Crest and Shield Book 2: an O R D E R mini Read online

Chapter Ten

  “I am impressed,” Avahloh admitted to Kiel as he looked up at the newly completed inner wall of the compound. “The personnel were very efficient.”

  “I must admit Reik’s overseeing of this was impressive.”

  “When will the anti-air guns be mounted?”

  “They are working on fitting them. It may take some time. The normal models and the wall mounted ones are a little different. We are limited in the normal models that were fitted before, so they are trying to retrofit some of the unused ones to compensate.”

  “Understood. After seeing Reik’s timeliness with the wall, I will trust that it will be completed in as timely a manner as it can be.”

  “I agree. Have there been any other minor clashes of authority amongst the ranks?”

  “No. I’ll address them if there are.”

  “I’m sure you will, 1st Narce. Will you be visiting Central Command today?”

  “No, I will be out in the field. Remind all departments to notify me of anything out of the ordinary, no matter how small.”

  “I will relay the order. I am headed down there now.” Kiel parted with a slight nod and let Avahloh go on his way.

  There was no immediate hurry to get to Central Command. On his way, Kiel surveyed a number of areas within the compound. The devastation was still apparent, although personnel had done a quick job of cleaning up. This compound had survived a number of attacks and he was sure it would withstand many more. Although it had been impressive thus far, Kiel’s feelings about current leadership were mixed. He still didn’t know how to take Avahloh. He knew the sight of him in his Grim Reaper regalia intimidated everyone as much as it still intimidated him. Time may reveal that the 1st Narce’s mistakes would lead Kiel to leadership.

  In the distance, Sub-Commander Coto could be seen headed his way.

  How appropriate, Kiel thought, given his current line of thinking. Kiel approached Coto.

  “I see the Narce’s current project has been finished,” Coto said, as he stood there with smoldering contempt.

  “1st Narce, Sub-Commander,” Kiel corrected him.

  “What?” Coto replied, the confused irritation in his voice apparent.

  “The full title is 1st Narce,” Kiel said.

  “I see you’re getting comfortable with the 1st Narce’s command here.”

  “Not quite, but if I want to keep that uncertainty hidden, I have to behave in a manner that respects all the authority of the current command. That includes the title,” Kiel said.

  “I understand what you’re getting at,” Coto admitted. “My apologies.”

  “No need. Walk with me, Sub-Commander.”

  They began a stroll.

  “We are not the only ones who share doubt in this command,” Coto said.

  “I’m sure fear as well?”

  “Indeed. The pure sight of that behemoth in Grim Reaper uniform is terrifying. It’s a constant reminder of what they do and what they are capable of, even within these walls.”

  “Agreed. I will admit, I did witness something yesterday that put my mind at ease about the possibility of a full-out Grim Reaper coup. He stopped a group of Grim Reaper soldiers from enforcing their power on other soldiers.”

  “That’s him stopping someone else’s exertion of power. Who’s to stop his?”

  “I thought that’s what we were talking about, Sub-Commander?” Kiel said as he stopped and turned to Coto.

  “Then I guess we are,” Coto acknowledged the suggestion. “What are the steps we are going to take to start the change in leadership?”

  “That is something we are going to have to analyze slowly and thoroughly. If it is going to happen, it has to be thorough and absolute, or it will not happen at all.”

  “And we will all find ourselves in front of the barrel of a Gatlin Gun.”

  “Indeed.”

  “I didn’t know you had that kind of power-seeking ambition, Commander Kiel.”

  “In seeking power that is not yours yet, that is the point isn’t it?”