Children's Games: A Story of Modern Consequence

Chapter 36

~Katerina~

Katerina realised pretty soon that she preferred the taste of the red wine over the hard vodka that the others seemed to prefer. It didn't take that much to feel comfortable with everyone again. It became easier to ignore her screaming thoughts drowning in the wine.

Under Dominik's supervision, Matthew logged on to the computer and pressed play on some unfamiliar music, upbeat and exciting. They went around and round with fun stories from their training days, and she almost forgot to mind that she wasn't able to share any stories. All in all, it was much like the previous night of card games when everyone seemed to forget about the constant threat that they were under. When duty wasn't in the way, they could actually relax.

"Now, tell me, what're you're all planning to do once we get back home?" Anna asked openly. There was something behind her voice, something that sounded like she was playing at a joke, but Katerina thought that it might have something to do with the mixed liquors.

Anna suddenly appeared in front of her with the large glass bottle of wine and filled Katerina's glass to the brim. She tried to decline, as she had only taken a few sips and hadn't finished yet, but Anna was having none of it.

She tuned out everyone's responses, mostly trying to think of what she could say once it was her turn. What family will I go back to? What other responsibilities or purposes could I have? She found her line of sight drifting over to Joshua and let her thoughts flood around the conundrum that made up Joshua.

She desperately wanted to steal away with him to know what he thought about the evening's events. The military base existing right in the place that she had decided all those days ago was more than just a coincidence. It brought back all her doubts about her position in this mission, and she knew it made him question his own thoughts as he had kept to himself for most of the night.

That of course all changed when they found the bacteria, the actual disease being tested under grounds that claimed to be disease-free, could also not be a coincidence. Obviously, that wasn't proof that the biological weapon was created here, but how else would they have it so well contained unless this was its place of birth? How else would they have a report that outlined its genetic make-up?

She also couldn't ignore the bright yellow signs that flagged every stairwell that travelled downwards, warning any human of the dangers of housing nuclear weapons. The whole base, every bit of construction, every bit of machinery was set up like they were preparing for something.... They only looked in one laboratory, where there could have been endless amounts of evidence for other biological weapons against humanity. It was definitely going to be too tricky to get back in there anytime soon. The guards that Joshua and Katerina stuffed into the vents outside the vault would only stay odourless for just a little while before decomposing. Then the high security building would likely increase their security against imposters.

She focused back on everyone's stories and plans for their future. She realised that Dominik was also being quiet and keeping to himself.

After an hour, it was finally Joshua's turn to speak up, and Katerina felt her subtle anger quickly subside in order to listen to him. Anna had filled up her cup a few more times, plus there were a few instances where Katerina had looked away for moment, only to return to a full cup. She wasn't sure how much she had drunken, but it was certainly getting to her.

"I think when I go back, I wish to be free," he said lightly, though it held a lot more weight that he gave credit for as he leaned back and stared at the ceiling. "I don't think I'd want to head straight back into another mission. Maybe I'll join a good cause for... war relief or something. I'll make a difference in some other way that helps the wounded rather than the offensive side of things. I think."