"The Entryway military base," Gwen muttered as we walked under the archways. Crossing the large walkway, rows of pillars marked our progress. We headed towards a building along the gate. Huge clear glass ceilings reached over it, light pouring in from the windows. It doesn't look much like a military base. Empty land stretched out beyond, a handful of trees interrupting the dry landscape. Dark buildings waited in the distance.

A man swung open the doors of the glass building, burning gold eyes framed by a dark beard. He walked towards us, arms outstretched."A warm welcome to Entryway, General Murray," he called. His coat was a mess of wild abstract colors. Reds, blues, and oranges; all thrown up over the topcoat.

"Allister…" Murray grumbled, stalling in his tracks. Lewis ran into his back, the rest of us stumbling to a stop. "So...you're still here," he huffed.

Allister laughed, "I’m surprised you haven't heard." He adjusted his colourful color. "I was promoted to overseer of all of Avarice's training bases."

Murray clenched his jaw, taking a breath. "I heard, but I was under the impression they'd send someone else."

"Sounds like you're losing favor, General." The warmth in Allister's smile turned sinister, he tilted his head. "Maybe you should try to be more agreeable."

Murray shrugged, walking past him. "All that matters is not ticking off the wrong people, simple cost-benefit analysis."

"Is that what you call riding the coattails of the Commander?" Allister tilted his head, pivoting towards the building. His multi-coloured coat swayed in the breeze, trees whispering taunts, branches rattled.

Murray smirked, following after him. "At least I don't look like the waste disposal of a textile factory."

Allister fatrowned his sleeves. "This was a gift from the Viceregent, an original design, real posh…" his voice petered off. Murray raised an eyebrow, Allister scowled. "Nevermind the jacket." He lowered his arms, continuing onward. Lewis stifled a laugh.

We followed Allister through the glass doors, Gwen's fingers tight around the handle of the briefcase. Her eyes locked on him, posture stiff. Max watched him with narrowed eyes. No one trusts this guy.

Allister spun back under the skylights, sweeping his gaze past us. "The Council has instructed me, in preparation for your mission, to grant you full access to the facilities." He grabbed a stack of cards off the front desk. "Everyone gets their own special access key, so don't lose it." He walked around, handing them to each of us.

A small rectangle of plastic. I flipped it over, rows of numbers on one side. Allister tapped Max's card, leaving it in his hand. "Those will get you in almost every door on the property. We have individual rooms set up for you in the main building.”

Allister’s eyes lingered on me. "I don't recognize this one, she's new." He moved his smirk to Murray. “One pretty girl's not enough for you? Need something more excit-"

Murray narrowed his eyes. "Shut up, Allister."

"Sensitive today," Allister snickered. "I'm only teasing, learn to take a joke." He turned to me, shaking his finger. "She's not offended. Isn't that right, sweetheart?"

"Sweetheart?" I raised my eyebrows. Even Drake's thugs have better manners. "So you're a mind reader, huh?"

"I know how women think." Allister chuckled, leering.

I rolled my eyes, walking past him. Towards the glass doors, I waved my keycard in my hand. "Okay Mind-reader, then you know I'm staying to listen to this crap."

Allister turned, his face falling. "I'm not done here...this is my base." I blinked back at him, swiping the card. The door rolled open. Allister stomped his feet, hissing, "Do you know what kind of rank I have? I could ruin you." Not likely, idiot.

"Phyn, stop," Murray growled. I didn't sign up for this. I glared back at him, straightening my shoulders. Fine, whatever. The door slid back shut.

Allister crossed his arms. "On my base, you'll listen to orders," he snarled.

"Sure, just not yours," I growled back. Allister's face turned bright red, eyes wide.

Murray stepped between us, shooting me a glare. "Excuse her tongue, she's a new recruit." He lowered his voice. "Handpicked by the Commander."

Allister blinked. "You're not serious..." he swallowed a lump in his throat, giving a nervous laugh. "Must be harder to keep in line than that little engineer of yours."

Murray frowned. "Stop it, you're getting on my nerves."

Allister raised his chin. "As you wish, General. We wouldn’t want another tantrum."

Murray gritted his teeth, heavy silence infecting the room. "I said, that's enough."

"If you'll stop baring your teeth, I'll continue." Allister swiped his card in the door, it opened back up. "I'll have your team shown to the main house. You and I will talk better alone, don't you agree?"

Murray nodded his head. "That would save time." He turned to us, lowering his voice. "Go put your stuff away, we'll meet up shortly."

Gwen nodded, heading out the door first, the rest of us following. An off-road vehicle waited on the other side of the door. A soldier dressed in camo, waiting at the wheel. He waved us over, a stern unmoving face.

Murray stood in the doorway, his jaw clenched. A glazed look in his eyes as Allister pulled him away. I wonder what happened, why they're so tense.

We got into the truck. Gwen linked arms with me, giving me a weak smile. "I'm sorry about Allister." A slight tremor in her voice, "He's always like that, no filter."

Max darted his eyes over. "The only person who should apologize for Allister, is Allister."

She moved her arm, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Of course…"

The vehicle moving over the dirt roads, dust picking up. Lewis yawned, leaning back in his seat. He hummed, "The real question is what's his beef with Murray?"

Gwen tensed. Max taking a deep breath, he shook his head at Lewis. "Asking that question won't help you," he said.

Lewis blinked, lowering his head. "Okay...fine, I'll keep my trap shut."

A structure coming up ahead, a cedar planked building stood out against the black structures. A couple stories high, there was a great entryway. "The main building?" I asked, looking between Max and Gwen.

"Mmhm." Gwen nodded, her eyes locked on the place. "This was my training base."

The car stopped at the front of the building. Slamming doors, we followed the soldier through the front doors. Cedar posts, borders along the walls. Fresh, clean, almost mountain chalet like. Very nice.

Gwen pursed her lips. "This building is where the highest officers stay," she said, walking beside me.

"Guess we're considered honored guests," I snorted. We followed the soldier up the steps, entering the building.

Lewis grinned. "Sounds good to me," he laughed. "I'll take honored over sleeping in the barracks anyday."

We paced into the lobby, a large desk at the front, a staircase spiralled up to the next floor. Abstract paintings along the walls, reminst of that awful jacket. Max snickered, "Allister's done some redecorating."

We stocked up the staircase, following up. Turning the corner, the soldier motioned down the hall, pointing us to our rooms. He disappeared back down the stairs, leaving us alone in the hall.

I swiped my keycard, walking into my room. White walls, floors, bedding; simple furniture, neat. I threw my pack on the floor. Dragging my feet, I leaned in Gwen’s doorway. She rested the briefcase carefully on the desk, darting her eyes over. I still want to know what's inside it.

She turned her head. “What is it, Phyn?” she said. She's not going to answer my questions.

I shrugged, drumming my fingers on the frame. "Is there any place to get food here?"

She grinned, nodding her head. "That's a good idea." She shooed me from the doorway, calling out, "Max, Lewis, you want to get some food?"

Lewis poked his head out, eyes lighting up. "Did someone say, food?"

She waved him over. "There's a cafeteria on the bottom floor."

We started down the hall, Max running to catch up. "Don't leave me behind," he grumbled. We waved him over, the four of us stomping down the stairs.

Racing down the steps, we sprinted past the front desk. A short woman with bangs spun out of her chair. “Wait!” she huffed, chasing after us. She swung her arms wide, blocking us from the stairs. "Is there a Miss Okie with you?" She caught her breath, pushing her glasses up her nose.

I raised my hand, sheepishly. She grabbed my arm, pulling me with her. "There's a phone call for you on line three." She dragged me towards the counter, shaking her finger. “You shouldn't be giving out this phone number.”

“Sorry…” I muttered. I don't even know the number. She shoved the phone in my hand. Clicking the line, the light turned green. "Um...hello," I said into the receiver.

"Phyn! It’s actually you!" Drake shouted on the other end.

My jaw dropped. "Drake? How did you-"

"You were heading to Lattice with military people. I took a wild leap."

Guess he isn’t as stupid as he looks. I turned away from the desk, pulling the cord with me. "What is this about? You shouldn't be calling me here," I whispered.

"I know, but this is urgent. One of my guys called...someone broke into my office."

I rolled my eyes."This is why you shouldn't listen to anonymous phone calls, Drake."

He sighed, "Ya...I know, alright. What I'm trying to do is warn you."

"Warn me? About what?"

He took a breath. "The only thing they took was your records."

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

All the air was sucked out of the room. Someone's messing with me, digging into my life. First my apartment, now Drake's.

"Phyn….you still there?"

"Ya...thanks for the warning." My hands shaking, the numbers on the buttons blurring. I don't know who's after me...I don't know what they want.

“I’ll let you know if I find anything else out,” he said.

“Alright, thanks...I’ll check back in when I can,” I muttered, "Talk to you later." I hung up the receiver, taking a deep breath. I need to figure this out...I don't know what to do.

The front door slammed shut. I jumped, turning around. Oliver walked in the door, setting his suitcase and jacket down. "Sorry I'm late to the party," he chuckled.

"Oliver!" I laughed, walking over. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I had some work to finish up." He scratched his head. "And it looks better for the training facade if your medic stays home."

I raised an eyebrow. "Ah, so you're in the loop then."

"You could say that." He winked, picking his suitcase. "I think Murray wanted me to feel included." He walked further into the front room, turning back. "Where are the others?"

"They headed down to the cafeteria to get some food. Except for Murray, he's talking with Allister."

Oliver's smile fell. "Allister...that's unfortunate," he grumbled.

"So you know him?" I took a step closer. If anyone's going to tell me…

Oliver wavered his head. "Not well, although I did get myself involved in their infamous clash."

"Can you tell me what happened?"

Oliver shut his eyes, rubbing his face."Do you want Murray to kill me?

"I won't breathe a word," I chimed, walking beside him. "That's a promise."

"You're bad for my health," he grumbled, taking a deep breath. "Okay fine, but this stays here."

"Deal." I nodded my head.

He pursed his lips, ordering his words. "I had only been working alongside Murray a couple months before it happened. I was off-duty, heading back to the base when I got a frantic phone call. Murray was shouting and raving about how he bludgeoned a man to death," Oliver snorted, adjusting his grip on the suitcase. "I rushed back and tried to get a coherent story out of him. I ended up going to check on this 'dead' man. Allister was in rough shape, but very much alive."

I pursed my lips. "But what happened? Why did Murray attack him?"

Oliver shrugged his shoulders. "They had some strong differences of opinion, their rivalry was escalating. Gwen was working under Allister at the time, and once he found out that she had a connection to Murray. He decided to get back at Murray indirectly."

My mouth went dry. "I see..." Is that why Gwen seemed so tense?

"I don't know what happened exactly, Gwen wasn't particularly eager to talk about and it's not my place to ask." Oliver took a breath, walking down the steps. "Most of my interactions with Allister have been dealing with the aftermath." Oliver chuckled, "I may or may not have blackmailed him into transfering Gwen to another unit. I could not spare Murray from going through the whole rigamarole of courts and legal proceedings. If he still had rank at the time, they would've demoted him."

"Murray doesn't have a rank? Why do they call him general?"

Oliver shrugged. "I don't think they know what else to call him.Murray just does whatever he wants, and because he's so good at it, they let him."

"Interesting…" I tilted my head. "But he still has enemies."

"Have you met the man? Not so good with people," Oliver laughed. "Although Allister being here confirms someone's trying to trip us up." He jumped the last step, lips in a fine line. "You'd think people would want the war to end, or at least stop everything from burning."

"You'd be surprised…" I muttered. The letters across the train station haunted my mind. Remedy, if they really are back…

"Hey! Over here!" Lewis waved, calling us over, friendly eyes. The others nodded their heads, chewing.

Walking over, Oliver slapped a hand on his shoulder. "Hey Lewis, how's it going?" he laughed, frowning at the array of mashed vegetables, mystery meat. "Is the food as terrible as it looks?"

"Pretty much," Max snorted, slidingthe tray over. "Want some?"

Oliver raised his hands. "I'm good."

Gwen patted the spot on the bench next to her. I slid in, trying not to stare at her. I wish I'd kicked Allister's teeth in.

"How was the traffic?" Lewis asked, taking another bite.

"Molasses, but I made it fine." Oliver shuffled over on the bench, hunching his shoulders. He lowered his voice, "Anyone know the plan yet?"

Gwen knitted her eyebrows. "Murray's been keeping the details quiet," she grumbled.

"Per like usual," Max snickered, taking a sip of water. In the distance, Murray came down the stairs. Walking around the cafeteria staff, he spotted us. He's back fast.

Lewis rolled his eyes. "I think he enjoys keeping secrets from us, bolsters his self esteem."

Murray over his shoulder, he adjusted his coat. "I am allowed some fun, aren't I?" he chuckled. Lewis whipped his head around, horror in his eyes.

I lifted my head. "You're in a good mood." Things must've gone alright with Allister.

Murray slammed a fist on the table. "Why shouldn't I be? Everything's coming together."

Gwen drummed her fingers on the table. "Then you better enlighten us on the plan."

Murray nodded. "Ya it's probably about time." A shine ran across his eyes, he pushed aside the tray. "As some of you know, we've been working on this plan for a long time, a way to rid Vitriol of it's advantage."

I darted my eyes between them. "What advantage is that?"

"Satellites." Murray snapped his fingers.

Gwen rolled her eyes. "Avarice neglected investing in space technology. Claimed it was vanity," she snorted.

Murray folded his hands behind his back. "No matter how many men we have, how many arms, they can always see us coming. We've launched a few of our own satellites, but too little too late."

"I see…interesting," I murmured. "So how do you get rid of satellites?"

Gwen leaned forward. "We don't, we only have to mess with their communication. If we can get inside their ground station and we can take control of their servers," she said.

"And we'd have Vitriol on the run," Oliver mused. "I like it." He leaned back in the chair.

Murray swept his eyes over the table. "I've spent years gathering intel, allies, people who understand this stuff better than me. Leading up to the formation of our core team: Gwen our engineer; Lewis our programmer; Max our marksman; and last but not least Oliver our medic."

"All the rejects," Max blurted out.

"Who else would've been crazy enough to follow me? Social power or not, we've gotten farther than anyone expected." Murray picked up a butter knife, tracing a circle on the table. "The biggest obstacle has been trying to find a way to reach the station. We've already ruled out remote access, the station's too deep into Vitriol, and ridiculously well defended. Honestly things were looking bleak until…"

"Until I appeared out of nowhere. " I raised my chin. "I must seem like a miracle."

He laughed, "And just like that, all the pieces have come together. We're a moment away from making history."

Gwen crossed her hands on the table. "Just because we can get in, doesn't mean we'll be successful."

Murray's eyes ablaze, he pointed at her. "Then we come back the next day, and the next. We never give up, we never lose hope."

She leaned back in her chair. "I can't be as painfully optimistic as you."

Oliver chuckled, "As I see it, someone has to pull him from the clouds." He crossed his arms, glaring at Murray. "I'm with Gwen, tone down your expectations."

Murray narrowed his eyes, still holding the butter knife. Lewis raised his hand. "Are we going to get to the actual plan?"

"Yes, that." Murray took a deep breath. "Everyone meets on the roof at six. Max will gather firearms, Gwen is in charge of the briefcase. From there, Phyn will get us to the ground station." Murray turned his eyes to me. "Are you able to take all of us?"

I shrugged. "I've taken five people before, without issue. I may need something to help me navigate, though. A picture, description, something connected."

Murray scratched his head. "I have blueprints? Will that work?"

"I think that should do the trick…" I muttered. Shouldn't he have checked this before we got here?

"Excellent." He set down the knife, sweeping his eyes back. "I've narrowed down the server room to two possible locations. So there's a fifty-fifty chance of getting that right." He motioned to me. "If we need a quick location change, follow Phyn's lead. Once we're in the server room, Lewis will upload the malware on their system. If nothing goes terribly wrong, then we'll make a quick getaway."

Max raised his eyebrows. "That's not really much of a plan, more of an outline."

"That's as much of a plan as I can make." Murray raised his hands. "We have no idea what we're jumping into." He dropped the knife on the table. "Be ready to improvise at any moment."

"Great, does that cover it then?" Oliver said, lifting up his suitcase. "I would like to put this away."

"I think that's enough for now...don't hesitate to hunt me down if you need something clarified," Murray said, stepping back from the table. His coat spun, walking off the way he came.

The tray pulled back, food going around. I stifled back a yawn, pushing back my chair. "If we're just killing time, I'm going to take a nap," I said, shivering at the memory of bad dreams. "Didn't sleep so well last night." Thanks to a little bird.

Oliver gave a wave. "Alright, Okie. Sleep well," he muttered, the others repeating the sentiment. I stepped away from the table, wandering back to the staircase.

Climbing the steps, I pulled my arms close. Making history...not quite saving the world, but it's something. Not that I know anything about satellites. Advanced technology is a lot like magic: it pushes the limits of possibility, has its own rules, capabilities, and I don't understand how either works. So many similarities… I chuckled to myself, making my way down the hallway.

I found my door, swiping the keycard. I drifted into the room, flopping onto the bed. My face buried into the blankets, I took a shaky breath. It is all a bit overwhelming. A weight on my chest, nerves simmering in the background. This is all so fast. Eyelids like lead, exhaustion pulled at my focus. Hopefully no more familiar faces come to haunt me...although there are faces I wouldn't mind seeing again.

Luca...he's always somewhere at the back of my mind. That kid would martyr himself for this if he had too… Something Broc said on the steps of his cabin. The bright sunlight of the memory, unable to erase what it meant.

Those words probably came true.

I bit my lip, hiding my face in my pillow. I don't want to think about that...I can't even start. My thoughts slipping away, blurred as I fell into darkness. Lost to the hold of sleep

----------------------------------------

I rolled over, a green light from the alarm clock flashing in my eyes. 5:48. Crap, It’s almost six. I scrambled to my feet, I threw the pillow. I slept way too long. Scratching my head, I dragged my feet across the floor. I need to get up to the roof before Murray kills me.

I pulled on the door handle, it stayed shut. What on earth? A card slot on the inside of the room, that seems excessive. I swiped my card, pulling on the door again. It didn't budge, the card reader flashing angry red.

I rattled the handle, shaking the door. It must be an error, a mistake….unless. What if it's intentional? I took a step back, shaking my head. There must be an explanation.

The windowless room laughing at me, I glared back at it. If trapping me is their plan, it's a stupid one. I shut my eyes, jumping into the rhythm. I appeared outside the door, the hallway dark. A sliver of light danced across my feet.

Disorientated, I stumbled to the next door. “Gwen? Are you there?” I knocked on the door, pressing my ear to it. Only silence. I moved to the next doors, spitting out names. “Lewis? Max?” I called. Still no answer.

I swiped my card, red light flashing back. No shouts, no replies. Something's really wrong. Shivers crawled up my arm, I paced the hall. What do I do?

A faint sound drifted down the hallway, the light leaking down from the stairwell. Someone's on the upper floor. I tiptoed closer, climbing up the winding stairs. A muffled voice talked in the background. I reached the top floor, a door left ajar.

I crept closer, peering inside. Allister, his back to me, he twirled the phone cord in his hand. "I'm telling you this is bigger than I thought. Murray's responses were cagey, he's talking in circles,” he said, spinning in his office chair. “I've locked each of them in different areas across the base. That should keep them out of the way long enough to figure-”

Allister shut his mouth, eyes going wide. "Calm down, they can't go anywhere, I-” The colour drained from his face. “Are you serious? Why didn't you tell me?" His voice lost it's rage. "I'll handle it, I swear." He leaned back in his chair, fidgeting. "Relax, she's emotional, easily manipulated. I'll have her eating right out of my hand."

Is he talking about me? Fire building in my veins, I tightened my fists. I don't have time to be upset. I shrunk back in the hallway, walking away from the light.

"I'm not being overconfident," his voice broke, "I am well aware of what's at stake, Brian."

Wait, Brian? Did that mean…

A short click sent my heart skyrocketing. I turned over my shoulder, staring down the barrel of a gun. The woman from the desk pushed her glasses up, raising the weapon. I held my breath, the room spinning out of control. Her finger pulled the trigger.