Project Jamboree

Chapter Sixteen

I leapt to my feet, threw my elbow in to their stomach as I stomped on their foot, whipping around to land a punch to their stomach, making them bend over before I would've kicked them in the head and knocked them out.

But I didn't.

"Cole, you idiot!" I practically shouted at him, "Why would you do that?"

"I was trying to surprise you," Cole said, leaning on the wall as he clutched his stomach.

I laughed, "Well it worked. You coming to sit and talk, or just scare me?"

"A little of both," he sat down next to me, "Something's wrong."

I nodded, understanding his careful gaze over camp, and added, "I checked. Nobody else knows about this overlook, and no one from down there can hear or see us. What's wrong?"

"Ruby was out gathering intel on a couple of breaches in the blockade," Cole told me, "And on her way back, she overheard some of the agents talking."

Whatever this was, it couldn't be good.

"They're planning on turning us over to the PSFs for the reward money, using that to buy guns and ammunition to assassinate President Gray."

"We need to get out of here," I stated, as if it weren't already obvious.

Cole nodded, "Ruby and I have a plan. I'll tell you later, along with Liam and Chubs."

I sighed, "Why can't we just have one day when the entire world isn't against us?"

"At least the younger greens don't have to worry about this," Cole commented. The majority of the kids left in the League were young greens, all nearly killing each other over access to the last working computer.

"They don't have to fight like us," I said, "And they don't want to. They don't feel that fire inside them."

What could I say? I was an expert at red jokes.

"They don't burn like us, do they?" I asked finally. He knew what I meant. That monster inside all reds and oranges that threatened to be unleashed. The one we kept careful control of.

"No," Cole replied, "No they do not."

We sat there for another moment before deciding it was best to head in.

"Ruby's going to alter their memories, make them all go to HQ," Cole explained to Liam, Chubs, and I, "The rest of us are leaving tonight."

There were a few whispers around the room, but for the most part, the kids were silent.

I sighed, "I'll go on watch."

"Nat, no," Cole shook his head, "Your leg-"

"I am sick of just being dead weight around here," I told him, "Besides, I have my fire, and that is more than enough to make up for the crutches."

He took a deep breath and looked to Ruby.

Come on, Ruby. Please.

"I don't see why she can't keep watch one night," Ruby shrugged, "It's not like she'll sleep anyway."

"Thank you," I said breathlessly, about to grab some food and sit at the overlook when Cole grabbed my wrist.

He whispered into my ear, "Please just- be careful. It's nice to see you finally talk in again."

I nodded slowly, then pulled him into a hug. Even though the entire building was freezing, Cole was red, so he was still warm.

"Also," I added, "Keep an eye on Nico."

Cole nodded and walked away. He didn't know this would be goodbye forever.

I took a deep breath and walked outside. We always had three people on watch, one on either side and one inside. It was definitely overkill.

Then, I leaned on the crutches and walked all the way to the barricade.

Nat, what are you doing?

This was Ruby. I couldn't tell her anything. She quickly found what she was looking for.

Natasha, no!

I ejected her from my head and walked up to a PSF, taking a deep breath and unleashing all of the built up fire inside of me on the barricade.

I knew I'd get caught, but this sort of diversion improved the chances of the others' escape.

"Stand down!" PSFs shouted, all aiming guns at me.

The guns melted out of shape, along with the barricade, before I turned around and heard the Calm Control blaring in my ears.

I collapsed, screaming. It was only a matter of time before I passed out.

"Wake up," a voice snapped at me.

This wasn't a friendly voice. This was a PSF. I wasn't with the League anymore.

"Your vitals show you are awake. There's no use pretending," he continued.

I opened my eyes to find myself in a white room. A doctor's room.

"Natasha Gray, so kind of you to finally join us," he mused, typing at a computer in the far corner.

I wanted to talk, but I couldn't. Muzzle. There was a muzzle on my face. I was strapped down to the table in every way possible.

At least my plan worked. At least Ruby, Cole, and the others were safe.

The PSF said as much, "Your little trick worked. We combed through the rubble yesterday. Your friends in the League escaped."

I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding.

"We fixed your leg, by the way. Some major damage there," he chuckled, I know you're strong enough to do quite well here."

That couldn't be good.

"You know, it took a great deal of arguing with President Gray to get you here," he continued, "I wanted you to be here, he wanted you dead for further safety."

So I couldn't ruin his life anymore. He ruined mine first. Turning me in to camp, authorizing those experiments, initiating Project Jamboree.

"Eventually, he agreed," the PSF sighed, "Which is good, because we're running low on reds. However, the slightest peep from you, and you're going to wish you were dead."

If I fought back, they'd send me to Leda Corp. I took deep breaths. Never let them see your fear, never let them see you cry.

They don't burn like us, do they?

No, no they do not.

I sighed, looking around the room for some sort of sign or clue as to where I was, but I already knew. Although, I'd guess that after my last outburst of fire when I was here, they'd had to build a new facility.

"Natasha Gray," the PSF mused, "Welcome back to Project Jamboree, Sawtooth division."