Rush of Supplies

"Medical units, you'll be arriving at the break-off point in five minutes."

Nix's voice rang out in the helms of the seven that ran together. The sun was high in the sky, though the heat was barely felt thanks to the cooling system built into their armor. As planned, they would stick together up to a point before breaking off to their designated locations. Jennifer and Vern led the group at the front. Where the Va'Rish wielded her sword and pistol, Vern held a hand axe in his left hand and a shield in his right. Unlike Jennifer, Vern wore a bulkier suit meant for defense laced with dimmed, brown neon lights compared to the Va'Rish's green.

Behind them were the three people assigned to carrying the medical supplies. They were all Beast-Kin who all wore the same scout type armor as Jennifer. On the far left was the Lion-Kin named Shuna, who's armor was laced in dimmed purple neon lights. She held a smaller rifle tucked tight in her arms as the system recommended. Next to her was her sister Messah, who's armor glowed a dim blue. Unlike her sister, she held only a pistol on her right hand with the other holding a small dagger. Next to her was the Lizard-Kin Je'Tya. While his armor glowed in green, he only wielded a long spear in his right hand.

Behind them paced the Gnome John to the right and the Ghoul Sasha. While John wore the same armor as Vern with green lights, Sasha wore the new Mage type armor. It was slick and hugged the woman's body close. This armor was laced in violet lights, showing the mages proficiency in lightning magic. Where John wielded a sword in his right hand and a shield in the other, Sasha carried only a pistol on her hip to keep her hands free to use magic.

Though it had already been a few days since they left the village, the group had to run a bit slower to allow Sasha and Je'Tya to get used a bit more used to their armor. Until they reached the designated location, they had to learn how to manipulate their Mana as the system recommended. Due to the emergency at hand, the group barely had time to even get reacquainted before they had set off.

After the five minutes was up, Jennifer and Vern suddenly stopped and turned to the rest as they caught up. "Alright everyone, rest for 15 minutes then we will split off." Jennifer panted as she leaned against a tree. Vern sat down on an emerged root and threw his head back in an attempt to catch his breath.

"God's, I can't get used to this new system." Sasha panted as she slouched and gripped her knees.

"Which one. The numbered time or the armor?" John joked as he pat her back and slouched with her.

"The numbered time definitely." Shuna panted softly as she rested her forearm against a nearby tree and slouched down so her free hand could grip her knee.

"It's a neat invention, that's for sure. Who would've thought to put numbers on time?" Messah gave a breathy chuckle as she rested her fists on her hips and leaned back a bit.

"Only someone as crazy as Nix." Vern chuckled softly before turning to Je'Tya. "You doing alright there bud?"

"Just...give me a moment." Je'Tya panted heavily as he raised his hand to hold a finger up. Compared to the rest of the group, he struggled the most in getting used to the new armor that he wore. Thanks to the last minute changes, he wore it much more comfortably than any he had worn in the past. The same went for Sasha, who couldn't stop admiring at how it helped her regulate her Mana.

"You know I can hear you right?" Nix's voice asked sarcastically with a chuckle, making Vern freeze and clear his throat a bit.

"S-sorry Commander."

"Alright everyone, listen up. Vern, your teams destination is showing up as half a day out. Jennifer, your team still have a full day's run ahead. I've already marked the locations you guys will be able to rest at. I'm sorry to rush you so much, but time is of the essence." Nix ignored Vern's apology and sounded a bit more stern. Their systems then beeped to show a map of the forest where the others before them had passed. Most of it remained unknown to the system, so they had to take the long way around to avoid any further mishaps.

"Understood, what's the update on the camps?" Jennifer asked for the group as she examined the map as best she could.

"The units have been able to hold off against the random attacks so far. There's a few more wounded, but you should be able to manage with the syringes your teams carry. Vern, your team will be able to rest a bit once you get there. Jennifer, your team will have to start the march back as soon as you get there. They have wounded that the syringes will only be able to stabilize once you arrive." Nix reported in a sort of sullen tone ambefore a sigh was heard from her end.

"What of the back-up?" Vern groaned as he stood up slowly.

"We've received the first group of refugees already, so you'll be getting them on your way back. Jennifer, you'll get eight fresh soldiers while Vern will get seven. You'll both recieve three armored personnel each."

"Understood. Everyone, let's be off." Jennifer spoke as she collected herself and turned to the rest of the group.

"Good luck everyone. After this, you'll get your much needed rest." Nix called over before cutting the line.

The group looked eachother over with some softer breaths. Though they'd all been running for the last few days, they'd still gotten acquainted to a certain level. Now that they stared eachother down, they began to feel a creeping fear.

"Everyone, remember. Focus on protecting the refugees. If you listen to the system, you'll be just fine." Jennifer, who was the leader up until this point, tried to reassure them with a soft voice.

The rest of the group nodded slowly before clutching their weapons. "Let's meet back up and have a proper drink." John spoke up with a soft chuckle.

No more words needed to be said in the group. After a few moments of looking their comrads down, the group finally split into two and began jogging towards their designated locations and giving their silent prayers.

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Back at the village, Nix leaned back in her chair and sighed softly. It was a struggle to send adjustments to the system to those that were new to the armor as it was. If it weren't for the small scraps the group faced on the way to their location, things would have proceeded much easier. Suddenly, she felt a small hand grip hers, making her turn slowly to look at the child that looked up at her in worry.

"I'm alright dear, how's the rest doing?" Nix spoke softly as she brought her free hand over to accept the cup of water Sheeva brought for her.

"Serena and Drevid are assisting with the new refugees currently. There was a small fight, but it was quickly broken up by Ju'Shal who'd just come back with more game. Thanks to the tanning table we made in a hurry, the refugees have warm beds and tents to rest in." Sheeva reported as she grabbed her tablet and looked over the contents. "The second group will arrive tonight, while the third will arrive at midnight. It's suggested we worry more about the third group more since they have the most injured. Also, Veronica is asking for more syringes."

"Mmm, have one table focus on making syringes. Is there anyone among the refugees that are willing to cooperate with us currently?"

"We have five for now. One Gnome, three Ghouls and one Stone-Folk. Drevin has gotten their information and samples already." Sheeva spoke as she swiped the tablet, making the information pop up on one of Nix's monitors.

She leaned in to read the information with weary eyes. Due to having to be the only one watching over the medical teams operation, she had barely gotten any sleep. She leaned back after reading the information and closed her eyes. "Have the Stone-Folk meet the guards immediately and get acquainted. The rest will come in here tomorrow and learn everything they can. How many suits do we have now?"

Sheeva glanced up at Nix with worry before looking back down at her tablet. Unlike Nix, she was given plenty of time to rest over the last few days. She felt a little useless currently as she watched her new mother waste away again like before. "After...'overclocking'? Yes, overclocking the tables, we've made 33 suits of armor. With units three and four each having four armored people each and the seven in the medical team, we will have 18 armored people in the village by midnight."

Nix smiled softly at how Sheeva tried to speak like her, feeling a bit of pride in the child's attempt. Nix then turned to her and gently pat her head. "It's alright dear, no need to rush and be all grown up so suddenly. Learn at your own pace. Once you come of age, you'll have all of this mastered beautifully."

The blush forming under the Fox-Kins fur was felt through the air, making Nix chuckle. Though she had pushed the girl before, she didn't hesitate to give her the rest she needed, as well as praise her any chance given. She was deeply worried the scarred heart of the Fox-Kin would affect her future, so the woman made a silent vow to try and give her the best treatment she could think of without letting the girl feel useless. While she could teach anyone else how to operate the system, she wanted the girl to lead a better life than she had. Suddenly, a dark thought crept in her mind and made her frown.

What if her new child were to fall in love and leave her side? These thoughts threw away any exhaustion she felt and fall into a deep contemplation. She had heard of other parents being worried about this before. Even her most trusted General had come to her before and broken down just at the thought. The sudden realization that she was now in their shoes made her heart lurch a bit and make her bring her hand to her chin.

"Mommy? Are you alright?" Sheeva's innocent question brought Nix back to reality. She'd never had these thoughts before, nor did she ever realize how terrifying they could be.

"Mmm, I'm alright dear. Once the second and third groups get back, have them prepare six armored personnel and nine regular personnel to assist the other units. They are allowed to pick who goes with who, just make sure to tell them to leave at dawn." Nix suddenly shook off the feeling as she gently pat the child's head once more.

I must be delirious, having these thoughts at a time like this.

Nix sighed softly before looking at her screen again. She rubbed her eye with one hand before giving a yawn. Now that the thoughts had left her mind, she suddenly felt exhausted. She let the cub go to reach down to her chair and press down on the small lever just behind the wheel, making the chair lean back a little. "I'm gonna take a nap dear, once you give everyone their orders, take a rest and have Drevid take over."

"Yes Mommy." Sheeva spoke softly as she slowly made her way out of the room. Though she was glad Nix was going to rest, she knew that it would only last for little bit. It was far from what her mother needed at this point. Even then, she could only bite her tongue as she remembered the promise Nix had made the day before about her getting proper sleep once the refugees all got back safely.