I stretched, a small groan escaping me as I rubbed at my bleary eyes. The jolt of wheels hitting tarmac startled the rest of the passengers as the rumbling of wheels rolling down the length of the runway filled the aircraft. I stretched my arms and legs, glancing around the hold of the Il-76, which was filled to the brim with CBRN gear…
"Sir, I wanted you to have this…" Regina, who had been peacefully sleeping at my side until a few minutes ago passed me a small silver bracelet. It had an inscription in Polish, so I glanced at it. I only recognized a single word, Piorun.
"What's it mean?" I asked as I slipped it on. I adjusted my sleeves, and it partially covered the band.
"Guarded by thunderbolts." She smiled slightly, passing me my bag as she grabbed hers. She seemed happy, a small pep in her step as we walked down the ramp into the cool evening air. I repressed a yawn. I grabbed our extra luggage and headed towards the Spetsnaz soldier waiting near the car.
We were driven towards a residential tower. Along the way we passed hundreds of soldiers enjoying their last few hours of leave before getting a night's sleep. Tomorrow they'll be boarding transport ships. The day after that… the landings on Palawan and Lubang would begin, the race to build the forward bases and get everything ready for Red Comet.
We stopped outside a skyscraper, I cast a glance at the driver. "Your residence is on the top floor sir…"
I shrugged and we piled out, grabbing our bags and making our way inside. I nodded to the guard at the doorway and headed for the desk. "Hi, Andrew Reichenbacher?"
"Ah, Mr Reichenbacher! We've been expecting you, please, allow us to take you bags. If you desire anything at all please feel free to reach out to us, we will do what we can to accommodate. Please enjoy your stay in the radiant sun." The employee behind the counter produced a small envelope, inside was a pair of room keys and a golden card. This was very unlike my stay previously, where I'd been put up in an apartment… not some luxury hotel.
I sighed as we stepped into the elevator. I stared at our reflections in the polished mirror as we started our accent. No wonder Li was so far behind me. Restoring luxury hotels? I checked my uniform, slightly crumpled and folded from the long journey. Regina's simple blouse and sweatpants seemed to have fared far better. As she adjusted her hair I caught a small glint of silver on her wrist. I tried glancing at it, but she quickly covered it with her sleeve.
"Are we going to go out for dinner once I find my room…" she trailed off as we walked into my room. It opened into a large open atrium with high ceilings, soft lights that accented everything. A piano was set in the corner. A large bar with a small kitchen and table off to one side, and walking further around the room I was rewarded by a spiral staircase leading up. Heading up to a tastelessly decorated bedroom, Regina pushed me back down the stairs, her face flushing red.
"I'll clean this up… you should see if there's anything to eat or on tv!" she closed the door in my face, denying me the cute sight of her embarrassed face. Li had no tact though, a cutesy valentine's day theme all over the room? I dropped my small carry bag next to the stairs and walked over to the fridge. There was food, but also a large selection of fancy wines. I pursed my lips and narrowed my eyes. I took the small handwritten note and skimmed over it. 'Let me know if you desire anything'. It went into the trash.
My phone began ringing. I glanced at the id. Muller. "Hello?"
"Sir, are you not in the same building as last time? I've tried most rooms…" she said.
"No, I'm over in the Radiant sun… it seems our allies are trying to woo me over." i replied, sinking into the couch. I grabbed the tv remote and turned it on. A tv started rising from the coffee table across from me.
"Oh… would you like me to deliver my reports now…?" she asked. I looked around the suite. It felt… empty. Lacking. I bit my lip for a moment. Li was up to something… but whatever it was… women had a better sense what women's intentions were then I would. I sighed softly.
"Actually, there's two beds here… if you don't mind sharing with Regina…" I spoke almost haltingly, afraid to offend her with the suggestion. There was silence on the other end of the line. I waited, afraid I'd stepped over some boundary until I heard muffled laughter.
"I'll pack a bag and be over." the line disconnected. I tossed my phone onto the couch. There was a knock at the door. A quiet meander over and a glance through the peep hole revealed Li wearing a deep scarlet gown, smiling softly, cradling a large bottle of champagne. I glanced at the locks, then quietly slipped away. Settling back on the couch.
Regina came downstairs, plopping on the couch next to me. She heaved a heavy sigh. "There… was a lot…"
"Siska should be over… do you mind sharing the spare bed with her?" I asked. Regina's face lit up with surprise.
"No, not at all. Will she be here soon?" She asked, glancing at the door.
"Maybe… though Li Fung was at the door…" another knock, slightly louder. I rolled my eyes as Regina stood and walked over. She took a look through the peephole and motioned for me to lay down. I rolled my eyes and did so.
I heard the door open. "Oh… is Andrew in?"
"He's asleep, it was a long flight." Regina replied. I repressed a chuckle as I listened to the conversation.
"Ah. I wanted to thank him. For everything he's done for the alliance so far… I was hoping to see him…" Li's voice was pressing, I could imagine Regina blocking the door while Li tried to look around her.
"Well, I'll certainly pass along your message." Regina replied.
"I am Li Fung, who do I have the pleasure of making acquaintances with?"
"Regina Ponatoski."
"Ah, the European style… I hope we'll get along miss Ponatoski…" the door softly closed. Was it just me or did Li place a lot of emphasis on miss when she addressed Regina?
"What a bitch." Regina groused as she plopped next to me with a pair of wine glasses and a bottle of champagne. She popped the top and poured the glasses. There was another knock at the door. Regina glared but got up.
"Siska! That was fast." I turned and saw the two embracing as Regina closed the door quickly. I chuckled and stood, walking over to the kitchen to grab another glass.
She dropped a small bag next to the couch as I walked back over, filling the new glass and passing it to Siska. "Thank you, would you like the files today?"
I shook my head. "No, let's just enjoy the evening, spend some time catching up."
The two of them laughed at that, taking sips from their glass after I did. "Other than work, what's there even to talk about? All we do is work…"
I sighed, realizing the unfortunate truth in Siska's statement. I had my flight lessons with lieutenant Lana, and since… well. That was about it. I was either at work, or at home sleeping. Actually… I felt an odd warmth as I recalled a series of memories.
"Lets make some memories to talk about then, there's got to be something in this huge suite to entertain three people." I stood up, determined to find something to entertain us for the evening. Siska and Regina stood as well, excitement flickering in their eyes.