The Eden Projects (Book I)

Chapter 35. Split.

Mobilizing and picking who would come along took more time than Kasper expected. 

Riley insisted on asking rather than forcing people to go which made a ten second process into an hours long convincing. But she did find her two. Ryker and Caleb. Two brothers who couldn't have been far past sixteen. Though she tried to deter them, nothing seemed to sway the boys and no one else willingly desired to tag along, Malcolm was nowhere to be found. Jack ultimately refused to go, so their team had whittled down to Topher, Rook, Zak, Riley, and the kids. Plenty to form a clean sweep, more than they really needed. Kasper would be taking point, they would follow. Cramming into a covered truck, they drove out and towards the tower. Rook and Topher flew overhead, checking for complications and made it to their meeting spot ahead of the rest. Zak and Kasper rode in the truck with Riley between them. Ryker and his younger brother sat in the bed, checking magazines carefully.

"You know, we've cleared towers before." Zak puffed. Talking to Riley.

"Really?" She said. "Just you two?"

Zak's jaw tightened, though the motion was barely visible through his unkempt beard and growing mustache. He looked better with the hair, at least Kasper thought. His baby face looked less soft and warm. Most of Zak's time was devoted to making sure Kasper was okay, that he was eating, that he wasn't confused. So grooming fell at the wayside. "No." He recalled softly. "Archer was there too."

"Zak..." Riley readjusted awkwardly. "We didn't want to hurt you guys. We just didn't expect- him." She glanced to Kasper. "We didn't know what you were capable of, and Malcolm is such a hothead he just, exploded."

"Things happen." Zak muttered. "Isn't that what you people say?"

Riley sat quietly, her hands in her lap. Kasper had taken to listening. Watching the interaction take place. "Zak, Kasper. I'm sorry for what we did. It wasn't right, I'm so sorry that your friend... Archer, lost his life, nothing can change that. I really am sorry. I don't expect to be forgiven. But just know that I am sorry." She didn't shift blame, nor did she try to minimize the events. She was gentle She was a refreshing kind of different from normal survivors they had the pleasure of crossing through the years.

Kasper tightened his hands on the wheel. Eyes glancing in Zak's direction once. He cared about what his friend would say, he would answer for them both.

Zak sat staring, wide eyed at Riley. She, looking at him. He turned, lacing his fingers so tightly that his knuckles paled. Swallowed, and began. "I..." He shook his head. "I don't know what to say." Clearly taken aback by the statement. "No one... says that to us." Then he held out his hand. "I'm sorry that we attacked your group."

Riley's expression softened. "I accept your apology." She took his hand and gave it a slow shake.

"Y- yeah. I do too- I mean, I accept your apology." Zak shook back, releasing her on the last bow.

"Let's work together, okay?" Riley said.

"O- kay." Zak looked away, his hand moving his growing curls behind his ear with trained precision. An anxious, involuntary response to the tension. Kasper noticed.

Riley was beautiful and her eyes were the kind that rounded in the way a doe, or an innocent creatures did. A desperate integrity made up her decisions. She was a flower in a burning field and even Zak wasn't immune to it. She didn't make sense. How could she have stayed this way? Where did she come from? What made her kind when all the rest were bitter.

Kasper's heart stirred. Or, the area where it sat did. An inert jealousy, or something like it fired through him like a flare. He was confused and he looked away.