Ghosts

Chapter 1

"That's a wrap everyone! Pack it up!"

The convoy began to cheer as they celebrated the completion of another settlement. Everyone clamored around Thomas Rush, the one who had spearheaded this initiative. There were back pats and handshakes all around from the grateful settlers, seeing Rush as the only reason they were able to get their new home up and running in the first place. While everyone was in a state of euphoria, Mai was in a state of constant alert, observing their surroundings as everyone else began to load up the train. She had a quick recovery following her rescue from the fighting pit, physically speaking. These people nursed her back to health, being a mix of medical specialists, engineers and military personnel so they actually knew what they were doing. Lucky for her, her main rescuer Rush allowed her to tag along.

She stuck with them for the following year as they made their way up the west coast, stopping at various settlements who needed help with irrigation or just the basics of building a functioning community in the post-apocalypse. Mai made damn sure that she proved her own worth as a way of repayment to the man who had been her main rescuer. She offered help in any way she could: scavenging, escort missions, even just offering to cook. Rush was more than impressed with the young girl and her eagerness to help. He was even more impressed with her ability to fend off other factions of raiders who attacked their traveling convoy. So much so, he promoted her to the position as literal Captain of his security after they lost their previous one during the raid at the fighting pit, fitting perfectly into the nickname he had for her. Well, really the only name he had for her, as she refused to give it.

She could not stomach the actions that "Mai" had taken in that pit. To be honest, busywork was the only way she could keep her mind off the horrors she had been through, and the killings that she had committed. Even just standing still now threatened to conjure up images of blood and the gurgling screams of those she had ended in the fighting pit. She must have begun drifting off because she jumped, startled as a hand patted her shoulder. She clutched her gun, her instinct telling her to fire at the presence beside her but she lowered it instead, slowly turning around. Thomas was standing near her, a worrisome look etched on his face.

"You okay there Cap?"

Thomas was the embodiment of a good man. He kind and selfless, evident by his mission to rebuild what was left of America. He was stern when he had to be, but always, always took the time to listen to what his subordinates had to say. If anything, he viewed her as an equal, always discussing their next course of action. It wouldn't last forever, however. She had not told him yet that as soon as they began making their way east, she would be taking off at the first sign that they were even remotely near Hope County. For now, she played the role of the dutiful Captain.

"I'm fine Rush, you worry too much about me." she shrugged his concern off, returning to her attentive gaze.

"You've been through a lot Cap, whether you care to admit it or not." he pressed, "You know you can talk to me anytime right?"

Mai shut her eyes to keep from rolling them in front of him. As much as she wanted to say she considered this convoy as part of her extended family, she had done her damn best to keep them at arm's length at best. After what happened with Scorch and then Bee in the Pit, she just could not risk getting attached to anyone else anymore. At least, no one outside of her already established family. Even if it meant brushing off the closest thing she had to a best friend who continued to stare on at her.

"I know Rush. I'm just not ready quite yet." she replied.

She could hear the shift in his movement as he began to walk away; with a sigh, she opened her eyes. The sun was going to set soon which meant they would be moving out of here pretty quickly. By tomorrow morning, they would be arriving in northern Washington, or at least what was left of it. She debated whether or not to come clean about her plan to Rush. He had been nothing but ever-supportive; even against the naysayers who questioned her ability to be Captain of security despite being a teenager. He had her back always, and she wished she could repay him in some way.