Before he knew he realised, it was almost time to leave. Over a loudspeaker, Duke’s bassy voice echoed throughout the base.

“Everyone get yourself to the lounge,” he announced over the crackling speaker before it cut.

“I better hurry,” Caspian thought, navigating the halls as speedily as was safe. He didn’t want everyone to get held up by him. The loud clack of crutches on floorboards preceded him, his appearance drawing the looks of the few already in the lounge. Victoria was already there, still in the same chair he’d seen her in before. She was dressed differently now, jeans and a lacey white shirt. In addition, a black leather jacket that looked way too big hung off her shoulders. Seeing him enter, she gave him a friendly wave, her hand just peeking out the sleeve.

Returning the gesture, he peered at his watch. 7:27. “The others should be getting here soon,” he thought, looking over as Rich, Sofia, and Percy all walked in chatting away. Each of them was dressed up, the two men wearing expensive-looking suit jackets and slacks. Unlike usual, Rich’s hair was slicked back giving him a delinquent look. Contrasting the youthful look was Percy, looking all business. A large red tie hung down to his waist, swaying with his long strides. It had to almost be a metre long. Sofia on the other hand was stunning, decked out in tones of white. Even the sunglasses sitting in her tied-up black hair were white.

Percy seemed to notice him look at them, walking over to him. “Caspian, I thought you could use this,” he said warmly.

Grabbing it out of his hands, a nice-looking brown jacket unfurled. The slight smell of mildew made him think that it had been sitting in a cupboard. Shaking out the creases, it looked to be his size, maybe a smidge too big. The leather was soft in his hand as he threw it over his shoulders. Putting it on proved to be a struggle until he leaned his crutches against a couch. Pulling it onto himself tight, he smoothed it over, folding the collar down.

“Thanks, Percy,” Caspian said, checking the various pockets.

“I didn’t think you’d have much to wear,” he said. “That jacket was left by an old member from a few years back. I tried to guess your size.”

“It’s a bit loose on the shoulders, but that's fine,” Caspian said examining himself. “This was an old members? He never came back to take it?”

“He never got the chance to,” Percy said solemnly. “You can keep it, we have boxes of old clothes that go unused.”

“Maybe I will, it's nice,” he said.

“Don’t worry about it, you can take some of the other stuff as well if you want. They don’t get much use anyway,” Percy said waving his hand.

During his conversation, everyone else had found their way inside the lounge. Last to arrive was Duke and Valorie deep in conversation. Caspian was only able to catch the end of it.

“It’s gotta be there, I remember it leaving port a few hours before the waves hit. We have the multiple maps all showing the same route they would have taken,” Valorie said.

“And I agree with you, that’s not the issue here,” Duke said firmly. Looking up at everyone, he held a hand up to her. “We’ll continue this later.”

“Fine,” Valorie said looking displeased. She strode away, standing alone as she surveyed the group.

“Looks like everyone’s here, thank you for being so prompt,” Duke said to everyone. “Let’s get a move on.”

Rich let out a whoop, Sofia shaking her head at him. “You’re eager to spend some money ay Richy.”

“Bah, just means I can buy the good stuff for myself without feeling bad. That’s not an invitation to anyone else,” he said loudly, Sofia and Percy chuckling at him.

Travelling the same route they’d arrive by, Caspian gradually slipped to the back of the pack. Crutches on a sandy surface weren’t the best, finding himself hopping more than walking. Despite that he kept up, spotting Valorie standing waiting for him. His mind scrambled for something to say to her.

“You look nice,” he said rather lamely. Inwardly he groaned.

“Cheers Caspian. You dressed up quite nicely as well, the crutches are a nice touch. Brings the outfit together,” she said with a cheeky smile.

“Thanks, none of its mine though,” he said. “All of mine are still at home. I have no idea how I’m going to transport all of my belongings.”

“Troubled?” she asked. “I could solve that for ya. Just give me yer address and I’ll hire some guys to move it all for ya. Nice and simple.”

“What, no. That’s too much Valorie. Wouldn’t that be expensive,” Caspian said, shaking his head.

“Ah don’t worry about it, we have a fund for stuff like this,” she said. “Erika already got all her stuff moved today. We take care of our own Caspian, remember that.”

“Well, I guess I’ll take advantage of it then. That certainly clears that up,” he said chuckling. “So where are we headed?”

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

“A little hole in the wall. We’re old friends with the owner, so it’s our usual spot,” Valorie said skipping along. “Much of a drinker?”

“Uhhh, not especially. Is that going to be a problem?” he asked.

“No no, just good luck hahaha,” she said. “You’ll need it.”

Their conversation trailed off, the elevator taking them down to the city proper. Last on was first off, so Caspian stayed to the side letting everyone pass him. He didn’t know the way anyway. The guard he was standing next to gave him the side eye, squinting. Detecting a hint of annoyance from the man, he averted his eyes, following along with the group. Sneaking a glance back, he saw the two guards whispering to each other. Both glared at him when they saw him looking.

“Weird,” he thought. Usually, he went unnoticed, just another face in the crowd. Now, however, he felt like he was constantly scrutinized. A faint conversation bubbled up, its source hazy. Multiple voices were complaining about the expedition group, their words gone but intent remaining. “Where’s that from?” he wondered.

Trailing along with the group, they traversed the winding streets of the city by streetlight. The huge skylights were dark from night now, giving the city a sort of mysterious feel to it. Light bounced off the cave ceiling, sending shadows in every direction.

The person in front of him stopped without him realising causing him to crash into them. “Sorry sorry,” he apologised profusely. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.” Glancing up, he saw Ivan giving him the stink eye.

“Maybe watch next time then,” he said curtly, turning away.

“Jeez, it was just an accident,” Caspian thought. “What’s his problem?”

The group started to enter, and he realised that Valorie had been very literal with her description. He thought that hole in the wall was just another way of saying it was out of the way, but the bar was literally just a hole in the wall. Stepping through the threshold, warm lighting washed over him. The sound of conversation and laughter filled the place, giving off an inviting ambience.

Duke was deep in conversation with an older man behind the bar, the rest of the group shuffling over to a few open tables near the back. Following along, Caspian slid into a seat by the wall, resting his crutches against it.

“Hi Caspian,” Victoria said quietly as she sat down next to him.

“Hello again. I like your jacket,” he said.

“Oh thanks, I’ve had it for ages.”

Shouting over the crowd, Rich called out to the man behind the bar. “HEY BERT IT COOL IF I MOVE A COUPLE A TABLES?”

He let out a gasp as Sofia elbowed him in the gut. “Not so loud you oaf, there are other people here,” she said shaking her head.

“Go ahead,” Bert yelled back.

Working quickly, Rich joined Caspian’s table with another so that they could all sit together. Not even sitting down, he was off to the bar joining Duke and Bert. Everyone else sat down, conversation flowing. Not knowing what to say, Caspian just listened in to everyone. That was until Victoria started talking to him.

“So why’d you join?” she asked out of the blue, causing Caspian to try and work out what she meant. “The expedition I mean,” she hurriedly said seeing his confusion.

“Oh of course,” he said, internally slapping himself. What else could she mean? “I just want to get out of the city, see the world.”

“That’s pretty weird,” she said. Something dawned on her as words quickly fell out of her mouth. “Ahh, not in a bad way, just it’s different from usual. Most people just want to make money or be famous. Your reason’s interesting,” she finished weakly, her face flushed.

“Haha, it’s ok. How about you? Why did you want to join up?” he asked.

“Me? My parents thought it would be good for me. They’re good friends with Percy, and when he mentioned they were hiring for their next expedition they made me try out,” she said looking down.

“Your parents know Percy?”

“Yeah, we run a ranch, so they do a lot of business with him. Do you like animals?” she asked.

“Animals? I can’t say I’ve ever really thought about it,” he said absently touching his bandaged arm. “They’re ok I guess. We need them to survive, so they’re definitely important.”

“Oh, fair enough,” Victoria said quietly.

Their conversation was interrupted by Rich and Duke returning to the table carrying two jugs each. “Cocktails for the table, help yourself,” Rich said all smiles. “If you want something else feel free to go up to the bar. Just tell Burt you’re with me.”

Erika clapped her hands excitedly, filling a few cups to the brim. “Here you guys go,” she said, placing one in front of him and Victoria. Taking a big sip, she let out a satisfied sigh. “That’s sooo yummy. Have some Vicki, it’s good.”

Swirling the drink around, the amber liquid stinking of fermented fruits. Taking a tentative sip expecting to gag, the drink went down easy. Whatever alcohol was in it was muted compared to the taste of fruit, a sourness coating his tongue. “That is good,” he murmured.

“I know right,” Erika exclaimed, already refilling her cup. “My friends always drink beer but it's so bleugh. Tastes like old dishwater,” she said frowning.

“Too sour,” Victoria said pouting.

“Awww come here Vicki,” Erika said pulling her close. “If you don’t like it I’ll finish it for ya.”

Caspian couldn’t help but smile at their interaction, Victoria feebly trying to communicate with Erika. It was like they didn’t even speak the same language. Further down the table, he spied the Rich, Sofia, and Percy all taking swigs from an unmarked bottle. He couldn’t tell what the murky liquid was, but judging by their visceral reactions it was strong. Despite knowing it would taste terrible, he couldn’t help but want to try some.

“Is that the whiskey they were talking about?” he thought. Getting up, he left his crutches leaning against the wall and made his way to the bar.

“Whacha be wantin’ son,” Bert asked with his raspy voice as he polished a glass.

“A glass of water please.”

Like a magic trick, a tall glass of clear water appeared on the bar. Picking it up, his fingers almost slipped on the condensation. Drinking it down in one go, the glass clinked back down. “Thank you,” he said letting out a satisfied sigh. Before he could turn, a figure stepped up to the bar beside him.

“Cas, what’s happening? Enjoying yourself?” Valorie asked with a big smile.