11 Chapter 13

Dany squealed with joy when I informed her of the mission we'd been given, and we rushed to pack our knapsacks with everything we might need for our trip. When I had told her about the information I discovered, I thought that she might back out if she knew I wouldn't be returning to the compound. She listened carefully, and agreed to join me, even if it meant that she may not return either.

Given the harsh conditions outside the compounds walls, you never knew what you might encounter. We packed two weeks of freeze-dried food, water purifying bottles, raincoats, tents, sleeping bags, rope, and other survival gear that we may need.

Dany attached a dagger on either side of her belt, and secured another on her calf. Her abilities wouldn't be of much help if we ran into any of the mad, so she put her trust into her daggers. My bow and quiver were strapped to my back, and I was fully stocked with arrows. I didn't want to use my abilities unless absolutely necessary.

We jogged down the corridor and met Scout Team 7 in the departure unit, where a large metal tram sat on its track. There was a transparent door with locks stationed down the length of the door, and I could see where the tracks continued on the other side of the door. The tracks led through the mountain, and this tram was the only way outside of the compounds walls.

I mentally assessed the team that we'd be accompanying on this mission, and found that most of them didn't seem to care that we were even there. They were all in their mid-twenties, and held their gazes on the tasks they were working on. I didn't sense a hint of fear when they met my eyes, and they didn't seem taken aback by Dany's beauty like most everyone else either. They seemed to take their jobs very seriously. Two men were focused on making sure the trams technology was aligned and ready to go, while others counted supplies or discussed action plans.

A stern looking woman strode over, paused to address us, and then showed us to our seats in the tram.

"I am Fiona. I'm the captain of this mission, and you will obey my command. If I tell you to run, you run. If I tell you to leave one of us behind, you do so. If I tell you to fight,"

"We fight." Dany interrupted, a determined look settling across her features.

It was as if just then Fiona took into account that Dany was there, and a crooked smirk formed on her thin lips. She had small, thin eyes and blonde hair that was tied in a lose bun on her head. She looked like the type that wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty.

"Exactly. Glad we're on the same page. We'll be leaving shortly, make any last preparations now."

Two men sat across from us, and began buckling themselves in, while the last three members of the team entered the tram. Fiona took the drivers seat, and initiated the trams engine. She reached to the front window and scanned her palm against the flat glass. Almost immediately, the giant door clicked as the locks began to unhinge themselves, and the tram shot into the tunnel.