All Of Us - Part 1: Summer

Chapter 9 - Meeting

- Dæor -

I fidget in my seat whilst Keiti continues to watch me intently.

We fought about a week ago; we haven't talked since. Things are pretty bad between us, and I know it's my fault. I just haven't found the courage to apologize yet.

Lino bursts into the room and sits down besides me, barely sparing me a glance. "Are we ready to start ?" he questions curty, his leg jumping up and down. Lino is full of nervous energy. Constant and incessant nervous energy. In my opinion, he is too fidgety and too young to be here, but he squirmed his way in, as per usual. Having his sister as our main strategist allows him to crash all of our meetings.

"Yeah, we are," Gail replies. "I've asked you all to come here to decide on our next move." She turns to me.

"Well, I'm assuming you have some suggestions, Gail," I answer.

She nods. "As a matter of fact, I do." She clears her throat and places her forearms on the table. "I think we should lie low for a while. Besides, Doctor Mulligan told me yesterday that he has had a bit too much work in the infirmary. He would like to take on a long term help, and train a second Doctor. Mun has expressed interest in medicine for a while, could you talk to her about   it ?"

"Sure."

Keiti pipes up for the first time since the start of the meeting: "A second Doctor would be a great idea. Actually, now that I think about it, could we get Doctor Mulligan to teach more people, if they are interested ? Once the workload is lighter for him, that is."

I bounce right off her comment: "Yes. Keiti, that's a great idea. I'll-"

"I wasn't talking to you."

My mouth hangs in midair. She isn't looking at me. Gail and Lino share a quick glance; they know something is wrong. Abruptly, that strange feeling of discomfort rises in my chest again whilse my head begins to pulse.

Ignoring the awkward atmosphere - or maybe because of it - Gail fills the silence: "It's a really good suggestion, Keiti. In fact, I think the infirmary really emptied out recently. The Princess is out, that's for sure. So are three-quarters of the rebels hurt in battle. Pina's still there, but Doctor Mulligan can easily take care of her; her condition has greatly improved. In short, the Doctor might be available for training now. That's really great idea. Thanks a bunch." Keiti beams at her, and I feel a twinge in my stomach. Why won't she smile at me like that ?

"Uh," Gail continues, clearing her throat. "We are also low on food and weapons. Especially weapons," she admits, turning to me. "We lost or damaged a lot at the last battle, and we definitely need to restock. We can afford a few skirmishes, but no full-fledged battles."

I barely stifle a sigh, irritated. Weapons always seem to be a problem. Before every battle, we have to stock up; after every battle, our stock is gone. Do they just toss weapons over their shoulders ? Why can't they just keep a hold on one specific weapon, like me ? The tip of my finger brushes Shadow's hilt, but instead of cooling me down, the feel of rugged leather only exasperates me further.

"Are you telling me we have to attack a castle ?" She nods silently.

Attacking castles when they're on low guard is our go-to for getting new weapons. Gail knows perfectly well that I hate it. Everytime we do it, we're risking our lives a little bit more each time; eventually, an Isfalt will catch on that when he leaves his castle unguarded, we'll show up. Sooner or later, they'll trick us, and we'll all get slaughtered.

"You better choose wisely," I growl. "You know as well as I do that it's a dumb idea."

"Do you have any other ideas ?" she snaps. "The Baron will never give us enough weapons."