UNGIFTED

CHAPTER 23

D awn crept across the valley, peering first from behind the tall mountains and then inching through the trees. But Steve was already five minutes late, and anxiety was starting to grow within him. He was taking long, far too long for Ben’s liking.

His eyes had taken quick glances at the clock too many times already, and his friend never seemed to show up. In his mind, the plan was rather simple. Drive to the border; open the force field; walk out of the valley; find her. Four simple steps. If things went accordingly, he would be with her in no time.

Standing up from his bed, he walked towards the window. The dark sky that had greeted him earlier, was slowly beginning to change colors. According to Steve, daylight was key if he wanted to survive on the outside; but it was dangerous while still inside the valley. If they wanted everything to go according to plan, Ben needed to leave without being seen.

A few rapid knocks on his door finally put him out of his misery. With an erratic heart beating on his chest, he rushed to the door. “Let’s go.” Steve whispered, and he wasted no time on walking out and following him suit. “The guys are already in position, and someone will soon make contact over the radio to inform about the bridge on the barrier.” He commented as they rushed through the quiet halls while everyone else was still fast asleep.

And soon enough, the radio on his waist beeped as someone else tried to make contact. “Attention Defense Team, there’s a Code Yellow in progress. I repeat, Code Yellow in progress on the southeast side of the border. Does anyone copy?”

“Defense Team, agent 309, here.” Steve said picking up the radio and answering his colleague’s call. “I’m on it.” He responded.

“Copied.” The other agent said. “I’ll remain on this line for further communication.”

“That’s our key, let’s go.” Steve told Ben as he hurried his steps some more.

The heavy metallic door creaked as they pushed it open to access the storage depot. Steve crossed first, his eyes scanning the large room looking for any sign of someone else’s presence. Once he noticed no one was around, he guided Ben through the blind spots towards one of the combat vehicles. “You’ll have to access through the back door, otherwise they see you.” He warned as he left Ben behind so he could go for the keys.

With quick steps, he reached the depot’s office and casually, as usual, asked for the keys. Without raising any kind suspicion, he rushed back to the vehicle he had left Ben waiting on and with a subtle sign they both hopped in at the same time. Finally turning on the engine, he waited for the guy at the office to open the gate wide enough for him to drive through and without further ado they were out of the building.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Steve asked as they got out of the vehicle.  Yrza and Ajay had already informed them  that the cameras were not working and that they had a couple minutes before they were to fix them.

“Yes.” Ben assured as he stood by the border looking back at his friend.

“Best of luck, then.” He told him. “Be back soon, ok?”

“I’ll try.” Ben nodded and quickly crossed the force field when Yrza’s voice was heard through Steve’s radio.

***

His feet moved hurriedly through the forest, as he tried to set some distance from the border. The tall mountains slowly falling behind. His eyes wandered from side to side trying to take everything in. Attentively watching his surroundings, keeping his guard up. He did not know much about what could be out there, and he needed to be cautious.