I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

Chapter 669

"<Stand in an orderly line! If you cross the designated boundary, we will open fire! This is not a drill! If you follow the instructions properly, everyone will safely arrive at Central Park!>"

"<V-44TA1 Valkyrie will arrive in 1 minute, next landing is in 7 minutes. Timer setting, measuring boarding capacity... Scan results show the maximum capacity is 75 people! All remaining civilians, please board!>"

"<Langon-affiliated remaining civilians: 32... Recounting. Adding 75 civilians from Maymoniz Medical Center, total of 107 confirmed! Those who arrived first, please wait for boarding!>"

"…Eh, ugh, ah…"

"<Don’t mind them, kid. Everyone will get out safely.>"

Langon Hospital, officially NYC Langon Hospital Brooklyn... and about 700 meters to the north, the Bush Terminal Soccer Field.

Wherever you look, the air is filled with painful sirens and the shouts of people. With the wind slowly picking up again and the massive plane approaching from the sky, the chaos only intensified.

Without realizing it, I started to feel uneasy, and I carefully grabbed Sergeant Mitchell’s hand, which was tightly holding mine, as if she were my mother. The confusion here... was much larger than I had imagined.

But I couldn't say that I didn't understand it.

"…We will make it out, right…?"

I had heard somewhere before that fear and chaos were the quickest spreading emotions.

Perhaps now I could truly understand that. Looking around, the people were murmuring anxiously. The ones who looked calm were probably those who would board the next plane and escape to safety, right?

But just as if to dismiss such thoughts, the plane that had been a tiny dot in the sky began descending slowly, surrounded by a slight trail of flame. It was a very unusual-looking aircraft. A plane that could land vertically…

Its imposing presence left everyone speechless for a moment. That was when I noticed the holes in the ground of the stadium. How much force must it take to make that happen when it takes off?

While I was staring absentmindedly at the scene, Sergeant Mitchell, who seemed just as awestruck, added:

"<…Incredible. It’s not tilt-rotor, but tilt-jet design? How can they operate something that massive for hours with enough fuel in this world?>"

"…Huh?"

"<Forget it. I was just muttering.>"

...I couldn't understand English, so I was frustrated.

Anyway, as I began to regret my earlier decision to accept being with the soldiers, the aircraft slowly descended above the soccer field.

Even the soldiers controlling the area stopped talking, staring silently at the breathtaking sight. Even I, having been in the military, was at a loss for words. It was the kind of thing you’d only see in a military documentary or movie, happening right in front of me.

The only difference from the movies was that when the transport hatch opened, the people who had been waiting started to rush out recklessly.

???Thud-thud-thud!

"…Ugh…!"

"<Don’t be scared. It’s fine.>"

"Sergeant…"

At that moment, the sound of gunfire filled the sky. The soldiers in charge of the control immediately opened fire into the air as the situation seemed to escalate. My heart nearly dropped. I was terrified, truly terrified.

Before I realized it, my breathing became erratic, and my hands and feet were shaking. As soon as Sergeant Mitchell noticed, she grabbed my hand to calm me down. Fortunately, I could understand the words she said to comfort me.

Thankfully or unluckily, the people who had been startled by the gunfire managed to board in an orderly fashion, and the transport hatch closed tightly once the 75 civilians, along with their luggage, had been squeezed in.

It didn’t take long for the aircraft to lift off, and as the civilians disappeared into the sky, a profound silence and the cold winter wind filled the space left behind.

Unfortunately, the transport that would arrive in 5 minutes was scheduled to first support the evacuation of the remaining 32 civilians and the 104th Military Police Battalion, which had been guarding Langon Hospital.

In short, this was the plan:

1. Civilians are evacuated first.

2. The 442nd Military Police Company that had been stationed since 3 AM starts evacuation, with the 107th Military Police Company taking over the defense line.

3. Full evacuation of the 442nd Military Police Company, followed by the joint evacuation of the 107th Military Police Company with two transport planes.

I had even been suggested to board the transport first, but... like everything else, there were procedures, and unfortunately, my weight was too large a variable to fit into the plan.

And it wasn’t that I was going last, either.

To be specific, the plane arriving now was scheduled to take the remaining 32 civilians and about 40 members of the 442nd Military Police Company, who had been guarding Langon Hospital.

The next transport would take about 30 members of the 442nd Military Police Company and heavy weapons, and I was supposed to board that transport. I had heard that if they included part of the 107th Military Police Company, the perimeter defense would be compromised.

…To understand this, I had spent about two hours before I fell asleep earlier today learning about the procedure. It was tiring.

Anyway.

"<The whole thing should be done in less than 30 minutes. Stop worrying.>"

"<…Yes.>"

When I recalled the things I had learned, my anxiety subsided a little... well, a lot.

I looked around, and after some time, I saw Captain Parkinson talking to someone. It was hard to see clearly, but they must have known each other, being fellow soldiers.

The current time was about 7:00 AM. I had heard that sunrise was around 7:30 AM, and sure enough, the surroundings gradually began to change from a dark color to a deep blue.

The air around me started to tremble slightly. I didn’t know how, but strangely, my body could detect even the faintest vibrations in the air.

A new transport plane was coming. By now, some of the civilians and members of the 442nd Military Police Company had begun waiting, and the soldiers who had arrived with me on the truck started to enter the defensive lines they had apparently set up earlier, beginning perimeter defense.

…It was all so fascinating.

'…Is this why they’re soldiers, with such self-sacrificial qualities? How can they carry out their mission without hesitation even when society is this broken?'

My past military service suddenly came to mind.

It hadn’t been much different from everyone else’s. I went through training, got assigned to a unit, bonded with seniors, worked hard at what I was told, made friends with my peers, participated in training now and then, and did guard duties and tasks.

I just did my time, trying not to get hurt, doing the bare minimum to get by, waiting for the day I’d get discharged, and then eventually coming back to society...

…If I were a soldier, would I have been able to carry out my duties without fear?

As the transport loaded up 70 more people and took off, the stadium in Brooklyn was left with only me, a few members of the 442nd Military Police Company, and some from the 107th Military Police Company.

From a distance, I saw Captain Parkinson approaching. He soon reached me, ruffled the pom-pom on my hat with his hand, and added:

"<Soon, we’ll part ways… no, not part ways, you’ll leave first. You’ve done a great job under the 107th Military Police Company. You did well, Eugene.>"

"<…Did I do well?>"

"<Of course, kid. Even Baker, the guy who fell first... He’ll be watching this scene from heaven with a smile on his face.>"

Although I didn’t fully understand everything he said, I had a sense of what he meant.

As I reached up and gently caressed his hand on my head, he took off the patch on my shoulder. The sound of it tearing was quick and light.

The 107th Military Police Company. Everyone here had that patch on their shoulders.

He then put the patch into my pocket and said:

"<It’s a little late, but you’re now an honorary member of the 107th Military Police Company. It’s been a short meeting, but it was enjoyable, Eugene. I hope we’ll meet again in Central Park.>"

"<…Yes, of course… really….>"

It was such a small, light gift, yet why was I tearing up?

That small acknowledgment seemed to prove that the past week, the time I had spent here, was valuable. It felt as if all the terrifying experiences I had gone through were melting away like snow.

Tears began to flow down my cheeks, slowly soaking the scarf around my neck. I reached out and gently embraced him, and though he seemed unsure of what to do, he returned the hug tightly.

From his embrace, from the several magazines in his gear, came the scent of metal, but I didn’t mind at all.

I was so grateful to everyone, but unfortunately, it was impossible to hug each of them because they were all busy with their perimeter duties... But we’d all meet again in Central Park, for sure.

"<See you later, our little one.>"

"<See you later.>"

Meanwhile, the transport plane that had carried 75 people returned, and a strange soldier from behind called out to me.

He introduced himself as Captain Colton, the one in charge of the 442nd Military Police Company, and I began walking slowly toward the transport plane, leaving Captain Parkinson and the 107th Military Police Company behind.

Heavy weapons that were too valuable to abandon, and the remaining 40 soldiers, all still here. I began to slowly lift my feet, and without thinking, I looked up at the sky.

And after some time, I spoke.

"<Hey…>"

"<What is it?>"

"<The star over there, and that black spot, it seems like it’s getting bigger…?>"

"<What do you mean, a star—>"

At that moment, Captain Colton looked up at the sky, but by then, I realized it wasn’t a star.

It was definitely not starlight.

It was more like... what should I call it? Yeah. A missile—

???Whoooosh!

Boom!

At that moment, from the sky... an explosion?

As it fell just a short distance from the base and ignited a massive column of fire, Captain Colton shoved me into the transport hatch.

Screams echoed.

"<Direction 40, distance 300 meters! At least two squads of escapees visually identified!>"

"<Direction 100, distance 250 meters! Two squads of escapees approaching this way!>"

"<Damn it, everyone grab your weapons and get outside!>"

Things were starting to go awry.

"<At least two battalions of enemy troops are positioned around us!>"

"<Damn it, if only the position were better, we could fend them off somehow—what the hell, Colton! Why are you still here?!>"

"<What, are you telling me to ignore this mess and get on a transport plane to Central Park, you damn idiot? Let’s just focus on staying alive!>"

"<…What about the kid with the snake tail?>"

"<Don’t worry. I left about three of them behind to keep him from sneaking out.>"

"<Damn it.>"

As the sky brightened with the dawn, an eerie atmosphere began to settle over the area, and from afar, I could see the growing number of escapees approaching.

The dot was moving. But through the optical sights on the guns, the faces of the enemies were revealed, their eyes filled with greed and a sadistic pleasure as they approached.

As this happened, the transport plane had already taken off, carrying 70 people, and after they left, Brooklyn’s soccer field was left with only me, some members of the 442nd Military Police Company, and the remaining members of the 107th Military Police Company.

In the distance, I saw Captain Parkinson approaching. Soon, he reached me, ruffled the pom-pom on my hat with his hand, and said:

"<Soon, we’ll part ways… no, you’ll leave first. You’ve done a great job under the 107th Military Police Company. You did well, Eugene.>"

"<…Did I do well?>"

"<Of course, kid. Even Baker, the guy who fell first... He’ll be watching this scene from heaven with a smile on his face.>"

Although I didn’t fully understand everything he said, I had a sense of what he meant.

As I reached up and gently caressed his hand on my head, he took off the patch on my shoulder. The sound of it tearing was quick and light.

The 107th Military Police Company. Everyone here had that patch on their shoulders.

He then put the patch into my pocket and said:

"<It’s a little late, but you’re now an honorary member of the 107th Military Police Company. It’s been a short meeting, but it was enjoyable, Eugene. I hope we’ll meet again in Central Park.>"

"<…Yes, of course… really….>"

It was such a small, light gift, yet why was I tearing up?

That small acknowledgment seemed to prove that the past week, the time I had spent here, was valuable. It felt as if all the terrifying experiences I had gone through were melting away like snow.

Tears began to flow down my cheeks, slowly soaking the scarf around my neck. I reached out and gently embraced him, and though he seemed unsure of what to do, he returned the hug tightly.

From his embrace, from the several magazines in his gear, came the scent of metal, but I didn’t mind at all.

I was so grateful to everyone, but unfortunately, it was impossible to hug each of them because they were all busy with their perimeter duties... But we’d all meet again in Central Park, for sure.

"<See you later, our little one.>"

"<See you later.>"

Meanwhile, the transport plane that had carried 75 people returned, and a strange soldier from behind called out to me.

He introduced himself as Captain Colton, the one in charge of the 442nd Military Police Company, and I began walking slowly toward the transport plane, leaving Captain Parkinson and the 107th Military Police Company behind.

Heavy weapons that were too valuable to abandon, and the remaining 40 soldiers, all still here. I began to slowly lift my feet, and without thinking, I looked up at the sky.

And after some time, I spoke.

"<Hey…>"

"<What is it?>"

"<The star over there, and that black spot, it seems like it’s getting bigger…?>"

"<What do you mean, a star—>"

At that moment, Captain Colton looked up at the sky, but by then, I realized it wasn’t a star.

It was definitely not starlight.

It was more like... what should I call it? Yeah. A missile—

???Whoooosh!

Boom!

At that moment, from the sky... an explosion?

As it fell just a short distance from the base and ignited a massive column of fire, Captain Colton shoved me into the transport hatch.

Screams echoed.

"<Position 40, distance 300 meters! At least two squads of escapees visually identified!>"

"<Position 100, distance 250 meters! Two squads of escapees approaching this way!>"

"<Damn it, everyone grab your weapons and get outside!>"

Things were starting to go awry.

"<At least two battalions of enemy troops are positioned around us!>"

"<Damn it, at least if the position were better, we could have repelled them somehow—what the hell, Colton! Why are you still here?!>"

"<Are you telling me to ignore this mess and get on the transport plane to Central Park, you damn fool? Let’s just think about surviving peacefully.>"

"<…What about the kid with the snake tail?>"

"<Don’t worry. I left about three people behind to make sure he doesn’t sneak out.>"

"<Damn it.>"

The eastern sky was gradually brightening, and with it came a heavy, ominous atmosphere as hordes of escapees started to approach from the distance.

The dot was moving. However, through the optical sights mounted on our rifles, the faces of the enemies were magnified and painted with greed and a twisted delight at pursuing their malicious pleasures.

In the midst of all this, if the missile had fallen after the takeoff, at least those who could have survived would have had a chance, but before the ramp even closed, the missile had struck, and the 442nd Military Police Company was forced to return to the frontline.

The result was Captain Colton standing next to Captain Parkinson.

And... only three people.

"<That kid… he’s definitely going to sneak out. If I had known this would happen, I should’ve sent him off earlier….>"

"<Don’t worry. I left about three people behind at the transport hatch to keep him from coming out. We can save about four people.>"

"<Not possible. You’ll see soon enough. That kid… you can’t stop him with just three people.>"

"<…What?>"

"Captain—!"

It had come to this.

He felt a headache and turned his head to see Eugene, her face almost in tears, running toward him, followed by three soldiers who had seemingly failed to stop her.

Should I have explained it to her earlier? He thought, but by now it was too late, and he sighed. At least the V-44TA1 wasn’t flying off and was still sitting in the stadium.

He had to stay where he was to command, but luckily, the situation wasn’t completely lost yet.

For example—

"<Skyles! Go ask the pilot of that transport plane if he can communicate with any other aircraft going to Manhattan right now!>"

"<What should I tell him if it's possible?>"

"<Anything, just tell him to call for any helicopter with fire support! If we don’t get any support, we might be overrun here!>"

There was no certainty. He didn’t know what the situation in Manhattan was like, and the planes that kept coming in might have been the maximum support Central Park could provide.

But above them, unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with missiles were offering fire support. Given that, it wasn’t an entirely hopeless battle.

The only thing he regretted was that, at some point, Eugene had gotten too close to this place and he hadn’t been able to send her to Central Park.

He prepared to order her to turn back.

But—

"<I can fight too!>"

"<…Listen carefully. I’ll say it once. Get on that damn plane, and go to Central Park. If you don’t leave now, I’ll have to drag you onto it.>"

"<But if I do that… I’ll be a casualty!>"

At that moment, she dug into her pocket and showed him the patch of the 107th Military Police Company that he had just given her.

In the meantime, had her English skills improved dramatically? He thought, but before he could say anything, Captain Parkinson was struck silent by what Eugene then showed him.

It was a Glock pistol engraved with the initials of Sergeant Baker.

It seemed she had hidden it, but as she started to cry, she added:

"<He’s dead. He gave this to me right before he… I don’t want to see anyone die anymore!>"

"<Damn…>"

Then you might die too.

He thought he would say that, but couldn’t bring himself to. He didn’t know what Eugene had been through, but during the pandemic that had covered the world, she had likely endured horrors that made the living envy the dead.

A few minutes ago, he had put the unit patch into Eugene’s pocket. If that became a real keepsake, and the members of the 107th Military Police Company who would soon follow him became corpses...

He couldn’t help but wonder whether this young girl, learning of such a fate, would ever lead a normal life.

It was a far-fetched assumption, but he knew that he couldn’t persuade Eugene at this point.

He spoke:

"<Arm yourself, Eugene.>"

"…Huh?"

"<Grab your gun, and put a bullet through the escapee’s forehead. Fight to survive. From now on, you’re a member of the 107th Military Police Company. Mitchell!>"

"Yes, sir!"

"<Before it’s too late, give this kid the remaining body armor and weapons!>"

There were no more words.

Maybe he would regret it, maybe he would die in regret in a few minutes. But the dice had been thrown, and the only way left was to survive after burying all the enemies.

As Eugene disappeared with Sergeant Mitchell, Captain Parkinson clenched his teeth.

The battlefield was waiting for him.

"<…Confirmed. The contaminated are emerging in large numbers, heading toward the honeycomb. Code Alpha has been issued.>"

"<This is Dragon 1. We received the operation order from Zodiac. We’re moving now. The objective is to incinerate all the contaminated.>"

Meanwhile, somewhere about ten kilometers away.

A massive fire truck equipped with a huge wedge capable of pushing vehicles aside began heading toward Brooklyn, packed with armed troops.