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[ CITY OF EIKRISE ]
The city wasn't what it used to be after Tenbhur's assault. The streets were quiet, and many buildings were collapsed. It almost reminded me now, in this state, of Zahnlauf, and what used to be before the Trinity attacked in the past. The one place that seemed to have endured was Eikn's temple nearby. It was converted into a shelter for the people for the time being. Sorrow was in the air.
The Psyops was doing everything it could to help for now. We were dedicating most of our resources and people to sharing relief, disguising our use of Psyops' high technology to lend aid, food and cleanup for the Rotgut as Hale making hearty donations using the front company, despite the damages that occurred to it.
I was walking down the stairs in the factory. Hale's office had been destroyed. It was collapsed into a pile in the factory building. I could barely step by to get down to the floor. I saw Hale there picking out something in the rubble. Some old sports trophy of his, a framed image of him with some old friends and colleagues, among whom was Charles. He gave the things a solemn look before he set it down and looked up, noticing me there.
Yet, Hale didn't grimace further, he instead chose to smile as he fixed his big bow tie. He groaned bending his back though.
[HALE] "Gah. Don't mind it too much. I've been out there helping people as much as I can."
'You'll put yourself in danger of the Rotgut. It's not all been cleared.'
[HALE] "I'd sooner do that than put others in danger of remaining within an unstable building. I've been going in to help fish people out of the unsteady structures. Explains all this dirt." He said, wiping his vest.
I smiled back at him now. 'Take it easy on yourself, you're getting absolutely filthy over having a heart of gold.'
He chuckled. "Not like it will lose any luster."
[HALE] "... Muna."
'Hm?'
[HALE] "It's all right. What happened. You were still doing your best."
I frowned halfway.
[HALE] "We all accepted already, we were going to trade blows when we started this. The important thing is that, their blow only knocked us back, but not out."
'Yeah. You're right.'
[HALE] "My wish is for you to keep the pressure up. We've already done more than most could, you know. Just by ourselves."
Hale opened his arms up.
I went over and hugged him tightly. He patted me on the back. I didn't even care if it got dirt on me. I needed this right now.
When we let go, he nodded. He didn't need to say another word for me to understand it was time for him to get back to lending a hand. A good leader like him, was there working alongside those he lead. It was worthy of respect.
Hale left the factory, and I mused for a moment over the possessions he saved from the rubble before moving on myself.