As soon as I said those words, the two of us just looked at each other before we shared a simple nod and a chuckle. We actually came to terms like adults and even though the terms we came to weren't exactly civil or normal in the old world, heck, speaking like adults and coming to a solution was even rare back then.
In any case, the General called over what looked to be an assistant of his—who was actually waiting a good distance away with her clipboard—then gave us a brief introduction.
"Cass, this is Sky Ishiyama—the one the president called to us about—who created the spectacle just as we arrived and young man, this is Cass, basically my assistant or something close."
I offered a simple handshake, "Nice to meet you."
She gave me an up-down look as she returned the handshake, "The 'Kid' they always talk about in meetings."
"Yeah, that kid who occupied Valenzuela, right next to Manila."
I interjected, "Well, parts of it."
She chuckled, "Uh-huh. Weren't you the one responsible for helping Mayor Iskoh and Jose's CO get set up? What's his name again? Morales? It's Morales, right? What are they up to right now?"
"Sir Morales started to cut inside the city between what the mayor and I occupied though most of his forces were still in the harbor. There are plenty of things to do aside from taking care of the dead but still up to this day, that's the job everyone's tasked with."
"Right. I gotta ask... You have— what's her name? The Russian... Is it Vera? Who's in charge of this communications room back in your place? I appreciate the variety of shows we could listen to but don't you think you should assign someone... local?"
I looked at her a certain way, "I don't see that problem. Communication between me and the mayor works fine with her in charge and besides, the places Sir Morales and Ferdinand occupy are manned by your people. Furthermore, she has insights and ways that—"
She cut me off with a faint-mocking smile as she half-rolled her eyes, "I was just giving you a suggestion, no need to be so defensive. I'm sure she's pretty talented..."
The General threw her a look, "Aren't you supposed to give me the report—"
I cut the General off as I looked this Cass chick in the eye, "I'm sorry but do you wanna start something with me?"
"Excuse me?"
"You see, I have a lot of pent-up stress because of Lopez and I had something else that's EVEN MORE pent-up because we got interrupted this morning so if you wanna start something with me, just say it outright. I know you have some fucking issues but let me know what you fucking need from me so I could help you. I just met you five seconds ago and I don't need more drama in my life.
Just fucking say what you want and fuck off."
"..."
"..."
At that fucking moment, the way she threw shade at me just ticked me off so bad I had to blow up at her, but the way the General was this close to bursting laughing while this Cass bitch had her jaw almost hitting the floor made me realize that something was off.
It was the first time I saw the General let out such a face and it also seemed like the first time this assistant had someone talk back to her.
With a quick glance, she seemed to only be a few years older than me but she couldn't even clear above my shoulders though she did look like she was physically fit. However, it only took me a few seconds before realization struck and made me realize that she wasn't from this place but next door, where my Alma Mater is.
'She actually had our old pin on her collar but hers is dated in 2012... Cass doesn't ring a bell though...'
For the life of me, I didn't think that my old school would have people working in this place because I only thought that the Academy would be the only one sending people over to the other side.
"There's... There's just no way that you're..."
"Why? I got tall, ripped, and had this tattoo sleeve that's supposed to be sin?"
"Yeah— but that's not what I'm—"
"Then what are you trying to say?"
She took a deep breath before she looked me in the eye, "Look... We c-come off on the wrong foot so c-could we start over?"
I shrugged my shoulders, "Sure, I'd accept a quick breakdown of what's the current situation over at our old school as an apology."
"Wait— I said we should start over and now you're trying to ask for something in return—"
"Fine. Then just tell me just because you wanted to. Is that okay?"
"You... S-Sure... But d-do you have any news around the area of Bataan? I know it's a shot in the dark but—"
"I'm sorry, no..."
"Ah... I understand—"
"Wait. I remember something."
"P-Please—"
"I'm not sure if you wanna hear this though—"
"Please! Just tell me!"
"Alright~ It's not actually news about that place per se but a group ambushed us way, way~ back and the ones who we spared decided to go there. I'm pretty sure that they managed to reach the place—because we left a tracker in one of the radios I gave them, but that only proves that the radio is in that place, not them—technically speaking.
And before you ask, the signal was gone after a month or so, so we haven't had much info on the group since..."
"Ah... Is that so..."
"You have family over there?"
"Something like that..."
"I see. So, what's the situation over on our side?"
She let out a bitter smile as she chuckled, "Would you believe me if I told you that it's pretty much the same except for the soldiers present? Heck, we still even have the prayer schedules and our mass—and have I told you that we still have classes ongoing? From primary to tertiary, even for people taking their master's degree and doctorate?"
"No fucking way—"
"Yes fucking way! Wanna bet on it?!"