Zero Tolerance: Escort Duty

[diabolicalfiend]

Title: Escort Duty
Author: diabolicalfiend
Rating: G
Characters: Zero, Razor and OCs.
Word Count: 646
Disclaimer: I don't own Tin Man.
Summary: Escort duty.




Zero was looking at the letter as Razor walked in. The letter from Cain had details of a new assignment as well as a very helpful 'Be Careful'. He rolled his eyes. Thanks, Cain. I'll try to remember that.

"You sent for me?" Razor asked.

"Orders at last!" he replied waving the letter. "We are to escort a convoy through the Northern ridge!"

"The last three convoys sent there were destroyed by the Browncoats," he reminded him. They had taken to calling them that after Hawk outfitted them in clothes reminiscent of the colours of a hawk's plumage.

"Which is why this one has to get through!" Zero replied.

"How many will form the escort?"

"Just us," Zero smiled. "Like the old days, Razor. A vital mission, impossible odds and a ruthless enemy. What more could we ask for?" He handed the briefing part of the letter to Razor. "Here is the briefing. Start battle drills immediately. Train them hard."

"By the time we join the convoy, we'll have the reflexes of a lion."

Zero nodded. "I expect nothing less." Razor turned to leave. Zero gazed curiously at him. "One moment, Razor." Razor turned back to him. "We have shed blood together, survived The Sorceress and her death... you have pledged your life to me... yet in all this time, you've never told me you have a son!"

"It's a... difficult subject to discuss," he attempted.

"Yeah! I got that." Razor looked at him as if he really wanted to bolt. Unfortunately, it was obvious that Zero expected more. "Colin and I were never... close."

"His mom?"

"No, General. She was killed..." he visibly winced. "When he was very young. I kept him with me for a while but then I sent him to my foster parents in Merryland."

"Why?"

"He... I was a Longcoat. He showed no interest in..." Well, it was revenge at first, but he found Zero and then it became more than that. "The military life."

Zero quirked an eyebrow at that. "Then why has he joined up with us?"

"I don't know," though it killed him to admit it. "I haven't spoken with him."

Zero reached out and squeezed Razor's shoulder. "This isn't good. Father and son. Should talk."

"I prefer to handle this in my own way."

Zero nodded, lifting his hand. "Then do so." He nodded once, dismissing him.


Blade, being Zero's second, had gotten his own tent. He sat inside it now. In his hands was a picture, of himself and his son. He had his hand on the boy's shoulder but the boy was stiff, even then. His tarp opened. "Private Colin Wise, reporting as ordered," he announced himself formally.

"You have grown."

"So I'm told."

"How are your grandparents?"

"Your parents were in good health, last time I saw them."

"Do they know you are here?" Razor blurted, finally letting his frustration show.

"They weren't happy about my decision, but when they realised I was determined to enlist, they supported me as they always have." Colin looked at him.

Direct hit. "I know we have not seen each other in some time. But let us talk as father and son."

"I am not here to call you 'father'. I'm here to serve my people."

"Did you think enlisting would please me?"

"Pleasing you did not enter into my decision. With all due respect, does this conversation have any... uh... bearing on my duties?"

"Stop pretending to be a soldier!" Blade snapped. "We both know you do not belong here!" He pulled himself back. "You heard what I expect from the others. It goes double for you. Understood?"

"Understood."

Razor glared at him. What he wanted to happen here was about several dimensions away from what did. "Dismissed." Colin performed a precise about face and left. Razor turned to his picture. Long ago and many regrets away.