Crumbling Down

Chapter 16

Kert

Two months.

"That's too short," Nan inspected the file and shook her head. Then, her face lit up as the group turned and was perplexed.

"Travis, can you still make weapons and vehicles?", Nan asked.

"Yeah, but it'll take a while," he added.

"Then now would be the time kiddo".

"We have to find the metals though," he said.

"Go. Whatever you have to do, do it", Nan said.

--

During the next two weeks, the plan was in motion. The metal wielders found metal around the city and wielding them to make weapons and vehicles, but they still looked partially done.

"Hey Kert, why are you roaming around?", Robert asked in the hallway.

"I wanted to know what you guys been up to," I said.

"We had an idea that Mika needs to hear. Mind getting her for me?", He asked. I shook my head, and I skirted around the halls, calling her name.

"In here," she called back from Nan's office. I went inside, and the oak desk was the center, filled with notes and blueprints.

"What happened?", Mika was alarmed.

"It's Robert. He has an idea for the mission", I said. I guided her back to Robert.

"What's your idea?", Mika asked.

"How about we send one of us and see the schedules the prison guards have?", he replied.

"Wasn't the first time you were kind of against it?", Mika asked, her eyebrows raised.

"Well this time, we went over the idea, and we got some prior knowledge since my last visit," Robert retorted. Mika narrowed her eyes but said nothing.

"I dress as an inspector and go in there for a couple of days," Robert kept going.

"It sounds dangerous already. This time with you much more vulnerable", Mika added.

"I know blue soda can. But like you said earlier, we got to risk it, right? So this plan is going more smoothly", Robert said.

"What if I came along?", I added. They both turned to me, but Robert was laughing.

"Don't even think about it either, aluminum. Too unnecessary to bring you along".

"He's right Kert. You're too important to be the risk of getting killed", Mika agreed.

"I'm not important either?", Robert gaped. Mika rolled her eyes.

"We're not going anywhere with this. I need to come along Robert. If it means seeing my sister again if you fail", I said. Robert made a small-o-shape but was silent. So much for your retorts Robert.

"Please," was all it could come out now.

"This is your decision," Mika said.

"He can go. I can figure out how to disguise you too on the way there", he answered. I pledged my gratefulness and hugged him.

"You guys leave tonight," Mika had irritation in her voice, but otherwise smiled and left.

"What made you said yes?", I asked.

"The fact you have this bond for her and wanting to see her again after your fight said something. Mika can be all optimistic and shit, but you have some realism in you. What if I do fail? At least you can see your sister for the last time rather than blindly knowing she'll get out. Interesting", Robert muttered his last word.

"Thank you for the help," I said.

"No problem pee-boy," he called back and left the halls. I chuckled to myself and for the first time, I felt at home.