The Last Bastion of the Living (The Last Bastion #1)(77)

“We’re dividing the squad. I have orders to take my half to the hydroelectric station.”

Widening her eyes slightly, Maria set her pad aside. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s not our place to understand orders,” Omondi said in a tone that was both tired and rather cross. “We obey them.”

The chastisement burned a little, but Maria refused to let it rile her. Too much had happened during the day to let one more thing pile on top of her already overburdened mind. “I suppose they split the squad for us?”

Omondi handed over his pad and Maria scanned the list. It took only a few seconds for her to give Omondi a sharp look.

“Your squad is all SWD security.”

“We’re all Inferi Boon Special Ops,” Omondi corrected her tersely. Yet there was something in his voice and posture that revealed his own misgivings on the situation.

“Of course.” Studying the list, Maria began to realize that she truly didn’t know the SWD security on the squad very well other than Gutierrez. They usually hung out in clusters on their own and though they did join in the joking, it was the Constabulary members of the squad that Maria interacted with on a more personal basis.

Peering over her shoulder, she recognized that even now, as the squad relaxed during their break, there was a visible break between the Constabulary and SWD soldiers. She returned the pad to Omondi and folded her arms over her chest.

“You will continue with our original plan and eventually meet up with my squad. We’ll maintain regular contact and you’ll need to send your reports to me.”

“We only have one medic,” Maria pointed out. Denman was staying behind. She was relieved that he wouldn’t be departing, but she was also concerned about the health of the soldiers leaving with Omondi.

“We’ve been out here long enough to know what we need to watch out for,” Omondi said dismissively. “We have our orders.”

“And when do you leave?”

“Now,” Omondi answered.

His expression was tense, his gaze fixed, and the lines between his eyes deep. Omondi was deeply upset about something and it was seeping out in his features despite his resolve.

“Tonight?” Maria arched an eyebrow.

“You’ll be in charge of the wristlet timers for your squad now. The schedule will be transmitted to your pad. We’ll have daily debriefs after our squad goes into blackout.” Omondi’s dark eyes peered into hers. “Though this is an unexpected alteration in our plans, remember: we’re doing this for the citizens of The Bastion. We’re soldiers in the soon-to-be-ended war for survival against the Scrags.”

Maria nodded. “Yes, sir.”

She followed in his wake as he made his way to the center of the soldiers enjoying their break. His formidable presence drew the attention of every man and woman. Maria could see trepidation fill the faces of a few while others merely looked curious. Omondi’s booming voice filled the night air, drowning out the soft moans of the Inferi Scourge around the camp. He delivered the new orders in a strong, firm, commanding voice. Whereas Maria had sensed that he may have misgivings when he had spoken to her, there was no sign of those feelings when he addressed the squad. His strength, confidence, and charisma swept away the shock and dismay. By the end of his rousing speech, the split squad was cheering and ready for the next phase in their mission.

Within the half hour, Chief Defender Omondi and his newly formed squad marched into the darkness of the night, their forms slipping away into the moaning Scourge.

Maria wasn’t surprised when Denman drew near.

“All SWD except for Omondi,” Denman said in a discreet tone.

“I noticed.”

“And right after the attack by the speaking Scrag.”

“Yes.”

Denman shifted on his feet and pretended to show her something on his med-pad. “In other words, they’re keeping something from us.”

Maria nodded silently.

Shoving the pad in his pack, Denman fully faced her, his eyes scanning her expression.

Finally, Maria said, “We do our job. We keep vigilant.” In a much lower voice, she whispered, “And we try to figure out what the hell is going on.”



*



Dwayne was fast asleep when his wristlet chimed. He instantly woke, his fingers instinctively sliding over the small interface. Heart pounding in his chest, he accessed the secret program. Relief filled him when he saw that the incoming call was from Maria.

Once her face filled the small screen, he found himself speechless. Even with her grayish pallor and murky eyes, she was beautiful. His body ached for her.

“Oh, God, Dwayne, I’ve missed you,” she said, her voice rough with emotion.

“I’ve been going crazy hoping you were okay,” Dwayne answered. “What happened?”

The face he loved so much became eerily still as Maria gathered her thoughts. “The Chief Defender had control of our wristlets and I couldn’t override it.”

“So how-”

“There have been some complications to the mission. The Chief Defender has departed with half the squad. I have control over my wristlet and those of my squad. Of course, the SWD could override it at any time, but at least I was able to contact you tonight.”

Though the lines of her face tensed and Dwayne could tell she was overcome with emotion, no tears glimmered in her eyes. It was disconcerting.