I sat inside what used to be the mission hall of Unit 77.
It was the only structure still standing. Arkas had told me the unit's commander had made a final stand here, holding off the enemy just long enough for nine soldiers to escape through the teleportation hub.
I recalled the bodies I had seen. The destruction. I let out a long sigh.
This was the reality of our world. Despite all the precautions the Empire took, attacks still came—relentless and brutal. And moments like this, when the enemy managed to strike this deep into the Empire's heart, reminded me just how fragile our situation truly was.
I heard footsteps behind me. I stood and turned.
My grandmother walked in, dressed in her uniform. I could see the tension etched into her face, the fatigue in her eyes.
But when her gaze met mine, a smile tugged at her lips.
It had been over two months since I'd last seen her.
I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her.
"Grandma, I missed you."
She patted my head gently.
