The Aftermath

Jol woke up in the hospital. He didn't know how long it had been, but seeing Tamari put him at ease. She smiled at Jol, before saying "How are you feeling?"

"I'm good... I think." Jol replied. "How long have I been out?"

"About a day. You've been through a lot Jol, so you might still be a bit sore."

"Yeah... I'm certainly feeling it."

"You will for a bit, but you should make a full recovery."

"That's good to hear. So what about King Altan?"

"He's safe, and so is Kira. Thanks to you. The King couldn't be here right now, but he does send his regards."

Jol merely nods. Truth be told, he was certain Altan had a lot on his plate.

"So, do you need anything right now?" Tamari asked.

"I think I'm right for now. Thanks."

"Not a problem. Just call me on your wrist computer if you need me, Jol."

"Will do. See you Tamari."

Once Tamari left Jol's room, his wrist computer rang. He answered the call, seeing King Altan appear on the screen.

"Greetings Jol. I see you're awake." Altan said.

"Yeah I uh... just got up... You highness."

Altan nodded. "Then I won't keep you long. Sorry I can't be there, but as you can imagine, there's a lot on my plate right now."

"I understand."

"I just wanted to extend my gratitude for what you did last night. If it wasn't for you, both my life and the life of my daughter would've been taken by the conspirators. Without your intervention, the entire Wri Empire would've been compromised, and for that, I will be eternally grateful to you."

"Thank you your highness. Do you know who's behind the attack?"

"One day at a time, Jol. One day at a time."

Jol nodded in reply.

"Anyway. I ought to leave you to rest. I look forward to seeing you soon."

"So do I. See you soon your highness."

In the weeks that followed, Jol found himself in therapy for his injuries. As a former Raider, Jol had been through it before. Most Raiders knew that a bullet was coming for them one day or another. When he was resting, Jol watched the news as they banged the drums of war over what had happened that fateful day. Such a betrayal by a supposed ally in the Naseef Empire had led to mass outrage. From riots on the streets of Seranis, to 'blue-on-blue' incidents among former allies, it was clear the alliance was broken.

Whilst war was one certainty, another was Tamari. The nurse had been there for Jol throughout his recovery. She watched him rotate his arm before saying "You're not working too hard, are you?"

Jol turned to Tamari. "Not at all."

"Well uh, I'm going to need to do another check-up on you."

"Another?"

"This is the King's Order. Don't worry, it's nothing major."

"O-okay then."