Ruin (Series)

Chapter 23: The Calm Before the Storm

Jim bit slowly into the doughy dessert. Berry jam dripped out the sides and sprinkles of sugar fell in the plate in front of him. He was in heaven. Just a single day after their arrival, he, Alia, Vachir, and the others had become overnight celebrities. As they sat in a secluded "VIP" section (the owner had insisted) of one of the most popular restaurants in town, he relished the relative privacy and delicious food.

Their names were known everywhere in Hurria. Newspapers bestowed upon them titles such as "Bane of the Prophetess" and "Heralds of Freedom." Politicians rushed to be seen in public places with them. Commoners clamored to catch a glimpse of them. It was all too much for Vachir. He stared at Jim as he continued to eat the delicious pastry.

"You're in awful high spirits considering our situation," Vachir grumbled. Alia and Jim both looked up from their lunches, mouths full of food. Jim replied, "Mrr smmshon?" Vachir tilted his head and asked, "what?" Jim swallowed and tried again, "What situation?"

Vachir sighed and leaned back in his seat. The food on his plate was untouched. Turning to Alia, he added, "And you. You're no better than him. Death is standing on your door...hell, all our doors, and you two sit here stuffing your mouths with goofy grins on your face. Alia smiled. A few peas broke loose and fell out of her mouth onto the plate. She replied, "hhf fff any dffffnt."

Next to Vachir, Sandra Mason snickered. After a shower and a fresh change of clothes, she was again, the rigid well kept soldier that Vachir had come to rely on. Even she wasn't immune to the comedy unfolding in front of them though.

Sandra asked, amused, "I'm sorry Captain Rychist. I don't think we quite caught that. Perhaps you two could take a moment to come up for air?" Alia continued to chew her food. After throwing back a glass of water, she burped.

With a satisfied smile, she replied, "How is that any different from any other day?" Vachir and Sandra glanced at each other, confused. Alia saw their reaction and continued, "I think you two have gotten a bit too used to life in the Federation. You have a military, homes to return to, food, clothing, water..." She took another swig from her glass, relishing the sensation of water flowing down her throat.

Before Vachir could reply, Jim cut in, "She's right. Out there, every day is a struggle. Most days, I was lucky to go to bed with a full stomach, or anything in my stomach at all really. Before last night, I hadn't slept in an actual bed since...I don't remember to be honest."

"Well, drink up and eat hearty," Vachir replied cooly. "There will be little chance for comforts in the coming days." He thought back to Emat's warning. I have to give it one more try, he thought. Changing his tone, he asked, "Would you please re-consider returning to The Herald and leaving this place? It won't be safe here soon. War is coming."

Alia crossed her arms, taking a moment away from the feast to ask, "Why do you want us to leave so badly? I imagine you could use the help, especially from the other awakened among my crew."

Vachir leaned forward, "But, this isn't your fight. It isn't worth your life."

Alia shook her head, "I disagree. This is everyone's fight. Mine, yours Jim's, the Protectorate, and the Northern Tribes, even if they don't yet realize it. You said it yourself, the Prophetess won't stop at the Federation." She stared off into an unknown place before adding, "I've fought most of my life. During that time, my sole focus was on freeing other awakened from the Prophetess. Well, now, all of humanity is in danger of eternal slavery. As far as I see it, my position remains unchanged."

Vachir grunted in annoyance and turned to Jim who had returned to eating his pastry, "And how about you?" Jim looked up from his meal. He shot a quick glance at Alia before relying, "wwhh ffffe shhd." Sandra Mason's rigid character broke as she burst into laughter.