As dawn breaks in the forest, the sun’s rays slowly fall onto Alex’s face. He opens his eyes, and yawns. He gets up, looks at his watch and compact calendar. The calendar is open to March, Year 220 PL (post liberation). He begins to stretch his muscles and walks out of his tent. As he does so, someone immediately walks up to him.

“The people on night shift had nothing to report captain.”

“Come on Jack. It feels weird when you call me captain, we’ve known each other for a long time.”

“Sorry, I just wanted to tease you a little.” Jack said with a joking half-smile, “Not everyone has had the opportunity to be named captain of a new squad when they turn 18.”

“Yeah, I was surprised when the legendary Lobo, Chief of Security, gave me this position.”

“Not to mention, a couple months later giving us our first mission here on the east border.” Jack said with a chuckle.

“Yeah, he must have some real confidence in this new squad” Alex responded.

Jack then spoke, “But on a serious note Alex. We spent three days patrolling the border and we still haven’t seen any libertine raiders as Chief Lobo reported.”

“Are you seriously doubting Chief Lobo’s Sophia, ‘Protection of Dominion’? This man has accurately detected and defended against libertine raiders ever since he first joined the ranks.”

“Hey, maybe this is a sign that he needs to retire soon.” Jack said jokingly.

“Make sure he doesn’t hear that, or you’ll see who retires first.” Alex laughed.

As Alex and Jack were joking around, a slightly older blonde girl walks up to them.

“Um… Alex... I mean Captain. I was wondering if I could join one of the patrols today?”

Before Alex could respond, Jack said, “Listen Mina, we have been friends for years now, so I'll be honest. I understand that you want to help, but your Sophia, as it is right now, isn’t that helpful. Maybe once you change the focus of your Sophia on something else other than ‘friends for life’, then you could do more.”

"It’s not ‘friends for life’" she quickly retorted, "It’s Philla, which means, ‘love for your friends’".

“Either way, the power of friendship is not practical for a combat situation. At most, your Sophia can only reduce stress in people, which is not all that useful since we are currently dealing with raiders who love to plan ambushes. Dropping one’s guard in a situation like this could lead to death. So, go to the main operations tent and wait till this mission is over.”

At this point Mina is physically trying to hold back her tears. After she regains her composure, she slowly turns and walks away.

.....

“That was kind of harsh Jack.”

Jack now has a solemn face, “…. I know, but I said it to make sure she stays here.”

“Listen Jack, I’ve know you care about her, but this will only limit the growth of her Sophia.”

“One day, I’ll make it up to her … I just don’t want her to come across raiders on a patrol. I fear what might happen to her.”

“Come on bud”, Alex spoke as he put his hand on Jack’s shoulder, “let’s go find some food, so we can start our day.”

****

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

– Robert Frost.