"Captain Linda reporting, Sir," she said, her voice crisp and professional as she stood at attention.
Colonel Fracas, who had been engrossed in paperwork, shifted his attention to his adjutant. "Stand Easy."
"There has been a strange but positive happening in this barracks concerning the injured guards. The medical personnel have reported a remarkable healing rate, with all the soldiers essentially fit, although they are unable to perform stressful jobs," Linda reported.
"Okay. What can be the cause of that?" Fracas asked, using the tip of his pen to tap the table thoughtfully.
"Unknown, Sir. But after random examination, a strange element has been detected in their blood, with a similar structure to the DNA of the beast killed, mixed with other unusual structures. According to the report, the structures were decreasing as the healing took place," Linda continued as she placed the folder containing the observations by the microbiologists on the table.
Fracas, although not very knowledgeable in scientific matters, flipped through the papers before returning them to the folder. "This is a good thing. At least the men can leave as early as possible."
"I order you to commence an investigation immediately," he commanded.
"Yes, Sir," Captain Linda responded with a military salute as she returned to her duties.
As Captain toured the clinic, he marveled at the remarkable effectiveness of the potion even after dilution. He was pleased to witness the visible progress in his men, who, compared to their condition during their initial treatment, were now not only able to stand but also walk. It was a moment filled with hope and triumph. (a testament to the invaluable impact of the potion on their recovery).
As yet another fateful day finished, the travellers were prepared to depart. The ready passengers, upon hearing the announcement, swiftly gathered their belongings and made their way to their designated buses. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation as each traveler embarked on their own journey, ready to leave the city behind as the sun was rising.
In the barracks, the atmosphere was heavy with a mix of emotions as friends bid each other goodbye, knowing that it might be the last time they would see one another. The air was filled with the sound of embraces and whispered wishes for a safe journey, the sense of camaraderie palpable on the field.
As the recruits were in the midst of their farewells, the announcement rang out, cutting through the emotional haze. The news of their postings to different cities based on risk levels and the number of deceased guards sent a ripple of anticipation and apprehension through the field. The recruits' eyes darted to the notice boards, where the information had been posted, and they hurried to see where they had been assigned.
Some of them laughed with relief as they found themselves posted to safer locations, while others couldn't hide their disappointment and frustration as they read where they were headed. Nevertheless, they all shouldered their loads and weapons, their expressions a mix of determination and uncertainty, as they made their way to report to their respective team captains.
The barracks, once filled with the warmth of friendships and shared experiences, now felt somber and tense as the recruits prepared for the challenges that awaited them in their new postings. The air crackled with a sense of urgency and purpose as they braced themselves for the unknown ahead.
As all these were going on, a loud voice was heard, "ATTENTION".
Instantly all discussions stopped as they all stood at attention waiting to hear a farewell speech from the Colonel. Colonel Fracas stood on the makeshift podium, his silhouette outlined by the soft glow of the approaching sun, stood in front of them, his voice filled with passion as he delivered a rousing speech, urging them to stay vigilant and focused during their upcoming journey.
"I formerly wanted to read this prepared speech to you but I changed my mind and I decided to speak to you from my heart".
"Our Cities, our Kingdom, Our World is facing a perilous situation and our efforts are needed to protect and safeguard our respective cities. The Kingdom will not give up on any city for any reason so you can be rest assured that the Kingdom is your greatest support. May we all survive this perilous times", he said as he folded the sheet containing a long speech that had been written.
The whole field was silent for a while before the guards all chorused his last sentence.
As his words echoed through the crisp morning air, the guards listened intently, their breath visible in the chilly morning breeze. The Colonel's presence was commanding, and his words instilled a sense of purpose in each member of the team as they stood.
The first light of dawn was just beginning to break over the horizon as the teams of guards gathered around their military trucks, loading their gear into the waiting trucks. The sound of heavy boots on the ground and the clanking of equipment filled the air as they prepared for their return journey, their breath forming clouds in the cold morning air.
With a final nod from Colonel Fracas, the teams of guards climbed into their respective trucks, their expressions resolute and focused. The engines roared to life, filling the air with a low rumble, as the convoy prepared to embark on their journey just as the first rays of sunlight began to illuminate the landscape.
As the trucks rolled out of the compound, the guards inside were determined and ready for whatever lay ahead.
Colonel Fracas accompanied by other senior officers stood until all the trucks have left.
"I wish them a hitch free journey", he murmured under his breath as he returned back to his office.
The convoy set out on its return journey, with the sturdy armored trucks taking the lead, while the passenger buses, as usual, positioned themselves between the military vehicles. The journey began as the vehicles rolled out through the gates, each destined for its respective destinations.
As the fleet made its way back to Rosette City, now without Dofy, they retraced the same road they had taken on their initial trip.
"May we be blessed with a swift and secure journey back home," Captain solemnly intoned, his hands raised toward the heavens.
"Amen," echoed both the guards and the passengers in unison.