The Last Mission of the Living (The Last Bastion #2)(81)

“How far has the word gone?” Though she hated that Petra knew about her private affairs, she was even angrier at herself for letting down her guard. Now she’d have to sleep alone and only see Torran while they were working.

“I’ve been keeping a watch on correspondence and nothing official has popped up. So far, it is only idle gossip among a small group. So I would suggest discretion.” Petra did appear to actually sympathize with Lindsey’s predicament. Her long fingers gently lay over Lindsey’s. “You’re needed out there. Don’t give them a reason to pull you.”

With a curt nod, Lindsey straightened, drawing her hand away. “Right.”

“And thank you for the protein bar. It’s appreciated. I know things will be better soon thanks to what you’re doing.”

Lindsey just nodded again and made her escape. The twisting knots in her stomach and rapidly building headache were not going to make her day any easier. She was due at the SWD Facility within the hour.

The bustle of people around her in Constabulary charcoal gray was a welcome departure from the black and white uniforms of the SWD. The Constabulary halls were filled with chatter, a rather different atmosphere than the quiet sterility of the SWD hallways. She missed her old stomping ground and wondered when she’d return to it.

“Good job out there,” someone said in passing.

“Thanks,” Lindsey answered, then ducked into a lift.

Thankfully, she was alone.

Pressing her hands to her queasy stomach, she stared up at the numbers flashing on the screen over the door. The walk back to the SWD Facility would do her some good. The time would let her get her head together and calm her nerves. Her insides were a gnarl of knots.

When she reached the front gates, she was startled to see a pod car sitting near the curb. Ground vehicles were rarely seen on the streets of The Bastion and were mostly used by high government officials. The highly polished white exterior and the curved black windows reminded her of a bug. The door popped open and slid up to reveal Dr. Curran.

“Vanguard Rooney, would you care for a ride?” the blond woman asked.

“I was planning on walking,” Lindsey answered, unnerved by the woman’s presence

The Constabulary gates shut behind her with a clang.

“You are returning to the SWD Facility, aren’t you?” Dr. Curran’s fingers tapped on the steering wheel.

“Yes.”

A surprising needle of fear pierced through Lindsey. Dr. Curran was the mad genius who had helped save The Bastion with her modification of the ISPV, but she’d also helped doom Maria to exile. Lindsey’s heart ached for her best friend, but her reluctance to get into the vehicle wasn’t founded in her anger at the doctor, but dread of what the woman might do in the future.

“I insist that you get in. After all, you’re a hero of The Bastion.” Dr. Curran smiled, yet her eyes remained aloof. “You shouldn’t be walking through the streets.”

The scientist did have a point. The SWD did have a fleet of small tiltrotors used to ferry officials about, but she’d declined the ride, wanting to enjoy the walk. Lindsey had almost been late to her meeting with the commandant due to being stopped by several citizens during her trek at sunrise. They’d just wanted to thank her personally. It was now later in the morning, and the streets were packed.

“Were you sent?” Lindsey asked.

“I just happened to be in the area.”

Already, people were pointing at her and talking excitedly amongst themselves. With a sigh, Lindsey relented, scooted around the rear of the vehicle, ducked under the door the doctor opened for her, and settled into the passenger seat. The security harness lowered over her body and tightened just as both doors thumped shut. With a barely audible whine, the small vehicle lurched forward. Pedestrians scurried out of the way, which was a good thing, for it was obvious Dr. Curran expected people to yield to the vehicle. Lindsey fought the urge to grip the dashboard as the pod car careened through the streets and instead balled her hands in her lap.

“You look as tired as I feel,” Dr. Curran stated briskly in an attempt to start a conversation.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks.”

Lindsey glanced out the window at the people rushing to avoid being struck by the pod car. To her amusement, she noted their eyes peering at the tinted windows in an attempt to see which high level official was inside. It was so odd to be in a ground vehicle. She’d never been in one before.

“Well, after that first mission, things got a bit easier, didn’t they? The squad expanded in number, more aircraft were assigned, more drones… everything improved. Even those damn stealth suits.”

“Yeah, much better than those initial suits.” The SWD Sci-Tech team had abandoned the stealth suits they’d designed and instead upgraded the SWD armor. It was sleek, easy to move in, and had actual helmets. They’d covered the armor with the stealth material and had refined the covering on the weapons.

There was a long, rather drawn out silence between them. Lindsey thought about starting some small talk but opted against it and focused on the city streets. The people did seem happier. There were smiles and laughter. It was a good feeling to know she was a part of the change.

“Did you ever wonder why we went to Beta City first?” Dr. Curran asked abruptly.

“The higher ups ordered it, so I guess they had their reason,” Lindsey replied.