Mein Liebling

Untitled Part 27

The hub is a flurry of movement, a newly acquired warehouse building now being outfitted to accommodate creating the machine and hosting the crews of people necessary to help bring it all together. Almost all available resources had been rerouted to this project immediately after you had brought everyone up to speed on the plans, both because it sounded solid, and because it happens to be the only plan on the table. Still, it's amazing how quickly things had already taken shape in just the last few hours.

Dempsey and Nikolai brush past you, briefly glancing up as you direct them over to the far side of the floor where they need to set the large sheets of metal being hauled in. Takeo trails not far behind, coils of thick wiring held on each shoulder, the end of one dragging the floor slightly as he walks. None of them complain, or question anything, still not fully understanding the process to begin with and seeming strangely... happy? Though it may be the relief of having something to work towards, it certainly seemed that the men were more grateful to have you returned.

Edward stands at the far end of the building, the details of his face blurred somewhat by the distance, but you can still make out the determined crease above his brow. He seemed so... at home. The thought of leading a task like this was foreign to you, and especially since it had been his schematic to begin with, it only seems right that he will lead the project. Even with his experience in doing so, he still hesitated to accept the position, urging you instead to be the one to direct what he considered to be your people. However, you and Zack both had reassured him that the moment he step foot inside the compound, he made himself a part of it. These are his people too now, and it makes your heart swell with pride at the respect they show him as he shifts into a professional, authoritative demeanor.

More supplies arrive, having been trucked in from across the compound as well as from outside the walls. Several teams had been sent out to scavenge for the resources that weren't readily available, and for the most part, they were returning successful. For now, it seems as though things are coming together smoothly.

Directing where the most recent arrival of supplies needs to be placed turns your attention away from the main floor, allowing Dempsey to walk up behind you unnoticed.

"Hey, doll."

Jumping slightly, you turn to face him, an apologetic grin already forming on his face. "Holy shit, Dempsey, don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Woah," He chuckles and holds his hands up defensively, "I didn't do it on purpose. Figured you'd hear me walk up, but I guess you were just too wrapped up in being little miss 'In Charge'."

"Funny." You roll your eyes and cross your arms, shifting your weight to one leg but offering a small grin anyway. "What'd you need Dempsey?"

"I'm tired of taking orders from Richtofen again," He jerks a thumb back over his shoulder towards the commotion throughout the building, "I'd much rather help out with whatever you need than listen to him drone on about his science stuff all day."

With a short laugh, your grin broadens slightly. "You've been working with him for how long now? Can't you just get along for a little bit longer?"

"Nah," He shakes his head, placing his hands on his hips, "I think I've had my fill. My Richtofen quota has been filled to the brim. All his mad scientist jargon is giving me a headache."

"Well," With a reluctant sigh you glance around, "If you really want something else to do, then I suppose you can help get some food. We've got a lull in new arrivals, and everything pretty much has an established area set up so it won't be too hard for everyone to figure out where things go. I was just gonna run down to the farmer's market alone, but a second pair of hands wouldn't hurt."