The Iron Skeleton

Chapter 16

Brant sat on the porch steps early the next morning, unfazed by the nippy morning air. With his hands folded in his lap, he relaxed there, deep in thought.

He snapped to attention when the doorknob clicked behind him, and then the entryway swung open, revealing Keira's face. He nodded to acknowledge her, but said nothing.

"Hey." she said softly, almost in a whisper. She shivered and pulled her jacket tighter around her body. "You're up early."

Brant shrugged. "So are you. Did you sleep well?"

"I did." she replied as she took a seat on the step beside him, "Thanks for asking."

"No problem." he said, frowning as her cold fingers wrapped around his exposed bicep. He met her green-eyed gaze inquisitively.

"I'm cold." Keira answered as she draped his brawny arm around herself, patting his hand to rest on her shoulder. She smiled up at him before resting her head on him.

"I'm unsure if I should point out, a more efficient solution would be to go back inside."

Keira giggled. "You're warm enough."

Brant looked down at her face with an undecided smile, his eyes darting over her features. "Well, in that case, make yourself comfortable."

"Oh, I already have." she replied before extending her neck to kiss his cheek.

His face reddened slightly, and his eyebrow raised. "What...was that for?"

"Consider that an...apology. I haven't been very nice to you up to now, and that needs to change."

Brant shook his head. "Don't worry about it. I'm used to it."

"Well, you can get used to better, can't you?"

After a pause, he chuckled. "I suppose I can."

Keira cleared her throat. "Now, I was curious, would you be opposed to me tagging along? To Forbache? I'm not half bad with a sniper rifle, and I feel like you could use—"

"You don't need to sell me, Keira. Sure, you can tag along."

"Awesome! You won't regret it, I promise you."

Brant smirked. "I'd better not."

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"So, what'd you say this ship's called, again?" Brant asked Keira as they followed Aaron and Sila to the pancake-shaped vessel with the matte pearl finish.

"The Sand Dollar." she replied with a smirk, "Aaron's pride and joy."

Brant narrowed his eyes. "That's part of the name, or—"

"No, no. I mean, it wouldn't be an inaccurate subtitle, but no."

He nodded before casting a glance behind himself. Ace trailed immediately behind him, and a little farther back, Hannah, Baird, and Wendy strolled. Chariya had settled for a farewell back at the house.

Eventually, Aaron stopped beneath the ship's underbelly and unpocketed a remote. He pressed a yellow button, and the entry hatch swished open. The black rope dropped down and bounced once its descent ended.

Sila turned to the trio of farewell-wishers and bowed slightly. "Goodbye."

With more or less enthusiasm, they bid the robot adieu, and then it turned to Aaron, who hoisted it up into the ship. Metal footsteps echoed inside as Sila made its way down a hallway.