The Last Mission of the Living (The Last Bastion #2)(55)

Early that morning, soon after Lindsey had received her summons to see the commandant, Torran’s wristlet had chimed with orders of his own. They’d hurried to get ready and shared a pot of coffee. When he’d arrived, he’d found the SWD facility bustling with activity and excitement.

“Master Seeker MacDonald, take a seat,” Legatus Martel instructed. The inflection of her words implied that she often spoke French.

Torran sat in the chair indicated and set the beret of his uniform on the table. Resting his hands on his lap, he waited in silence.

Legatus Martel looked impeccable in her black jacket with its white collar and cuffs. Skin almost as white as snow and ice-blue eyes granted her an ethereal beauty. Raven locks drawn into an ornate chignon at the back of her head only emphasized her heart shaped face and large eyes. Torran thought she looked rather doll-like, but the sternness in her stare swiftly eradicated any impression of her being delicate.

“Master Seeker MacDonald, your record is impressive. It reveals a man of great fortitude when facing danger. You’ve been decorated numerous times for your bravery while serving both the Constabulary and the SWD. Your recent survival against incredible odds is admirable.”

Torran fought the urge to interpret her words as mocking. Guilt wrapped thorns around his heart and shaded his perception. He hated being a lone survivor.

She continued uninterrupted: “Fortis Prime Trevino hand selected you for this mission based on your exemplary performance. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“As you know, the SWD under the command of Admiral Kirkpatrick instigated a plan to procure food from depots abandoned during the mass exodus to The Bastion. Though his motives for such an effort are questionable, President Cabot has deemed the plans viable. Therefore, we are now in a joint effort with the Constabulary to implement the plan with some adaptations. The roster before you is the proposed list submitted by Fortis Prime Trevino.”

Torran glanced down to see the roster appear on the sleek black glass of the table.

The two other people in the conference room remained quiet as the Legatus continued. “Everyone on this list will need to undergo testing to prove they’re ready to face the battlefield beyond the valley… except for you. Based on your recent performance evaluation, we’re not concerned about your battle readiness.”

Torran almost chuckled at the words ‘performance evaluation,’ since he’d basically been on trial for being a sole survivor, but he maintained a straight face.

“You and Vanguard Rooney, if she’s cleared, will be in charge of your combined squad, but will answer to a chief defender, who has yet to be named. This mission is of paramount importance to the survival of The Bastion. It’s also a chance to elevate the SWD above the recent debacle.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Our predecessors went to great lengths to develop tech that would enable them to store food for extended periods of time. Let’s hope they succeeded. A Sci-Tech team will also be included in this mission. Dr. Beverly Curran will be in charge. They will be responsible for ensuring the food you retrieve is not contaminated.” Legatus Martel’s eyes did not waver from Torran’s face. “The Sci-Tech team must be protected at all costs.”

Clearing his throat and leaning forward, the Fortis Prime said, “Master Seeker MacDonald, you came face to face with the Anomaly Inferi Scourge, and you’re aware of the Inferi Boon.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you understand Dr. Curran’s role in creating them.” Trevino’s dark eyes observed Torran thoughtfully.

Torran finally looked toward the stern-faced blond woman. “Yes, sir.”

“Then you fully understand who she is and why you must protect her.”

“Yes, sir. I am. I’ve seen her interviews on the news vids.”

Dr. Curran’s lips quirked into a small smile.

“Honestly, I’m surprised that someone with such importance to The Bastion would be willing to leave the security of the city,” Torran dared to continue.

Martel’s gaze shifted rapidly from Dr. Curran to the fortis prime, then she clasped her hands together and set them on the table. “Master Seeker, the information we’re about to impart to you is top secret. You will not speak of it to anyone other than Dr. Curran while on assignment,” Martel said firmly.

“Yes, sir.” Torran pushed the palms of his hands against his knees to keep them steady, uncertain he wanted to know what was about to be revealed.

“It’s our belief that Vanguard Maria Martinez is still alive and with the castellan. As you know from the news vids, they were secret lovers.”

Blinking, Torran shifted in his chair. “So she’s alive? Like a human is alive? Or alive like a Scrag?”

“Human,” Dr. Curran answered. “She returned to life.”

“How is that possible?” Torran frowned slightly.

“Apparently, the virus mutated in her system. We’re also certain that the castellan is also infected now with the new strain,” Dr. Curran responded. “ISPV restores a semblance of life to its victims. But this modified virus actually returns life fully with the additional bonus of being immune to the Inferi Scourge Plague Virus and being virtually invisible to the Scourge.”

“How do you know the virus mutated?” Torran asked.