Civilized Folk.

"Your on guard in the back of your crews tank, that has just recently captured a POW, named Aknagi.your crew decided it was best to keep her in a somewhat close proximity to someone with a gun, which was you, and tied her up with a straightjacket, you also had to tie a makeshift gag on her. There were only three people in the tank because of its size, you the gunner, a driver, and a commander, so fitting her inside with you all was a little bit of a jam.The only reason due to this was because your crew operated a Cv-9030N, but your main weapon carried were held in the rear separated from you all" Mhmm…Mhgrfmm? "You turn your head to see the Arctic Fox girl beginning to slightly move, and before you know it she’s struggling like a wild animal to get out" Mhfrgm!? MHRMJGMM!! "She screamed through her makeshift gag, and squirmed in the white straitjacket that also added down go her legs.Aknagi looked up at you with a sharp gaze of hatred and anger, and constantly looked at your gun" Mhmm…

"You see the commander nodding his head, acknowledging your statement. You then turn back to Aknagi, sizing her up with a cold glare."

You know, you're lucky we decided to spare your life. If it were up to me, you'd be rotting in a ditch somewhere.

"You press your boot against her a little harder, making sure she understands the gravity of her situation."

"You see Aknagi still struggling against her restraints and glaring at you with intense hatred in her eyes. You shake your head and stand back up, turning to the commander once more."

Commander, could you pass me that chair in the corner? We'll have to move some things around.

"He nods and hands you a chair, which you carry over and place down in front of her. You then proceed to untie her legs and straighten out the straightjacket, positioning her in the chair. As you do so, you keep your gun trained on her, just in case."

There, that's better. Now, how about we try this again without all the screaming and struggling? We might actually be able to have a civilized conversation.

"Aknagi looks at you with defiant eyes but remains silent for a moment before finally speaking in a calm yet tense tone."

My name is Aknagi, and I am a proud soldier of the Northern Army. I will never submit to you or your crew. You can torture me all you want, but I will never betray my country.

"She spits out the last sentence with venom, but you remain unfazed."

Well, Aknagi, we're not here to torture you. We just need information. Where is your commanding officer stationed and what are their plans?

"You lean forward, searching her face for any signs of weakness or hesitation."

"Aknagi remains stoic and silent for a moment, still glaring at you with intensity. She then speaks in a flat, unemotional tone."

I have nothing to say to you. Do what you want. I'll never betray my country or my people.

"She leans back against the chair, crossing her arms as if to demonstrate her resolute defiance."

"Aknagi remains unresponsive to your attempt at humor, and her expression remains firm and unflinching. You can tell that she is not easily swayed."

Well, I suggest you rethink your stance, Aknagi. We may not want to hurt you, but we will do what it takes to get the information we need. Remember, you're the one who's tied up here, not us.

"You give her a cold stare, trying to intimidate her into talking. The tension in the tank is palpable."

"As you pull out the bottle of vodka, the commander and driver look a little surprised. Aknagi raises an eyebrow at you, but says nothing."

What are you planning to do with that, Winter?

"The commander asks, eyeing you warily."

"The commander looks hesitantly at the bottle of vodka you're holding, before giving a tense sigh."

Fine. But I don't think drinking together will resolve anything.

"He takes the bottle and pours a small amount into a cup, then hands it to Aknagi, who looks at it with suspicion. The commander pours himself a drink as well, and then leans back in his seat, taking a sip."

Now, Aknagi, why don't we put aside our differences for a little while and just talk like civilized adults, hmm? We could discuss how we could both benefit from cooperation, and maybe find some common ground.

"He speaks with a calm, measured tone that seems designed to put Aknagi at ease. She takes a sip, but remains silent, still watching him warily."

"As the hour passes, both the commander and Aknagi become increasingly drunk. They start to loosen up a little bit, and you notice they're laughing at each other's jokes and making lighthearted conversation. It seems like tensions are easing between them."

The driver shoots you a concerned look, but stays focused on the road. Eventually, the commander starts to slur his words, and Aknagi looks unsteady on her feet.

Alright, maybe we should cut them off now. We don't want to get too carried away.

"The driver nods in agreement, and you take the bottle of vodka away from them."

Come on, you two. It's time for a nap.

"You help Aknagi back into her chair, trying not to jostle her too much, then turn to the drunk commander."

Up we

"Aknagi gives you a look that suggests she's not impressed by your attempt at camaraderie, but she doesn't say anything. Silence stretches between the two of you for a few moments."

I'm not your comrade.

"She says eventually, her voice low and even."

And don't try to play games with me. I know what you want. You want information about my people. Well, it won't be that simple. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't betray my comrades like that.

"She looks at you steadily, her eyes hard and unyielding."

"As you address Aknagi she avoids your gaze staring at the floor of the tank. The driver responds to your question"

We're about an hour out from the refueling point.

"He answers with a slight nod and keeps his focus on driving, the tank bouncing and rattling as it moves along."

You can get some rest if you want to, Winter. I'll keep an eye on our guest here.

"The driver offers, looking over at you. Aknagi looks up at you briefly, her expression unreadable."

"Aknagi scoffs at your questions, clearly not interested in talking about herself or her people."

That's none of your business.

"She replies sharply, folding her arms across her chest and looking away from you. You can tell she's agitated by the way she's moving around in her jacket, trying to get comfortable."

Besides, why would I tell you anything? You're just going to use it against us anyway.

"Aknagi glares at you, clearly not appreciating your words. She moves out of your grasp as you try to help her, her movements becoming more restricted in the jacket."

I don't need your help, and I won't be telling you anything.

"She spits out the words, her tone heated with anger and spite."

And don't call me a snow rabbit. I may be from the Arctic, but I'm still an Arctic fox. Don't try to belittle me or my people.

"Aknagi glowers at you as you help her sit more comfortably."

We call you the Burning Suns, and it's a fitting name. Your people are like a wildfire, consuming everything in their path, leaving only destruction in their wake.

"Her voice is thick with bitterness and anger, and you can tell that she's been holding on to these feelings for a long time."

And don't try to play the victim here. Your people have done just as much harm, if not more, than ours. We're just trying to protect ourselves and our way of life from your insatiable greed.

"She looks away from you, her face twisted with emotion, and falls silent again."

"Aknagi's expression softens slightly at your words, but she quickly regains her composure."

Just because we can communicate and make jokes doesn't mean I'm going to forget everything that your people have done to mine. The Burning Suns have pillaged our land, destroyed our homes, and killed our people. That's not something I can easily overlook.

"She pauses for a moment, her gaze still fixed on you."

But maybe you're right. Maybe we are both the bad guys, fighting for what we believe is right. But I won't rest until my people are safe and our way of life is secure.

"Aknagi chuckles softly at your words, the tension between you seeming to ease up for a moment."

No offense taken. I can understand why you find this place so unappealing. But it's our home, and we'll do whatever it takes to protect it.

"Her expression grows serious again, and she looks at you intently."

But maybe there is a way for us to resolve this conflict peacefully, without any more bloodshed. It won't be easy, but maybe if we can come to an agreement, we can end this once and for all.

"Aknagi looks at you, her eyes searching your face for a moment before she speaks."

I appreciate your willingness to find a peaceful solution, but I can't just give up on my people's safety. However, maybe we can work out some kind of compromise. How about this: if you and your crew agree to leave our territory and never come back, I can convince my people to stand down and allow you safe passage.

"Her tone is serious but not hostile, and you sense that she's genuinely trying to find a way to end this conflict without any more bloodshed."

Of course, I'd have to get my leader's approval first. But I believe that they would be willing to negotiate under the right circumstances.

"Aknagi's expression turns contemplative as she considers your questions."

As for the rest of the army and the war, that's not something I can control. But if we can find a peaceful solution between our two sides, then maybe others will follow. As for your second question, I can understand why you would be wary of my people's intentions. But I promise you, I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety during negotiations. And if we can come to an agreement, I'll personally vouch for you and your crew to my leader.

"A small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth."

After all, it's not every day that I get to meet a crew as... interesting as yours.

"Aknagi nods slowly, her expression pensive."

I know. It's a tragedy that we've been on opposite sides of this war for so long. But maybe this can be the start of something different. Something better.

"She glances at the commander and driver, then back at you."

You seem to have a level head on your shoulders. Maybe you can convince them to consider my offer. It's worth a shot, isn't it?

"Aknagi looks at you, her eyes searching yours for a moment before she speaks in a soft but determined voice."

Thank you. I appreciate your willingness to give me a chance.

"She looks down at her restraints and begins to struggle against them, as if trying to free herself."

If you could... untie me now, I promise you that I won't try to escape or attack you.

"Aknagi exhales a deep breath, her eyes fixated on yours as you cut one of her hands free."

"I won't try anything," she says in a slightly strained voice, as you back away and hold your gun at the ready.

She gingerly reaches up with her freed hand and unties the makeshift gag from her mouth, before using her newly regained freedom to rub her sore jaw.

"Thank you," she says again with a small nod of gratitude, before deftly kicking the pocket knife back across the floor towards you.

"Now, as for getting back to my lines..."

"Aknagi nods, pulling herself up to her feet as gracefully as possible, considering the restraints that still bound her legs and her other hand, before letting out a small sigh."

"I do. I'm just not sure what'll happen once I get back there."

She looks at you, her gaze serious and unwavering.

"But I know I have to try. I'm hopeful that... well, that this can be a start of something different."

"A soft smile spreads across her face, before she glances down at her restraints."

"Perhaps you could... give me a hand with these? I'd rather not go too far in these things."

"Aknagi chuckles softly, a wry smile crossing her features as she stretches out her limbs."

"Yeah... It's funny how things turn out, isn't it? But I'm glad we talked things out. Maybe there's hope for peace yet."

She meets your gaze for a long moment, a sense of sincerity radiating from her.

"Thank you. Safe travels back to your lines."

"It's been three months since the chance encounter with Aknagi. You haven't heard from her since, but there have been rumors of a ceasefire between the opposing sides."

"As you sit in your tank, going over some maps and inventory, one of your comrades enters, calling out to you."

"Hey, did you hear? We're doing a prisoner exchange tomorrow. And one of the prisoners is the girl you captured a few months back."

"Your heart quickens at the news, and you feel a mix of emotions as you realize that this could be your chance to see Aknagi again. You try your best to play it cool, nodding and acknowledging the news before excusing yourself to finish your work."

*As the day of the exchange finally arrives, you stand guard with your fellow soldiers, waiting for the opposing side to arrive. Finally

, you see a group of soldiers approaching, with a group of prisoners in tow. Your heart skips a beat as you scan the faces for any sign of Aknagi.*

"And then, there she is, walking among the other prisoners. You catch her gaze and she nods slightly, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth."

"As the exchange begins, you can feel the tension in the air easing, as both sides work together to get their comrades back. And finally, Aknagi is standing in front of you, free and unharmed."

"You kept your promise," she says softly, extending her hand for you to shake.

You take it, feeling a sense of relief and... something more that you can't quite describe.

"I did. And... I'm glad to see you're okay."

She nods, her eyes scanning over your face

"Aknagi's lips quirk up into a smile and she nods."

"I'd like that. But for now, let's get out of this place."

And with that, the two of you head back to your respective sides. As you watch her go, you can't help but feel a sense of hope that maybe, just maybe, peace is possible.