Games [The Electro Cosmos Book 2]

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Mila packed everything that next morning. Cole called her, telling her it was time to go. She took it upon herself to pack absolutely everything she brought with her on their original trip up to the station. It consisted of clothes, weapons, a computer and a couple game journals she created before she joined the testers. For a moment, she reminisced in the memory, but shook it from her head as she shoved them into the bottom of her back and threw clean clothes over it. Fortunately Heidi had a washing machine, and Mila was able to clean her clothes before last night.

Mila settled after a minute, rubbing Mack on the head. He was prepared for the trip as well. He wouldn't be allowed on land, but he would be there to help her if she needed it. He whimpered, worried about the journey ahead just as much as she did.

Mila left the room, only looking back for a moment. The emptiness was overbearing. She closed the door quietly behind her, stepping out of the place she began to call home, even though she only lived there for a few months. She left the house quickly, the empty rooms eerie.

She sat in the waiting room like the many times before. Like Heidi's home, it was empty. She waited quietly, wondering where everyone was, and why they wanted to meet here when the dock was on the station. Not even the receptionist was at her desk.

After sitting for a moment, Mila decided to get up and leave for the station. As she stood and gathered her bags, someone walked into the room from the gaming wing. She began to help Mila by picking up her heaviest bag. When she looked up to see who it was, she was surprised to see a familiar face.

"Heidi?" Mila looked up at her friend in surprise. She smiled at Mila. It was shy and full of hidden emotion. Despite everything going on in her head, she seemed calm and content.

"Sorry for avoiding you the past few days," Heidi looked at her somberly. "I just...didn't know what to do." She rubbed the back of her head nervously.

Mila dropped her bags and wrapped her arms around Heidi's neck. Startled, Heidi dropped the bag in her hand and stepped back. After a long moment, she returned the hug, pressing her face into the crook of Mila's neck as she tightened her arms around her.

"I should be the one apologizing. I just...didn't know how to react," Mila spoke up. "I don't want to lose another friend. I hope my absence doesn't change anything.

"I'm sure I'll see you on the other side," Heidi smiled. "Calynn needs help creating her base and brining members up when the game opens. She knows of a few waiting in Arok. When you head back home, could you send them our way?"

"Of course," Mila pulled back, her hand still resting on Heidi's shoulder. She smiled, enjoying the last moments with her friend for the next few months. "I look forward to the day I see you again. Please come back to the base soon. I'll probably be there, trying to improve defenses and build a more detailed map of the land nearby."

"I'm sure I'll come by soon," Heidi smiled. "For now, let's get you to the ship."

They walked quietly out of the hospital and down the long stretch of bridge. The sky grew darker here, only lamps illuminating the bridge. On the ships, light eliminated from the field keeping in the oxygen. These were not made to do that.

As they entered the large station, its inhabitants scattered this way and that, working on their daily tasks of fixing bolts, downloading and saving data, or any other thing possible. Even with all the people walking around, the only sounds echoing through the halls were computers. Clicking and beeping, occasionally a whisper.