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?”

 

Chapter 49

 FORTY-NINE

Trigger was led silently back to his cell, feeling drained from the exchange he slumped down onto his mattress. 

He was angry, At Cossette, at the Oseans, and mostly of all,

at himself.

He hated himself for losing his temper with her. He wished he could take all the words he said to her back but knew that was impossible. He rested his head against the mesh wall of his cell and sighed. “Well, you really screwed up that one dumbass.” He sighed to himself.

His mind went through the meeting over and over. Every word said between the two played through his mind as he tried to decipher why he had thrown away his one chance to see her again. Even he was at a loss for his outburst. His only certainty was that he had hurt Cossette and he hated himself because of it. He wasn’t sure he even blamed her for hating him after the meeting.

faintly as he thought he heard footsteps, it wasn’t until a clanging of metal at his cells door that snapped him back to reality. Startled, Trigger looked up to see the guard and the Selatapura Air Bases’ commander, Colonel Byrns on the other side of the mesh. Instinctively Trigger shot up to the position of attention. He stumbled slightly and fell into the side wall, carefully, he braced himself to a modified position of attention.

“Hello sir.” Trigger said stiffly, trying to not show the discomfort of his leg. 

Byrns studied him for a moment, Trigger wasn’t sure if it was disgust or pity that adorned the normally jovial man’s face. Byrns exhaled sharply before he spoke. 

“They told me you we’re here but frankly I didn’t believe them. But then again they said a lot of things about you I’m not sure I believe.” He spoke.

“I’ve heard that from more than a few people.” Trigger replied, trying to lighten the mood. Byrns expression remained. 

 “That nice Agent from the OSI said you were a traitor, but I didn’t believe it. The casualty list said you were likely dead, but I knew that was crap when we saw your stunt at Anchorhead. But I can put all that aside given your service record Major. The one thing I can’t believe with all the facts I have is, why the hell the Princess is at my base right now, and why did she talk to you?” 

Trigger tried to feign ignorance “Well sir, we did work together, maybe she was worried about her colleague?” he lied.

“Trigger cut the crap. I’m not OSI and I’m not your enemy here. I want to help you but I can’t unless you tell me why you wanted to meet with her. And Here of all places. If I have that piece, maybe I can help you work out a better deal than the short end of the stick they’re offering” the Colonel pleaded his case. 

Trigger was in silent thought for a moment. He had known the Colonel for only a handful of months, and in that time, he never once had the inclination the man was one to be dishonest. But the scars from his time in McKnight, and various injuries he suffered afterword’s taught him valuable lessons on trusting just anyone, even if they happened to wear the same uniform. 

Trigger took a deep breath and let it out slowly. 

“Colonel, thank you for your concern but I’m not willing to speak to that. At this point anyone I’m speaking to from here on out will be my lawyer.” He said firmly. 

Byrns sighed. “Dammit Trigger.” He turned to the guard “Prepare the prisoner for the transfer. The sooner he’s off my Airbase the better.” He ordered before pivoting on his heel and walking away.

“Alright Major, place your hands on the wall please.” The guard ordered. 

***
“Strider flight, cleared to land Runway two-zero.” The controller said. 

“Strider flight, cleared to land.” Count called out as he configured the F-15 for landing. He knew the sight picture well; he had seen it dozens of times while stationed here. 

Unlike being relieved at the sight of the friendly runway, he was just tired. It had been an early transcontinental flight from New Arrows, their jets configured lightly for escort, carrying more fuel than ordinance. They would have a brief stop in Selatapura to rest their legs, refuel the jets and brief with the Globemaster crew they would escort, then they would be off in another six-hour flight directly to Oured. 

As he got lower to the runway, he eased the jet back until he felt the main wheels touch the pavement, he eased onto the brakes and guided the jet to the ‘cold’ side of the runway before exiting on a taxiway. He waited for Huxian, Fencer, Jeager and the three Ferry pilot’s from the Privateers to land before he called the ground controllers and was directed towards the Airbase side of the ramp. As they approached the apron, he could see the massive C-17’s tail above all the structures littering the once empty slab of concrete. 

“There it is Our guide for the next few hours boys and girls.” Count said sardonically. 

“Really? When I heard it was a VIP transport, I pictured something more… classy.” Huxian remarked. 

“Probably transporting more than just a VIP. Rare but its certainly happened.” Jeager Hypothesized. 

“Yeah, but the General implied whoever was going was a big name. You’d expect an executive transport at least.” Fencer added. 

“Doesn’t matter, we have to make sure this plane makes it there in one piece. No point in arguing it.” Count replied. 

Osean ground crews were waiting for them as they taxied in. from the moment Count had the canopy opened an Osean maintainer had positioned the ladder for him to egress. He took off his helmet and hastily shoved it into the bag and loosened up his straps before he climbed out of the jet. He turned to see the familiar face in Skald.

“Where’s the escort crew?” Count said shaking the other pilots hand.

“Right this way.” The Skald replied motioning for him to follow. Count whistled for Fencer to tag along as well they followed Skald across the busy ramp. The C-17’s pilot was standing under the shade of the large wing directing the operations around her jet. Count was taken aback briefly at seeing her, she stood half a head taller than himself, with almost translucent skin and pale silver hair tied into a ponytail. As Count approached her, he could see the callsign on her flight suit was aptly named Gorilla. 

“Major Erwin, the fighter escort is here to see you.” Skald reported letting the Major take notice of the two shorter pilots awaiting her. She looked down at Count, “Are you the LRSSG?” she asked. 

“Yes Ma’am, four F-15’s that will be ready to go in about half an hour. Got light ordinance but we will be your cover all the way back to Oured.” Count replied, uncomfortably craning his neck upwards to look reply to her. 

The Major nodded “That will be fine, the package isn’t here yet so there isn’t any rush.” She said dismissively. 

Count surveyed the ramp, to his slight discomfort only seeing the ground handling crews working on both jets, but no supplies or other troops being transported. “By the way Major, any idea what we’re escorting? General Shepard left us in the dark.” Count asked. 

The Major looked at him quizzically before shrugging “Paperwork I was given said Prisoner transport. Not generally the mission for The Moose but we’re just as good for it as anyone else. Procedures wise this is same as fragged.  All of this must have been some important prisoner for all this though, it was a last-minute mission.” She explained. 

“Yeah, we noticed.” Fencer interjected. 

“Thank you Major, that will be all.” Count said taking a step back, taking refuge under one of the engine nacelles. He patted his pocket for a packet of cigarettes for a moment before he cursed under his breath. He felt a slight punch in the arm and turned to see Fencer holding out a stick of gum.

“Whats this?” 

“Nicotine gum. Not much better but it won’t send us all sky high from you lighting up here.” Fencer said, taking a stick for himself. 

“Noted.” Count replied taking the stick, he felt an uncomfortable tingling sensation as the stimulant was released but he was able to ignore the sensation quickly. Moments later Huxian, Tailor, Lanza and Jeager walked up to the two men. 

“Whats the story?” Huxian asked. 

“Well, for one thing, our pilots a gorilla, that’s something.” Fencer replied stoically, garnering a confused look from the two pilots. 

“Her callsigns’ Gorilla. And its standard escort, If anything goes sideways, Huxian and I will break off to engage, Jeager and Fencer, you two stay with the C-17, make sure it gets out in one piece.” 

“Got it.” the pilots replied in unison. 

Jeager looked around the ramp, “Awfully quiet for a C-17 loading.” He mused. 

“Yeah, Its just one guy. Prisoner transport.” Count replied. 

“Who’s the asshole who ranks this much? I don’t even think Clemens got this much of a red-carpet treatment when he went back.” Huxian said. 

Count shrugged “Guess we’ll find out.” 

***
Cossette sat in the back of the black suburban and stared out the window silently. Gretchen and Cossette’s bodyguard sat quietly in the front seat awaiting instructions from the Royal. 

She wasn’t sure what she had expected. She knew he was going to be detained, the Osean Government told her as much, but she didn’t anticipate how much he had changed in the past seven months. Aside from his appearance changing slightly, she could tell he was different mentally. No longer was he the strong-willed man she had fallen for, he looked broken down and tired. She looked to the folder next to her and opened it to find the medical examiners report from Trigger’s Intake. 

In between the lines of the doctors notes on his various injuries, she could see what was patently obvious. The men who captured him at McKnight finally being able to do what the year of hard high G fighting had failed to do. His body had finally become broken it would be unlikely for him to fly ever again with the nerve damage in his leg and various outdated surgeries used to put him back together. 

She could feel a tear well up in her eye as she thought about how he actually felt. When he first saw her, it wasn’t exhaustion or hate in his eyes, It was the same spark she knew so well. But I had to keep up appearances, just Incase they were listening. She thought to herself. 

She knew it was a lie. 

Frankly, seeing him in the inmates uniform and chained to the floor frightened her. He no longer was the loving boyfriend she knew; he was a chained animal. She cursed herself for thinking about him in that way.  

She had unconsciously started to slip into the role of the Royal instead of the reunited lover. The longer they had talked, the more defeated his eyes got and the more distant he became in his answers. Deep down she had wanted to know where he was, what he was up to for the past seven months and if he was flying all along like the camera’s showed at Anchorhead. But instead, his answers had pushed her too far.

She had thrown the past seven months of anguish she felt into one brief outburst pushing him beyond his own limit. And when that occurred, Trigger had resorted to the one thing he could, He pushed back. 

His words cut into her, He could have seen, no, should have known, she was not going to betray him like that; but she was all alone. What else could she have done? She thought to herself. 

Gretchen cleared her throat before stepping out of the car. A moment later she climbed into the back seat next to Cossette and took her hand. She stared at the younger woman and smiled warmly. 

“You’re hurting, aren’t you dear?” she asked. 

Slowly, Cossette nodded her head. While Gretchen knew her place as a maid, Cossette looked to her as a surrogate motherly figure and confidant during and after the war. Cossette valued Gretchen more than she could have known. “I just don’t understand what’s happening.” Cossette said wiping the tears from her eyes, just for them to be replaced just as quickly. 

Gretchen smiled and nodded her head. “I understand dear, these things happen. But you need to take one thing into consideration.” 

“Whats that?”

“He came back.” Gretchen said reassuringly. “Remember, he was gone, not even the Oseans could find him, and if he had really wanted to? He could have stayed hidden. But he came out of hiding Just for you.” 

Cossette placed her hand over her mouth in shock. With all that had transpired over the previous few days, she had never taken that into account. 

Gretchen could see Cossette’s mind at work as it was painted across her face. The older woman laughed embracing Cossette in a hug as the younger woman was reduced to tears. Cossette was comforted in the warm sensation as she wept. After a moment, Gretchen pulled back and sighed. 

“You know, I thought this might come in handy so I’m glad I took it with me before we left.” Gretchen said. 

Cossette gave her a confused glance. “What are you talking about?” She asked as she watched Gretchen reach into her pocket and pull out a small blue box, with a damaged velvet cover. Gently Gretchen handed the box over to Cossette, clasping the small container into her hands. “I think we know what comes next.” Gretchen said with a mischievous grin. 

Cossette turned to her Bodyguard behind the driver’s seat “We need to go back to the detention center, now!” she ordered, almost choking up from the emotion. 

“Yes, your Highness” the guard replied as he put the large suburban into drive and spun it around back towards the heart of the air base. 

It didn’t take them long to reach the front entrance, Cossette quickly scrambled out of the car, hastily followed by Gretchen. A few Osean soldiers quickly moved out of her way, confused at the sight they were seeing as Cossette swung the door open to see a surprised looking Osean behind the desk. 

“Uhh, is there something I can help you with?” the Osean stammered. 

“I Want to see the Prisoner one more time please, I have permission from General Shepard.” Cossette lied. 

The Osean typed furiously into his computer before scowling. 

“Is something the matter?” Cossette asked annoyed. 

“Well ma’am, er uh, Your Highness, I’d love to help you but I’m showing that detainee was already moved from this facility.” He replied flustered. 

“Moved? When? Where to?” Cossette asked. 

The Osean Shrugged. “I’m sorry ma’am, I’m not at liberty to say. Just that he’s been transferred to a different unit that handles prisoner transit, looks to be just a few minutes ago.”

Cossette stood back from the desk she felt determined for the first time in a long time. She turned to Gretchen “he couldn’t have gone far. I want to speak to the Base Commander right away. Maybe we can stop him.” She said determined. 

Gretchen nodded. “Right away your highness.” 

***
Trigger was in the back of the van, restrained to a metal eye bolt in the floor. The ride to the jet was short and quiet, He watched as the various planes of the base passed by. He saw the familiar FG adorning the tails of the replacement squadron’s jets and a collection of other orphaned aircraft who were still on base over a year later. Their former squadrons being entirely destroyed and closed following the end of the war, and the surviving crews being transferred to other squadrons. 

Trigger could see the looming tail of the C-17 as they approached, and just beyond, four F-15C Eagle fighter jets being hastily refueled. 

An Escort? Trigger thought to himself. 

The van stopped abeam the nose of the C-17 and the guards climbed out of the vehicle, securing the area so they could move him into the jet itself. Trigger glanced to the interloping Eagles and saw something that made a pit form at the bottom of his stomach. 

W W - the tail code for New Arrows Air Base squadrons. He could see a gaggle of pilots standing under the wing, He squinted but through the dark tinted glass of the van he couldn’t see in detail who the pilots were. He could feel his pulse start to rise as the guard approached the door and slid the door open. 

“Alright Major, I’m going to need you do place your hands out to here.” The guard directed, removing Trigger’s restraints. Trigger couldn’t help himself from squinting as the light assaulted his eyes, Roughly the guards led him by the arm towards the jet. 

He felt sick the closer he got. His eyes started adjusting and he saw in detail the numbers on one of the Eagles.

015

His heartbeat was racing as he limped closer. Every muscle in his body telling him to flee. He could hear familiar noises. 

Voices he hadn’t heard in over half a year, familiar laughs and chatter of men and women he had fought alongside with. 

“Whose this asshole anyway?” Trigger heard one voice say, it was that of his wingman Count.

“Dunno, doesn’t look like much.” Huxian added. 

“Wait is that-“ the older voice of reason, Jeager was cut off. 

Trigger could hear stomping of boots closing in on him and the guards. 

“What the hell is going on here?” Count shouted at one of the guards. 

Trigger felt the guard tense up at the sudden attack, the other guard quickly deployed her collapsible baton, Trigger could see Huxian reaching for her pistol and the few Security Forces Airman reaching for their weapons as the situation started to escalate. 

“Prisoner Transfer.” A much larger woman said calmly walking up behind Count. 

Count shot her a disgusted look “Do you know who he is?” he asked indignantly. The taller woman shrugged “A Prisoner I imagine.” She said bluntly

The guards moved Trigger back from Count, he could tell the pilot was seething. “He has saved our asses so many times and we treat him like this?” He said angrily pointing to Trigger. 

The taller pilot was unmoved at Trigger’s former executive’s impassioned speech. 

“Count, it’s ok.” Trigger said pleading. 

Count shot him a look “What the hell did you get caught up in Trigger? You dropped off the face of the earth and now this?” 

Trigger shrugged and chuckled “I guess I forgot to file my taxes, the IRS does what the OIB cannot, amiright?” he joked, however Count continued to scowl.

“It doesn’t matter, the prisoner is to be transported to Oured and that’s our job, now Captain, get out of his way so we can board him.” the woman ordered. 

“This isn’t right. He isn’t a threat, he shouldn’t be treated like this!” Count protested. 

The woman looked to be sizing Count up, she leaned back and folded her arms. “Captain, If theres a problem, I personally have no issue with getting it handled right here and now.” 

“Oh yeah? How so? What’s an Airlift puke going to do to me?” Count shot back. 

The woman chuckled “Well, first calling General Shepard’s office to have you removed from this mission for a conflict of interest and over-all lack of confidence, and if that doesn’t work, I feel pretty good about my crews odds against yours.” She said starting to lean over the pilot.

Trigger tried to raise his hands, but was largely unable due to the shackles “Can I say something?” He asked 

“Shut up!” Both Count and the C-17 Pilot shouted at him in unison. 

“Of course.” Trigger muttered, He could feel the tension in his arms from the two guards, unsure who to listen to between the two arguing officers.

As Trigger and the rest on the ramp watched the argument unfold between the two pilots, Trigger could not help but notice that the Security Force’s airman’s radios started barking at them. Unfortunately, the guards being on a separate frequency, as well as the ambient noise of the airfield made understanding what was being said nearly impossible, but what Trigger was sure of was that something big was occurring and it wasn’t the pissing contest unfolding before him. 

Finally, something was said in a quiet tone to the lead guard. Trigger strained to hear but what he made out was ‘Fire Actual Inbound’. When Trigger was assigned to Selatapura, ‘Fire’ was the radio callsign Byrns had selected for himself, but Trigger had rarely heard it used outside of the handful of briefings.

The lead guard looked to his subordinate “We need to go now.” He ordered. The second guard nodded in agreement and prepared her baton, ready to force her and Trigger onto the Globemaster if required. 

The lead guard cleared his throat. “Ma’am, Sir, we need you both to step aside now.” He said forcefully, stopping the two pilots in their tracks. 

“Whats going on?” Count demanded.

The guard looked at him uneasy “Command post didn’t say but we have an unexpected guest coming and the Base Commander wants the prisoner on board and secured before they arrive.” He explained. 

The C-17 pilot nodded and stepped out of the way “go ahead, my men will assist in any way we can.” She said calmly. Count paused a second before following the other pilots lead, giving Trigger and the guards a clear shot into the plane. “Let’s get a move on prisoner.” The lead guard said as he dragged Trigger towards the plane. Trigger watched as the various ground crews and security forces airman rushed to take positions, the LRSSG Pilots uneasily tightened the straps on their harness and started eying positions of cover they could use in the event that the situation required it. 

An uneasy silence fell around the jet as the roar of an cars engine echoed around them.

As Trigger reached the threshold of the door, He could see a black suburban car driving rapidly towards them. 

“Aw shit. Let’s get a move on.” The lead guard hissed as he forced Trigger up the short stairs of the Globemaster.

The Suburban slowed and pulled around the van Trigger was transported in, coming to a stop. Trigger looked over his shoulder when he heard the distinct slamming of the suburbans doors and a noticeable high pitched Clack clack clack of high heeled shoes on the concrete pavement. 

the unease around the ramp turned to pure confusion as a flustered looking Colonel Byrns climbed out of the car and tried to catch up to the young woman approaching the jet. 

She brushed passed the murmuring airman and stopped short of the jet’s door, merely feet from Trigger. 

Her steely blue eyes looked radiant and were locked with Trigger’s own. For a brief moment it seemed to Trigger that everyone and everything around him had stopped. 

Finally, she spoke. 

“Excuse me, I need to speak to your prisoner.” She asked politely. 

The guards stared at the woman dumbfounded “What?” they asked confused, the lead guard looked to Trigger who shrugged. Ignoring their response, she turned her attention back to Trigger. 

“Trigger, you asked me about my answer that night.” She spoke, carefully she placed one foot on the staircase, the younger guard tensed up as the woman climbed the staircase and was face to face with Trigger.

Before he knew it, he felt her soft lips on his as she grabbed and held onto him. After a moment he wished he could have spent eternity in being embraced in her warmth, Cossette let go and took a step back turning her attention to the dumbstruck lead guard. 

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

Chapter 48

FORTY-EIGHT

Trigger stared at the ceiling of his ‘Cell’.



Though ‘Cell’ wasn’t an accurate word for his accommodations. A Cell was the room he had in Zapland, made of cold concrete, with a rock-hard mattress, stainless steel toilet and sink, a small desk, and a steel door that in Trigger’s opinion, really tied the room together.



The room Trigger found himself detained within could hardly be as luxurious. Hastily constructed following the end of the war, the Selatapura Air Base Detention Facility was held within one of the many Hangars in the airfield. Inside was three “multi-bed” cells and surrounding them was the individual solitary cells. Everything on the inside was made from hastily welded together steel beams and wire mesh, leading to almost no privacy inside the large hangar. Trigger wasn’t bothered however, most of the Prisoners of War held in the facility were repatriated shortly after the LRSSG had left, leaving the only inmates in the facility the Oseans serving at the base.



His check in the night prior had reminded him immensely of his time before the penal unit. He was first brought to intake where the Security Forces members confiscated the few personal effects, he had on him and checked for contraband. Afterword’s he was taken to the booking where the Airman took photos of his front and profile view, as well as taking his fingerprints and other personal information. HE was then met by one of the bases Flight surgeons to record his medical history and couldn’t help but smirk at the doctors visible surprise at the various scars that now adorned his body. Trigger was at least passingly familiar with many of the people he had seen, and from the looks on the Airman’s faces, he could tell they were aware who he was.



While going through classifications, Trigger felt conflicted about his own history. To the visible surprise of the Lieutenant checking him in, he could see his record following the Harling Rescue mission get displayed, as well as the follow up paperwork commuting his sentence and the formal pardon granted by the board of inquiry on the case. Almost every Osean was aware that the former president had been killed by one of their own. However, few if any knew that Harling’s Murderer, and the legendary Three Strikes were one in the same.



It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that he was finally processed into the detention center and quickly ordered to bed. His cloths being replaced with a dark brown utility uniform devoid of any insignia beyond a white nametape. It was almost refreshing to wear a ‘proper’ military garment after his months of jeans, t-shirts, flight suits and heavy body armor. Trigger paced his cell briefly before settling into bed. The foam mat providing little comfort, but he fell asleep rather quickly regardless.

***

Trigger wasn't sure if it was before or after midnight when the Frigate pulled into port, not that he cared much as it finally got him out of the cramped brig of the ship and back onto solid land.



Going topside on the ship Trigger could feel the oppressively hot and humid air immediately. His uniform felt tighter, and he could feel it get harder to breathe.



A slight panic set in as he glanced around to the pitch-black darkness around him, the moon was nearly a sliver in the sky and provided the prisoner with no comfort as he tried to regain his bearings.



He was told he was going to an Osean military prison in Usea, but beyond that he was unsure where exactly he was.



"Are you just turning me loose here or?" Trigger quipped. The Sailor scowled and hit him in the back with the butt of his shotgun to get Trigger moving.



With his hands cuffed behind his back, he uncomfortably walked down the gangway, His guard following steps behind him. Halfway down Trigger stopped. "Get moving" the guard barked. Trigger stared at him, squinting in the darkness, "I need to hold on to the handrail, its unsafe" he said defiantly. The guard scowled "You're a murderer, who cares. Now get moving" the guard ordered again.



"No" Trigger replied, Standing his ground. The guard sighed and took a step back, Trigger smirked for a moment before the Guards boot was sent violently into his ribs, Trigger collapsed Gasping before another kick to his sternum sent him rolling the rest of the way down to the hard concrete pier.



He laid on the ground groaning for a moment as he heard the steps of boots following down the gangway.



"There, you made it down. Now get up." The Sailor barked. Trigger coughed and spat out a glob that tasted like copper. "God whose dog did I fucking kick?" Trigger asked rhetorically.



"Get up" the sailor repeated, placing his boot next to Triggers face. "Fine, fine, just help me up" Trigger said surrendering. He was roughly brought to his feet and marched to the entrance of the pier. Closer to land he could see the faint outline of large buildings, but he couldn't see any lights outside of one or two at what he imagined was the rooftops.



Two figures stood waiting for him.



"You the 444?" The Sailor asked.



"One in the same, this the new piece of shit?" One of the men asked.



"Yep, he's also your problem now" the sailor said, shoving him forward.



The two men met Trigger halfway, shining a dull flashlight in his face. The man speaking smirked as he whispered something to his compatriot.

"So, he give you a fight?" The man asked the sailor.



Trigger spoke up "Well, what had happened was-" Trigger was cut off with a blow to the stomach, sending him doubled over in pain. "Shut the fuck up. No one is talking to you." The man hissed.



The Sailor chuckled at the sight “Yeah, something like that.”

“I see, We’ll keep extra watch on him then.” The man replied, turning his attention back to Trigger. “Now you better not give us any more problems you hear? Come on, we’re still gonna put you to work tomorrow and we still gotta get you checked in.” he said walking into the dark void. The second man grabbed Trigger by the arm and guided him. Trigger tried to keep track of how far he was walking but quickly became lost in the void. The first man was guiding himself by the pale light of his flashlight, and to the best of what Trigger could tell, there was no discernable landmarks to navigate by otherwise.



Trigger’s legs were sore from the walk as they finally reached a set of chain-link fences. There was chatter over the lead mans walkie talkie before Trigger heard a buzz and the gate opened. He was led through narrow chain link corridors until reaching the decrepit concrete and steel prison itself.



The sally port was dimly lit by a handful of exposed fluorescent lights. Like with the handful of prisons and jails he had been through in the weeks prior, the guards took his information, checked him for contraband and then threw him into one of the empty cells of the prison.


Trigger rubbed his wrists as he heard the guards walk away.

“Home sweet home I guess.” He said to no one in particular. He walked over to the sink and ran the water. It sputtered before giving a few drops before stopping completely.

“Just great.” Trigger said as he scooped up the little puddle in the sink and splashed his face, He probed and could feel the cuts and bruising already. While not the first fight he had ever found himself in, He was still disappointed with how he performed.

There was a loud coughing noise from the cell next to him, Trigger chose to ignore it and sat down on the hard mattress. The coughing was constant and increasingly sounding acted as the time dragged on.


Trigger sighed and went to the door of his cell, the coughing then stopped “Yo buddy, still alive?” a voice from the other cell asked.

“Who starts a conversation like that?” Trigger groaned.

“Oh, you know, people I guess.” The stranger replied.

“People? You mean weirdos?”

“It’s a matter of perspective really. What they have you in here for?” the prisoner asked.

“Something I didn’t do.” Trigger replied.

The prisoner laughed “You and everyone else buddy. But seriously? What they through you in Casa del Zapland for?”

“Murder.” Trigger replied.

“Oh nice, well you’re in good company then, got a whole lot of those, and a whole assortment of other colorful folks here, I’m sure you’ll get by fine enough if your smart.”

“And if not?” Trigger asked.

“Well, if not? Your sentence won’t be for as long as you thought I guess.” The Prisoner replied.
***
A bang at his cell door roused him awake.



Trigger rubbed his face wearily shaking off the dream. “That’s funny, I could have swore I requested my wake up startle at zero nine hundred.” He said groggily, yawning and stretching out. Slowly he slid himself onto the mat and uneasily got to his feet, desperately missing his cane for stability as he stumbled over onto the wall.



He hissed and steadied himself onto his feet as the guard watched impatiently. "Come on, git up now. Gots someone waiting fer you." The Security forces Airman said in his thick drawl.

"Who now? That OSI Agent?"



The Airman shrugged. "Don't much know about that. Just gots to get you to the interview room right quick. Figure you'll find out there." The Airman replied.

Trigger rolled his eyes "Greeat" he groaned, he turned around and put his hands through the slot in his door, allowing the guard to put the cuffs on him.



The guard opened the door and gruffly took Triggers arm leading him out of the hangar and towards a collection of temporary trailers.



"Do I not get Breakfast first?" Trigger asked annoyed.



"Nah, I don't think you would want it anyway. Watery grits and moldy biscuits. I'll see if I can't sneak you a granola bar or something later." The guard offered.

“Thanks” Trigger said halfheartedly as he was forced up the metal steps into the trailer. The interior was bland, with a metal table bolted to the floor cheap office carpeting and two chairs. A security camera was in the corner of the room, and there was a pitcher of water and a set of glasses on the table. The guard sat Trigger down in one of the chairs and secured his handcuffs and shackles to metal poles bolted to the ground, effectively pinning him in place.



The guard stepped back once he was finished “All rights now, you just hold tight right there, and someone will be along to speak with ya’s.” before he exited the room.


Trigger sat silently, staring at the blank beige walls for a few minutes until the door propped open again, He craned his head around towards the blinding morning light shining in through the doorway see an older woman step in, survey the room before whispering something that he could not hear. Silently she walked to the camera and with a quick and violent motion, pulled the cord from the back of the device. She stared for a moment at her handiwork before exiting the room, paying no attention to the still shackled Trigger.

Trigger’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the sudden onslaught of light when a smaller, younger figure filled the doorway and walked in. Her once long blond hair was cut short, down to above her shoulders. Her skin was still flawless and radiant, but the look on her face betrayed her weariness. Though he could tell she was trying to hide it, her steely blue eyes were that of someone who was slowly being broken down by circumstance rather than age. Instinctively, Trigger tried to stand up, but was pinned to the chair thanks to his shackles.

“Cossette, I-“ Trigger said dumbfounded. She held up her hand to stop him as she took the seat opposite of him. She nodded and the door closed firmly behind him.



She stared at him for what felt like an eternity. Trigger suddenly felt a pit of terror forming in his stomach as he waited for her to speak.



He could see a small smile form at the edge of her lip.

“You grew out a beard.” She finally spoke. Unconsciously Trigger reached up and rubbed his chin. He had hardly taken notice that he had stopped shaving once he woke up on the Milost. Trigger smiled back. “Yeah, figured I would try something new, ya know? I see you did your hair as well.” He replied. Cossette nodded “The long hair was fine for a princess but isn’t fit for a queen. This is what the royal stylist suggested.” She explained. “Royal stylist now? That’s a job title I’ve never heard.” Trigger quipped. Cossette shook her head dismissing the comment “Oh you’d be amazed how many staff I actually have Major.”



Trigger’s heart froze. Major. That one word told him everything of what he was fearing, this was not to be the reunion he had wanted or hoped for. Far from it. Trigger steeled himself and stood up straighter.

“With that being said your highness, I am glad to see you’re ok.” He replied sharply.

“Likewise major. After our separation at McKnight I was worried for you’re safety, When I received your letter I came down right away.” She replied, He could see her face become flush slightly as she finished her sentence.



“I’m glad it got through, wasn’t sure who would be going through your mail.” Trigger replied carefully, looking around the room. Getting the hint, she nodded. “I have been assured that our conversation is to be private. Your government owes me that much.”

Trigger nodded understanding, “Can’t be too careful.” He said sighing and relaxing slightly, the two sat in silence for a time.



“Where were you?” Cossette asked quietly.

“What?” Trigger responded

“I said, ‘Where were you?’ It’s a simple question.” She repeated, her tone was harsh and the same voice she used against her subordinates or the politicians who had interfered with her. Trigger had heard it countless times but had never been on the receiving end. He wasn’t a fan.



He took a moment to formulate his answer before replying. “I’m sorry, I can’t say.”

“Can’t say? Or wont.”

“I can’t.” Trigger replied.

“Why didn’t you contact me? Or anyone, to tell us you were safe? Why now?” Cossette asked.

Trigger thought back to his first talk with Bandog in Chopinburg.

You Trigger, will have to be a ghost. For all intents and purposes, you will have died on May 17th in the attack. You can’t have any contact with your past life while on the job. If you had anyone close, they’re just going to have to deal with an empty pinewood box and a folded flag.

The words stuck out in his mind. He hoped she would understand. He sighed “It was apart of the deal.”

“What deal?”

“The one I made to stay safe. After McKnight it was pretty clear that I was damaged goods to someone, these men, they helped me. In return I had to do some work for them and I had to stay off the radar. It was for everyone’s safety.” Trigger tried to explain.

“What does that even mean? ‘Everyone’s safety’? Who were you working with?” Cossette plied.

Trigger held up his hands defensively. “No one I swear! They just saw an opportunity to bring me on and I did some odd jobs for them, it was all above board.” Trigger replied, though he wasn’t sure how truthfully legitimate his work under Bandog was.

Cossette shook her head. “Trigger, you were gone almost seven months, where have you been?”

Trigger shook his head “I’m sorry, I really can’t say. But just know I was safe, and I was doing good work.” Again, lying about how safe he was, his leg throbbing incessantly.

“If this was good work, why couldn’t you at least tell me you were alive?” Cossette asked.

“I thought it would be better that way to agree to their terms. For your safety.”

“My safety? From what?” Cossette hissed insulted.

“Me. I’m sure you saw the reports, they thought I was involved in those attacks. And whose to say they wouldn’t have tried to pin it on you!” Trigger shot back.



Cossette glared at Trigger, but instead of feeling small, he was livid. An anger was boiling up inside him that he had tried to drown in that bar in Chopinburg months prior.



“Trigger, there are many things I needed protection from. You were supposed to do that. But no, When I needed you most, you vanished. I tried looking for you but everyone said you were dead. No one told me that you were involved in those attacks, and even if they did, I wouldn’t have any of it. So frankly How dare you insinuate I needed protection by you when you’re the one who abandoned me!” She said leaning forward on the table, her voice rising in volume as each word stabbed him like a dagger.



“Well pretty goddamn clearly you found a replacement.” Trigger shot back.

“Excuse me?” Cossette replied incredulously.

Trigger stared her in the eyes “I saw the news you know. I know you and that prick Alex are engaged. When’s the wedding by the way? Do I get an invite as your ex?” He said caustically.

He could see the fury in her eyes, before he could react, his face felt hot as she slapped him. The sharp pain radiated from his cheek. “How dare you!” she hissed

“I have been stuck with that asshole for the past seven months! Where were you? Why didn’t you do something!” she shouted tears streaming down her cheeks.

Trigger focused on the carpeting, unable and unwilling to face her. He felt awful, and not because she struck him.



“I’m here now, aren’t I?” Trigger asked quietly.

“What?” Cossette said, wiping away the tears from her eyes, trying to compose herself.

“I’m here now. And you have no Idea how much I wanted to be with you while I was gone.” Trigger replied exhausted.

He could feel her gaze upon him as he awaited judgement. “Trigger, time has passed. I just don’t know if we can just go back to the way things were. Not now, and maybe not ever.” She replied.

Trigger nodded his head silently.



Cossette took a moment to compose herself and walked to the door.

“Major,” she spoke carefully “Thank you for talking with me.” She replied, knocking on the door to be let out.



Trigger stared at the wall “You know, I never did get an answer.” He said loudly.

“What?” Cossette said turning.

“An answer, you never gave me one that night. I guess now I can make assumptions on what it was all along, but I really wish you could have said something then.” He spoke.

Cossette said nothing and exited the room.

***
“Excuse me!?” Palmer shouted at the unimpressed looking sergeant.

“I’m sorry Agent, the Major is already in an interview with someone, you can speak to him afterword’s.” The Sergeant explained.

“Interview? With who? I’m the only one who he should have an interview with, unless did he retain a lawyer?” Palmer demanded.

The Sergeant shrugged “I’m not at liberty to say even if I knew sir. I just have orders and those orders say that Prisoner 7853 is in an interview from zero-seven-thirty until zero-eight hundred. When it comes from the general staff office, its certainly not my place to question orders.”

Palmer shook his head in defeat turning to Lieutenant McKay. “Can you believe this shit? Go call Oured and see if we can’t figure out who the hell he’s talking to.” He ordered. The young officer nodded and exited the room to make the calls.

Palmer buried his face in his hands in frustration, “Why does this guy have to be such a pain in the dick? I just ask for once can we not have this problem.” He groaned to no one before taking a seat in the waiting rooms uncomfortable plastic chairs.



He checked his watch, His planned interrogation would take them to lunch, then the extradition detail would arrive and Trigger and himself would be headed back to Oured for the investigation to finally conclude and for the court martials to take place. Jeff was quickly getting tired of Usea and the problems it seemed to attract.



There was a flurry of words spoken into the sergeants walkie talkie.

The Sergeant nodded and replied motioning for Palmer. “Agent, if you will come this way, I’ll take you to him now.”

Palmer checked his watch “That was quick.” He remarked

The sergeant shrugged “Guess his first talk of the day was short.” The NCO surmised.

It was a short walk from the duty hut to the interview room they had Trigger set up in. the sergeant Unlocked the door and walked in with Palmer. As Palmer took his seat, he could see the sergeant looking in frustration at the damaged camera in the corner.

“What happened there?” Palmer asked.

“I didn’t do it.” Trigger bantered.

“Shut up.” Palmer ordered.

The sergeant shook his head “Yeah, damn Camera is busted, someone pulled the coax connector clean off. Give me a sec and I’ll grab another camera.”

“No need.” Palmer dismissed. The airman shrugged and walked out of the room, Palmer pulled out his phone and opened an audio recording app, read Trigger his rights and steepled his fingers staring at the pilot.



“So, before we begin, do you have anything to say for yourself?” Palmer asked.

Trigger shrugged before shaking his head.

Palmer raised an eyebrow “Not saying much.”

“Well you did tell me to shut up. Said I even had a right to.” Trigger replied.

Palmer rolled his eyes “I see you’re just as much of the smartass as you were when we met.”

“Ooh language!” Trigger shot back, Palmer ignored the comment and continued “You know Major, you’re not an easy man to find.”

Trigger smirked “Yeah, I’ve been told that.”

“Mind telling me where you’ve been since May?”

“Like I said to the last girl, I’m not at liberty to say-“ he said before leaning close “You know, ‘If I told you I’d have to kill you.’ Sorta deal.” He whispered.

Palmer stared unamused at the joke “You know threatening a federal agent is a crime.” He said flatly.

“Is being a buzzkill also a crime? Because if so, you’re a guilty man.” Trigger said relaxing back into his chair


Palmer noticed a red mark across Trigger’s face. He motioned towards it

“What about that mark there, where’d you get it.” Palmer asked.

“I slipped and fell into a door. Honest.” Trigger lied.

“Really? Sure no one hit you?” Palmer pressed. Trigger held up his right hand with his Index, middle and ring fingers straight out and his thumb and pinky folded “Scouts honor.”



Palmer glanced at the report he was given about Trigger’s intake. The medical examiner had detailed notes about the various scars that now crossed the pilots body that were not there at the beginning of the year. The doctor remarking at the varying quality of the work and surmised its origins, leading to more questions than answers for the agent.

“What about the surgeries?” Palmer asked.

Trigger thought for a moment “Ya know, I always wanted to have work done, and I just came by some deals that were too hard to pass up.”

Palmer didn’t react, instead steepling his fingers and leaning forward. “Ok Major, It’s time to stop the Bullshit. I’m here for only one reason and I will not, have you wasting any more of my time.” He growled.

Trigger leaned forward, his face getting close to the Agents own. “That goes both ways there buddy.” Trigger growled before leaning back.

Palmer took a moment to quell his growing frustration before leaning back in his chair.



“I should have you know that I’ve pulled some strings given your service record Major. I have a plea deal here, endorsed by the prosecution for your court martial. Max of twenty-five but parolable at ten with good behavior. Death penalty is off the table obviously.” Palmer explained.



Trigger leaned back in his chair and tried to fold his arms; an effort made impossible by his shackles. “Tempting; Do I get to choose which club fed I go to this time? The last one you assholes sent me to kind a sucked. Or maybe can I get a letter of recommendation from the judge and opposing council?” Trigger asked sarcastically, a smile forming across his face.



Palmer frowned. “Trigger, I don’t think you understand the gravity of your situation. I have evidence here implicating you with terrorism, sedition, murder, treason, desertion, and aiding and abetting the enemy. That’s just the stuff we have from your adventure on May seventeenth. After that we know you have had contacts with wanted criminals and fugitives, as well as going on the run yourself. Theres enough here to have you put to death.”



The smile fell from Trigger’s face. He leaned in towards Palmer again, his voice dropping to a low growl.



“Agent. Believe me when I say that I’m probably the only one who understands the gravity of my situation. My fiancé has left me. While I didn’t have much of a family, the ones I do have as well as my only friends think I betrayed them. With my injuries, I will never fly again; And Oh yeah! Even if by some miracle I could be found ‘not guilty’, my career is over regardless, and my life is effectively ruined. So yes Agent, I am more than well aware of the gravity of my situation.” Trigger said before he sighed, shaking his head and leaning back into his chair. “You want the truth Agent?” Trigger asked.



Palmer opened his hands and splayed them out. “Enlighten me Major.”

“The truth is I simply just don’t care anymore. Not about Osea, Not about Usea, Not about my career, where I was for the past seven months – All of it. I simply do not give a shit. So, Agent, you can take your deal and shove it up your ass.” Trigger spat.



Palmer leaned back in his chair, his face showing no expression. “I see” he said simply. He slowly stood up and collected his things.

“Major, I’m not going to lie. I’m disappointed in you. For everything I’ve read in your file, the one thing I took you for was smart. I’m sad to see that is not the case.” He said walking to the door. He rested his hand on the knob and turned over his shoulder to Trigger.

“I’m still going to forward this to your JAG Officer. You have about two days to make your choice.” He said exiting the room.