ii. The Rocks

IT WAS ONLY DAYS LATER THAT THEY HEARD FROM LEWS, following the bombardment of several stores. One shopkeeper, still lingering when the incident occurred, had been struck in the head.

Across the stones used as projectiles were an unbearably familiar symbol.

The situation had a profound effect on Nina. She could sense the looks of others as she headed towards the Core House, looks that begged for guidance and hope, looks that said that if she was responsible for the restoration of the city, then she should know how to handle such circumstances. It pained her that she could only give empty words of assurance, all the while forcing down her own doubts.

"Will mom get better?" a boy asked, hustling towards her. Nina guessed that he referred to the wounded shopkeeper and for a moment, wondered if she could lie. Would the boy believe her if she said that the woman would miraculously recover? And what if she didn't?

At last, Nina mustered the will to shake her head. "I trust that the medical unit will do the best they can." What else could she say?

The boy became crestfallen, though unsurprised. He stuttered several words of halfhearted thanks and headed back down the street.

His face lingered in Nina's memory minutes later, as she was again seated in the Conference Chamber. Lews and Cal were already waiting for her, along with several others of Lews's advisors.

"I've made my decision," the man said, briefly waiting for her to be seated. "As much as the trust of the people is important, their safety is at stake. Cal, I want to know how many of your men are available for the task. Nina, I need to know the spots in the city that go unnoticed."

He slid over to her a map of the city and a pen. She fought the urge to say that she didn't know how to help, and between those lines, that she didn't want to, either. A glance at Lews's stern demeanor finally convinced her otherwise.

Reluctantly, Nina obliged. When she finally returned the parchment to Lews, she felt a sudden and inexplicable wave of revulsion. Revulsion at what, she wondered? Was it the opposition to Lews's request, or the fact that she still complied, or the worry that her information might be flawed, dooming their plan altogether?

"I want them watching out of sight," Lews finished saying to Cal. "Don't let them interfere with any of the city's affairs unless absolutely necessary; if they see any connection to Alpha, keep an eye out and report it."

Now he turned to her. "Did you see the damage to the stores?"

Nina nodded. "There are broken windows and a few dented walls, but nothing serious over the long-term. It's the loss of trust that's worried people most. People don't seem so sure about their safety anymore."

"What about the store's supplies? Are they intact?"

"I didn't see. I'm sorry."

Lews paused. "Cal, it would be better if you withdrew your guards from the stores. It's been doing nothing but stirring further unease."

"With all the commotion over the scene, it seemed necessary." With an afterthought, he added, "Of course, most of the attention has likely subsided by now. I'll tell them to withdraw."

"They can still keep watch from the hidden spots. We can't be halting business now, so soon." Nina understood. In the time of Soto, every last item had been carefully regulated and every last shopkeeper had been under scrutiny and suspicion. Despite this, people had grown accustomed to such life, and when a new system had been implemented in Soto's wake, many were left bewildered, almost frightened. People still needed time to adjust to the new ways of life, and forcing businesses shut would only counteract this.

Lews's last looked reflected the graveness of the situation. "Cal, I expect your men to take positions by tonight. Nina, thank you for your time."

As she left the Core House, she was greeted by an old lady who appeared to have expected her, or at least someone who came from inside the place.

"Do you know what they'll do about it?" the lady asked.

"Of what?"

"The symbol. The one with the curled a."

Nina thought about the hidden patrols and its secrecy. "We're doing the best we can. Lews has his plans." She forced a smile, hoping that it reinforced her words, but inwardly, she knew that neither of them was convinced.

"Do you think it's safe to return to the stores?"

She hesitated, then answered before the woman could think too much about her hesitation, "I'm sure it'll be fine." Hopefully, Nina thought as the lady gave an unsatisfied nod, Lews had made the right decision with all the discretion they had marked him as a leader for.