The Scattered | Risen Book III

Chapter Twenty Seven

Peaceful Bodies, Shaken Minds
Kiera Reed

The crack of sunshine through my shades were enough to wake me up on this pleasant winter morning.

I threw the warm silk covers aside and jumped out of my large queen sized bed. I peered my head through the blinds and looked at the Morning Baillieu City hard at work.

People were repairing buildings, moving large carts around, and a spotted a group of engineers and Blacksmiths collaborating on weapon designs.

I heard three loud knocks on my door.

"Kiera?" A voice called.

"Come on in" I answered.

The door opened and Maya stepped into my bedroom.

"Good morning Kiera" Maya smiled, she was holding a clipboard, probably with the information regarding Sandlock's condition, she came early to meet with me. The Creator was supposed to be here in a few days to discuss progress on building of Baillieu, along with the hunting of the Rebels.

I walked behind the folding screen and took off my pajamas, changing into a professional looking suit. 

"Sandlock is having another batch of crop issues, not to mention more of our manpower in our fishing trip ended up dead" Maya reported.

"Let me guess" I spoke stepping out from behind the screen, and walking over to my vanity, grabbing my comb and beginning to comb back my hair.

"Yeah, without Ryder, Jorge or Beta we are still struggling. That being said, our animals are healthy, and we have a fair amount of crops to deliver"

"How much is fair?" I asked stopping and looking at Maya through the mirror. She was hesitant to answer, but she eventually said.

"We only have about 70% of what he brought in last term"

"Again?" I asked beginning to comb my hair again.

"Maya, the Creator won't be happy with this progress" I spoke, she nodded sadly, I saw tears begin to form.

I walked over to her and placed my hands on her arms.

"I can't protect you from him forever. I think you need to try harder. Now if it's a issue of manpower then I can give you a team, Ex Talon, while he specializes in security he might be able to cough up a few men."

"Thank you Kiera" Maya smiled.

I nodded. "Granted I'll have to tell Mr. Bentley about all of this"

She nodded. "I understand"

"Good"  I answered walking back over to my vanity and applying a thin layer of make-up to my face.

"I have a question" Maya asked, lowering her clipboard, this was clearly more personal.

"Shoot"

"Do you think we're putting enough focus on bringing in the Rebels. It's just, they are my family, and I miss them so much-"

"Don't be weak Maya" I answered. Lowering the brush I was using to apply foundation. I turned to look over at her.

"I love Alicia and Seth, and I know that you love your children, not to mention Ryder. But don't question the Creator, he is trying his best, the Drones were designed specifically just to find them. Plus, it's clear that they aren't so keen to be with us again, they are making themselves very difficult to find" I answered looking back at the vanity and doing some final touch-ups.

"I guess" Maya mumbled. I nodded and patted her on the shoulder as I walked past her.

"Where are you going?" Maya called.