The car came to a sudden halt, I quickly scrambled to hide even deeper in between the crates.
Inspection.
I knew it would happen but I didn't have a fool proof plan. I could only hide between the crates and hope they won't notice me. The problem is that it is day time now and I will be very visible. I took a deep breath.
It doesn't matter. I am already at the headquarters, they won't send me back, and even if they do I might still get a chance to see König. There was a lot of yells and laughs outside. The tilt was lifted and someone got in the back of the van, I prayed to not be noticed.
To my disappointment our eyes met, it looked like they were the only one who saw me.
"So? Everything good?"
One of the soldiers outside spoke and I watched the dark eyes look at me with confusion and surprise, I looked back with pleading eyes.
"Everything looks alright."
He was still keeping his eyes on me, he slowly grabbed the tilt and brought it over me. I was confused but grateful.
"So hop out! We don't have all day."
What just happened? Did they help me? Why?
Soon the cars were moving again and entered the headquarters. They parked near the hangars and I knew I have to act fast. I slipped from under the tilt and assessed the situation. I was starting to quickly get out of the car to hide but before I could do anything someone grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the back.
"You came with me."
They whispered into my ear. What the hell is going on?! You know what? I am not going to complain, whatever it is, they are doing me a great service. I stood behind him and finally took a good look on his uniform.
This wasn't our station.
Ooooh fuck.
This is KorTac's side entrance.
I have a feeling I will meet König easier then I expected.
"Anything wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong, we just came to remind you to not forget about reporting to the control district after you are done."
"It happened once! It won't happen again."
"Good, then start unloading the cargo."
"Yes, Sir!"
They almost rolled their eyes. The man started to walk away nudging me to do the same. He seemed to be a bit nervous but also... happy?
"You are that girl. The one our Colonel was parting with. Right?"
So that's why he helped me! He must have been a part of the group who blocked König from getting into the car. This explained a bit.
"Yeah. That's me."
He smiled and started leading me towards their main building.
---
The soldier took me to an office of a Operator, probably his superior. After he knocked on the door, someone spoke from inside.
"Come in."
He opened the door and I walked behind him, I slowly peaked my head out, curious as to who I would see. There was only person in the room and I was able to tell who it is immediately.
"Sir. Look at who I found."
I could hear the smile in the soldiers voice, obviously excited by the situation. He stepped to the side making me now visible to the man sitting on his desk, I couldn't tell whether he was looking into my eyes but I could feel his stare.
"Who-? What are you doing here?"
I could see his sunglasses move as his expression must have changed, he sounded surprised and shocked. The soldier who brought me here looked smug and proud, straightening his back before he spoke again.
"I found her hiding in our cargo, like a rat."
I guess it did look that way. Was I the rat now? Scurrying away from danger as soon as I felt threatened. It didn't matter anymore.
"I need to see König."
I said as bluntly as I could. I didn't want to wait. Horangi got up and walked over to me, towering over me.
"Oh, I am sure you will see him. You just trespassed onto military grounds, I hope you realize how severe this is."
He looked a bit amused but pissed at the same time. I had to admit this situation was going to turn problematic if not executed the right way. I wasn't going to let that stop me, I already made my choice and there was nothing Persha could do other then help me.
"First tell me exactly what you are doing here and how did you get here exactly?"
"I will answer everything once I see König."
I crossed my arms and answered coldly. I was causing so much trouble lately, but I was too tired to care. I needed to see him, I had to hear his voice even if a second.
"Go get the Colonel for me. Now. And not a word about this."
The soldier didn't waist a second and quickly ran out of the room.
"Sit down."
He pointed to one of the seats in front of his desk. I complied and sat down, I looked around his office. It was clean, obviously cared for, the papers on his desk piled up in what seemed to be weeks worth of work.
"You better have a good explanation for all of this."
He himself took a seat at the desk, continuing checking his papers and filling up files and reports. It was still a fresh morning, why did he already have so much work pilled up as well as done. I could call it a calm before the storm, although I was expecting this talk to go much smoother then the one with Persha.
The door to the room opened with a slam, I jumped in the chair, startled by the sudden noise.
"Who-!"
I turned around to see König standing in the door way, bending his head down to enter the room. His posture became stiff as he saw me, he quickly closed the door.
"Y/n?"
Oh god he sounded so cute. I smiled at him brightly I was about to speak when Horangi interrupted me.
"Colonel, we have a problem with an unwanted guest that requires your attention."
"What- How? What?"
He walked closer to me, looking back and forth from me to the Operator.
"How did you get here?"
"I hid in one of the vans transporting the cargo to your base. Some things came up so I had too... skip procedures."
He looked confused with my words, he sounded worried, perhaps he thought something bad happened at my base. He wouldn't be too wrong about that.
"What happened, Mein Liebling?"
I cleared my throat and looked at him with a serious expression.
"I know you tried to make a deal with Persha to buy my contract."
The room went quiet. They both looked at each other, Horangi spoke surprised.
"You did?"
König sighed and nodded his head, looking away. Was he disappointed with himself?
"For her?"
"Shade is an exemplary soldier and one of the best snipers I have met. We decided she would be ideal in our team."
His demeanor changed, he sounded strict, was this his work side?
"But what does you coming here has to do with this?"
"I want to join KorTac."
"You know that you don't have the authority to decide on this. So why?"
I stayed silent for a moment. It's true that I can't decide who my contract will be sold to or if it even will be sold. However.
"I can break the contract. I have enough resources to do so and I am ready to do so for KorTac."
"That would look terrible on your record."
"And yet I am willing to do it for you."
König wasn't acting soft like usual, he was responsible, making sure I knew what I was getting myself into. Horangi kept quiet, letting us talk while he listened. Of course there was another option, but it could only go through if Persha agreed for KorTac to buy me off her hands.
"So you came here... all that way. Just to tell the Colonel that?"
I nodded. Of course that wasn't the only reason, but it was the only reason I would tell them. Maybe I will be able to talk to König one on one after this, then I can tell him everything in more detail.
"Does someone know you are here?"
"No. I made sure of that. I left at night, no one even suspected I would do this."
"And what did you expect to happen after all this?"
I shrugged my shoulders and smiled.
"That's the fun part. I have no clue."
---
König took me to his room. It was very plain, gray walls, no pictures or personal belongings anywhere in sight. It was similar to Ghosts, except missing a few knifes on the shelves.
Right... Ghost.
My attention was turned back to König as he closed the door.
"Shatz, I will need you to stay here for the day."
He made it sound like I was a puppy that he was leaving for the first time alone at home. It made me laugh which seemed to confuse him.
"Shatz?"
"I will stay put, don't worry. Go about your day as normal, I will be good this time I promise."
He chuckled, his voice low, making my body rumble with happiness.
"Good, that makes me feel better. I will visit you as soon as I get the chance."
"Alright. I will be waiting, misiu." - (little/teddy bear)
He looked like he wanted something but wasn't sure whether to do it. I decided to be the brave one for both of us.
"Hug?"
He looked surprised and I could bet he was blushing under that mask. I opened my arms and smiled, waiting for him to make the decision. He came to me and leaned down, wrapping his arms around me.
"I didn't think I would see you again so soon."
He held me tighter, not wanting to let me go.
"Is that a bad or a good thing?"
"Good. It's good. Es ist das Beste, was passieren konnte." - (It's the best thing that could have happened)
His hold on me tightened, König pressed his face into my neck.
"I won't ever let you get hurt again, Mein Shatz."
I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment. I was finally with him now. I felt safe in his embrace, I want this to last.
Word count: 1654