Zero Tolerance: No Rest For The Weary

[diabolicalfiend]

Title: No Rest For The Weary
Author: diabolicalfiend
Rating: G
Characters: The Cains, Cass,
Word Count: 1076
Disclaimer: No ownership
Summary: The War is not going well.




"Looks like they've broken off their pursuit," Jeb remarked to his father.

"Got tired of looking at our backs," Cain muttered back. "Three months of bloody slaughter and what do we have to show for it? Not a damn thing. Engage and retreat. Engage and retreat. Just one time I would've liked to have seen their backs."

"Dad," Jeb warned, interrupting his rant. Others were listening.

"Sorry, son. Nothing a little sleep won't cure."

"We could all use some sleep," Cass spoke up. "What's it been, seventy-eight hours?"

"Shouldn't we have heard something from the Seventh Battalion by now?" Monroe, a young corporal, asked.

"I wouldn't worry just yet," Cass replied. "They're far enough away that it's going to take a day or two for any message to reach us."

"You think they can stop them?" Monroe asked.

"You're damn right they can," Cain told him. "Somebody has to."

It was hard to argue.


They received a hero's welcome, they always did. It was always hollow to Cain, but he understood it. It was good for the people left behind and for his people. The tears of joy when they reunited with their loved ones.

He usually hung around those who didn't get their loved ones back. There were plenty of those. He tried to offer words of comfort or explanations, but mostly just stayed there with them, until DG or Cassandra appeared and ordered him to sleep or eat.


This time, it was Cassandra's turn. He took "So where do you think Lavender's going to send us next?"

"I don't know. But if I have any say in the matter, we'll be going right back to the front lines.

"Well said, Cain," Zero arrived. He hugged his sister. "My guys will be by your side," he added.

"You're wounded."

"Yeah, I'll have it looked at, just had to see you first."

Raw came in the door. "Cain..."

"Just the man I wanted to see." Zero held up his shoulder.

Raw ignored him. "News. Seventh."

Cain stiffened. "Go on."

"Fourteen, back. Squadrons," he added, not wanting to raise hope.

Zero went white. "Fourteen out of a hundred and twelve..."

Raw was throbing with anger, his own. "Can't keep up losses. Not win."

"Thanks, Raw," Cain interrupted, dismissing him.

Raw looked over at Zero. "Look at arm." He left the room with Zero.

Cain gripped the glass he was holding. One deep breath and slam! The glass went flying into a nearby table. It shattered into a million pieces. He breathed some more, remembering Cass' presence. He looked up at her, his dismay echoed in her face. He waited for a couple moments, until the familiar tide of anger and defiance returned to his face.


"Permanent Documentation File, Hawk, S.G. The war continues to go well. Each day brings reports of new victories." He smirked. "Only matter of time." He switched off his recorder when he saw the Sorceress approach.

"You assured me that you could dismantle the minefield within a month," she told him without preamble. "That was two months ago." Remember Lonot?

"I admit work is proceeding more slowly than expected. But these aren't ordinary mines. Every time we destroy or deactivate one of them, its neighbour replicates a new one."

"Self-replicating mines. Ambrose?"

"I'd like to get my hands around his neck."

"We have to take down that minefield."

"And we will. But there's no need for panic. We're winning the war."

"For the moment, yes. But to defeat the Royalists, we're going to need reinforcements and new supplies. Soon."

"I said I'd deal with the minefield and I will."

The Sorceress smiled sweetly before allowing it to disappear into a warning glare. She left.


"Come in," Hawk smiled.

"You wanted to see me?" Louise Heraty stepped in. She didn't look too pleased to see him. Her eyes were filled with contempt. She was one of The Sorceress' followers and had no patience for Hawk. Part of the appeal.

Hawk rose from his chair and stepped towards her. "I always want to see you, Major. And therein lies the problem. It's been three months since The Sorceress has returned and we've barely spent any time with one another. Oh, I suppose you can point to the various meetings we've attended together. But they never seem to offer us the opportunity to venture beyond business."

Louise was disgusted. "I don't have time for this."

"Major! I haven't dismissed you yet," he added softly.

"What do you want from me, Hawk?"

"Come now, Major. Have the last three months been that bad?"

"Is that why I'm here? To flatter you? Let you know what a good job you're doing and how happy we all are to have you back?"

He stepped closer. "Sarcasm doesn't become you, Major. It's your directness that I've always found appealing."

"Hawk, I've got better things to do than to stand here and help you play out one of your little fantasies." She moved to leave but Hawk blocked her way to the door with his arm.

"You feel I've betrayed you."

Louise glared at him. "Not just me. You betrayed everyone. Including your own people.

"We were on the edge of an abyss, Major," he replied. "We had become a third rate power. My people had lost their way. I've made them strong again."

"At what price? You've sold them to the Ev!"

"A high price, to be sure. But look what we're getting in return - the Zone itself!"

"We'll see about that."

"Yes, we will," he leaned closer still. "I could make things very pleasant for you here, Louise."

She smiled. "You could start by doing something about your breath."

Hawk laughed it off. "I'm a patient man. I can wait."

Louise nearly snarled at him. "Wait for what? What do you think is going to happen here, Hawk? You think you're going to wear me down with your 'charming' personality? That I'm going to be swept off my feet by that insincere smile? Are you really so deluded that you actually believe we're going to have some kind of intimate relationship?"

"We already do," he smirked, raising his hand to softly caress her cheek. She snapped it away quickly and he laughed. "Good day, Major. I'm afraid I have work to do." Louise glared at him in bald hatred before storming off.

Hawk returned to his desk, quite unable or unwilling to wipe the smirk off his face.