The Scattered | Risen Book III

Chapter Twenty

What We've Lost
Ryder Slade

"Why are we here again?" East asked from the back seat of the Tracker. We managed to steal a few of the trackers from Baillieu, the fires there have seemed to die down, and people are actually doing repairs. We avoided everyone however, assuming that Baillieu too was hit with the Chips.

Maya, East and I sat in this tracker, heading to the Mines.

"Kiera wanted us to figure out if the Mines were taken out or not. They are one of the more secure communities, plus Sarah was last known coming here with a group of children. We'll need a doctor for what's to come" I answered driving the Tracker.

Maya sat in shotgun and stared out the window, The Mines were ruffly south of Baillieu, Maya was looting to the west, towards the lake, and the other half.

"What's on your mind?" I asked.

"After this is over, if there is a time after this. I think I'm done" Maya smiled looking back at me, the sun getting in my eyes as it was setting to the west.

"What do you mean done?" I asked.

"I mean, we led Sandlock for a decade now, and I just want to relax. Maybe we build a little house on the coast? Move in, get a porch swing?" Maya laughed.

"A Porch swing?" I smiled. "Play cards and bingo until I go bald"

"Get you a wig" Maya laughed.

"Ew no way, I'll just commit" I laughed.

Maya looked back out to the lake.

"Do you think we'll ever see our grand kids?" Maya asked.

I glanced over at her and she was serious, her tears were watering. With the constant near death experiences, she has a really good point.

I slammed on the brake and grabbed her in my arms.

"It's okay" I told her. "Besides, even if we don't its fine. They'll get my looks and be ugly" I laughed. She smiled and wiped her tears away.

She faked a cough.

"Sorry about that, I just- um."

"It's okay Maya" I told her.

"Oh yeah Maya! Don't worry about a thing" East spoke up. "I doubt I'll even see my own kids, or even fall in love, at least you have that" East pointed out.

I grabbed Maya's hand. "We're very lucky indeed." I spoke, she rubbed my wedding ring with her finger.

"Yeah, we should keep going" Maya nodded.

I took my foot off the brake and continued to drive towards the Dwarf Mines. It took probably another twenty minutes or so, and I stopped the car just outside the front gate. Eight large mounted guns were all pointed to us.

I rolled down the window, and saw Otis standing up on top of the gate.

"Is that you Slade?" Otis shouted. I assumed that since it wasn't Edwin or Bobby that it is more likely for Otis to still be in control.

"Yeah" I shouted back, opening my door and stepping out, keeping my hands in the air. Maya and East did the same.

"We were sent by Kiera to see the status on the Mines, do you know what's going on?" I asked.

Otis shook his head.

"No clue 'mate, but I can't let ye in that's for sure. People killing each other, capturing people. It's madness man, utter madness" Otis shouted.