Chapter 51

 FIFTY-ONE

The JAG Officer crushed out his cigarette into the ash tray, a small pile had formed over the few hours. He pulled out his red and white packet and cursed to himself before returning the pack to his coat pocket. 

“And that’s how we got to today.” Trigger concluded. 

The JAG Officer nodded and scrawled something in a small notebook he had with him. Despite not being able to see what he was writing, Trigger could guess that a significant amount of the books pages were taken up by his story. An uncomfortable silence filled the room as Trigger fidgeted in his chair. 

“So Your name, Is it like the comic book character?” Trigger asked. The lawyer raised his eyebrow, “I saw your nameplate, Colonel Roshack is it? that’s pronounced like the comic book character’s right?” He explained. The Lawyer grinned slightly “I prefer to compare it to the basketball player, but I guess that works just as well Trigger.” 

“You seem a bit short for basketball if you don’t mind my saying.” 

“I do mind.” 

“is it because your short?” 

“Trigger, Not the time.” The Lawyer replied annoyed. “You don’t have any goodwill to rely on with this case. Your attitude can only hurt you.” 

“Sorry” Trigger mumbled to himself as Roshack finished his notes. He closed the book forcefully and sighed. 

“So now what?” Trigger asked. 

“Question of the hour, isn’t it? ‘What do we do?’” Roshack said absently. “Frankly, I find your story to be absurd at best, and self-incriminating at worst. By your own admission they have enough to charge you for dereliction of duty, conspiring with the enemy, otherwise known as treason, Evading authorities, plus half a dozen lesser charges. Frankly if they wanted to, they could probably hit you with lying to the court on top of that if you tried to tell them this with the evidence, we knew about three days ago.”

“But I’m not lying.” Trigger defended himself. 

Roshack held up his hand, “Yeah, that’s the kicker that has really stirred up this hornets’ nest. The most unbelievable detail of your entire story is currently sitting in the floor above us and, in front of dozens of witnesses, confirmed at least some of what you said. Now you could be a spy, but I don’t think Erusea would do that much in the way of keeping you out of jail if you were just an intelligence asset.” 

“So does that help or hurt me?” 

Roshack thought for a moment. “I can’t say, not for certain. Its reasonable to expect the Plea deal Agent Palmer brought to you is null and void. With the Princess’ testimony we at least have a shot. If it helps? That’s an entirely different story. Unlucky for the prosecution, they might actually have to try instead of having an open and shut homerun of a case. Your status now as the fiancé of a diplomat also complicates these matters.”

“How so?” 

Roshack opened a briefcase and pulled out a file, he started flipping through the papers until he found the one he needed. “Under normal circumstances, you can be remanded into disciplinary barracks for up to one hundred and twenty days before trial. Since your fiancé doesn’t seem like she has any intention of leaving your side through all this, odds are the powers at be will not want a foreign dignitary wandering around Oured for four months, so everything has been sped up significantly. Sounds like we will have opening plea in the next week. The Judge already has been decided so we have that going for us for better or for worse.”  

“Who is it?” 

“We have Major General Marjorie Payne of the Air Defense Force. I’ve tried cases in front of her and she isn’t one to accept any amount of crap. It stands to reason she will pick other hardliners if not worse for your panel.” 

“How so?” 

“This no longer is a general court martial for some quisling. Its political now, way more than you can comprehend.” 

“So, I’m screwed you’re saying?” 

Roshack shrugged. “While some of these details have been covered in other cases, this is relatively new ground we’re walking here. The closest precedent to your case is still only fleeting in its comparisons.

“Well, what happened to that guy then?” 

“Last intel report is that he’s a head instructor at the Yuktobanian Air Force’s aggressor school teaching the best and brightest of the Union our tactics.” 

“Oh.” Trigger said slowly.

“Your own personal history won’t buy you any favors but I’m reasonably certain we can get past that. Overall, you’re probably going to have at least a paragraph written about you in some textbook in the near future because of this.”

“Yay me.” Trigger said sarcastically. 

“Best thing you can do is relax. I think it’s safe to say we’re done for today; I’ll be by to talk to you again tomorrow so just try to rest up and not do anything to make yourself look any worse. You might not be in actual jail, but until we reach the end of the trial, you’re not authorized to leave the premises either, so you can consider this your gilded cage for the time being.” Roshack directed as he stood up. 

“Good to know.” Trigger said standing up, Roshack got to the door and paused “Trigger, do something about the beard. You look like a bum” he said, motioning to his own face before leaving.

“I thought it looked pretty good myself.” Trigger said to himself.

Trigger waited for a moment until the Lawyer departed before he made his way out of the room and towards the elevator. Unsurprised to see multiple armed Erusean Marines stalking the hallway and positioned at the elevator. 

Trigger rubbed his leg absently as he made his way towards the elevator, severely missing his cane. The Erusean Marine stared at him as he slowly approached. 

“So, you the doorman or?” Trigger joked to which the much larger marine stared at him blankly. Unsure if the man didn’t find the comment amusing, or just didn’t understand the question, Trigger elected to keep his mouth shut and reached for the call button; Before he could press however a gloved hand firmly grabbed his wrist. 

“Up or down?” the Marine said gruffly in a heavily accented voice. 

“Uhh, Up please.” Trigger said, trying in vain to pry the mans fingers from around his wrist. 

“Cannot let you do that.” The Marine replied simply, his grip still iron around Trigger.   

“Why not? That’s my room?” 

The Marine paused for a moment. “Impossible. You lie.” 

Trigger rolled his eyes, “Everyone’s saying that. Look, I know its weird but, that’s just the fact, now let go of me!”

“No, we have problem.” The Marine replied pulling Trigger away from the door, Trigger threw a weak punch into the Marines shoulder to no avail as he fell over. Hearing the commotion other Eruseans rushed to the scene. 

“What the hell is going on?!” Shouted the senior most looking marine that arrived to the melee. 

“He tried to go into the restricted area.” The Marine replied “Because I’m supposed to be there!” Trigger shouted from the floor. 

The senior marine shouted something in Erusean and the guard let go of Trigger. The marines rushed to his side picking him up off the floor as the senior marine berated the guard. 

The senior Marine relinquished his tirade against his inferior and turned to Trigger. “I apologize, he ‘didn’t get the memo’ as you say. Are you OK?” 

Trigger nodded “Yeah, its fine. Frankly its not the worst I’ve faced this year.” He said massaging his wrist. The Erusean gave a pained expression “I’m sure. If you’ll come with me sir, I’ll escort you to your room.” the Marine offered. Trigger held up his hand “It’s fine, just radio to the group ahead, will you?” 

“Of course. Hopefully this doesn’t change your view on us.” He said tersely 

Trigger sighed “Like I said, not the worst.” Before limping back to the elevator, he slammed his palm into the call button and waited for the doors to slide open. The ride was short enough that Trigger didn’t hear enough of the muzak to recognize the song, one more chime from the door and he was on the executive suite. The Marines guarding the door nodded to Trigger and said nothing as he passed. 

Shutting the door behind him he sighed, Cossette walked out to greet him in a pair of long pajama pants and a November City University T-Shirt. “That looks familiar.” Trigger said grinning as he took his coat off “It should, it was yours after all.” She replied handing him a coat hanger. As Trigger removed his shirt, Cossette gently grabbed his forearm and placed her hand on his fresh bruise. 

“What happened here?” she said concerned. 

“Run in with Andre the Giant downstairs. Not a big deal.”  

“Merde, Tomorrow you’re pointing him out to me and –“

Trigger placed his hand over hers reassuringly “Look, it was just a misunderstanding, I’m over it now. Relax.” 

She shook her head “I know, its just.” Her voice trailed off. Taking a second to compose herself, she spoke “Your meeting took a long time, I hope you don’t mind I ate without you.” She said changing the subject. 

“After everything today, I don’t think I can eat.” Trigger replied half-jokingly, in truth, his last proper meal had been over a day prior in Selatapura, and aside from some snack foods on the C-17 ride over that he shared with Cossette, his hunger seemed lost in everything else that had occurred. “Well, we can definitely afford the room service if you change your mind.” She replied. 

“Bed first, Room service later.” Trigger replied as he continued to get changed. In the bedroom he found that Cossette had set aside a pair of pajamas for him. Cossette leaned in the doorway as Trigger gently placed his uniform back on hangers in the closet, making a mental note to himself to iron them before he left the next day. “Who was the meeting with, If I can ask?” 

“Lawyer, just wanted to know the details of the case from my side.” 

“How much did you tell him?”

“Everything.” 

“Everything? Including about us?”

Trigger thought for a moment. “Pretty much, you know I couldn't brag about this for a year, so I had to make up for it. My fiancé the princess.” 

“So, you’ll tell a lawyer your entire life story, but not that aforementioned fiancé?” She asked, Trigger couldn’t tell if she was joking or truly was insulted. He walked to her and grasped her by the hips “Well, just the interesting parts. Frankly the rest is pretty boring if you ask me. Maybe we should make some more interesting parts?” He whispered. 

She shot him a coy look “How about you tell me where you’ve been, and I’ll think about it.” She said brushing past him and sitting on the bed. She patted the spot next to her and motioned for him to sit. 

“Where should I begin?” He asked. 

“What happened after McKnight?” She inquired. 

He nodded. In truth some of the details he could only guess at, but he understood most of what had occurred. 

“Those first Oseans that greeted us seemed to think I was involved in those attacks, I wasn’t, but that didn’t stop them. They figured that since they couldn’t reasonably lay a finger on you, they’d get their pound of flesh from me, and they did. According to Hernandez I died a few times on the table when the surgeons were working on me.” Trigger explained. 

“Wait, is that how you got these? And whose Hernandez?” she said motioning to his fresh injuries. 

Trigger shook his head “I’ll get to that part. Some people from my past I guess caught wind of what had happened and pulled me out of there. Hernandez was one of them but there was eight in total. Since I was wanted by apparently everyone in connection with those attacks, these operators kept me at their safe house. The payment for my protection was to help them out on their primary mission anti-terror mission in Usea. I was mostly flying ground attack while they raided various compounds tracking down the Cartel who sold the Radicals those weapons they used on us. In all honesty most of it was pretty mundane if that makes any sense.” 

“It really doesn’t but go on.” 

He chuckled “Eventually the operators got a lead on where these scumbags leadership was meeting, and we decided to drop in and ‘cut the head off the snake’ as it were. Mission kinda went sideways but we accomplished most of what we had set out to do. Fortunately or unfortunately, we had made quite a stir in Anchorhead Bay and made the Cartel’s operations in Usea difficult.”

“So that was you!” She said excited “They had said I was crazy but!” 

Trigger placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down “Slow down! Yeah, I was the dumbass in the tunnel. In hindsight I guess I was a bit on the nose with the three strikes on the tail, wasn’t I?” He asked rhetorically. 

“Where was I? Oh yeah, after Anchorhead was when I found out about you and Alex. That kinda set me off.” Trigger said shamefully. “Turns out one of the operators I had told about us was purposely censoring the information I was receiving and that kinda set me off. I did something stupid and almost blew the operation and got someone hurt.” 

“What do you mean?” Cossette asked concerned. 

“I got angry, and well, as you know, when I get angry, I get stupid. The Cartel wasn’t happy we had killed most of their Lieutenants like that prick Troy’s brother. They were out for revenge and my stupidity led them to us. I was ambushed and in trying to get me out of danger, someone we were working with got hurt herself. Apparently, she pulled through but.” He paused; his shame turning to disgust with himself. “I shouldn’t have done that. It was from there, the operation’s plug got pulled right as we located the last of their major holds on the continent.” He snapped his finger’s for emphasis “Boom, like that some bureaucrat decides we were no longer needed, and thus my deal of protection was null and void.” 

“What did you do then?” Cossette asked. 

Trigger laughed to himself. “Then? Then we did something really stupid. You see, the Cartel had taken over some old ISAF base from the old war and was pumping out these discount stealth fighter jets. I had dealt with them a few times and they were a pain in the ass in the best of times. Turns out that the IUN and Erusea had been encroaching on their supply routes in and out of the continent and was using these jets to shoot our guys down. The rest of the Operators and I decided to put an end to that.” He grinned and tapped his leg. “It didn’t go according to plan.” He said simply. 

“What was the plan?” 

He thought for a moment. “Pretty much all our plans boiled down to the same basic premise. Go in, kill everything, leave. Sometimes it deviated but most of the time it was that.” 

“How inspired, these men must be the greatest tactical geniuses of our generation.” She replied sarcastically. Trigger shrugged. 

“Lucky for us, the Cartel wasn’t that smart. We were mostly good about putting them on the back foot but this time our luck ran out. I got shot down. I guess it all worked out in the end because most of the operators survived but, we still took casualties.” He said simply. 

“From there I was picked up by some Yuktobanians that we had been working with. They had wanted to see what we would do and placed a tail on us. Lucky for me, I guess. They pulled me from the crash-site and I spent the past few months on a Yuke hospital ship. I guess dying twice on an operating room table within a six-month span tends to make doctors anxious. After I recovered enough, I figured the odds of me pulling a threepeat were unlikely, so I came back and surrendered myself.” He took her hand in his “All for one more shot at seeing you.”

He leaned in and gave her a kiss. 

The couple sat in silence for a time before Cossette spoke. “Trigger, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had gone through all that when we saw each other the other day.” 

Trigger nodded “It’s my fault, I didn’t know what had happened to you either.” He thought for a moment. “Come to think of it, that was our first major fight, wasn’t it?” 

“I guess you’re right?” She said puzzled. 

“Damn, can’t wait for us to start buying furniture together. That’ll be fun.” 

She snorted “If I’m paying for it, then I’m picking out the couch.” 

“Yes dear.” Trigger replied smarmily.

She took another deep breath to composer herself. “What did the lawyer say to all that?” 

“I don’t think he believed me, but he also said the most un-believable part of all this is sitting next to me.” 

“Does my being here help your case at all?”

Trigger sighed before shrugging. “Hard to say. Peace treaty or not there is still bad blood between most of Osea and Erusea, so theres nothing said that they won’t use me to get to you somehow. That’s just the way it is.”

“That’s bullshit!” She said sharply, causing him to shrug “That’s politics.”

“Well, if it comes to that.” She replied sternly, “If It comes to that then we can figure it out then. For now, lets just hope they’ll put those feelings aside and look at the facts. No one needs to start a shooting war on my behalf.” He replied. 

“It worked for Helen.” She quipped. 

“I’m not nearly that attractive.”

She placed a hand gently on his cheek and kissed him gently “well we can argue that fact.” 

Chapter 50

FIFTY

“Maybe you didn’t hear me? I said, I need to speak to my fiancé.” Cossette said. 

A stunned silence surrounded them. Trigger stood dazed, Cossette’s fragrant smell still filling his head, something he hadn’t experienced in what felt like a lifetime. 

“I, er, uhhh, can’t let you…” The guard stammered confused.

“Why not? Has he been formally charged with anything?” Cossette pressed.

The guard could only blink at her shocked as the sound of boots running up to the jet could be heard as Colonel Byrns finally caught up to the scene. He took a moment to catch his breath, his face red though Trigger couldn’t tell if it was from exertion or frustration. 

“Someone tell me what is going on?” He wheezed. 

Count walked up behind the Colonel and folded his arms “Yeah, I too could go for an explanation right about now. Trigger, What the hell?” 

Cossette glanced back at Trigger and smiled “Should you tell them, or shall I?” she asked softly. Trigger blinked at her for a moment before he smiled. “I guess I really should.” He said as he made his way passed the stunned female guard into the jet, jerking his head for the stunned onlookers to follow. Cossette excused herself passed the guards as she sat down on one of the netting seats next to Trigger. As he sat, she placed her hand gently over his restraints. Seconds later, Byrns followed by Count, Major Erwin, Huxian and Jeager cautiously entered the cargo bay of the jet to see the couple. Erwin ordered her crew to leave the jet leaving the couple with their private audience. 

Trigger glanced around the semi-circle that had been formed before them. “Well do you want the long or short version?” He joked. 

“How about you just keep it to the relevant details, and we can flesh out the rest later?” Jeager said helpfully, still visibly perplexed at the scene he was watching. 

“Ah, that then, well, it was right after the cease fire was signed last December. I guess I did Kinda lie to you all about going out drinking after the dinner party. Cossette and I hit it off and that’s kinda where it all started. She’s who I was seeing off base while we were stationed here, and that’s why I was pulled into being her liaison detail. We only slightly touched on the subject around May of making this a more permanent arrangement but since I was still in the Air force, we had to wait. But, you know,” Trigger shrugged and glanced to Cossette, still smiling “You sometimes have to take a chance.” 

The Officers stared at them, some looked to be connecting their own details in their minds, others like Byrns more scrutinizing what he had been told. 

Slowly Huxian was the first to speak “Well that certainly explains a few things.” 

“Like?” Count asked. 

The woman shrugged “Why he was in a better mood for one, And why he moved way the hell and gone from base for two.”

“Or why he was so sparce from the Squadron Bar.” Count added.

Bryns eyes bored into him. “So, you’ve been feeding her intel, is that right?” He asked heatedly. It was an uncomfortable question for the pilot. 

“Not a thing.” Cossette spoke up in his defense, Bryns shot her a dissatisfied look. “You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t believe the sitting leader of a foreign country ma’am. Especially when her supposed fiancé is wanted for treason against my country. So, I ask again. Were you feeding the Eruseans intel?” 

Trigger shook his head vehemently. “Not a thing. Its also why I didn’t bring anything remotely classified off base with me, just in case. Besides, if the Eruseans wanted a honey pot, there’s easier ways than putting their own Princess on the line.”

Count shook his head and sighed. “Ya know Trigger? I knew you could be a dumbass, but I didn’t think you would be ‘I’m screwing the leader of a country I just fought’ level of dumbass. How’d you do it?” 

“What you want the graphic details or?” Trigger said before Cossette slapped his hand playfully.

“If it’s any consolation to you all, I asked him out. Not the other way around.” Cossette said. 

Count laughed “Well that’s certainly not one I’ve heard of happening before! Way to go Trigger! This has got to be a record right? Weirdest way a fighter pilot has caused an international incident?” 

Huxian shot him a glance “That brings up a good point, how many people besides us know about this?” 

Trigger shrugged. “I’ve only told you all just now, Bandog and one other.” 

Count stopped “Wait, Bandog? When? How?” 

“Long story, would love to share later but we don’t have time.” Trigger said dismissively, looking to Cossette. She shrugged “As far as I know, its just my personal aid and Avril that know.” 

Jeager was doing a head count, Trigger could see him actively ticking with his fingers “So with Miss Mead, that means only nine of us know.  I don’t know how to tell my son about this.” He said shaking his head. 

Huxian turned back to the couple “Jeager’s right, from the sounds of it, the Princess’ government doesn’t know, and Osea sure as hell doesn’t know if the guys outside haven’t reported it yet. Did you two think at all how to handle that?” she asked, placing her hands on her hips. 

Trigger sheepishly looked to the floor of the jet, allowing Cossette to answer. “Well as Trigger has said, ‘we’ll burn that bridge when we come to it.’ I can handle my government, and I’m sure yours can be assuaged.” 

Bryns shook his head “I wouldn’t be so certain of that. Him being your secret boyfriend certainly wont cool any of the heads in Oured that want their pound of flesh from him. But with that being said, I’ll see what I can do to at least not entirely blindside them with this.” 

Major Erwin had remained silent at the door, watching the group, silently she walked up and stared down at the Colonel. “I was told we were doing prisoner transport. I’m glad you all are ok with her being here but this is my plane and unless otherwise ordered by the General, We are not leaving with her onboard.” She said pointing a finger at Cossette. Bryns remained unphased as he sighed. “Let me call the general’s office. I’ll see if we can’t get more fitting arrangements made for the Princess. As for Trigger, I doubt his timetable will be affected as much.” 

Cossette’s grip on Trigger’s hand tightened “I’m not leaving him.” She said forcefully. 

“What?” Bryns and Erwin asked confused, however Cossette sat unmoving next to Trigger. “I’ve had him taken away from me by Osean’s once. I’m not letting that happen again. Either you take both of us right now, Or we will have an issue.” 

Bryns locked eyes with her, “Is that a threat?”

“If it has to be. Yes.” 

Huxian held up her hands and stepped between the two. “We are not doing this right now.-“ She turned to Erwin “- You, Major, need to take your stick out of your ass. I get its not an Ideal situation, but its also not one to throw us into a second war over.” She turned to Bryns “Colonel, the clock is ticking, I suggest you start making calls and using every favor you have because you’re going to need them.” She turned to Trigger “And You. Oh, you’re going to have hell to pay when this is all said and done.” 

Trigger chuckled “How so?” 

“You left us with Him for over half a year!” she shouted, pointing at Count. “Hey!” he said defensively. 

“Face it honey, you were lost without him!” she said to Count. “I got us through Perbla!” he replied 

“Oh please, that was a boring assignment, and you know it!” She said. 

“Enough!” Bryns shouted, holding up his hands. 

He pointed to Trigger and Cossette “You two stay here. Don’t do anything.” He turned to the LRSSG members “You three, to your planes now. Get ready for your mission.” Finally turning his attention to the C-17 pilot. “Major, I suggest you get your crew ready for departure. I’ll get General Shepard’s approval one way or another to adding one more name to the Manifest. Understood?” Trigger could see her slightly snarl but she nodded her head “Understood sir.” She said before spinning on her heel and leaving the jet, followed by the LRSSG Pilots.

Bryns stood and stared at the couple for a moment before shaking his head. 

“There a problem sir?” Trigger asked.

“No” he sighed “Just that I’m not a fan of being at ground zero of an international incident. I just know theres going to be hell to pay for this and I really don’t want it landing on my head.”

Trigger shrugged “Well you can just add it to the list of charges I imagine. I’m sure I’ll have one of the more interesting lists in the stockade.”

“Believe me, I will.” Bryns replied before making his way to the C-17’s door. In a hushed tone that Trigger couldn’t hear well, he gave orders to the guards waiting outside. Seconds later the two guards entered the jet and uneasily took positions across from the couple, Trigger could tell they were both visibly unnerved at how the situation had changed. Trigger was more than happy to ignore them as he turned to Cossette. 

“Why did you come back?” He asked “I said all those things to you, but yet here you are. I don’t get it.”

She stared at him and softly smiled “It’s because you came back. I don’t know where you’ve been or what you were doing, but I can tell it wasn’t an easy life you lived.” She ran her hand across one of the new surgical scars on his arm. “Despite all of that, you still made your way back to me. I figured if that wasn’t love, I don’t know what is.” 

Trigger nodded “I hope I can tell you the whole story sooner rather than later.”

Trigger and Cossette continued to sit and talk. Both were aware that they had to be careful what they said; However they tried to fill each other in on the details of their lives the best both could without saying anything too incriminating. 

Trigger was aware of the general details thanks to Bandog regarding the delays to the reconstruction of Farbanti and Cossette moving the seat of power to Cascadia as an emergency measure but was unaware of the dealings with Schmidt that she was forced to go through. Trigger could feel his blood pressure rise the more she told him. Trigger vowed to break his jaw for putting Cossette through all that and even his seemingly successful attempt to push her into the arranged marriage. It sickened him.

After an hour, Bryns returned to the jet carrying a duffle bag. He turned to the guards. “release him.” He ordered. 

“I’ll need an order verifying that sir, he’s currently classified as-“ Bryns cut off the protest by pulling a sheet of paper from his uniforms breast pocket and shoving it into the hands of the guard. After taking a moment to read the document, the guard nodded to his subordinate who rushed over to Trigger and released his restraints.  Trigger took a moment to rub his wrist as Bryns closed in on him and tossed him the bag. 

“What’s all this for?” Trigger asked causing Bryns to frown. “General Shepard is of the opinion, and its one I happen to agree with unfortunately, that it would be poor taste for the fiancé of a world leader to be perp walked in a prisoner uniform and in handcuffs. So go on, put it on.” Bryns directed. Trigger opened the bag to find a fresh airman battle uniform, though missing all the patches and insignia his uniform had. Bryns turned his attention to Cossette. “As for you Your Highness, the General wanted to let you know you are more than welcome to ride onboard, but its ultimately up to you. He authorized any security staff you may have to ride along as well.” 

Cossette nodded “That will be fine. I trust you can let my countries envoys in Oured know of my arrival?” Bryns nodded “The General’s staff is already on it as we speak. He still wants this aircraft wheels up within the next half hour so, I suggest you make any local arrangements now.” 

Trigger raised his hand to get Bryns attention “So, how did you convince the General to let her ride along?” Bryns chuckled “I implied that the Princess would be getting to you no matter what, and it would be less of an incident to agree to her outlandish demands less we see a special forces team raid the base. A fight we wouldn’t win.” 

“I never would do such a thing!” Cossette protested, Bryns took a step back and held his hands up defensively “I never said outright you did. Just the implication. Besides, it got the job done. Now if you two will excuse me, I need to go smooth out some of the feathers you rustled by this little stunt.” Bryns said flatly. As the Colonel started walking away, he was replaced by the C-17’s pilot. 

“I just got authorization, we will be wheels up in fifteen so whatever you need to do, do it now.” She ordered. Cossette looked to Trigger “Well I’ll just need to get Gretchen but aside from that Im fine. What about you?” Trigger shrugged and held up the duffel bag. “Do you have a changing room?” He asked the Major. She looked at him and chuckled “Well we have that tiny lavatory at the front. But I find it hard to believe some supposed badass like you can be that much of a prude.”

“Its because of the military grade tighty-whiteys. I don’t think anyone wants to see that.” He shot back.

The Major rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Use the head if you need to but make it quick. We’re doing final checks now.” She said before spinning on the heel of her boot towards the stairs leading to the jets cockpit. 

Trigger looked over to Cossette who had a confused expression. “Military grade Tighty Whiteys?” She whispered. 

“Yeah, they’re like an instant mood killer I hear. No one looks good wearing them” Trigger replied jokingly. 

“Oh I’m sure you would.” Cossette replied.

“I know when you’re lying.” 

***
Palmer stared at the food on his tray before him. A Bland tasting cube of congealed meat product colloquially called ‘Ham’, though he had his doubts. A square of process cheese and a sad looking slice of day old lettuce and tomato between two stale pieces of whole grain bread. He grabbed a yellow packet of mustard, tearing the top of the pouch open with his teeth before spreading the condiment on one slice of bread out of the vain hope it would make the sandwich edible. He looked to his subordinate McKay, having her own issues with the food. 

“Not Hungry?” he asked. 

McKay shook her head “No, just wondering where we went wrong to end up here.” 

“Interrogation got pushed back, we missed lunch, not a big deal.” He replied, taking a bite out of the bland food. He couldn’t help but to make a face at the unpleasant flavor but choked the food down regardless. Setting her own sandwich aside, McKay opened the bag of expired potato chips and started to idly much on the junk food. 

“Ya know, the biggest reason I joined the Air Force was to miss stuff like this. I thought we were supposed to have the best food of the three services.”

Palmer shrugged “who knows. At least doing our job means this is a rarity.” 

McKay nodded. “Any guess when the Jet is going to leave yet?” she said, looking across the ramp to the C-17 that was designated to take Trigger, and all the problems he seemed to attract, off to Oured. Palmer dusted his hands off on the front of his pants and checked his watch. As McKay had suggested, they were late. 

“They were supposed to be gone half an hour ago. But big planes like that tend to break down a ton so its not shocking they would be delayed. Probably arguing over if its worth the crew rest day or not.” He said dismissively. 

The door to the ramshackle Dining hall opened up, and a small group of Security Forces airmen walked in. Palmer took note of their rifles and almost jittery mood, but quickly pushed it out of his mind as just young people being far more energetic than he had hopes of being.

The Airmen all took a brown paper bag lunch at sat down at a table near the OSI Agents. Palmer strained his hearing to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"I can't believe that the General let her onboard" one of them said.

"Well, we're just taking the Colonels word for it. He could have made it up too."

"No way man, Princess or not, he would be stupid to throw his career away over that."

Palmer almost choked on his food. His violent coughing fit startling McKay and getting the attention of the Airmen. Composing himself he walked over to the group and pulled out his badge.

"Agent Palmer, OSI, You mind telling me what you’re talking about?"

The Airmen gave each other uneasy looks, until a Staff Sergeant at the table spoke up. "You mean you didn't hear already?"

"Enlighten me."

"That prisoner transfer had a few last-minute additions to the manifest. We said too much already, you'll have to ask the Colonel for more details." The Sergeant replied stiffly.

Palmer nodded understanding and hissed to himself. 

He snapped his fingers at the Lieutenant "let's go, places to go. Officer's careers to kill."

“Haven’t we done that enough already?” McKay whined as she followed him out the door.

It hadn’t taken them long to reach the de facto command center of the base. As the two agents made their way inside, Palmer could see the C-17 begin its taxi out of the base and towards the runway. At best he only had minutes to find out what was happening before it would leave.

Palmer pushed his way past confused looking officers and Senior NCO’s until he reached the second-floor office of Colonel Bryns. He brushed passed the Master Sergeant at the door, who yelled something at the Agent before he forced the office’s heavy oak door open and stormed in. 

Palmer found Bryns behind the desk on the phone. The Colonel glared at him but stayed focus at his task at hand. 

“Yes, I understand its unprecedented but so are a lot of things right now Mister Ambassador.” The Colonel said apologetically. 

“Colonel, we need to speak now.” Palmer said forcefully, the Colonel held up his hand dismissively and stayed on the phone. Feeling his blood pressure rise, Palmer reached across the table and hung up the call. 

“What the hell do you think your doing?!” Yelled the Colonel. 

“We need to talk now.” Palmer said again forcefully. Bryns clapped his hands and leaned back in his chair, “Do you have any idea who you hang up on?” 

Palmer stood back “Well, no.”

“Exactly. That was the fucking Erusean Ambassador to Osea. Who I was in the middle of explaining to that her boss, the Crown goddamn Princess, is making a surprise appearance with her boyfriend in Oured. So, tell me Agent, what is so much more important than that?” 

Palmer was silent. “I’m sorry what?” he stammered, Bryns rolled his eyes. “Wow, so you interrupt me to look like a dumbass. Great.”

Palmer shook his head “That’s besides the point, who was the addition on that flight?” he said, pointing out the window behind Bryns. 

“That would be the Crown Princess, who I just mentioned.” Bryns replied flatly. 

“On whose authority!?” 

“General Shepard. Who I bet will love to hear about this talk.” Bryns said, leaning forward and punching in a phone number before hitting the speaker. “In fact, lets tell him now together. Shall we?” 

***
Lyudmila waited anxiously on the rain-soaked tarmac. It had been almost half a day since she was roused from her bed and told the news about the Princesses unexpected visit, as well as the most unusual method of transportation. To her extreme dismay, the Osean officer who she spoke to on the phone was unwilling to share any details beyond the basics before he hung up, leaving the only recently appointed Erusean ambassador to Osea to scramble her staff to make arrangements for the Royal visit. Many of her concerns were assuaged by the follow up call from her Superior, the acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs confirmed the information provided by the Oseans was accurate.

Despite her own status within the Erusean Government, she truthfully knew very little of the Princess, only meeting the Royal family once while apart of the diplomatic staff to Nordlands, and briefly when she took her appointment as Ambassador following the war. She hoped that the meager Marine platoon assigned to the Embassy would be enough for the Princess’ security needs, though the captain in charge only had a small ‘fireteam’, as he described it, sent to the air base along with Lyudmila to escort the Princess to the hotel in Oured that was already secured by both Osean and Erusean military.

There was a sudden murmur of the few Osean diplomats gathered that caught Lyudmila’s attention.

“Whats going on?” She whispered to the Marine Sergeant by her side. 

He paused for a moment listening. 

“It appears the Princess is almost here madam.” He replied in Erusean. While Lyudmila spoke common herself and was reasonably sure most of her staff did as well, she was more comfortable with her mother language.

Minutes later a low whine of jet engines could be heard, and at the far end of the runway descending from the low cloud layer emerged the massive Osean cargo jet. As the massive aircraft touched down, Lyudmila watched in child-like wonder as the jet seemed to flare out parts of its wings like a bird trying to slow down with a mighty roar of its engines. The jet lumbered off the runway and towards the portion of the tarmac her and the rest of the Erusean and Osean staff were awaiting. As the jet slowed to a stop, a high-pitched whine drowned out all the noises around her, she hardly noticed the massive rear cargo door opening until the Sergeant tapped her shoulder to alert her. At the direction of the Osean’ ground crew, Lyudmila and the fire team cautiously approached the rear of the cargo jet. 

Standing at the top of the ramp stood her Princess, she was talking with two of the Osean military members casually, though Lyudmila couldn’t hear what they were saying, she could see the Princess laughing joyfully at a comment a bearded Osean made. After a few moments the Princess took notice of the awaiting party and excused herself. To Lyudmila’s surprise, the Princess was not alone, instead seemingly escorting the bearded Osean’s down the ramp as he uneasily steadied himself with a walking cane, The Princess held the mans hand and had a look of legitimate concern with every step he was making.

As the Princess crossed the threshold, the Erusean Sergeant ordered his men to present arms. “Your Royal Highness, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to Osea.” Lyudmila said shocked, curtsying as is customary. The Princess curtsied in kind “Ambassador Carrell, its wonderful to see you again!” the Princess joyfully. Lyudmila turned to the Osean, still by the Princess’ side “If you wouldn’t mind, I do have business to discuss with Her Royal Highness, you may leave now.” She directed at the man. The Princess held up her hand. “No, that won’t be necessary. You may stay.” She countermanded. Lyudmila paused when she noticed the small gold band on the Princess’ finger. 

“Your Highness, if I may, I was unaware you were still engaged. Our last briefing from Farbanti was that you and Mr. Schmidt had elected to delay the occasion.” Lyudmila asked curtly, pointing to the ring. 

The Princess smiled and stared at the ring, “Oh this? It happened this morning.” She replied nonchalantly 

“This morning? Are you and Mr. Schmidt continuing with the engagement?” Lyudmila asked surprised. 

The Osean cleared his throat, much to the annoyance of Lyudmila “Actually, I had heard the Princess was back on the market, so I took my shot.” He quipped, the Princess playfully slapped him on the wrist, giggling slightly at the comment. The Erusean’s stared at the spectacle of their leader’s reaction to the crass comment.

Lyudmila stared in a stunned silence “Your Highness, with due respect, is this man being serious?” The Princess composed herself and nodded her head “Yes, well partially. While the exact details are not accurate, myself and the Major here are engaged. That’s actually what brings me here.” The Princess explained. 

Lyudmila’s world started to go feint at the news. Instead of a surprise diplomatic meeting like she had anticipated, the Princess had just thrown nearly a century of tradition and ceremony out the window in a youthful fit of fancy. Lyudmila hardly remembered what followed until she sat back down in her vehicle as the convoy of diplomatic vehicles made their way to the prepared residence for the Princess. 

***
Trigger sat next to Cossette in the suburban as they made their way from Matherford Air Base north into Oured. The season rains had not ceased and seemed to get worse the closer they got to the city, the once steady beat against the window turning into a dull roar as the convoy sped along the highway.

Cossette squeezed his hand unconsciously; she had hardly let it go the entire ten-hour flight from Selatapura. He hadn’t seen the LRSSG escort break off from their flight, but to his own disappointment, he didn’t see their F-15’s land behind them either. He was sure they would have questions for him, and he was more than willing to at least provide them with answers. 

Trigger turned and gave Cossette a peck on the cheek to her surprise. “What was that for?” she asked.

“Hadn’t done it in a while. Figured now was a good as time as any to make up for that.” 

“Perve.” 

Trigger shrugged “Hey, Im not the one whose been holding onto me for nearly half a day now.” 

Cossette smirked “I hadn’t done it in a while.” Turning her attention out the window towards the endless suburbs they were passing. “Do you think your first formal introduction went well?” Cossette asked. 

“What do you mean? To the Ambassador? Probably not.” 

“Why?” she asked concerned, turning to him.

“You didn’t see her go full zombie afterword’s? I mean I get I’m not Prince Charming but.” He said, absently scratching his beard. 

Cossette scrunched her nose as she studied him. “Maybe lose the beard and we could sell you as him?” She added helpfully. “Damn, just when I grow it out too.” 

Cossette sighed “I guess we should get used to it. This isn’t like the olden days where Princesses would marry foreigners to strengthen diplomatic ties. And no offense, you’re not exactly royalty by any stretch. Im reasonably sure though I have enough good will within my own government that we should be able to weather this storm.” 

“And if not?” 

Cossette shrugged “I’m still rich, so even if I have to abdicate the throne its not like we will have to worry about much.” 

Trigger grinned “So I’m marrying up you’re saying.” 

“Theres not much higher than royalty I imagine dear.” 

It was another hour of Oured rush hour traffic before they made their way to the Hotel. Cossette and him were guided through the heavily patrolled halls until they reached their room, the executive suite, protected by both Osean and Erusean Marines. As Trigger shut the door behind him “Finally, alone at last.” he sighed. Cossette walked into the bedroom and sat at the foot of the bed, lying back down and stretching her arms across the mattress. “I know! This pomp and ceremony is so tiresome.” She groaned. Trigger walked in and pulled off his boots and undid his uniform blouse, scooting himself to be next to her. “Why don’t we just run away?” He asked. “What do you mean?” 

He shrugged “You know, just you and me, some farm or something out in the middle of Emmeria, Chronis or something.”

“You, a Farmer?”

“What don’t you think I could do it?” 

“What do you know about farming?”

“Plants need water. I’m pretty sure about that. And Electrolytes it’s what plants crave.” 

“Trigger you know theres more to farming than just that right?” she chided, he waved dismissively at the concern “So what if we have a bad season or three? It’s all about the learning experience, right?” 

“That’s a terrible idea.” 

“Spoil sport.” Trigger replied. 

The couple only had a brief moment together until there was a knock on the door. 

“I’ll get it.” Trigger said, awaiting him was the Erusean staffer from before. 

“Oh, Hello sir!” the young man said surprised to see Trigger. “What do you want?” Trigger asked annoyed.

The younger man gulped noticeably “Well for you sir, you have a meeting set downstairs in an hour with your Military. For her Highness, Ambassador Carrell would like to speak to her as soon as reasonable.” 

Trigger sighed “Fine, I’ll go tell her.” He said, shutting the door on the man. 

“Whats that about?” Cossette said leaning up on the bed. 

“You and I have places to be and people to see apparently. The Ambassador wants to speak to you ‘as soon as reasonable’ and I need to go take a shower and meet with someone from my military. Can’t wait.” Trigger bemoaned as he made his way to the bathroom. 

“I’ll join you.” Cossette said simply. 

***

The Elevator chimed as the doors slid open. Trigger had discovered after his shower rendezvous, that a freshly pressed Osean Air Force uniform, with all his awards and badges impeccably set up awaited him in his room. Finally looking like a proper Osean officer as he found the proper room by the armed guard awaiting outside. Trigger pulled out an ID and the guard opened the door for him.

The Hotel room was dim, save for the usual cheap furniture, the bed had been removed and in its stead was a cheap card table and two folding chairs. The curtains diffused most of the ambient light outside and it took Trigger’s eyes a moment to adjust.
  

“You’re late.” A man sitting at the table said, motioning for Trigger to take a seat. As he made his way inside, he studied the man and his uniform. He was on the shorter side, not middle aged but already greying prematurely. The rank on his shoulder suggested he was a colonel, and the badges on his chest were that of an OADF Judge Advocate General. A Lawyer. 

The Officer studied Trigger for a moment, before pulling out a cigarette and lighter from his coat. The faint flicker of the lighter illuminated his face. He Lit the cigarette, took a long drag and exhaled, muttering something to himself.

Trigger spoke up.

“You know those things are gonna kill you right?”

The colonel shook his head dismissively, looking blankly at the window. The cigarettes end burned a dull orange as it burned.

“Well, I guess you’d be the one to speak to about suicidal tendencies, now wouldn’t you Major” the Colonel responded.

there was a silence as the acrid smell of smoke filled the room.

After a time, the Officer spoke again.

“If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m probably one of the very few friends you have right now. So I guess we should start at the beginning”

“How far?”

“As far as you want to. I have read the report, but I want to hear it from the man of the hour himself. Tell me Major, how exactly did you manage to piss off that many people, and still have mountains of brass whose ranks I am not even near, calling my office to testify on your behalf. But for the sake of brevity, how about when you were not a Second Lieutenant?”