Page 165 of Us Defiant Few

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

Adan rolled his eyes to the sky, praying for patience.

“When you come to your senses and want some real fun, come visit us in Vegas,” Ryder said with a grin.

“Vegas?” Brock frowned.

“Yes.” Jack turned. “After what happened here, thousands of drones have been dropping genetically engineered plant seeds all over the surface. Vegetation is already starting to grow, and we’ve gotten word that the people of Hermes are starting to leave the underground.”

The revelation settled in her bones like the promise of a new day.

Project Helix was truly activated. What Timothy Talbot and the scientists of the past had built to save humanity was not a doomed mission. Through the destruction and chaos, they’d found a way to save the planet and bring everyone back up to the surface.

And maybe, many years from now, the earth would look like what it once did. Perhaps even better.

“What’s your plan?” Brock asked.

“Given that the Aces’ hideouts were all compromised, we’re starting fresh. We’re going to build a new business of operations on the surface.” Jack lifted his chin. “We’ll start with a new casino that’s run just by us in Vegas.”

“That place is nothing but ruins, though.” Serene frowned.

“Give us a few years, and you’ll be begging to visit.”

“You’re all leaving?” Khalani asked.

“Well”—Jack glanced at Raziel—“not all of us.”

Raziel continued to watch the black-haired girl. He felt their gazes upon him, and he reluctantly pulled his attention away.

“I’m staying here for a while to help rebuild.”

“Finally putting up the torture business?” Brock chuckled.

“I still brought my blade collection.” Raziel shrugged, like anything less was preposterous.

A breeze rolled through the field, and Khalani took a deep breath, still feeling like she was in a dream.

But maybe good things can happen to those who persist.

“Jack,” she said softly, lifting her gaze. “I just wanted to say thank you. To all of you. You traveled all the way across the Death-Zone to fight with us. We wouldn’t be here if not for you. We are forever in your debt.”

Jack dipped his head in mutual respect, and if he wasn’t one of the most feared gang lords in the world, she would’ve run over and hugged him, too.

“So, where will you go?” Raziel asked, looking over the rest of their group.

“I don’t know.” Serene turned to her. “Where are we going, Khalani?”

The truth was, she hadn’t thought about it.

For the first time, she didn’t have to worry about what was going to happen in the next second or whether she’d be alive when the sun rose.

They were finally free to live life the way they wanted.

Explore.

Settle down.

Lie on the ground and simply stare at the sky.