Imperial Armed Forces Headquarters
Red Star Corps Coordination Office
few weeks after the Cerberus Incident
The sky above the Imperial Headquarters was veiled in thin clouds, slowly drifting in the morning breeze. Inside the main corridor of the Red Star Corps Coordination Office, the steady rhythm of footsteps echoed, breaking the silence of the early hour.
A young woman walked with firm steps. Her military uniform was pristine, gleaming as if freshly pressed. Her eyes were sharp, and her jet-black hair was tied neatly at the back of her head.
She was Shina Mariposa, Captain of the Red Star Corps and the highest-ranking authority within the Empire's most elite combat unit.
Today, she returned.
After a week of recovery in the hospital, Shina reopened the door to her office—a room that had long served as the command center for both peace and war.
As the door swung open, three familiar figures rose from their seats and cried out in joyful unison:
"Captain!"
There was Bruto—her ever-logical and stoic right hand.
Sloppy—the awkward but brilliant logistics strategist.
And Angelina—her lively, kindhearted junior.
Shina raised one hand, making a small 'halt' gesture toward Angelina, who had already begun to rush toward her. But everyone knew—once Angelina moved, no one could stop her.
A second later, a warm embrace wrapped around Shina.
Angelina clung to her, holding back tears.
"I was so scared... I thought you wouldn't come back..." she whispered.
Shina didn't reply, nor did she push her away. She let the moment linger, allowing the feelings to flow freely—longing, concern, and genuine affection from those who believed in her.
Sloppy stepped forward, scratching the back of his head.
"Captain... sorry we couldn't visit you in the hospital…"
Bruto added calmly,
"An unexpected mission came from the Coordination Council. We only just returned last night."
Shina looked at the three of them and gave a small nod.
"I understand. You had your duties. That's what matters most."
She walked over to her desk—a broad iron table cluttered with documents, field reports, and strategic maps. She sat down slowly, leaning back in her chair, fingers interlaced before her face. Her eyes gently closed.
One long breath escaped her lips.
She tried to return to the mindset of a captain—to shed the remnants of being a recovering patient, and once again become a commander.
In front of her, her three trusted subordinates stood tall. Waiting for orders. Awaiting direction.
Shina opened her eyes slowly. Her gaze was sharp but warm.
A faint smile touched her lips.
"Let's get to work."
---
After issuing her commands, Bruto, Sloppy, and Angelina left to carry out their tasks. Silence returned to the Red Star Corps captain's office.
Shina leaned back in her chair, staring blankly at the stack of documents on her desk. But her mind wasn't on the reports.
She was thinking of Canis.
His words from days ago still echoed in her mind—his offer of cooperation, the warning of a greater threat, and the elusive "truth" only he seemed to know.
She bit her lower lip softly.
She knew Canis was no ordinary man. Beneath his stoic face and measured words lurked a mind filled with tricks and hidden intentions. She could feel it—like a predator sensing another in the dark.
"What's your game this time, Canis Majoris?" she murmured.
Her thoughts spiraled, weighing possibilities. She couldn't afford to be reckless. Even if Canis spoke of threats to the Empire, it didn't mean he could be trusted. Especially not a man with a past as vast and obscure as his.
Suddenly, a soft knock tapped against her office door.
"Come in," Shina said quickly, her tone returning to that of a leader.
The door opened. A soldier in a standard uniform stepped in, appearing to be in his early thirties. He stood upright and saluted smartly.
"Captain Shina, Lieutenant General Guntur requests your presence in his office. He wishes to speak with you immediately."
Shina nodded. "Thank you. I'll head there now."
The soldier saluted again, turned, and exited. The door closed gently behind him as Shina rose from her chair.
Meanwhile, outside in the hallway, the same soldier walked several meters away from Shina's office. He stopped in front of an old wall-mounted telephone. Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, he picked up the receiver and dialed a sequence of secret numbers.
A few seconds passed before the line connected.
A quiet, heavy voice answered on the other end. It sounded almost like a whisper.
"…Yes?"
The soldier lowered his voice, speaking as though addressing a superior directly.
"It's me, Lord Canis. Just as you requested—she's returned to duty."
{Chapter 54 end}