Chương 56: A short and unique word

The early morning sun streaks through the gaps in the curtains, warming my face and rousing me from sleep. As I pry my eyes open, the familiar voice of 2nd Lieutenant Crowsclaws breaks the serenity.

“Snakey, wake up.”

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I note his crisply ironed uniform, indicating he’s been up for a while. Seeing my growing awareness, he continues, “I granted you some leniency yesterday, but now you’re synchronized with the camp’s routine again. It’s time for morning drills.”

Acknowledging him with a nod, I spring from my bed, driven by the urgency in his tone. A hasty toothbrushing session and a swift change into my training gear follow, but by the time I emerge, Crowsclaws has already vanished.

The training ground is alive with activity—the rhythmic pounding of boots as soldiers jog, the grunts accompanying sets of push-ups. As Crowsclaws engages in a huddled discussion with some warrant officers, a sharp command echoes across the field, summoning Robin from her stretching group. The two of them walk purposefully toward the camp offices, their heads bowed in conversation.

Glancing around, I realize no one is paying me much attention. The temptation to slip away unnoticed takes hold. *Perhaps another time,* I think. My curiosity regarding Robin’s summoning overrides my inclination to train. Stealthily, I trail behind them.

They opt for the elevator, and I, not wanting to be caught, choose the stairs. The elevator halts at the fourth floor, and I follow suit, the sound of their voices guiding me to the right door. It’s the major’s office. But puzzlingly, his deep baritone is missing from the murmurs behind the door.

“Do you understand why I’ve called you here?” Crowsclaws’ voice pierces the stillness.

Robin’s reply is tinged with confusion. “I’m unclear, 2nd Lieutenant Crowsclaws. Why convene in the major’s office?”

“In the absence of the major and 1st Lieutenant Kalakuna, I assume command. But let’s cut to the chase. What were you up to yesterday, precisely at 1632?”

That tidbit catches my attention. So, they’re gone for now…

“... I was exterminating pests,” she replies cautiously.

Crowsclaws’ sigh is almost audible. “Your recent actions are unbecoming of a soldier, and frankly, quite thoughtless. Did you forget about the surveillance cameras peppered throughout the camp? Identify the two privates who assisted you.”

Silence follows.

Refusing to answer? Respectable, but it only deepens her predicament. “You demonstrated sheer irresponsibility and recklessness. Using warheads as mere weights could have resulted in catastrophe. Until the major and 1st lieutenant return tomorrow, you’ll be on continuous watch. Your fate will then be deliberated. But for now, you’ll run laps until you’re on the verge of collapsing. I’m done wasting my time on this matter. And don’t even think about shirking this punishment. The sergeants will be monitoring you closely.”

I sense them stirring, preparing to exit. It’s my cue to depart. Swiftly descending the staircase, I find solace in the cafeteria. The soothing aroma of cocoa wafts in the air as I prepare a warm drink for myself. With Parrot and Swallow having left earlier, a peaceful hush envelops the room.

Making my way back to the solace of my room, pondering how I’ll allocate my hours, a grating, piercing noise disrupts my thoughts, jolting my senses. The corridors are devoid of life, granting me the freedom to vent my irritation audibly.

“AAAAAAH! WHAT DO YOU WANT, AGAIN?!”

There’s a brief pause before a familiar voice responds, soft and hesitant. “... Hm… Gini? It’s Nila. I hope I’m not intruding…”

Relief floods me. I had been expecting that irksome Rohini. A wave of shame washes over me for having snapped at Nila. “Honestly, some kind of caller ID on this device would be revolutionary! And perhaps a mute button or a ‘do not disturb’ function. This entire setup feels invasive without any semblance of consent!”

Nila stumbles over his words, taken aback by my outburst. “I … I’m just relieved to hear you’re okay.”

Regaining my composure, I respond, “Well, yes, I’m okay. What about you?”

“I’m well, thanks. I’m reaching out because Rohini seemed rather upset after your interaction yesterday. Did something transpire between you two?”

Scratching my chin thoughtfully, I answer, “Honestly, no. She was her usual loquacious self. Quite the chatterbox. It’s hard to picture her down in the dumps; she always struck me as perpetually cheerful.”

“Hmm. It’s rare for her to be this way. I felt compelled to inquire. What exactly did you both discuss? My curiosity is piqued.”

“Hold up, Nila. Do you even realize my situation here? I’m effectively in a military encampment, surrounded by soldiers. You have this uncanny knack for calling at the most unpredictable times. Ever consider I might be preoccupied?”

Caught off guard, he hesitates, “A … are you busy at this moment?”

Exhaling, I reply, “No.”

Reassured, Nila continues, “Alright then-”

Interrupting, I recount, “She went on this convoluted tangent about being some deity. Half the time, I was grappling with life and death inside a tank’s turret.”

His voice rises an octave, “Wait, come again?”

Sighing, I clarify, “Don’t stress. I’m intact. On that note, there’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss.”

His tone turns serious. “Proceed.”

“I want all of you to cease referring to me as Gini. Someone outside our circle recognizes this alias. It’s a security risk.”

“Understood. But what alternative designation would you prefer? Wasn’t there a codename, White Snake or the like?”

Rolling my eyes, I counter, “It’d be monumentally stupid to use a military codename. Naming has become elusive to me. I’ve left so many behind.”

Contemplatively, Nila muses, “Speaking of ‘dropping’ names, in linguistics, there’s a phonetic element termed ‘schwa.’ It’s often omitted in pronunciation. What’s your take? It’s concise and distinct.”

I turn the word over in my mind, tasting its uniqueness. “... Schwa...?” The simplicity and clarity of it appeals to me. “Yes… It resonates…” A warmth creeps onto my cheeks, making me blush.

Nila’s voice takes on a playful edge, “It does seem fitting for someone as singular as you!”

Raising an eyebrow, I quip, “Is that a veiled jibe?”

Chuckling, he reassures, “Wouldn’t dream of it!”

With an intrigued tilt of my head, I suggest, “Hmm… Repeat my new name a few times, so it sinks in for me.”

“Alright, Schwa?” He asks, a hint of playful curiosity evident in his voice. I nod in affirmation. “Schwa. Schwa! Schwa… Schwaaa~”

Waving my hand, I stop him, “Alright, that’s enough. I’m acclimated to it now.”

A chuckle sounds on the other end. “You seem different somehow.”

Raising an eyebrow, I ask, “Different how?”

His voice adopts a contemplative tone, “Just more … grounded?”

“Hold up! Are you poking fun at me?”

“No, truly! It’s like … you sound age-appropriate.”

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Feigning offence, I retort, “How dare you! You’re cruising for a bruising!”

Attempting to change the subject, he inquires, “By the way, shouldn’t you be swamped right now? I always thought mornings were hectic for soldiers.”

With a smirk, I reply, “Odd question coming from someone dialling me up right now. This implant’s feedback is agonizing. I’d be contemplating creative ways to exact revenge if you interrupted an assignment!”

“I … I hadn’t considered that. But there has to be a fix, surely? So the interface isn’t painful?”

I stretch languidly, “To answer your previous question–I’m enjoying some unauthorized free time.”

“Come again?”

“I decided to play hooky from the morning drills.”

He laughs, a light and airy sound, “You say it as if you’re dodging a mundane lecture. Is boot camp the new high school?”

Scoffing, I say, “Hardly! Today just felt like a ‘me day’. And there’s not a soul here who’d dare reprimand me.”

His voice takes on a teasing lilt, “Oh, the teenage rebellion is strong with this one.”

I feign indignation, “EXCUSE ME?”

He chuckles, “Oh, I’ve had my moments.”

“Oh, please. Yours probably pale in comparison.”

He hesitates, “Well, there was this time I ignored my tutor for a month.”

With a dramatic roll of my eyes, I counter, “Psh. Trivial. I’ve been trapped in a searing tank turret for a solid 6 hours!”

Silence.

“The one decent adult I knew was cruelly assassinated!”

Another pause.

“I once found myself bound in a desert, inches away from a parched scorpion!”

He remains speechless.

“I’ve EARNED this downtime,” I declare with a sense of finality.

“Granted, but won’t they come looking for you?”

Shrugging, I disclose, “Unlikely. The major and the 1st lieutenant departed this morning, and the 2nd lieutenant’s swamped with duties.” Before he can respond, I continue, “So, technically, no one’s around to prevent me from indulging in a mid-day siesta. Though, maybe I should check out the firing range. A sniping session sounds enticing… Wait! That would defeat the purpose of playing truant!”

“Schwa…” He tries to interrupt.

Laughing, I muse, “The irony! I’d end up training. Almost tricked myself there.”

“SCHWA!” He practically shouts, urgency in his tone.

Pulling myself back, I retort, “WHY THE CONSTANT SCHWA? Oh, wait … right, my new moniker. Took me a moment.”

“Nevermind that,” his voice grows serious. “Did you say the major is gone?”

“Indeed. Won’t be back till tomorrow.”

A conspiratorial tone creeps into his voice, “Then we’ve a golden opportunity… Time to plan your extraction.”

Perking up, I ask, “What are you plotting?”

His voice dripping with anticipation, he declares, “Isn’t it obvious, Schwa? Time for your grand escape!”

 

---

 

“I’ve come to ask you to peacefully withdraw your troops while we take over the situation.” The Nubian ambassador stands tall, his deep voice echoing slightly in the vast, dimly lit room. Behind him, the sun casts long shadows through the tall windows, making his silhouette appear larger and more imposing.

I slowly remove my sunglasses, the lenses catching a fleeting reflection of the outside. The gravity of his words sinks like a stone in still water. Locking eyes with the ambassador, the ambiance is thick with tension, his ebony skin contrasting with his pristine white robes that rustle subtly with every movement.

“I’m sorry, sir, but that’s out of the question,” I reply, feeling the cool marble floor beneath my shoes, the weight of history pressing down on my shoulders.

“No, you don’t understand,” he asserts, his golden necklace, a symbol of his station, glinting in the muted light. “The Nubian government finds your presence here unsavory. The era of European dominance is a relic of the past, and while you tenaciously hold onto this final colony, we will not stand idly by.”

I glance at the colonel. His well-worn uniform tells stories of countless battles, and his eyes betray the weariness of a man burdened by duty. “Colonel, we must deliberate on this matter.”

The colonel, his deep-set eyes pensive, nods gravely. To the ambassador, he says, “Gentlemen, would you grant us a moment to reflect?”

However, the ambassador swiftly responds, his voice dripping with both charm and an underlying threat, “Our patience is finite. However, we will leave a channel open for communication. A swift digital response would be appreciated.”

His audacity irks me. The tapestries on the walls, which depict ancient scenes of conquest and diplomacy, seem to mock our present situation. “Do you see yourselves as omnipotent rulers, ready to dictate terms and dismiss us as mere footnotes in your grand plans?”

The colonel tries to interject, the medals on his chest clinking faintly. But the ambassador, with a grace that belies his stature, intervenes.

“It would be prudent,” he says, the ornate rings on his fingers reflecting the room’s soft light, “to settle this matter posthaste.”

I watch as they stride away, the thud of their footsteps resonating like a judge’s gavel. Overwhelmed by a cocktail of emotions, my shout is almost primal, the room’s acoustics amplifying my anger.

But the colonel, this shivering swine, wails. “Major, we have no alternative.”

Frustration surges, and I slam my fist onto the table, the impact drawing blood. I won’t back down easily. For if I do, how will the heavens ever know of my unwavering resolve?

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