The Last Mission of the Living (The Last Bastion Book 2) (17 page)

Petra toyed with the plain paper wrapper that her bar sat on. “I’ve never been so scared and yet hopeful in all my life.”

“I’ll make sure the mission is a success, Petra.”

“Myra.”

“What?”

“Myra Petra. That’s my name. You can call me Myra.”

Chuckling with embarrassment, Lindsey responded, “For some reason I thought Petra was your first name.” Chances were Lindsey would continue to think of the woman by her surname. Torran still corrected her when she called him MacDonald.

“I know.” Petra stood up sharply, peering out into the corridor past the glass doors. “The new castellan is here.”

Across the hall a slim, tall woman hesitated as she spoke with her newly appointed assistant. She was a redhead with a streak of pure white hair that originated at her widow’s peak before sweeping up into her bun in an attractive swirl. Dressed in a charcoal gray uniform, the woman was striking in appearance.

“What do you think of her?” Lindsey asked.

“I don’t know yet. She transferred in from the Southern Garrison. Her record is impressive. She was part of the final push, too. She’s the one who ordered the rappel lines to be lowered.”

“So she’s the reason Torran lived,” Lindsey muttered.

“Torran MacDonald? The one you rescued?”

Lindsey responded with a dip of her head.

“You seem to know a lot about him considering you met him once,” Petra observed.

“We talked,” Lindsey replied, her voice neutral.

“Then your mission should be all the more interesting. He’s on the roster.”

Deciding to leave before her personal life was cracked wide open, Lindsey dug a protein bar out of her pocket and tossed it onto the desk. “For your kids.”

As she strode briskly out of the area, she felt Petra’s inquisitive gaze following her.

* * *

Entering the conference room, Torran was not surprised to see Legatus Martel sitting at one end of the highly polished white table. A blond woman in a white coat was seated to the right of the Legatus and a dour-looking older man with fortis prime strips -- the highest rank in the security branch of the SWD -- sat on the other side.

Early that morning, soon after Lindsey had received her summons to see the commandant, Torran’s wristlet had chimed with orders of his own.  They’d hurried to get ready and shared a pot of coffee. When he’d arrived, he’d found the SWD facility bustling with activity and excitement.

“Master Seeker MacDonald, take a seat,” Legatus Martel instructed. The inflection of her words implied that she often spoke French.

Torran sat in the chair indicated and set the beret of his uniform on the table. Resting his hands on his lap, he waited in silence.

Legatus Martel looked impeccable in her black jacket with its white collar and cuffs. Skin almost as white as snow and ice-blue eyes granted her an ethereal beauty. Raven locks drawn into an ornate chignon at the back of her head only emphasized her heart shaped face and large eyes. Torran thought she looked rather doll-like, but the sternness in her stare swiftly eradicated any impression of her being delicate.

“Master Seeker MacDonald, your record is impressive. It reveals a man of great fortitude when facing danger. You’ve been decorated numerous times for your bravery while serving both the Constabulary and the SWD. Your recent survival against incredible odds is admirable.”

Torran fought the urge to interpret her words as mocking. Guilt wrapped thorns around his heart and shaded his perception. He hated being a lone survivor.

She continued uninterrupted: “Fortis Prime Trevino hand selected you for this mission based on your exemplary performance. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“As you know, the SWD under the command of Admiral Kirkpatrick instigated a plan to procure food from depots abandoned during the mass exodus to The Bastion. Though his motives for such an effort are questionable, President Cabot has deemed the plans viable. Therefore, we are now in a joint effort with the Constabulary to implement the plan with some adaptations. The roster before you is the proposed list submitted by Fortis Prime Trevino.”

Torran glanced down to see the roster appear on the sleek black glass of the table. 

The two other people in the conference room remained quiet as the Legatus continued. “Everyone on this list will need to undergo testing to prove they’re ready to face the battlefield beyond the valley… except for you. Based on your recent performance evaluation, we’re not concerned about your battle readiness.”

Torran almost chuckled at the words ‘performance evaluation,’ since he’d basically been on trial for being a sole survivor, but he maintained a straight face.

“You and Vanguard Rooney, if she’s cleared, will be in charge of your combined squad, but will answer to a chief defender, who has yet to be named. This mission is of paramount importance to the survival of The Bastion. It’s also a chance to elevate the SWD above the recent debacle.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Our predecessors went to great lengths to develop tech that would enable them to store food for extended periods of time. Let’s hope they succeeded. A Sci-Tech team will also be included in this mission. Dr. Beverly Curran will be in charge. They will be responsible for ensuring the food you retrieve is not contaminated.” Legatus Martel’s eyes did not waver from Torran’s face. “The Sci-Tech team must be protected at all costs.”

Clearing his throat and leaning forward, the Fortis Prime said, “Master Seeker MacDonald, you came face to face with the Anomaly Inferi Scourge, and you’re aware of the Inferi Boon.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you understand Dr. Curran’s role in creating them.” Trevino’s dark eyes observed Torran thoughtfully.

Torran finally looked toward the stern-faced blond woman. “Yes, sir.”

“Then you fully understand who she is and why you must protect her.”

“Yes, sir. I am. I’ve seen her interviews on the news vids.”

Dr. Curran’s lips quirked into a small smile.

“Honestly, I’m surprised that someone with such importance to The Bastion would be willing to leave the security of the city,” Torran dared to continue.

Martel’s gaze shifted rapidly from Dr. Curran to the fortis prime, then she clasped her hands together and set them on the table. “Master Seeker, the information we’re about to impart to you is top secret. You will not speak of it to anyone other than Dr. Curran while on assignment,” Martel said firmly.

“Yes, sir.” Torran pushed the palms of his hands against his knees to keep them steady, uncertain he wanted to know what was about to be revealed.

“It’s our belief that Vanguard Maria Martinez is still alive and with the castellan. As you know from the news vids, they were secret lovers.”

Blinking, Torran shifted in his chair. “So she’s alive? Like a human is alive? Or alive like a Scrag?”

“Human,” Dr. Curran answered. “She returned to life.”

“How is that possible?” Torran frowned slightly.

“Apparently, the virus mutated in her system. We’re also certain that the castellan is also infected now with the new strain,” Dr. Curran responded. “ISPV restores a semblance of life to its victims. But this modified virus actually returns life fully with the additional bonus of being immune to the Inferi Scourge Plague Virus and being virtually invisible to the Scourge.”

“How do you know the virus mutated?” Torran asked.

Dr. Curran’s eyes slightly narrowed. “We monitored the Inferi Boon. Her results differed from the others indicating she was returning to life.”

Trying to wrap his mind around the concept, Torran flicked his eyes back and forth, surveying the people before him. “You want to retrieve them, don’t you?”

“We believe that the cure to ISPV is in their veins,” Martel explained.

“A cure for all the Scrags? To like return them to life?”

“No, Master Seeker. Not quite. The Inferi Scourge already have the original virus in their veins. Therefore, they’re inoculated against the variant. There is no cure for them,” Dr. Curran said. “But we believe that we’ll be able to create an immunization shot that will allow humanity to walk among the… uh… Scrags… without fear of attack or infection.”

“Like the Boon did.” Torran wasn’t sure how he felt about this news. Something about the scenario made him uneasy.

“Yes, but they won’t be Boon,” Dr. Curran corrected. “They’ll be humans that are immune.”

Trevino leaned forward. “Think of it, Master Seeker. We could reclaim the world. Kill the Scrags without fear. Clean away the vestiges of the destroyed world and create a new civilization outside The Bastion.”

Though he’d never seen Scotland outside of vids, Torran instantly thought of his family being able to return home. “It would be amazing to be able to do so.”

“Under the umbrella of the primary mission, a secondary secret mission will be underway. You will seek out, find, and return Vanguard Maria Martinez and Castellan Reichardt,” Martel ordered.

Torran stared at the roster on the table to gather his thoughts. “What if they don’t wish to return?”

“Then you’ll place them under arrest and return them for desertion of their posts,” Trevino replied.

“Sir, we did try to
kill
the Inferi Boon,” Torran pointed out.

“Admiral Kirkpatrick did,” Martel said.

“Yes, but if the castellan hadn’t left the city and rescued the vanguard, she would be dead. And so would the hope of immunization.”

“What is your point?” Trevino asked, an edge in his voice.

“Couldn’t we just ask them for a blood sample? Let them be.”

“No,” Dr. Curran said simply. “We need them for testing.”

“Like… lab animals?”

“Are you questioning your orders?” Legatus Martel asked sharply.

“No, sir.” Torran sat back in his chair and tried to sort out his conflicting thoughts.

Trevino regarded Torran darkly. “Master Seeker, they’ll be treated with the greatest care. They’re a valuable asset to this city and to humanity. But they are also deserters, and when returned, will be incarcerated and tried for that crime.”

It took all of Torran’s willpower to point out that this sounded like a very convenient way to allow Dr. Curran to do her experiments. Yet, everything that was being said was true. Admiral Kirkpatrick had ordered the elimination of the Inferi Boon. The castellan and vanguard had abandoned their duties
if
they truly were still alive. And the possibility of finding a way to immunize humanity against ISPV was beyond exciting. The ramifications of such a discovery were astounding.

“We can depend on you,” Trevino said, but it wasn’t truly a question.

“Of course, sir. I’m just…”

“It’s a lot to absorb,” Dr. Curran interjected. “The couple being alive. The possibility of a cure. Retrieving the food stores.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Torran agreed.

Legatus Martel studied him for several long moments, then slightly nodded. “Tomorrow, we will have confirmation of the makeup of the final roster. Planning meetings will start tomorrow afternoon. The mission will launch next week, so be ready for long days as we prepare.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re dismissed.”

Torran could feel the eyes of the three on him as he stood, picked up his beret, and turned to the door. Walking out of the conference room, he swallowed down his trepidation and fear. If all that had been revealed was true, then maybe one day he’d be able to live in a free world far away from The Bastion.

Chapter 16

Torran was returning to his quarters when his wristlet chimed. Swiping the screen, he was pleased to see Lindsey was calling him. Her face popped onto the screen as soon as he answered.

“Where are you?” Her hair was damp and coiled on top of her head. Already, tendrils were escaping and curling along her jaw.

“On my way home. You?”

“SWD Facility. I had to run on a treadmill for an obscene amount of time. I just got out of the shower.”

Lifting his gaze, Torran surveyed the main edifices of the facility. They were made of white granite with imposing black windows. The sharp angles and wide swooping curves made them stand out against the black rectangular buildings that served as housing for the SWD personnel. Lindsey was probably located in the nearest one that was five floors high with a sharp roof that reminded him of a mast on an old ship.

“So you’re in Building C, right?”

“Right.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you at the quad near the obelisk.”

Glancing over her shoulder, Lindsey lowered her voice as she said, “Think it’s safe to hang out?”

“Well, at this point we both know that we’re going on the mission if you don’t flunk your physical—”

“I passed with flying colors, thank you very much.”

“—so we should be fine.”

Lindsey pondered his answer for a second, then nodded. “Then I’ll see you soon.”

A few minutes later, Torran watched as she strode toward him in her charcoal-colored uniform. More of her damp hair had escaped her hairdo, and he found it rather endearing.

“Master Seeker MacDonald,” she said briskly.

“Vanguard Rooney,” he answered, then fell into step beside her. Tucking his hands behind his back, he looked down at her. “So you passed.”

“What did you expect?”

Torran tried not to sound disappointed. “Well, that you would pass. But I’m not certain that’s a
good
thing.”

“Oh, so you’re the only one who can put their life on the line for The Bastion?” Lindsey gave him a disapproving look.

“It’s not that,” he said, though it really was.

“Right.” Lindsey looked around the very quiet area. The white flagstone courtyard was eerily empty of people. “Is it always like this?”

“Well, during shift changes it gets busy.”

“So much space...” Lindsey’s voice held a hint of an accusation.

“It’s not like they can bring civilians in to camp out in the quad, Lindsey.”

“It’s just that SWD always gets the best.”

“Nah. They don’t have you.”

Lindsey gave him a sharp look, then laughed. “You’re such a charmer.”

“C’mon. My place is over here.”

“We’re flirting with danger,” Lindsey chided him.

“Nah, just flirting.”

Since she had shared her home with him, he was a little nervous, yet excited to show her his abode. His small flat was at the top of a narrow flight of retractable steps in the far corner of one of the giant black buildings. The windows and stone matched, giving the impression of it being one solid structure.

“It’s a bit imposing, isn’t it?” Lindsey remarked, gazing up.

“It’s home.” Torran unlocked the door and it slid open.

Lindsey edged around him and glanced into the flat as the lights flicked on. “Now I know why you didn’t want a city flat.”

The main room of Torran’s home consisted of a small kitchen with a dining area attached and a large living space with an office alcove. Paintings by Torran’s mother decorated the walls, and an afghan she’d made was draped over the black leather sofa. Lindsey walked to the center of the room, staring at the place in awe. When she spotted real books lining a small bookshelf, she hurried over for a closer look.

“My father kept those in the evacuation. When his family was airlifted from Scotland, he took only one change of clothes and used the rest of his suitcase for books. He loved to read, but wasn’t keen on pads. His mother wanted to throttle him.”

“Amazing.” Lindsey lightly touched one of the worn spines. “You do realize that you’re living in the lap of luxury.”

Torran shrugged. “I wasn’t about to turn it down.”

“So,” Lindsey looked around. “Does the sofa become a bed? Where is your sanitation station?”

Walking over to a slightly recessed door, Torran touched it. It slid open to reveal his  bedroom. “In here.”

“Get out!”

Lindsey hurried through the door as he turned on the lights. Staring at his neatly made bed, she exhaled. “I hate you. Let me guess. No sanitation station, but an actual bathroom.”

Torran touched another door and it slid open to reveal the very small, but nice bathroom. “The shower is
very
roomy.”

“You’re a perv,” Lindsey chided him, but peered inside.

Touching her waist lightly, he was both pleased, yet a little nervous about having her in his flat. It was much more sterile than her tiny place. Though his personal treasures were on display, his place somehow seemed devoid of the energy that filled Lindsey’s. It was a bit of a shock to his system to realize that it was because he’d never allowed himself to feel at home in the flat. He’d always regarded it as temporary, yet he really hadn’t considered where home might be.

“So much space,” she said, glancing at him. “Yet when we’re out there, the world is going to seem so vast.”

“The valley felt like that when I was stuck out there. Enormous. Vast. Scary.”

“I hated leaving you,” Lindsey said softly.

“You say that often, you know.”

“It haunts me. Leaving someone behind.”

Torran’s thoughts drifted to his secret mission and he averted his eyes. How would Lindsey regard the situation once it was revealed? Would she see it as a betrayal, or would she understand it was for the better good? Maria was her best friend, and guilt nipped at his conscience. Yet, he had to help humanity survive, didn’t he?

Lindsey’s kiss startled him since he’d started to fall into a spiral of anxiety.  The touch of her lips against his drew him back from plunging too far. Deepening the kiss, he pulled her close. After a few intense moments, they separated, a little breathless.

“What was that for?” he wondered.

“You looked sad,” Lindsey answered.

“I’ll look sad more often then,” he teased her, grinning.

She gave him another firm kiss. “I like kissing you when you’re happy.”

“So I’ll do that more often, too!”

“That’s the spirit!” Looking about his bedroom, she bit her bottom lip. “So... now what?”

“How about I make some fake tacos for dinner and we can watch vids for a bit?”

“After,” Lindsey said, her fingers playing with the buttons on his coat.

Taking her hands into his, he stared down at her sadly. “We can’t keep doing this when we go out there. We have to put distance between us.”

“When we’re on duty and doing our job. Not now.” Lindsey’s eyes looked dark and mysterious in the lighting of his room.

Kissing her fingertips, he nodded. “Okay. I just don’t want to make it harder for us.”

“Harder how?” Lindsey raised her eyes, and the look within them seemed to warn him to caution.

How easy it would be to spill his heart out and hope she accepted the offering. Instead, he gave her a cocky smile. “Well, you’re going to have to break the habit of giving me those come hither looks and trying to get me naked every chance you get.”

“I’ll break it later.” Lindsey slipped her hands free from his and started to unbutton his coat again. “For now, I insist on you getting naked and fucking me senseless.”

Torran didn’t argue further.

* * *

Feet propped on the low table set in front of the older, yet still very nice leather couch, Lindsey regarded Torran through her lashes while he finished dinner in the kitchen. He was chatting away about special spices and his cooking expertise, but she was admiring him and not really paying attention. She was pleasantly sore from exercise and sex and wanted to pretend all was right with the world for the rest of the evening.

On the vid, the news was discussing the mission to retrieve food. It was the biggest story, even removing Admiral Kirkpatrick’s upcoming trial from the main headlines. Dressed in one of Torran’s black undershirts and her panties, she stretched her legs out, admiring the new limb.

“...that is how I get the protein to taste almost exactly like meat.”

The news changed to cover a small food riot at one of the distribution centers. Lindsey frowned as she watched the footage of the SWD security forces shooting electroshock discs into the crowd of frightened people. According to the reporter, a false rumor of the warehouse nearly being out of food had resulted in terrified parents rushing to the facility.

“...so it gets just the right consistency. Salsa is a very delicate process...”

Recordings of the continuing clearing of the valley took the place of the riots. The mesh walls now stretched across large swaths of land and Sci-Tech teams were dispatched to test the soil and approve areas for planting.

“...it’s really very difficult to find an avocado...”

“Torran,” Lindsey called out.

Glancing up, Torran lifted his eyebrows. “Yes?”

Lindsey slid off the couch and walked over to him. She loved the way his eyes followed her. It was if every movement she made mattered to him. Staring into his brown eyes, she knew they’d made a terrible mistake, but that there was no going back.

Tilting her head, she gazed at him through her eyelashes. “Can we really do this mission together?”

He returned to warming up tortillas on his small stove. “You said we could, remember? So, yeah, why not?”“

“Because we’re falling in love with each other.” There. She’d said it.

“Yeah,” he drawled out in an especially thick Scottish accent. “What of it?”

“So you admit it?” It had taken Vaja until their break up to swear his love to her.

Torran glanced at her. “Yeah. I do.”

“That you’re falling in love with me?”

“I admit
you’re
falling in love with
me
.” He flashed a devilish smile at her.

“Asshole.”

“Nah, not an asshole. I just planned to say the words at a little more appropriate time. Earlier, in fact.”

“I know. I stopped you.”

“With sex.”

“Mind-blowingly good sex,” she amended.

Torran finished warming up the tortillas and started scooping the brownish protein mush he’d concocted into the center of them. “It really, really was. But, yeah, I was going to tell you earlier because—”

“We’re complicating things.”

“Exactly.”

Lindsey sighed. “We could tell them we’re involved.”

“They’ll pull one of us off the mission.”

There was no way Commandant Pierce would allow them to remove Lindsey, so that meant Torran would be removed. The idea was tempting.

“I want to go,” Lindsey said, and meant it. She was scared, but she knew she had to keep Maria and Dwayne out of the hands of the SWD.

“I do, too.” Torran finished making the tacos and set them on small plates.

Lindsey stared at him and wondered when or if he’d know about the Sci-Tech’s mission. Maybe he already knew. She wanted to ask him, but didn’t dare. A hard knot of sadness formed inside her as she realized already the mission was dividing them.

Torran swiveled toward her and set his hand gently on her waist. Bare chested and only wearing pajama bottoms, he was insanely sexy in her eyes. “When this started between us, we didn’t know about this mission. And even if I had, I wouldn’t have stopped. The moment I saw those beautiful eyes of yours, I was already halfway gone. The truth is that we’re both highly qualified for this mission, and we can make it a grand success. The only question we must ask ourselves is if we can put our feelings aside and allow ourselves to do our job.”