Lost Together -> James Conrad

04

"They're all down. Every one of them. We're on the South side of the island. There's a river a couple of clicks from here. If we stick to it, we'll make it to the exit site on the North shore." James explained.

A sigh escaped my lips. We all survived the crash with minor scratches and bruises but with no transport. How are we supposed to leave if we can't make it to the extract site? It's on the other side of the island as far as I know.

"And then what? All our choppers are down." Victor retorted.

His voice was harsh as he spoke to James. There was no need to get snappy. We all want to get to safety. But the only way we're going to do that is by sticking together and following someone that knows what they're doing.

"We'll find a way to reach the ship. Then send a search party. We just have to make it by the exit window." James explained.

"I should be sitting at a desk." Victor mumbled to himself.

I grabbed my bag as Slivko panicked. If I let myself panic, I become a liability and I don't want that. My brother never panicked and neither will I. At least I'll try not to.

"So we're just not gonna talk about this?" He questioned.

James turned to me and Mason. Even then, his eyes kept flickering to the trees around. He was good at this, wasn't he? Travelling on unexplored islands with no idea what we'll find and keeping people safe? It seems like something he would do.

"My best guess is we're scattered over a 45 miles radius. We should head North and join anyone we find. Are you alright?" James asked us.

I swallowed a lump in my throat trying not to show how frightened I actually was. The last thing I want is to be stuck on an island where I could die.

I have to get back to Riley. I don't want her to go through the pain of losing another sibling.

"I don't know how to answer that question right now." Mason retorted.

James nodded in understanding. We were all thinking about it. About the giant gorilla which shouldn't exist yet it attacked us. It makes me wonder what else is on this island. I really hope everything else is normal.

"I don't know what that was either." He retorted.

"With all that money that they paid you, I hope you're worth it." Mason told him.

He and I shared a look. There was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes, but it was soon gone. I knew I wasn't worth the money they paid me. Which brings me back to the question of why Randa wanted me here.

"We're really not gonna talk about it? You know this is not normal, right? Stuff like that doesn't just happen." Slivko exclaimed.

James furrowed his eyebrows as he tilted my head. He touched my forehead and I winced. Guess my landing wasn't as smooth as everyone else's. Well, I always was a clumsy kid. This shouldn't surprise me.

"Is it bad?" I asked while grimacing.

He examined the wound and shook his head in disagreement. It definitely hurts like it's bad. Or maybe I just have a low pain tolerance. People have told me that, but I ignored them. It's what I'm best at.

"No. You'll be alright." He told me.

I gave him a tired smile. This was supposed to be an easy trip. Just some island description, no gorilla attack. But my book just got a plot twist called 'Will we survive the day?'.

"Lucky me." I commented.

He returned the smile and led me to the others. His hand was on my back as he gently pushed me forwards. It felt odd to be making contact with him. He seemed so untouchable.