Calvin jolted upright in his bed. Four strong arms held him down, but even that was barely enough to keep the man down. They kept speaking soothing words and affirmations that he was safe, but to no avail. After about a minute, the pain kicked in. Calvin willingly dropped back onto the bed. The two men that held him back relaxed their hold and sat back into their chairs. "Well, Captain; how do you feel?"
The initial fear and shock gave way to sanity soon enough. Calvin looked up into the faces of his friends Tyrell and Ivan. Head Commander Ivan was smaller, younger, and more reserved then Tyrell. He was also far more serious than Tyrell. Scout Commander Tyrell was a burly old man with nice hair and a massive moustache. He was known for his groan inducing jokes and lack of seriousness on the battlefield. However, when things got difficult, Calvin would rather have the two of them over an entire army.
Tyrell asked his question again. This time Calvin responded with a grunt and an annoyed waving of the hand. "You are entirely too loud Tyrell. I think plague victims in Ken answered you."
"Well, that's a relief; at least his sense of humour is unscathed." Ivan slumped into his chair and put his head into his palm as Tyrell broke into a fit of laughter. "But honestly Calvin, how do you feel?"
"I'm fine, Commander." Ivan nodded and stood. He turned on his heels to leave. When he was out of earshot, Tyrell spoke up. "He was rather worried about you. Nearly burst into tears when we finally found you."
"What?"
"I'll be honest," Tyrell's mood darkened, "We were not going to tell you, but I think you need to know." Calvin nodded in understanding and propped himself up against the wall. "The Battle of Atlantis took place on Emerald fifty-third, in the ninety-eighth year. It is now Opal third, New Years Day, ninety-nine."
"Impossible. My wounds were mortal; I should have died."
"We thought you had. When your squad didn't make it back after the battle, well...Ivan was about ready to tear apart all of Col if he had to."
"But I was taken by - " Calvin froze as he called to memory his earlier encounter with the Siren Doom. Tyrell continued. "Someone did take your body. Whoever took you wanted you to stay alive. I'd love to explain more, but you need to recover. I promise that when the time comes, we will talk some more. But for now, I need you to lay back and rest up." Tyrell stood and saluted. "Blessings and health upon you." Calvin returned the blessing and was left alone.
Ivan was sitting alone in his office as well. "I told him."
"How did he take the news?"
"He wants the whole story, Ivan." The commander sighed and adjusted his collar. Ivan did that when he was troubled. "How much did you tell him?"
"Only that we found him. Should I have told him about the seal on his chest?"
"He shall find out soon enough. For now, I have another question. Would you be willing to be a second for a new recruit?"
"What do I have to do?"
"He has already passed to combat and physical examination. I only need someone to vouch for his prowess on the field."
"I can do that. I have to go help Lila today. He can tag along."
"That isn't exactly field work."
"You obviously have no idea the work that woman gives me." Ivan simply stated blankly at Tyrell. Tyrell help up a hand, "I will take care of it; but I did promise Lila that I would help her out this afternoon."
"Very well, I shall send him to you shortly. You remember Alec, right?"
"How could I forget that hot-head?!"
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