Chapter 65: Departure
"Are you sure this is going to work?" Seraphine asked.
An hour later and all their belongings, which is what they were supposed to use in camping, was already set down on the ground, waiting for it to be stowed inside the helicopter.
"Yes I am sure, you’ll know after we take off," Marcus assured as he gave the crews a thumbs up. "Okay, before we proceed, I want to introduce you to my crew, there are four of them. That’s the pilot, the co-pilot, and the two gunners."
When he introduced them, the crews simply saluted, acknowledging them.
"Why do all of them wear the same outfit?" Liora noticed.
"That’s because it’s our uniform," Marcus said. "Makes us look professional. And thank you once again since you trusted me with this huge endeavour. A success in this operation would mean a lot to our company, plus free advertisement."
"Don’t get ahead of yourself now," Kael coldly cut in.
"We haven’t even left the ground yet."
Marcus didn’t take it personally. He just gave a small nod.
"Fair," he said. "Then let’s focus."
He turned slightly and gestured toward the helicopter.
"Alright, bring your gear. We load up."
The crew moved first.
One of the gunners stepped forward and began lifting the bags, guiding where they should be placed inside. The others followed, efficient and quick, like they had done this many times.
The Silver Vanguard watched closely.
Everything felt... unfamiliar.
The way the door slid open.
The space inside.
The metal frame.
"...We’re really getting inside that," Liora said quietly.
Selene stepped forward first this time, her curiosity stronger than her hesitation. She reached out slightly, her fingers brushing against the side of the helicopter.
"...It’s solid," she murmured.
Kael walked past her without a word and stepped up, glancing inside.
"...Looks cramped," he said.
Marcus shrugged.
"It’s not a carriage," he replied. "You sit, strap in, and stay still."
Seraphine moved last.
Her eyes scanned everything once more before stepping forward.
"...We’re trusting you on this," she said.
Marcus met her gaze.
"I know."
There was no hesitation in his voice.
That was enough.
"Alright," he added, raising his voice slightly. "Everyone inside."
The crew began guiding them one by one.
"Watch your step."
"Sit here."
"Strap this across your chest."
The Silver Vanguard followed, each reacting differently.
Liora moved carefully, gripping the straps tighter than needed.
Selene observed everything, memorizing.
Kael sat down with a slight frown, clearly uncomfortable.
Seraphine remained composed, though her eyes stayed alert.
"...This still feels strange," she admitted quietly.
Marcus glanced at her.
"You’ll get used to it."
Once everyone from the Silver Vanguard was inside, Marcus looked at Elaina.
"Be safe okay? And come back for me..." Elaina said with a melancholic tone.
"Don’t worry, I won’t be in the frontline anyways. I’ll return to you," Marcus said as he placed a hand on her cheek, and caressed it.
Then he leaned forward and kissed her in the lips. The Silver Vanguards elicited gasps of surprise as they didn’t expect it.
"I see, so they are lovers huh," Selene noted.
Marcus pulled back slowly.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
Elaina just looked at him.
"...You better," she said quietly.
Marcus gave a small nod.
"I will."
He turned and stepped up into the helicopter.
One of the crew immediately reached out.
"Sir, take your seat," the gunner said.
Marcus nodded once and moved inside, taking the seat near the center, right across from the others. He pulled the harness over his chest and secured it without hesitation.
The crew moved quickly around him, checking straps, securing loose gear, making sure everything was in place.
Elaina was still there, standing just outside.
"Ma’am, step back please."
He held her gaze for a second longer.
The crew slid the door shut.
The sound echoed inside.
Elaina stepped back as instructed, her figure moving away from the aircraft.
Through the small window, Marcus could still see her, stepping back.
"Clear!" one of the crew shouted.
The pilot’s voice came through from the front.
"Starting engines."
A low hum filled the cabin.
Then it grew.
Louder.
Stronger.
The rotor blades began to spin above them, slow at first, then faster.
Wind kicked up outside.
Dust scattered.
Elaina raised her hand slightly, shielding her face as she stepped further back.
Inside, the vibration started.
Subtle at first.
Then more noticeable.
Liora gripped her harness tighter.
"It’s loud!" she said.
"We speak through this," Marcus said as he wore his headset.
He adjusted the headset over his ears and motioned to them.
"Put these on," he said.
The crew handed each of them a headset.
Selene took hers first, studying it for a second before placing it on her head. Liora followed, a bit more hesitant, adjusting it awkwardly before the crew helped tighten the fit. Kael grabbed his without a word and put it on. Seraphine was last, calm as she secured it properly.
A moment later—
Their voices came through clearly.
"...I can hear you," Liora said, her tone surprised.
"Yeah," Marcus replied. "No shouting needed."
Kael glanced around.
"...That’s convenient."
The vibration beneath them grew stronger.
The sound of the blades intensified, turning into a constant roar that filled everything.
Selene looked out the side.
"...It’s spinning faster."
Marcus nodded slightly.
"Hold steady."
The shift happened.
Liora stiffened.
"...Marcus..."
Kael leaned forward slightly, looking out.
"...The ground..."
Selene’s eyes widened just a bit.
"...We’re not touching it anymore."
The helicopter rose.
Slowly.
Then steadily.
The ground beneath them began to shrink, the roads, the base, the ground, everything was pulling away.
"...We’re flying," Liora whispered.
Kael didn’t speak.
But his grip tightened slightly on the seat.
Selene leaned closer to the window, watching.
"...No wings... and yet...it’s flying. It’s stronger than the griffon!"
And they are in for the treat yet as it’s just gaining altitude. Seconds later, the Blackhawk tipped forward and began and sped up, shocking the Silver Vanguards.
Marcus enjoyed their surprised and shocked reactions. This is their first time in a helicopter, and in modern standards, they were quite lucky as it’s a luxurious experience. Not everyone can get inside a helicopter.