Rise Hospital
Niko stepped into the early light of the day, blinking at the sudden brightness
from the large plate glass windows. He fixed his gaze on the people in front of
him, trying to focus on their faces.
Dave moved in closer, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Niko replied, even if he didn't quite feel it. He shifted his weight
from one foot to the other, feeling the tension in his muscles. "You?"
Dave nodded, his eyes brightening a little. "Yeah, I was out ages ago, almost
came in to make sure you were good, FA Canlas persuaded me not to. Said you
needed the time."
Niko looked at their pilot, Malaki Canlas, seeing her in slightly different light
now. Her strawberry red hair, though tied back, had a billion straggles, and she
had really dark bags under her eyes. "Thanks for booking it," he said to her.
"You're welcome." She rubbed her hands together, trying to keep them warm
in the cool morning air. "Thanks for—"
"How is it going?" Niko cut her off, glancing towards the surgical room.
"Good, as far as I can tell, he's stable. They're repairing the rest of his injuries
now."
"The rest?" Niko swore under his breath, the surge of tension forcing him to
clench his fists.
"Would you come with me for a minute?" she asked and put a hand on his
arm.
"I've got debrief as soon as I'm fit." Niko said.
"I know. I'll walk you over. Dave's been in already."
Niko checked the time. He'd sat in the shower room for thirty minutes
afterwards, getting his thoughts together. "You should have come in for me."
"No need, come on though. They are waiting for you."
Niko followed her to the door. "I'll message if there's anything
important." Dave said.
Niko smiled at him, "You did great today. I'm proud of you."
Dave stood straighter. "Thanks, man."
Niko accompanied Malaki out of the hospital and onto the sprawling grounds.
Their helo was in in the distance, technicians swarming around it like moths to a
flame. The wind off the cliffs at Rise hit him hard. But he sucked in that cold and
focused on it.
"I've been out on three missions with you," Malaki said, her voice shaking.
"But that was something else."
"Yeah," he replied, his thoughts drifting to the amount of blood in his hands. He knew she'd seen that too.
"Would you do it again?" she asked.
"Field surgery without permission?" He blew out a breath. "I— who the fuck
am I kidding? If it saves a life, then yes." He knew he was willing to do whatever
it took to save a life even if it meant breaking the rules.
"I have no doubt you've heard of my few misdemeanors."
Niko glanced at her. He knew all too well who she was. Flight Sergeant
Malaki Canlas, daughter of General Canlas. Maker of havoc. Yet now she looked
down, not able to meet his eyes. She was suddenly so unsure of herself, why?
When he'd jumped into that helo on that mission earlier, he'd also known
they were in for a hell of a ride before the details of their job came through. "I
do," he said his hands drifting to his sides.
"They've suspended me for a year," she said.
"What?" he asked, seeing the fear in her eyes. "You're joking with me? With
skills like yours."
She looked at the ground. "Skills yes…. But not in taking orders."
Niko burst out laughing, the tension breaking for just a moment. "You and
me both there, then."
"You're due to graduate this year with full marks." Malaki said trying to
change the subject.
"I was," he said with a frown.
"I want to ask you something…" She came to a halt and stared at him.
"What?"
"Re-sit with me?"
It was the casual way she said it. Niko took a step back crossing his arms and
raising an eyebrow. "You're serious."
"Yes, I'd be comfortable with you on my team going forwards, and I know
we'd be great together on the line."
"You don't know me, I have plans…." Niko knew he lied. He hadn't made
any plans past getting through day by day sometimes.
"Will you at least think about it?" she asked.
Re-sitting a whole year. Fuck, that was some ask.
"Your reputation is all over the place."
Malaki turned away. "Don't let my full reputation get in the way, please."
"You mean your father?"
Her fists clenched together, and she took in a visibly long breath. "Yes, my
father."
"I'd be stupid if I didn't think about who he was." Niko said his mind racing
with the implications of aligning himself with the Malaki Canlas. But he couldn't
deny the adrenaline rush he felt just at those thoughts.
"But you will think about it?" she pressed.
Niko's jaw tightened as he considered all of the risks. He couldn't believe he
was saying it. "Yes," he said his heart pounding. "I will think about it. It's a hell
of an ask First Airman."
"I know. I know your girlfriend is due to move up."
Niko swallowed, the weight of his uncertain future with Lacy hitting him
hard. "Lacy's also one of the best around."
"She has skills in a whole other area though." Malaki countered.