~ Jaden quickly gathered his dried clothes and repacked his belongings. He gulped down a cup of instant coffee that Andrew offered him and a chalky tasting protein bar.
“The breakfast of champions, ey?” said Andrew. Jaden rolled his eyes.
“Oh yeah, definitely.” Andrew kicked dirt over the now dead fire pit and hoisted his pack onto his back.
“You guys ready to go?” Jaden looked back and forth between he and Takyle.
“Where are we going exactly? Do we know what to do next?”
“Well,” said Takyle. “We really don't know for sure what we're supposed to do next. That com terminal turned back into a stump after we used it last night you know; but I did spot a building near the top of that hill.” She pointed to a hill far off to the South. Jaden squinted into the distance.
“And how exactly did you see that? I don't see a thing.” Takyle nodded.
“I saw some smoke rising this morning; you can locate it with binoculars..”
“Oh,” said Jaden. “Good going.” Andrew picked up Takyle's backpack and helped her put it on.
“Alright then,” she said. “I guess we're ready to be off...” Takyle looked around herself at the plain, splashed with golden morning light, fast growing busy with the waking birds. “Doesn't really feel like we're in much of a race anymore, not here anyway.”
“Yeah, you just feel that way because we're not in immanent danger...That we know of.” Andrew grinned wickedly.
“Thanks for that cheerful image Andy,” said Jaden. “That just does my soul good.”
The trio set off towards the South, walking single file through the tall grass. Andrew's joke in mind, Jaden kept an observant eye turned on his surroundings. He was determined not to be surprised again. Better to assume that everything in their environment was malicious. Ahead of him was Takyle, and in front of her, Andrew. They all walked in silence and Jaden noticed that neither of his companions were just staring at their feet either. Suddenly Andrew broke the silence.
“You know what I need? I need one of those things that you put one cup of coffee on. You know, one of those tiny hot pads to keep it warm at your desk.” Takyle turned around to shoot a look at Jaden.
“Yeah, because you spend so very much time at a desk,” she said with an ill-concealed laugh in her voice.
“I might some day. And when I do, I'm gonna get me one of those little cup warmers.” Jaden did laugh aloud.
“Andrew, if we win this thing, I will buy you a little cup warmer.” Andrew squared his shoulders and lengthened his stride.
“Well then let's pick up the pace, by golly!” ~
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