Brrt~ Brrt~

An unknown comm request arrived.

Helian: Mr. Kryuger, should I answer?

Kryuger shook his head, gently waving his finger to indicate Helian to be mindful of the cameras densely packed in the room. Unconcealed, naked surveillance cameras.
Helian sighed softly and terminated the comm.

Helian: What if it's news about the Commander...

Kryuger: I understand your feelings. Right now, I also want to know the Commander’s situation.

Helian: ...

Kryuger: Connect me to Sir.

Beep. The transmission was quickly answered.

Kryuger: It's me.

Sir: My old friend, what can I do for you?

Kryuger: I don't need anything. I just want to know some information I should know.

Sir: Are you worried about that young man you trained so carefully again?

Kryuger: In the past, I could clearly know the Commander’s movements. When the Commander was confused, I could try to console him, or share our joy during happy times... But now, staying here, I feel like I’m blind and deaf.

Sir: My old friend, you need to rest.

Kryuger: The last thing I need is rest. I’ve rested enough.

Sir: Well, maybe in the afternoon I can arrange something for you—

Kryuger: About the Commander, you seem to be avoiding the topic all the time.

Sir: The Commander hasn’t returned to a safe area yet. So I’m not clear on the details either.

Kryuger: I'm just a bit worried.

Sir: The Commander managed to get out of the Tallinn and Paldiski submarine bases unscathed and then achieved results in the "Black Zone." I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.

Kryuger: ...The Commander has enthusiasm but is sometimes impulsive. I hope you can give the youngsters some room for error.

Sir: I’ve been very patient. For the future of this PMC, I’m continuing to endure.

Kryuger: What are you enduring for?

Sir: You should know very well; I’m enduring for the formation of the Rossartist Union.

Kryuger: The formation of the Rossartist Union back then had meaning. The formation of the current Union... is just a different way of saying it. You should be very clear about these things after so many years.

Sir: Kryuger, some things only existed nominally at first. For example, the selection of officials. The so-called selection is only a process at first, the position is still firmly in the hands of the nobles. But when the process is formalized, the people with the right knowledge can be recommended. We have to believe that the course of history is always moving forward.

Kryuger: We cannot crush the youngsters under the wheels of history.

Sir: If these youths are willing to accept a seat on the departing train, they will naturally become heroes.

Kryuger: ...I understand.

Sir: May you stay healthy, my old friend.

Sir ended the call. Kryuger put down the communicator, slumped into a chair, supporting his head with his hands on his knees.

Helian: ...Mr. Kryuger, you have to trust the Commander.

Kryuger: ...I mainly deeply realize my own incompetence. In the past, I was able to pull the commander out of the burning ruins. But now I can't do anything.

Helian: You’ve entrusted everything to the Commander. We all trust the Commander. Please hold onto that trust.

Kryuger: ...

Helian: It’s not over until the end.

Kryuger finally raised his head, looking around the luxuriously decorated hotel suite, with its velvety curtains glowing softly, like two soft prison doors.

Kryuger: At this point, what more can we do for the Commander?

Helian: I believe the Commander will not give up, no matter the circumstances, no matter how difficult. To survive, just like every time in the past.

Kryuger: I hope so…

Dawn has broken in Berlin, but there is no feeling of brightness, the city is still shrouded in gray mist.