"So how are things after the execution?" Laura asked Zenesha when the fox stepped into her new laboratory.
She had multiple different types of essence compounds in beakers in front of her, but looked up from what she was doing when Zenesha walked in. The wolf wore a black t-shirt, jeans and a white lab coat, she even wore protective footwear for once. She didn't need to do this, but Laura liked dressing for the part after being forced into her bodyguard suit.
"As far as I can tell the people are readily accepting the execution." The fox answered. "Even if there are people who disagree, they're in the minority."
"Good."
"It probably helped that public executions aren't an unfamiliar concept to my people." Said the fox walking over to Laura. "Normally it wouldn't be such a big deal."
"I see."
Most executions, while can be viewed by the public stayed relatively regional. They aren't advertised and made into a spectacle either.
"So, what are you doing right now?" Zenesha asked looking at the several beakers and instruments on the counter in front of the wolf.
"I'm testing the different types of essences to see which ones would be the most effective integrating Ather into my system."
"Have you come to a conclusion?" She asked stepping closer to her wolf.
"No not yet but I'm getting there." Laura said with a sigh. "Anyway, why did you come here? Need anything?"
"I just came to inform you we're going to be leaving soon." Said the fox brushing the wolf's fur. "We need to visit the south-west border then we're going to visit the country of Dreso."
"Why Dreso?"
"It's a neutral country for us and New Veroso to speak face to face with each other."
"I thought we had a Peace agreement with New Veroso is there something we need to discuss with them?"
"We do have an agreement, but it's only temporary." Zenesha explained. "We have a common enemy in the White Ash Syndicate but that's about it."
"Funny name for a country." Laura mocked.
"That's what they called themselves after splitting from the rest of the rebels." She shrugged. "The name stuck even after they became an official nation."
"Wait, what?"
"The Phoenix Clan and the White Ash were once together. The two nobles that ran the regions joined forces and overthrew the capital. Killing the old imperial family." The fox started explaining, giving an impromptu history lesson.
Shortly after that, the White Ash betrayed the Phoenix Clan, trying to take power for themselves. They were unsuccessful and ended up retreating back into their territory. While the Phoenix Clan tried encroaching in what is now New Veroso, they quickly learned the last remaining family member of the imperial family took refuge there.
The last two factions, the Zari Legion and The Purified Order took the opportunity to make themselves independent in the chaos. They had no real reason to fight and had made peace treaties with New Veroso and the Phoenix Clan respectively.
New Veroso didn't wish to fight on three different fronts at the same time and was happy to keep temporary peace. The only problem was that they wished to piece their broken empire back together. So even if they were on friendly terms now, it wouldn't last.
"So, every few years we meet and go over the treaty once again." Zenesha said finishing her lecture.
"Interesting. What's with this Purified Order then?" Laura asked. "Do we have to worry about them any time soon?"
"Them? They are very religious and have some sacred temple in the northern mountain range or something, I don't know." Zenesha said. "For now, they seem content on keeping to themselves... kind of."
"I see." Laura muttered, she'll have to make a trip to Purified Order in the future. Make sure they weren't a threat. "Well, I'm pretty much done here, how about I clean up and we head back to get ready for our trip!"
For now, Laura will worry about what's happening in the immediate Future.
"It's not a vacation Lola, plus this was something scheduled weeks ago but being ambushed by a traitor pushed it back. It's been a month since the original meeting date, and any more delay will just make them unhappy."
"We can still sight see!" Laura said as she wrote something into her notes before carefully putting everything away.
=======
Three days later Laura and Zenesha were driving towards their south-west border. They were being escorted by a small school division, which consisted of about a thousand soldiers. This time however Zenesha was driving her own vehicle with Laura in the passenger seat.
Laura had stuck her head out the window, enjoying the wind hitting her face. The fox looked at the adorable wolf with a smile as she drove through the terrain. They were passed their official borders and were in one of the red zones.
They were heading to one of their most prominent military points: Gold Base. It was one of the bases located closest to the capital outside their borders. The Condor Rachel Ward was currently posted there, overseeing everything. While the breach in security was patched after the traitors and spies were dealt with, the cat Arves wanted to make sure there wasn't anything else they missed.
"See that in the distance, that's Gold Base." Zenesha said, as a large structure appeared ahead as they. "We'll stay the night there and then take a plane to Dreso first thing in the morning."
Bringing her head back into the vehicle Laura looked at the military installation with interest. She's been in this world for a few years now, and most of that time was spent in the red zones. So, she's seen these bases before, but only from a distance. It'll be her first time being inside one of them.
"We'll have to talk with Rachel, right?" Laura asked.
"Mhm, she's responsible for our south-west border after all."
Laura sighed, she wasn't excited to speak with the annoying black-haired cat. Leaning her head against Zenesha's shoulder, the wolf closed her eyes. She wanted to take the time she had left to enjoy Zenesha before they had to get back to work.
"What are you doing?" Zenesha asked after a few minutes.
"Loving you." Laura muttered.
"...." The fox stiffened in surprise at Laura's words. Zenesha wanted to look at the wolf, but her head was keeping the fox from turning her own. "What did you say Laura?"
"Hm?"
"Ah, I see." Zenesha said with disappointment. The stupid wolf was half asleep.
"We're right here, you won't be napping long." The fox muttered, feeling weirdly annoyed.
=======
After arriving at the military base, the two of them were guided to the training field, where Rachel was watching her soldier's go over some drills. Hearing their approach, the woman's ears turned in their direction before she did. She gave a respectful salute to Zenesha when seeing her, and a reluctant one when she noticed Laura behind the Queen.
"My Queen, welcome to Gold Base." Rachel said
"Thank you for having us, Commander Ward." Zenesha said, shaking the cat woman's hand.
Seeing the physical contact, Laura felt her stomach turn. She didn't like the idea of others touching her fox, but she knew she couldn't stop it. It was part of the job after all…. She'll just make sure Zenesha cleans that hand well later.
"How are things here?" Zenesha asked.
"Other than the problems caused by those traitors a while ago, everything seems to be running just fine." Rachel answered. "I'm planning to leave and check the other military installations soon just in case."
"That's good to hear. Mind showing me around?"
"Just follow me ma'am."
Signaling for some soldiers to follow them Rachel took the lead with Zenesha and Laura following close behind. As they explored the compound, Laura noticed that Zenesha looked a little tired. She reached for her bag, which now looked like a stylish satchel, and took out a bottle of water.
"Here, take this." She offered the fox.
"Thank you." They thanked, accepting the water.
"Take these too, it should help with the energy."
"How thoughtful."
Rachel, who witnessed these actions, along with the soldiers behind them froze. Seeing the prying eyes on them, Laura glared at them all. With each eye contact another person looked away until she got to Ratchet.'
"What's wrong Commander Ward?" Laura asked. "I'm just giving Queen Zenesha food."
"...Nothing is wrong, let's continue." Rachel responded, unsure of what to think."