Rowynn sat up, her back resting against a tree. Orea walked up to her, handing her a bottle of water.
"Thanks." Rowynn accepted it and took a huge gulp. "And thanks for stepping in to help. You too, Valtor," she added, glancing his way.
"Of course," he replied.
Lynx watched as Valtor walked past him. "Good looking out," he said, earning a brief nod from their captain.
Turning to his wristband, Valtor activated his tracker. "We're clear," he announced as the group began to settle.
Rowynn moved toward the bushes, twisting vines together to make new custom tents.
"So," Lynx broke the silence, glancing around. "How about the escape? When do we start?"
Everyone's attention shifted to Valtor.
"Tomorrow," Valtor said casually.
"Tomorrow?" Lynx frowned. "When were you going to tell us?"
"I was going to discuss it tonight," Valtor replied, squatting next to him. "At midnight tomorrow, we'll send a coded flare due east. Once the signal goes up, one of my dad's old allies from Nexis—he's a pilot—will come for us. By morning, we'll be in Zaire." He lied through his teeth.
"Wow," Kymani said excitedly. "That sounds easier than expected."
"Yeah," Valtor smiled faintly, while Zara and Orea exchanged a glance, a knowing look passing between them.
Lynx went quiet, his mind racing. Noticing his expression, Valtor spoke up, "Does anyone have questions?"
Rowynn moved closer. "This friend of your dad's—do you have any idea what he looks like? Just to make sure we're in the right hands."
"That's really thoughtful, Rowynn. But not to worry. I'm sure we'd recognize a Nexist citizen when we see one. He'll probably share similar features with me or Kymani."
"Okay", Rowynn nodded in understanding.
That night, everyone sat around the campfire, just like old times.
Lynx stood up, announcing his earlier-than-usual departure for bed. As he disappeared into one of the tents, Zara leaned toward Valtor, who sat beside her.
"Do you think he's reporting the 'plan' to the Superintendent?"
"I guess we'll find out tomorrow, won't we?" Valtor shrugged, eyes locked on the fire — its bright flames dancing under the moonlight.
Orea, seated on Zara's other side, glanced toward Rowynn and Kymani, who were chatting freely beneath the moon's silvery glow, completely engrossed in their conversation.
"Their excitement's going to be crushed tomorrow," she said, her gaze returning to Zara and Valtor. "When they find out the escape's a fake, Kymani will definitely throw a fit."
"Yeah," Zara agreed. "But we had no choice. It's for the best. They'll understand eventually."
Valtor suddenly stood, drawing their attention. "I just remembered- I was supposed to give a report of our activities to Superintendent Jeremy."
"Yeah, that's true," Zara recalled.
"I'd better do it before he gets suspicious. Be right back." He turned and began to walk away.
"Good luck!" Orea called after him.
He raised a thumbs-up in reply.
Zara leaned toward Orea, absently twirling a lock of her curly hair. "So... what's up with you two?" she asked, her lips curving into a teasing pout.
"What are you talking about?" Orea asked, feigning confusion.
"You know what I mean. You two went from being all over each other, to just friends, and now... well, what exactly are you now?"
Orea's eyes narrowed as Zara's question caught her off guard. "Honestly... I don't know." She looked down, then back at her friend. "I just know we're in a good place - just like with everyone else."
"Hmm." Zara shot her a doubtful look.
"What? I'm being serious!" Orea chuckled, defensive but playful.
"Okay, okay. I believe you." Zara resumed her leaning.
A comfortable silence fell between them before Orea spoke again. "I really hope we're wrong about Lynx."
"Me too," Zara said softly.
................
Valtor sat cross-legged and tapped the interface on his wristband. The screen flickered to life as he opened the call log and selected the Superintendent's contact. After a few rings, the older soldier's holographic image hovered before him.
"Good evening, sir," Valtor said, giving a brief salute.
"Good evening, soldier," Superintendent Jeremy replied in his usual clipped tone.
"I'm calling to give a report on our progress, as instructed," Valtor continued.
"I take it you're the team captain then, Mister Steel?"
"Yes, sir."
The Superintendent nodded, gesturing for him to proceed.
"We've moved deeper north into the forest-about five miles from the border. All hostile aliens we encountered have been eliminated- eight in total. No injuries reported, and all team members are in good health. That's all for now, sir."
"Excellent work, soldier," Jeremy said, eyes narrowing slightly. "Keep the reports coming. And send my regards to your teammates."
"Yes, sir. I will."
Valtor saluted once more before the hologram flickered out. The dim light faded from his wristband, leaving him in the soft glow of the vine-stitched walls. He exhaled, leaning back.
"Let's see how things turn out tomorrow," he murmured.