Top-Secret Flight (V)

Step by step, Guk descended the stairs toward the plaza.

Bucktooth, standing in the plaza, climbed the stairs toward him.

It was a long wait; the distance between them stretched a full kilometer.

When they finally stood face to face, a brief silence fell. Every loudspeaker went quiet, and even the clamor of the boys gradually subsided.

Guk looked at Bucktooth, and Bucktooth looked at Guk.

Compared to when they had last parted, the warlord had grown quite a bit larger. He was only about two heads shorter than Guk now, and arcs of electricity danced across his armor, revealing the complex technology contained within.

But what had not changed was that slightly dim-witted look on his face.

"Bucktooth."

"Boss!"

"It's been a while."

"A real long while!"

Guk nodded with a smile. Turning around, he handed his helmet to Liya, who had just landed.

"Has it really been that long, Bucktooth?"

he asked, then suddenly embraced the other Ork amid a clatter of armor.

"No, uh..."

Bucktooth was startled. Guk's sudden hug wiped all the fine words he had prepared from his mind.

"Looks like your brain hasn't gotten much older these days."

Guk laughed and released him. He nodded, then turned to Bal Zhijin. His fist gave the other warlord's shoulder a neither-light-nor-heavy thump, making the warlord sway, though he ultimately did not take a step back.

"You've gotten bigger, Bal Zhijin!"

"Hehe... still got a long way to go."

Bal Zhijin scratched his head.

Guk smiled as he walked over to Naz. In the flickering mechanical eye, he could see his own reflection.

Naz looked a little nervous.

"B-Boss."

"Have there been many victories lately?"

"Loads! Lots! We gave the Shrimp a real beating!"

"Good. Tell me about it when we drink tonight."

"That can be done!"