Trails to Azure Drama CD - Road to the Future

And like that, Randy and Tio had found their callings for the summer.

Soon after, we had a team meeting and gave our reports to Chief Sergei.

The mayor let me know you two had accepted his proposals, but I didn't think I'd be losing Tio and Randy, too.

Whoops...

Will that be an issue?

Nope. I was just thinking it was funny.

Funny?

You know, the mayor talked to me about recruiting new members to the SSS soon.

What?!

New recruits?

Are you sayin' if we leave now, we might not have a job when we get back?

No, you don't have to worry about that.

I said new members, not replacements. The original SSS isn't going anywhere.

I hope not.

So when you all get back, things will probably be more lively around here than ever.

In more ways than one.

S-Sure...

(Why did that last part sound so ominous?)

Enough about that. If we're doing this, then we may as well have a formal disbandment, even if it's just for show.

Randy Orlando.

'Sup.

Tio Plato.

...Sir.

Elie MacDowell.

Sir.

Lloyd Bannings.

Sir!

I officially approve and acknowledge your intentions for the coming months. The SSS is hereby temporarily disbanded.

In the meantime, you're all still officially members of the police, so remember your duty and continue carrying yourselves with pride.

I expect you each to come back better than ever.

Yes, sir!

That's it from me. Good luck, kids.

I'll try to keep this place in order while you're gone.

Thanks, Chief!

Soon, the day came for the others to depart.

Damn, Mademois-Elie. Your luggage is big enough to be a new Crossbell City district.

What the hell is in there?

I'll be attending formal events, so I had to pack plenty of dresses and shoes. I'm only bringing the essentials.

Whew.

That sounds like more trouble than it is worth.

You are traveling comparatively light, Randy.

I'm just going over to the CGF to help out with their rehabilitation training.

What I'm taking is plenty.

What about you, Tio Tot? Looks like you didn't pack much, either.

I already had most of my belongings shipped ahead of time.

Traveling with large luggage is an annoyance.

You three look like you're all set.

Lloyd... KeA...

Take care, okay, guys?

KeDo... Listen.

I'm sorry we gotta leave for a while. Things might be a little lonelier around here.

Why?

Huh? Well, because--

I mean, you're all going to come home, right? Elie? Tio? Randy?

I can be a good girl and hold down the fort until you do!

KeA...

Of course. We'll be back before you know it!

We...are not leaving right this instant, Elie...

Oh, come on, you two. Now's not the time to cry. Even KeA is holding it together.

*sniff* I know that...

I am going to require one more dose of vitamin KeA before I leave.

You got it!

Don't leave me out...

Hey, me next--

Randy.

Relax, I'm just jokin'. But hey, at least let me give you a pat on the head, KeDo.

Sure!

Heeheehee!

Now that's more like it.

I believe everyone has stocked up on enough KeA energy to last the summer now.

Hey, can we all make a friendship vow?

Friendship vow?

It's something Sister Marble taught us.

Sister Marble taught you that in Sunday School?

Yep. She said it's something friends do when they say goodbye but promise to meet again!

That does seem to be fitting.

Right? First, we all have to get in a circle!

Okay. What next?

Now, everyone put your right hands out and place them atop of mine.

All righty. Like this?

Yep. Next, put your left hand on the shoulder of the person to your left and say their name.

Then, at the very end, we all throw up our hands and shout, 'See you soon!'

Got it. I'll start us off.

Elie...

Tio!

Randy...

KeDo!

Lloyd!

Then on three...

One...two...three...

See you soon!

Haha, now I'm feelin' all fired up!

Me, too. That was a great idea.

A perfect way to say goodbye.

Yeah, but this isn't 'goodbye' for us.

We'll be together again before we know it.

You're right.

See ya, pal. Don't miss me too much.

Take care of KeA for us, okay?

Make sure to look after Zeit and Coppe, too.

Don't worry--I will.

Take care, guys.

Have a safe trip, Elie, Tio, and Randy!

We will!

This is goodbye for now, KeA.

Be a good girl and wait for us to come home, KeDo.

I will! Stay safe!

KeA didn't stop waving goodbye to them until they were fully out of sight.

And so, the Crossbell Police Department's Special Support Section was officially on hiatus.

But this wasn't the end--only a new beginning.

One that would make us stronger and ready to overcome the most daunting barriers in our path yet.

Nice to meet you. I'm Elie MacDowell of Crossbell State.

I once spent some time studying in the Calvard Republic, as it so happens.

I'm currently accompanying my grandfather on his tour around the continent and am using it as an opportunity to meet as many people as I can.

You say you studied abroad?

What did you major in?

Economics and politics, but I'm particularly interested in the latter.

The Republic's democratic system and how it reshaped Calvard's long history, in particular, has always piqued my interest.

I believe there's a lot Crossbell could learn from nations like yours to improve its own government.

I have always taken the caloric requirements associated with activating the Aeon system into consideration.

However, with this new material compound the foundation is researching, it may be possible...

*click* *clack* Good. It should work, then.

I would like to run another test, Chief.

Sure. I'm good to go on my end.

You're clear to start as soon as you're ready, Tio.

Aeon system, activate!

Crossbell Police Department, Special Support Section transferee: Randy Orlando.

The commander requested me personally.

I've been placed in charge of overseeing the Bellguard unit's rehabilitation--

*snicker*

You there! Knock it off!

You think I got time for this?!

(*sigh* The last thing I envisioned was me coming back here to be an instructor.)

(I should be the one sighing.)

(Are you sure you're cut out to be an instructor?)

(I was hoping you'd do most of that kind of work.)

Ahem! Listen up!

I'm going to push you maggots so far that you won't remember what laughing feels like!

Look alive!

Are you sure you're ready, Bannings?

Of course!

Suit yourself, then.

I will say, the way you act does remind me of him sometimes.

Oh...

Forget I said anything. Past here are the First Division's offices. Show yourself in.

Here goes nothing.

Attention, everyone. This is the trainee I told you about.

You're up, Bannings.

Right!

My name is Lloyd Bannings. I'll be training with the First Division starting today.

This is still my first year with the department, so I'm looking forward to learning everything you have to teach me!

That day, our paths diverged and our journeys started anew.

But no matter how far apart we are, our hearts will remain as one.

And with us, we carried the vow we made to one another:

We WILL reunite one day as the Special Support Section!