel Andres yet?” Padbury said, introducing the two men.

Trigger noticed Andres face soured when he saw Trigger.

“Yes Sir, the Colonel and I were briefly introduced yesterday.” Trigger replied.

“Indeed, I am told ‘Three Strikes’ is one of your countries most accomplished pilots.” Andres replied tactfully. His Speech was heavily accented when speaking common. From the eastern border maybe? Trigger thought. Cossette had taken some time to explain the differences in accent, but it largely went over his head.

“Well in that case, I don’t need to do introductions. Major take a seat if you will, this involves you too.” Padbury ordered, motioning to an empty chair besides Colonel Andres.

“Indeed. As Painful as it is for me to report, my countries military is still too tied up with dealing with the Radicals to take up full security in Farbanti.” Andres said disdainfully.

“What’s that mean?” Trigger asked

“Right now, we have only enough troops to run Palace security and to augment the Osean Forces present. We would not be able to keep Farbanti secure on our own, which means unfortunately for both of our countries, Osea will have to remain for the foreseeable future until the State’s Security is assured.” Andres explained.

“Im Sorry to hear that. Do I just need to report this to Her Royal Highness?” Trigger asked

“Not exactly Major. As far as she goes, her security staff will remain fully Erusean and this is just another aspect to bring up at the upcoming peace conferences.” Padbury interjected

“So, what does this have to do with me then?” Trigger asked.

“I see this is your first combat deployment, is that correct Major?” Padbury asked rhetorically. Trigger was sure he had already been made aware of his unusual service record.

“That’s correct sir.” Trigger replied.

“Well, you see, around these parts we kind of have a different creed. Every Serviceman a Rifleman. Marines hate we stole their thing but it’s just a fact of life, every clerk and POG out that door is carrying a weapon, and as long as you’re in Farbanti Major, that includes you as well.” Padbury elaborated.

“Furthermore, we passed this through the Princess, and she was all for the idea.” Andres included

“She does know I’m just a pilot, right?” Trigger asked incredulously. I really wish she had mentioned that this morning! Trigger thought to himself.

“But you have your basic rifle and pistol qualifications” Andres said.

“Yeah, Rifle back when I was going through Field Training, and Pistol nearly a year ago!” Trigger defended himself. And even then, I got the bare minimum score to pass!

“It doesn’t matter Major; Go see the Battalion’s armorer before you leave today.” Padbury Said, ending the discussion.

“Understood sir.” Trigger said dejected. “I guess they don’t have any handheld 20-millimeter handguns, right? I’m just saying since I’m better with a Vulcan than a pistol.”

“Do you hate your wrist bones Major?” Padbury replied unamused at the request.
***

“Standard Farbanti Police Department issue Browning Hi-Power. As the size would suggest she’s a 9-millimeter handgun, magazine has thirteen rounds plus one in the chamber. It’s a single action so, hammer back before you can fire.” The Armorer said proudly. 

 

Trigger studied the handgun before him intently. He was hardly a stranger to firearms, having constantly carried one on all the LRSSG and Mage Squadron combat sorties. Unlike the Berretta M9 service pistols the Air Defense Force used, which often rattled incessantly and were prone to failure, this handgun looked like most of its life was in a holster rather than fired.

 

“I thought the army was using the new SIG P250s.” Trigger asked

“Oh yeah, we have those, but you’re not getting one. This baby right here came right out of the Police departments weapons locker. We don’t have to keep track of those guns we captured as much as we do our own. And besides, these guns have never been fired and only dropped once so what’s there to worry about?” The soldier replied.

Trigger racked the slide multiple times and felt the trigger pull, the hammer falling with a satisfying click.

“Level with me Corporal, what the hell do you expect me to do with this in a firefight should one break out?”  Trigger inquired.

The soldier thought for a moment.

“Well Major, I personally couldn’t tell ya. Logically you could use it to get yourself a better gun from those shooting at you. Failing that you may also use it for asset denial.

Trigger chuckled at the crude remark. “Well let’s hope it doesn’t come to that then.” Trigger said.

The Corporal disappeared into the Armory and returned a moment later with two magazines and a molded plastic holster.

“Here’s two spare magazines, and the level three holster the Police was using. Sorry we didn’t have a chest rig for you to use since you’re a pilot and all” the Corporal explained sarcastically. He took a moment to demonstrate to Trigger how to draw the handgun from the restraints on the holster.

Trigger took a moment and attached the bulky holster to his belt. “Damn, good thing im wearing a service coat for this job because this thing would be awful to try to conceal.” Trigger joked.

The Corporal shrugged “I mean, it is a full-sized handgun, I don’t think Saint Browning was worried about that in the design. Besides I’m sure if you really wanted to, you could carry a full PDW underneath without anyone noticing.”

“Do you have one we could try out?” Trigger asked, going all in on the comment. 

“no way I’m signing for that, you get to deal with the police trade in only.” The Corporal said, folding his arms.

“It was worth a shot.” Trigger joked.

***

It was late in the evening when Trigger returned to the palace. He had documentation to get through the guards, even being armed the whole process took twenty minutes.

The guest room Cossette had arranged for him was larger than the apartment he had had in Selatapura. Everything in the room was ornately decorated, paintings hung on the wall of previous members of the royal family in Erusea’s past. The walls were an immaculate white color, with gold colored trimmings laced around. The ceiling was a complex pattern of engraving that made Trigger’s head hurt to look at.

Draping his ABU blouse across the back of a chair, Trigger let out a sigh of relief and fell onto his bed.

Damn, how the hell did I get here of all places? He thought. Moments later, he had drifted off to sleep.