Descent into the Abyss

Chapter 30

Faded light from the zenith of the Sun shone down onto the revealing windows of the high-rise. A strong tint held back the majority of the morning sunlight, but the reception and lobby still remained bright and well lit. A large wooden door adorned with brass and silver divided the area the young man stood from the one he eavesdropped into. Tension, much like the chill evident in the air, radiated out from ajar door.

Kyle stood outside the office, listening to the report that the Captain read behind the ajar door, noting the growing hesitation in his words.

"Rationing should take us through winter without an issue, but we do need to start stockpiling as soon as possible. Ammo however, is another story. As long as we keep a strict eye on the Guards for the boundaries, we'll only need one or two more weapon runs..."

"Are either of those the urgent issue? Your message to Amanda sounded 'urgent', she told me, but your report thus far seems... lacking.  So, Captain, explain, if you will."

Kyle smirked at the words of his commanding officer as he leaned closer to the cracked door, waiting for the message that the Captain was here to deliver.         

"The Columbus envoy you sent is dead. Killed." The Captain relinquished hastily, fear in his words.

"How?" The other voice asked, rage seething from the singular word.

"Someone down there killed him. A swordsman. Normie by first glance, according to the scout that was accompanying him."

A sharp, bitter laugh answered the Captain as Kyle heard the approaching footsteps from behind him, causing him to turn around quickly.

He smiled innocently at the older brunette woman watching him, noticing the piece of paper in her left hand.

"Eavesdropping on Michael again, Kyle?" Amanda asked with a soft smile, shaking her head.

"Yeah," He confessed, "Do you have something for him?"

She nodded, lifting the paper, "Do you think this should wait until after he's done in there?"

"I can't say. Uh... Let me see it and I'll let him know." Kyle's smile wavered, his interest building more every second.

"Alright, but Kyle?" Amanda agreed, handing over the paper, but stopping just short.

"Yes?" He asked, his hand extended outward to receive the news.

"Do make sure that he gets this as soon as possible. We don't want another scheduling issue again."

Kyle nodded and looked at the piece of paper, reading the words wrote on it, smiling earnestly at the message. 

"I'll make sure he sees this. You can head on back, Amanda." He assured her, waving her away before turning back towards the door. 

She nodded and turned away, leaving as suddenly as she had arrived, while Kyle stood smiling at the door.

"If they want to come to us, why not meet them?" Kyle thought to himself, wadding the paper in his fist.

Just then the door in front of him opened and the Captain stood in his face. Surprise then recognition appeared on his face as he proclaimed an apology and stepped around Kyle, scurrying away.