The Dream of a Lost Childhood

𝟎𝟓 ~ 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞

𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐯

Kaiden sat in the dimly lit safe house, the weight of recent events heavy on his mind. The room buzzed with low conversations, the other members of the Libera Collective strategizing and sharing information.

He sat away from the group, though they welcomed him, he felt the undercurrent of doubt in their eyes. He was young, inexperienced, and driven by a personal quest that seemed naive in the face of their broader struggle.

Kaiden glanced around the room, his gaze settling on a map spread across the table. Red marks indicated the Imperium's strongholds, and blue marks showed the Libera Collective's scarce victories. The lines and symbols blurred together as his thoughts drifted to Astrea. Was she still alive? Had she been consumed by the enemy, or worse, was she fighting for them? His hands clenched into fists at the thought. He had to find her. He had to save her.

"Kaiden." Lyra's voice broke through his reverie. She stood beside him, her eyes sharp and appraising.

"You look like you're a million miles away. We need you focused."

He nodded, swallowing hard. "I know. I just-I can't stop thinking about her."

Lyra's expression softened slightly. "I get it. But we can't afford distractions. The Imperium is planning something big. We need every bit of intel we can get."

Kaiden nodded again, determination hardening his resolve. "What can I do?" Lyra gestured for him to follow her to a quieter corner of the room.

She pulled out a small device, a compact transmitter, and handed it to him. "Your father trusts you, and he has access to valuable information. This transmitter can pick up and send coded messages. I need you to place it in his office."

Kaiden stared at the device, its weight seeming to grow in his hand. "You want me to spy on my own father?" Jax steps forward to rub comforting circles on Kaidens back.

"He's fighting for our side," Lyra said firmly. "But he may not realize how much we need this information, and he won't give it for free. You said you'd do whatever it takes."

He took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright. I'll do it." "Good. And Kaiden," Lyra added, her voice lowering, "Be careful. If they catch you, there will be no mercy."

Lyra turned her attention back to the map leaving a simple silence to the room. Jax ruffles Kaidens hair before pulling him in for a hug and whispering in his ear "You can do this kid. I know you can."

The next day, Kaiden waited for the right moment. His father, Arin, was engrossed in a meeting with other key members of the rebellion.

The safe house was buzzing with activity, everyone focused on the upcoming mission. Kaiden slipped into his father's office, his heart pounding in his chest. The room was very different from the rest of the safe house. It was neat, orderly, filled with maps, documents, and communications equipment.

Kaiden moved quickly, knowing he had limited time. He found a discreet spot under the desk and secured the transmitter, ensuring it was well hidden.

As he finished, the door creaked open. Kaiden froze, his heart leaping into his throat. His father stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of his son. "Kaiden? What are you doing here?"

Kaiden's mind raced. He forced a casual tone into his voice. "I wanted to talk to you about joining the fight. I can't just sit on the sidelines anymore." Arin's expression softened, pride mingling with concern. "I understand, son. But it's dangerous out there. You're still young."

"I know," Kaiden said, his voice steady. "But I want to help. I need to make a difference." Arin sighed, running a hand through his graying hair.
"Alright. We'll talk about it later. For now, stay out of trouble."

Kaiden nodded, relief flooding through him as his father left the room. He quickly finished securing the transmitter and slipped out, his heart still pounding. He had done it. Now, all he could do was wait and hope the information they gathered would help turn the tide.

That night, Kaiden lay on his cot, staring at the ceiling. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. He had taken the first step, but the road ahead was long and fraught with danger. He closed his eyes, his thoughts drifting once more to Astrea. Wherever she was, he hoped she was safe.

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𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟕𝟓𝟎