𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

30.. the bombs were closer

Tsahìk, the clan's spiritual leader, continued to check on Bea as she recovered from her ordeal. She entered the room quietly, her eyes immediately going to Bea.

Tsahìk had a kind and caring demeanor, her face etched with concern as she approached Bea. "How are you feeling, my dear?" she asked softly, her voice gentle.

Bea stirred slightly as she heard Tsahìk's voice, her eyes fluttering open. She tried to sit up, wincing in pain as she did so. "I've been better," she admitted with a weak smile.

Tsahìk quickly stepped forward to help Bea sit up, her arm sliding behind her back to provide support. "Take it easy," she cautioned gently, her touch firm but gentle.

She sat down on the edge of the bed next to Bea, her eyes studying her carefully. "I know it hurts, but you need to rest. You've been through a lot."

Bea nodded weakly, her face betraying her disappointment and frustration. Despite her pain and exhaustion, she couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness over not being able to join her friends on the mission.

"I heard... about the mission," she said quietly. "They all... went out, huh?"

Tsahìk gave Bea a sympathetic nod, her expression filled with empathy. "Yes, they did," she confirmed. "They set out a couple days ago."

She saw the disappointment linger in Bea's eyes and reached out to pat her hand gently. "I know you're frustrated, my dear, but you're not well enough to go. You need to rest and recover."

Bea sighed softly, "I get it, I know I'm not in the condition to go. But it sucks feeling powerless and left out. I should be out there, fighting by their side."

Tsahìk nodded. "I understand your frustration," she said gently. "But you have to remember, sometimes the bravest thing you can do is let others lead. Your friends need to do this, and they have your strength and support behind them."

She smiled, her eyes searching Bea's. "And who knows? When you're feeling better, you'll undoubtedly play an important role in fighting the good fight."

"I guess you're right," Bea closed her eyes for a brief moment, her mind drifting to her friends who were out on their mission. "How are they holding up? Are they... are they okay?"

★

Thèrèse activated her communication device, the earpiece buzzing softly as she connected to the network. "Ace Ultra to Ivory Viper. Do you read me, Over."

There was a moment of silence, tension filling the air as Thèrèse waited for a response. Finally, Nancy's voice crackled through. "Ivory Viper here. I read you, Ace Ultra. Go ahead."

Thèrèse smiled in relief, glad to hear Nancy's voice. "Good to hear from you," she said, her tone casual but laced with a hint of concern. "Status report, Over."

There was a pause before Nancy replied, the sound of background noise filling the link. "Status is holding steady. We've managed to evade most patrols and obstacles so far."

Thèrèse's brow furrowed. "Any signs of trouble? Over."

"Negative, Ace Ultra," Nancy replied, her voice firm and steady. "Everything's been relatively smooth since we left. We're sticking to the schedule and should reach the rendezvous point by nightfall."

Thèrèse nodded, her expression still holding a bit of tension. "Copy that. Keep me updated if anything changes, Over."

Nancy acknowledged the request. "Will do, Ace Ultra. You'll be the first to know if something comes up. Over and out."