The Last Mission of the Living (The Last Bastion #2)(53)

“Is that President Cabot’s order?’

“President Cabot doesn’t know about the secret mission.”

Lindsey widened her eyes in surprise.

“If President Cabot suspected that immortality was within the veins of Dwayne and Maria, what do you think he’d do?”

“Oh.” Lindsey frowned. “He’d be ready to assume a presidency for life. An eternal life.”

“Exactly. My job is to keep the city and the valley safe for humanity, not the government. President Cabot’s job is to make the people feel he is working for their best interests. Until recently, the Bastion was running smoothly because of how the founders laid out the framework for the powers at the top. Constabulary protects the people. Judiciary Authority enforces the law. The SWD develops new tech to fight the Scrags and keep humanity healthy. And the President and the council speak for the people in all governmental matters. It worked for a long time, but now the power has shifted and created this... mess.”

With a scowl, Lindsey said, “Why are we helping him again?”

“Because the people elected him.” Commandant Pierce sighed. “Woman to woman, Lindsey, I’ve played the game of the upper echelon for the last few years. I’ve compromised myself a few times. I’ve done things I regret. I was silent when I should have spoken up, and spoken up when I should have been silent. In this case I plan to maintain my silence on the matter of Dwayne and Maria to not only protect myself, you and the others, but humanity.”

“And if the SWD says something to the president?”

“I’ll act as though it’s new information, then argue that they should never be recovered because we don’t know what that virus in their veins will do to the general population.”

“Do you think he’ll listen?”

“No. Which is why I need you out there thwarting the SWD at every turn.”

Setting her hands on her hips, Lindsey drew in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled to calm her fraying nerves. “Into the dead world...”

“The SWD has developed new armor they believe can protect the team from attacks.”

“Not a real comfort when you toss in the word ‘believe’ with no real assurances.”

“Every step of this mission will be carefully planned out by you and the master seeker. The safety of the combined squad is of the utmost importance. Let’s be honest here, Vanguard: the city is on the brink. We’re already at Level Three rationing. Most of the city is reliant on food they grow themselves or barter for. With the winter months ahead, we’re going to have to implement Level Four rationing and people are going to start becoming very hungry once their personal stores start to run low. The protein supplements only go so far slaking hunger. The new castellan is already preparing for food riots.”

“We have a new one?”

“Her appointment will be announced later today.”

Lindsey made a mental note to snoop through the Constabulary system more often.

“Castellan Julia Bruner will do an excellent job. Of that I am certain.”

“How much will she know?”

With a low chuckle, the commandant sat back in her chair. “You, Vanguard, are a very, very bold woman.”

“I’m aware I’m probably overstepping my bounds, but as you pointed out—”

“We’re strange bedfellows.” Commandant Pierce shrugged. “She’ll know what I feel she needs to know. At this time, Julia needs to concentrate on maintaining peace in the city. Not the SWD. Not the Scrags.”

“And my job is to thwart the SWD at every turn and keep Dwayne and Maria far away from the city.”

“I don’t even want to imagine the chaos that will rain down on us if they’re found. The mere thought of an immortal governing body exalted over the rest of humanity for eternity is too abhorrent to even consider. Of course, those in power would lie to themselves, believing they’re above corruption and ruling for the benefit of all people, but we all know the old saying.”

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely?”

Standing, Commandant Pierce tucked her hands behind her back and strode over to Lindsey. “What little power I have corrupts me. Bit by bit. Bite by bite. I have to be diligent at all times to not let myself fall into the traps it lays before me. I am an imperfect person. I’m not the wisest, the cleverest, or the strongest. I am anchored by the fact I am a mother. I want the best for my daughter. I want her to live in a world where she can have a full stomach, a career of her choice, the chance to love, and the freedom to vote on her future. Trust me: there are times when I want to play the dirty game that surrounds me. To win. To be stronger. Smarter. More powerful. To outwit those I consider weak. I say this to you as Adeleke, the woman, not the commandant. Every day, I fight for my daughter’s future, and it’s a battle I find worth fighting for. The Bastion benefits from my devotion to her. So my question to you, Lindsey, as you go out into the dead world: who are you fighting for?”

Pressing her lips together, Lindsey thought of the little girls she saw playing in the streets, the people clustered in the cafes, the mourners at the memorials, and Torran fixing her tacos. “The chance for life.”

“The SWD will be under pressure to deliver food and resources to The Bastion, but I doubt they’ll give up their quest for the virus. There will be an SWD Sci-Tech team going with you.”