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“We ran into Logan earlier, and he mentioned the falls. We thought you might want to go back up to see them again. Michael says they’re beautiful. I grabbed us all some water for the hike.” Dana waits for my answer with a hopeful smile on her face. I know she wanted to be there for me yesterday.
As much as I want to close my eyes, the walk up might give me the second wind I need. “Sure. I’d love to.”
Her eyes light up at my words. Then, stepping in front of me with a hand on each of my upper arms, her expression turns serious. “Great. I’m going to say this once. We are going to talk about yesterday. But we’re going to do it when you’re ready.” She pinches her lips together in a thin but wide smile, and tears threaten to break free from her eyes.
Since I saved her from her dad, Dana has taken on the role of big sister. It’s almost as though she’s trying to repay a debt she feels will never be settled.
She’s wrong. It’s me who owes her the world. She’s been my only constant over the last ten years. I’m thankful every day for her sacrifices, and I’ll never be able to do enough for her.
Setting aside the consequences of getting up early this morning, I nod. Then I turn to usher Dana toward the overgrown hiking trail, and Grizz follows quietly behind.
The walk up is a little more demanding the second time, but the view is worth it.
I’m reminded that Dana and I would be enjoying our time off right now if things hadn’t changed. She would have finally had a vacation.
My guilt seeps into me, and even though I’m tired, I wait for her to decide to head back to camp.
We arrive back on base in the early afternoon, just missing lunch as well. When we enter the cafeteria, there is only a small plate with two bananas and a couple of bars left on the table. It isn’t enough for the three of us.
Grizz checks his phone, then tells me Jack texted to say he’ll be gone for most of the day, as he and Logan have some business to deal with off base.
I scarf down a banana and leave the rest for Dana and Grizz to share.
As we’re making plans to chill out and watch a movie in the common room, Eagle finds us. He asks me if I have some time for a call with Link about systems and procedures.
As much as I want to plant my ass down on the couch and fall asleep beside Dana for two hours, speaking to Link might give me more access and insight into how their systems work, so I send Dana off with Grizz and follow Eagle into the communications area.
While Link made every effort to have most of the computers in the room shut down, I was able to learn a lot about their systems by scanning their equipment.
When I joked around about taking over their compound, I learned they have lockdown procedures in place for every secure room on base, and I made a mental note to check in with Hunter as to what those systems are so I can bypass them.
While I wasn’t allowed to sit in the main comms area, I could see it through a window. The glass between the two rooms is thick, I’m assuming bulletproof. This is probably in case of an attack, if they need to secure themselves in the room while they delete files and destroy their equipment.
Their security systems will serve me well, should I need them, and that is the room I will need to gain entry to.
Scanning the control area further, I notice a smaller room off to the side. It’s a keypad entry door, which means I could control both the inside and outside doors.
I’ll have to find out what that is as well, because if I do need to get in there, I don’t want any surprises jumping out at me.
Most of our conversation is spent with me answering general questions about previous jobs, how Zane and I were able to get around some programs or explaining some of our past hacks for Maxwell.
I like Link. I like him a lot, actually. I share as much as I can without divulging anything important, and I pass on some questions. He never pushes for an answer, and he doesn’t bring up my time as Maxwell’s prisoner.
Eventually, Link tells me Jack texted to say he and Logan were delayed, but he wanted to have dinner with me, so they called to see if the kitchen would stay open later.
I don’t mind a late dinner, but as soon as he mentions food, I become aware of my own hunger. A whole day on little rations has left me with the shakes, and my stomach rumbles.
The lulls in our conversation start to grow. It’s like Link is stalling for time, and I’m about to call him on it when Dana stops in to check on me.
“Hey. I thought you’d be done by now. Grizz told me Jack and Logan are running late. Let’s grab a shower before dinner. It’ll wake you up. You must be exhausted.”
With her words, my body feels heavy. This day has been too long. While I’m looking forward to dinner with Jack, I think I’m going to have to turn in after it’s done. But for now, a shower sounds like a good idea since my day included a jog and two hikes.
Even though Dana saw the video, I still don’t have it in my heart to show her my scars. I choose the most enclosed shower and make sure to face her when drying off, so my back isn’t visible.
As always, she keeps the conversation alive. Talking about the falls and passing comments about Michael make the time fly by.
When I walk into the cafeteria, I’m met with a sight for sore eyes.
