Primal Gambit

Chapter 7: Valerie's Apartment

Pouring rain forced the ash clouds to part in the sky far above the city. Valerie watched from the window, leaning against the sill and sipping tea from an ordinary plastic mug. At the table in the shared room were scattered tablets, notes, blueprints, and plans. Surrounding the table were three members of her activist group, including their leader, Darwin. Rain pattered against the window, grey skies casting dun shade over the day. Wrapped in the old afghan her mother had gotten her when she was just a little girl, Valerie turned and headed for the table. Darwin studied the blueprints and began:

"So, it appears our only point of entry is through the sewage tunnel. It's going to be messy, but the watch at Marcotte will never expect someone to brave the tunnels – especially with all the legends about what's down there. Valerie, you're able, think you can handle it?" The man fixed his glasses and looked at the girl, awaiting her answer.

"Yeah, I'm up for it. Will I be able to get it done alone?" She was nervous, as she knew whose aid Darwin was going to suggest. She nested in the afghan, hooding herself and looking to her leader. The blanket was the one relic she had from her past – a life where things were infinitely simpler, where her mother protected her from the monsters. Now it was the blanket whose aura shielded her.

"I've checked the forecast and the weather won't be permitting until Doerrman's rotation anyway. You think he would be up for the task? He would have to be able to carry the equipment. Protective gloves, masks, cloaks, and bolt cutters. There's no doubt in my mind that this is a two-person job." There was no debate and Valerie could not refuse. Deep down she felt a sense of regret – sympathy for the man. He would be released from one duty and hogtied into another – the second of which taking place in a Hell no different than what he had seen during his time abroad.

The entire table watched her expression with bated breath – Darwin's dark eyes bearing down upon her.

"I'm sure he'll be willing to help." She exhaled, ignoring her true feelings and burying them deep.

"Good." Darwin grinned, "I'll leave the blueprints here when we leave so you can study them. Don't forget to catch Doerrman up on the plan, and show him the schematics. I'm sure he has had to analyze similar documents in the past." The man referred to the mission briefings the soldier had to examine and compute during war. Valerie sighed, taking in the rest of the tea before placing the mug on the cracked wooden table.

"How are we going to get out and what are we supposed to do once we have the package?" She prodded the man for more information.

"Escape is simple – use the same passage you used to get in. The bolt cutters will come in handy for that. I'll drop by with a pair next week. As for the package, bring him here. Shelter him the same way you would upon Doerrman's return." Darwin was becoming satisfied, content with his aptitude for problem-solving. Valerie looked down and shook her head – things were getting muddled.