A few weeks later, Norok stood within the confines of Base Alpha. Gone were the stone black bricks of the bootcamp grounds; now, it shimmering silver walls that towered over the land below. The base was a collection of winding spires that disappeared into the clouds, with iridescent grooves that wound around the metal surface. There were thousands of small, white runes etched into the interior walls. Kell had just finished explaining how they caught the light from outside and reflected it inwards when Norok reached out to touch one, only to reel back with a hiss as his fingers sizzled.
Base Alpha was drastically different from the other bases, in that there weren’t just military personnel inside. A whole colony of civilians lived within the upper floors, expanding their domestic skyline as Fable’s best protected them on the lower levels.
“We are the foundation,” Kell said, keeping his voice low as they entered the civil district. “There’s no better way to keep it in mind when it’s literal.”
The civil district buzzed with life and vendors, foreign smells wafting towards the transparent domed ceiling. The white runes in the surrounding walls glittered even as night cast itself over the sky. Just past the sleek confines of the crowded cage, Norok could see even smaller glittering specks, a myriad of stars decorating the expanse of unreachable sky.
If what Kell had said about the stars and wishes were true, then Norok would wish on every star in existence to put an end to Will’s three-week-long temper tantrum. The once overbearing, needling team captain had devolved after their loss, switching from cold and silent to destructive and vengeful at a moment’s notice. Even as they strolled through the street, Will pouted behind them, elbowing his way through the crowd with a sneer. He stepped up to one of the vendors, a thin man balancing four bowls of steaming soup all along his arms and shoulders. The crowd of eager citizens who clapped and gasped at the performance fell into an uneasy silence as Will flashed his badge at the man.
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“By the blade, I hereby exile you from Base Alpha and the territory it presides over,” he stated firmly. There wasn't an ounce of humanity in his tone, Norok noted, unsure whether to be impressed or weary.
“I--I don't understand,” the man stammered. “Those extra provisions--”
“Weren't approved,” Will hissed. He yanked the man by the collar, causing all four spinning bowls to come crashing down. He threw the man towards Irina, who restrained him promptly with a loud grunt. Daimona stepped forward, reaching out to take him into custody.
“No!” Will barked. “You take him, Irina.”
“It makes more sense for Daimona to help me hold captive, no?” Irina replied. Will narrowed his eyes in a lethal glare.
“Are you suggesting you are incapable of handling one civilian, Private?”
Irina opened her mouth to argue, then shut it softly. She stiffly saluted Will, pivoting on her heel with the words, “Understood, Captain.”
“You know it's bad when Irina’s falling in line,” Norok muttered.
“I'm going to handle the others,” Will said before stalking off. With a helpless look, Daimona tailed after him, calling his name as they disappeared into the bustling street.
Norok watched his sister's back for a moment, before a pair of figures caught his gaze. Both wore dark, green robes, one tall and hunched over while the shorter one stood in front. The shorter one appeared to be a young girl, staring at Norok with golden irises from beneath her hood. Two thick braided pigtails snaked down her chest, with bronze clasps between each plait. She stuck her freckled nose up as she said something inaudible to her companion. Norok couldn't make out their features through the lowered hood, but as they turned to walk away, guiding the girl with an outstretched hand, Norok caught the flash of something metallic stretching out to cover their mouth. In a blink, the strange duo had vanished from sight.
“How long do we have to stay here again?” Norok asked, shifting uncomfortably on his feet as he turned to Kell.
“Just until our assignment changes,” Kell said.
“Let's hope it changes soon, then,” Norok sighed. “I'm already starting to hate it here.”
