The Abstraction Chronicles: The Abstract

Chapter 5: Our First Mission Doesn't Go Well

It's been about a day since the impending Dweller attack was reported. Cynthia and I were eating lunch outside while watching Saxley train using his shield against another Scouts' gun. It's good training to get shot at with an SMG while holding up a wall. I had just been released from the hospital this morning, with a perfect bill of health. Although the doctor in charge had been wanting to keep me longer, Thaddeus said it wouldn't be necessary.

"What do you think is going to happen?" I ask Cynthia whose chowing down on the Thai food she had gotten from the food pyramid just a bit ago.

"Who knows? But there should be a meeting called soon to decide what's to happen." Thinking for a moment I ask, "So why were you in that alley when I met you?"

"Thaddeus knew about the Dwellers that had entered Reality and sent me to take care of them. It was supposed to be a secret mission as Scouts aren't technically allowed to enter Reality

without good reason, but when you entered the picture I couldn't leave you to die, so I brought you to Thaddeus."

"Thanks, I owe you one."

"Don't mention it, call us even since you saved both all of our butts in that scrimmage."

*Clang* A bullet had somehow managed to be deflected off of Saxley's shield causing the scout that was shooting to dodge out of the way. Just in time too as the bullet hits the target that was where the scout was standing, with enough force to bury itself deep in the wood paneling of the bullseye.

"That was a close one!" I say standing up.

"Training accidents happen from time to time, nothing to be worried about. Worst case scenario they spend a bit of time in the hospital. Thaddeus has amazing healing capabilities,

think of it as his Key's ability, but more innate."

As I was about to respond my Key starts to glow with a silver hue. Cynthia and Saxley are also staring at their Keys. Looking up, Cynthia says, "It's time I show you to the Scout HQ. A meeting has just been called." Gesturing to Saxley, to follow us, we start walking back towards the city.

"What's going on?" I ask confused. "Why are our Keys glowing?"

"Thaddeus and Farin must've figured out a plan on how to deal with the incoming attack," Saxley says as he catches up to us.

"Seems so," Cynthia adds.

As we walk past the gate I ask, "So, where is the headquarters?"

"It's up there." Cynthia points to the skyscraper taking up the middle of the city. I should have guessed as much, I think. As we get close we see a gate guard at the entrance. Looking at him he's wearing a normal Scout uniform with camo pants and a black tee with his Key around his neck. Couldn't have been older than us. "Keys please." He asks while holding out his hand.

Nervously I look at Cynthia. "It's safety protocol, go ahead and give him your Key." She says as both she and Saxley hand theirs over. Handing him it, he looks at all of ours for a split second before he presses a button that opens the glass doors of the building. "Farin is expecting you it seems." He says as he gives us back our Keys. Entering into the building, it appeared to be much smaller on the inside.

"Uh, why are their giant iron doors in front of us in the main lobby?" I say looking up in amazement.

"That's the entrance to the vault of the First Key. It's always under heavy protection as it powers all of our Keys and protects this city from Dweller attack." Cynthia says as she follows your gaze to the vault.