Work Text:
Orion Ship Before Setting off
———
At the Orion, the trucks arrive as the new recuiters get off, and they're excited to join the war, unaware the new days are coming for them. The Orionite military is there, basically talking before going to the war. The newbies were chatting until an officer blew his whistle, and they called them to go there, aka where they would do their training. The newbies quickly go there in a hurry. The officer was harsh. Can they blame him? As they arrive at the area. They look around in confusion and wondering who's their trainer.
Until they heard footsteps coming in front of them, well, above. The sound of metal stepping coming closer and closer. Until the person show up in front of them from the top behind the rail. The newbies look up. He was wearing the Orion uniform with a headset on. The person looks down at the new recuiters. He started introducing himself first.
Noah Jackson: "Welcome, recuiters. I'm your trainer. My name is Noah Jackson, your chef petty officer. Starting from today and right now, you will start with basic. First is the gun aimming, accurate, and its proper use. We start using a revolver and the blank bullets." He went to the side and went downstairs. "Follow me to the shooting training area, where you have to shoot your target." He ordered the recuiters to follow him.
Noah turned around and started walking. The new recuiters obediently follow him to the shooting training area. Once arrived, Noah ordered the new recuiters to stay in straight line while he showed them how to use the revolver. Noah steps in to give struction, grab the revolver, and then reload with a blank bullet.
Noah Jackson: "You must shoot at your target, see that weak little doll? That's your target. However, the bullet will not always hit the specific spots like the head. But, leaving injures like on the arm is quite necessary to leave your enemy bleeding, well, not quite necessary." He pointed the revolver at the target as he shot at the head. "Your first target spot is the head. Oh, remember... the real bullet when you pass all training. Be careful. You may accidentally shoot your teammate instead of your enemy. One more thing, make sure your aim is accurate..."
Noah stepped away from the line, letting the new recuiters grab the revolver and reload the blank bullet. He stays at the side of the shooting. He watch as the new recuiters either miss their shot or hit other spot. Gosh, their aims are so terrible. Training newbies is his biggest threat... even if it is the start of their job. He called their name one by one to give complain about their aim.
5 minutes later. One of the new recuiter shot the head. Noah was applause, but he didn't dare to show it. He walked toward him while the other were trying their best.
Noah Jackson: "You did great, but you still haven't passed the basic shooting yet. You must keep improving yourself. Michael Morgan. Train harder." Noah, turn around and go back to the place where he watches the recuiters shooting. Then, he ordered them to stop for minutes. "Just to let you all know, you guys will also be trained to use the other gun than just revolver. If some of you picked for the navy one. Be ready. But, only if you manage to pass the basic, which is the shooting." He ordered them to continue.
2 weeks later, some of them passed the basic. Next is the navy guns. One of the captain already asked for one Orion warship to protect them while they're at the sea, completely to show how they have to use the guns on the warship when setting off. Noah and a few trainers are there. Noah barely trains the navy gun. Although he still knows how it works, it is just... Noah doesn't have much experience with it.
The warship gun and its different purposes and uses training continues until nightfall. Noah was alone, looking at the sea. He looks at the night sky, where he sees a constellation of Centaurus. Yet, he starts to think about his spouse who betrayed Orion and left for Antares. He doesn't understand why they do that. Ugh, he can't remember their face or their appearance anymore ever since he crashed out and moved on to forget about them. The others were talking up there. Noah bet these people are having fun with their break. When Noah was about to go back up to talk with the new recuiters, the ship suddenly shook like a ship rammed into their ship. Wait, it is happening.
There's no warship to ram into them except the ship that's guarding them. Noah called the other's name. Then, he saw a trainer unconscious on the ground. He was about to go there until he was knocked out by a rifle on the left side of his head. A sound of thud as soon he hit the ground. The only thing Noah saw was an Antarean in Orion uniform looking down at him. Then, he crouched down on Noah, then... he realizes... the ship that was guarding them was full of Antarean that stole their ship. Noah's vision became blurring then, black.
-
Noah woke up, the sunlight hitting him. He slowly gets up, and he tries to move his arm, but he feels a ropes tied up. Noah's mouth was covered by a cloth. He was confuse, where's the other? He looked at his side. Oh, he saw two Antarean officers chatting. That's great. Wait, ANTARES? No, no, Noah realized. This must have been a dream? Actually, it's not a dream. He tried to get himself out from the rope until the Antarean officers noticed he was awake.
They approach him, and they look at him down and up. Noah trying to get away from them, but one of the officer grab him by the back of his collar. They said they should have been him to the cruise early while he was knockout? What cruise?... they're supposed to bring him while he was knockout? That's... sound scary for Noah.
As he was being dragged, the officer opened the door as he threw Noah in, then entered inside. In case Noah started kicking the front seat back while one of them were driving. The officer spins his car key and then starts driving. The officer in the back holds Noah carefully. Damn, Noah is still tired and hell after training the new recuiters. The car moving down the road, the car vibration... he continues driving until they arrive at their destination.
The officer gets out of the car, and the officer in the back drags Noah out harshly. Noah looked up and saw the cruise. He never... been on a cruise. Is cool, but NOT IN THE ENEMY COUNTRY. They keep dragging him like a doll. Two guards let them pass after showing their ID to them. As soon as they entered, the inside was fancy and pretty. The higher-ups here... but... Noah can feel their eyes on him. One of the officer said they would ask one of the captain to find any available admiral. Because that captain knows some of the admiral schedules, well, not all of their schedules.
The officer nodded his head. He brings Noah down to the storage. Theres pipes everywhere. Well, yeah... the red dark line leading to rooms and corridors. The officer opened the storage room and threw Noah in there. The door shut and locked him in. Noah desperately tried to get the rope off but failed. He force himself to accept this fate, waiting whatever they have for him.
-
Meanwhile, Leo Arden, a vice admiral. He just finished his work today. He looked at the clock and noticed it was late. He put his paperwork down, and he arranged it to make sure their scale paper size matched. Since the paperwork is all in the correct, Leo carefully grabbed it as he was about to take his leaves. He heard a door open. Leo looks at the direction where the noise is coming from. There, he saw Captain Crowpilled01.
Leo Arden: "Oh, Kaptain Krowpilled01. What brings you here?"
Crowpilled01: "Well, an officer informed me they captured a petty chef officer. He was originally planned to be taken by others, but since we found out he's a petty chef officer, probably in his mid-30s. They keep him as an exception because we could get some information from him. If he knows."
Leo Arden: "Uh huh, anymore information? Kaptain Krowpilled01."
Crowpilled01: "Well, I do have a minor, unnecessary one. That petty chef officer name is Jackson. From his nametag on his uniform. Either his last or first name."
Leo Arden: "The name is familiar to your former spouse that is from Onion. You betrayed that kountry to work with us. I can say that you are pretty useful, Kaptain Krowpilled01."
Crowpilled01: "Yeah, don't joke about it. Oh, as I was gonna say, since you're available in the morning until afternoon, 4:10 pm. You, the vice admiral, you will have to meet him. If you're brave." They jokingly said to Leo Arden.
Leo Arden: "I talked to some prisoners some time. I can keep it up, as long the skills are still with me. Now, you may take your leaves, Kaptain Krowpilled01."
Crowpilled01 nodded and took his leaves. Leo Arden turned off all electricity lights and stormed out.
-
In the morning.
Noah didn't get enough sleep. He was paranoid about what they're bringing him here. He heard the door unlocked, the door open widely as revealing the same officer with two guards on his side. The officer approached Noah and grabbed him again by the back of his collar. He dragged him out from the storage and went back upstairs. God, the lights hurt his eyes... Noah was taken to the upstairs floor. The officer is trying to find a specific office room that's empty.
Finally, they found the empty office. The guards stay outside beside the door as the officer brings him inside. He threw Noah onto the empty moving chair. The chair moves backwards because of the force. The Antarean officer glanced up and down at Noah. He told him to wait here while he grabbed some meal for him. Because he can't let Noah be without eating anything. Noah keeps his guard up. He doesn't believe if the food is edible or not. He imagined what kind of food they're bringing for him, he's not foolish.
After 10 minutes later, the Antarean officer returned with the meal on the tray. He put the tray on the table. The Antarean officer reached the cloth on Noah's mouth and took it off. Noah gasped for air for his mouth. He looked at the Antarean officer.
Noah Jackson: "W-what do you want from me?! Where's the oth—"
The Antarean officer put the spoon full with food inside his mouth. It was good, but it felt humiliating to be fed like a child.
Noah Jackson: "S-STOP! ANSWER MY QUESTIONS! STOP FEEDING ME!"
Antarean officer: "Geez, fine... what are you blabbing?" The officer put the spoon down and then crossed his arm.
Noah Jackson: "Where... is the others... if they're taken away, WHY YOU DIDN'T TAKE ME?"
Antarean officer: "The rekuiters? The trainers? They been taken to prison, we took you as exception. Because you are a petty chef officer. I believe you had some information from the Orion. If you have any..."
Noah Jackson: "... You all are terrible people..."
Antarean officer: "Not all of us. Take a look at your kountry... Jackson. Now, excuse me for feeding you. But, I won't tie you up. Enemy will always try to escape." He said harshly.
Noah was about to say something, but the officer already went back to feeding him like a child. The officer made sure Noah didn't spit the food out. Every time he gulped down, he would just scoop the spoon into Noah's mouth all over until the tray was left empty. Guys, writing this is so weird, am I right. The Antarean officer put the bottle of water, Noah was thirsty, and he didn't resist drinking it all.
The Antarean threw the empty bottle into the bin. He said something to Noah before he left the office with the empty tray.
Antarean officer: "You will have a meeting, or... I say... interpreting you..." (I forgot how to spell interpreting or however you spell that. Is like a detective talking to a suspected person).
The Antarean officer put the cloth back. Noah watches as he leaves. He was still tied up. He could get up, but gosh, if he tried to run away, he would still be caught since this cruise is full of enemies. He can't think of a plan. So, Noah waited.
An hour passed, and he heard the door open. Revealing an Antarean, Vice Admiral. A red eyes, dark skin, and... bro, you can just tell that it is literally Leo Arden. No NEED for his LAME appearance description. Anyway, Leo Arden looked at the captured Orion petty chef officer on the moving chair. He approached him, heh, did I forget to say Noah isn't facing Leo because of the chair isn't facing?
Leo grabs the chair and spins around, he take off the cloth and then puts his hands on top of the chair, on both Noah's head sides. Noah was surprise by the vice admiral behaviour.
Leo Arden: "Name?" He demanded.
Noah Jackson: "... N-Noah. Noah Jackson! Petty chef officer from Orion, well... Orion Republic."
Leo Arden: "... weak... well, I'm sure you're the person I have to meet. Do you have... any information you know... or I—"
Noah Jackson: "I will never reveal the information that we're planning!"
Leo Arden: "... I will send you to the prison. Where I can absolutely do anything to you while you're alive..." He threated him.
Noah Jackson: "?! F-fine! Fine! Just don't send me there." Noah hates himself for being weak.
Leo Arden: "Good... well... you have to give me all the information you only know, even a hint can lead us somewhere... to... victo...." Leo Arden paused.
He looks at Noah face, wait no, he looks quite handsome. Wait, what was he thinking? He's an enemy! Leo, you stupid idiot. Scorpion and stupid Hunter will never get along. You're just... being stupid again.
Leo Arden: "Just... give me. Then, we change the topic. A normal konversation... yeah... no traps." His voice changed a bit more softer.
Noah Jackson: "... Alright." He noticed his voice change.
Leo Arden: "Almost forgot. Well, I don't usually give my name to prisoners like you. I guess you're a bit lucky. My name is Leo Arden, a vice admiral for Antares Armada. I'm... kinda glad to see you?" Damn it, Leo, you're falling off quick.
After that, the two talking about their life, what so special about Noah? Leo can't get the feeling off of him. Was that a love sight? Did a cupid shoot him with a real bullet? The more Leo talks to Noah, the more softer he's starting to be around him. They also shared jokes and laughing, lighting both of their mood. Noah... is just... so special for him.
(This paragraph made me lose all my processes above, which I have to rewrite all over again. All of the writings above are rewrites).
It was... amazingly peaceful until Silas(I don't remember their name. I'm so sorry, I don't remember their gender aswell) enter. They weren't expected to see the vice admiral being nice to an enemy.
Silas Grey: "Oh, Leo Arden. Never expect a vice admiral to be so nice to an onion officer."
Noah Jackson: "H-hey! Is Orion, not onion! You freaking ant!"
Silas scoff. Damn, they're right, Orion people are the most insufferable one in Forma.
Silas Grey: "Leo Arden, you have work to do this afternoon. Mind you to take care of those. I will... keep in watch with the Orion officer. With kare of course. Pinky promise!"
Leo Arden: "Keep your promise, Silas. I have to tell the information from what I got from that onion officer." He leaves.
(Their name kept changing to gray to grey because of my grammar correction. I'm not changing that. Please forgive me).
Silas looks at Noah.
Silas Grey: "Noah Jackson, I believed. Now, you didn't shower, well... that's stink. I can help you. Be good like a good behaving kid..." They grab Noah again. How many times has he been dragged? He lost count.
Well, just Silas forcing Noah to stay still while they're trying to wash him. He keeps resisting, damn it. After a new level, Silas also have to force him to wear their enemy officer uniform. Noah kept resisting, but when Silas threatened him by grabbing a real knife, enough to forcefully make him wear it. Noah complained that he felt like a traitor. Silas doesn't care. They said they had a traitor from Orion to come to their side.
Noah was sent out, and Silas threw his headset on him. He catches it and wears it. Noah's first day at Antares Cruise. This is... crazy, he can say. Just work... just work... well, he got a new life that he never asked for. His first step was to meet up with an officer, who would help him and be his guide for some days in order for Noah to be forced to accept it.
A week later, he met Leo Arden again while he was walking down the hallway. He seems busy. Ah, he'll talk to him later. He has something else to do. When he got some free time, then he could talk to him.
When he finally has some free time from his finished work. Noah went to find Leo Arden. This cruise is big, well, if this ship ever moves. Noah kept walking around, asking around people where's Leo Arden was. Either these people see him around. He was about to give up until he saw Leo Arden leaning against the wall. Noah ran toward him, calling his name.
Noah Jackson: "Vice Admiral, Leo Arden!"
Leo Arden turned in the direction of the noise as he saw Noah.
Leo Arden: "N-Noah? What were you doing here. I-I mean... like working here." He asked.
Noah Jackson: "That stupid admiral forced me to work. Even got me a guider how and blah blah blah. You know, it's suck. I have to work here. Despite I never meant to ask for a new life in an enemy country."
Leo Arden: "And I don't expect an enemy working for us either." He paused as he looked at Noah. "Do you want to have some koffee with me, I thought that... my mind needs to have a rest."
Noah nodded his head.
Noah Jackson: "Yeah, sure, but I prefer hot tea over coffee. Coffee tastes bitter."
Leo Arden: "Not all koffee tasted bitter, Noah." He pointed at the direction where the cafeteria path is. "Kome on, follow me. I know where that kafeteria is. I promise you, the meal is good, well, if yo—"
Noah Jackson: "I'm not here to eat something."
Leo Arden: "Whatever you say, Noah."
Noah Jackson: "I need to figure out how to get out of here..." Noah mumbled quietly to make sure Leo didn't hear what he said.
Noah followed Leo to the cafeteria. As they reached there, Leo told Noah to take a seat first while he went to get coffee and hot tea for them both. Noah nodded his head again. He watches as Leo left. He sat down on the empty seat, and he waited. He overheard many Antareans talking, but theres so many conversations he can't make out their words. Right now, he needs to figure out how to get out of this country.
Leo Arden returned, and he put the hot tea next to Noah. He sat down as he drank his coffee. Noah slowly grabbed the cup handle. He took a sip as if they're poisoning him. He drinks it all. Despite being hot, he can finish it all. He was... quite used to it. The drink made him relax a bit. Still, he doesn't trust his role as a petty officer for Antares instead of Orion.
Leo Arden started a conversation with Noah Jackson. Leo's voice sounded affection, he can't even tell if Leo was too friendly for him. He shows no hostile toward Noah or anything. He still doesn't trust him, but, maybe... he could trust him for a bit. During their conversation, they were laughing and joking about random thing they could possibly think of. Noah forgot that Leo was his enemy, not kind of someone he could be friends with.
Then, an officer called Noah name. They need him to assist them with someone they're having from Corvus. Noah waved a goodbye at Leo as he separated away from him. Leo Arden brushed his feelings for Noah. It was just a first sight. Why is he feeling like this? Or... why he fall for Orion officer, wait no, that's a chef petty officer. Oh, who is he kidding?! He'll be dead for sure if anyone finds out. He has to keep it in secret until the right moment.
---
A month later.
Leo Arden and Noah Jackson bond grew as a friendship. At least, that's what they called. Noah only uses him for his plan to escape this country. When he escaped, he needed to explain to his people first. He is a hard step, he can say. Leo Arden didn't realize Noah Jackson only used him for his plan. Basically, Noah friendship with Leo was only to make the Antareans think he accepted his new reality, just... he hopes it works.
Then, Nightfall. While Noah was alone, he scatters his papers and drawing plan to escape. He made sure no one was watching until a knock was heard. Noah immediately hid his scattering papers into the drawers. He sat down on his chair as he didn't do anything suspicious. Oh, he grabbed a war new today paper to look like he was reading. Well, I know it is off-topic, guys.
Noah Jackson: "Come in." He holds his pen next to the paper.
The door opened, revealing Leo Arden.
Leo Arden: "You won't mind seeing the beautiful full moon with me?" He asked. He showed no order but an affection of order.
Noah was suspicious by his behaviour. But, he gotta fit in.
Noah Jackson: "Really? The full moon?" He put away his pen. "Well, I can come. As long it wasn't a trick."
Leo Arden: "..." He smiled. "Kome and follow me. Some higher-ups are up there. Well, just chilling, hah. It was nice, though."
Noah gets up from his chair. He walks toward Leo until he pulls his hand out to Noah. Noah was surprise, he want him to hold his hand? Leo feels the weirdness inside him. He put his hand down. He felt stupid for doing that. He gave him a look of "I'm sorry" face. Noah laughed and said it was okay. He doesn't mind. Leo Arden smiled again.
The two walk upstairs until the final floor. He brought Noah somewhere private until they finally found a spot. Noah Jackson, look up and see the full moon. The light shining from above. Leo Arden looks at Noah. He's so beautiful. Majestic as always, that's what Leo Arden's mind said. Unaware Noah is just... using him.
Leo Arden: "The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" He looks at Noah.
Noah Jackson: "Yeah, it's beautiful." He didnt notice, until 10 seconds later, he realized what Leo meant. "What did y-you say?"
Leo Arden: "... You know... I kinda like you." He grabbed Noah hands and put them on his(Leo) chest. "I felt like a bullet hit my heart."
Noah blushed.
Noah Jackson: "... You know, I don't feel the same. But, your confession... hah, I'm starting to like you back instantly!"
Before Leo could say anything. Noah kissed him in the lip. The kiss was gentle at first but got rougher until Noah broke the kiss. The saliva string from each of their mouth. Leo wiped his mouth. It was unexpected. But, he smiled anyway. The two hugged each other. Noah isn't joking. He's starting to truly love Leo. But that doesn't mean he forgot about his plan. Noah has to choose that decision. He can't stay here too long.
After they, they starting dating without letting anyone know. The two get close to each other every time they have a chance or they're alone. They cuddle every night sometime. Or maybe having 'session'. The kisses show themselves that they always care for each other, Noah just felt guilty, he like Leo back. But he's only using him for his own escape plan.
Then the final day has come. The night has come up, Noah leaves the cruise secretly, and he manages to pass all, according to his plan. Even if it doesn't feel the same. He stole the boat(the small boat one, I don't remember) from the harbor, He was starting the engine until he heard the voice of a man. He turns around and sees Leo Arden standing. He has been following him?!
Leo Arden: "Where are you going. Noah? You're leaving?..."
Noah gulped, but he sighed, and he had to tell the truth.
Noah Jackson: "I'm sorry, sweetie. I can't stay in this enemy country. I have to leave to return to Orion. I can't tell you, because I have been using you... for my plan. I know it's... hurt to know that."
Leo Arden: "... I understand. I know it is weird to date your own enemy." He starts to shed tears. "I'm sorry for being pathetic. I never felt this emotion on me before..."
Noah Jackson: "Leo..." He gets off the boat as he walks toward Leo and kisses him for one last time. "I will miss you. I'm grateful you accepted what I was doing."
Leo Arden, look at Noah Jackson. He smiles a bit as he wipes his tears.
Leo Arden: "I'll miss you too."
Noah gets on the boat again and starts the engine. The boat left as it dissappear far away from the sea. Leo watches as he disappears. Crowpilled01 was there, just hiding. Well, they didn't expect their former lover from Orion, Noah Jackson, to be here. They keep this secret for themselves. Crowpilled01 takes their leaves before Leo Arden caught them.
Aftermath.
Noah returned to the Orion. He was caught and mistaken as a traitor. But, he did get the chance of explaining, no sluttering, he explaining as hard as he can. Also, avoiding the love days with Leo Arden with lies how he pretended to get along with them to fit in. Noah managed to be what he was once used to. But, the memories with Leo Arden will always be there with him, even though he's no longer there.