Cynetic Wolf
ALWAYS PREPARED

I awoke feeling great and ready to get out of there. After a debate with the nurses, they agreed to release me.

Where was Fitz? We had to talk. My mind raced as I hurried through the crowded halls toward his room, ignoring the looks and waves as I passed. I didn’t have time for small talk.

Before I’d gone far, I bumped into a weary-eyed Zedda. “How ya feeling, hero?” she teased before turning serious. “Sorry about what happened. None of us knew she was going to do that.”

“Yeah, well... it’s okay.” I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring smile. She was actually quite pretty in her own way. How I’d miss that? “What’s been going on? They wouldn’t let me leave...”

“You mean you haven’t heard about Hrun?” She gaped.

I shook my head. Maybe she’d have more details. “I mean, I heard something. Fitz mentioned—”

“He had a heart attack at the podium. He was in the medical ward before you. He... they couldn’t save him.” She swallowed hard, biting her lip. “No one expected it. He wasn’t young, but he wasn’t old either. It’s horrible.”

Jeez… “Who’s in charge now?”

“The whole Council, but in reality, the position falls to Lilia. She’s not happy, mind you. Said she prefers the VP role, but if the Initiative needs her, she’ll step up.” She paused. “Tough, huh? I wouldn’t want that kind of responsibility, especially not now.”

“Me neither.” I shook my head, studying her face. She seemed to be telling the truth.

“By the way, I did some digging, called in some favors.” A pained expression clouded her face. “Your family. I didn’t find anything. I’m sorry.”

They were all dead, weren’t they? I closed my eyes and fought back tears. “Thanks.” I couldn’t bring myself to say more. An uncomfortable silence descended.

Wait, Fitz... “Sorry, Zedda, I need to find Fitz. Wanted to thank him for coming to see me and stealing food from the mess. Best leftover bison meat ever,” I added with a fake smile.

“Okay… Get better.” She gave me a girlish smile and clapped my shoulder, her hand lingering a moment.

I headed for Fitz’s sleeping quarters but he wasn’t there, so I tried the mess. No luck.

Maybe he was training. I sprinted upstairs, pretending not to notice the onlookers.

He wasn’t in the fitness area. Had something happened? Had Lilia caught him?

Speaking of, Lilia and Paer were sparring on the mat. Without thinking, I waved and they signaled me over. That was stupid. Now I was trapped, unable to leave without being rude and making Lilia more suspicious. Where was Fitz?

“How ya feeling, kid?” Paer asked as I got closer. “No round two today, I think. Give it a week or so.”

I nodded absentmindedly, not paying attention. “I’ve been better, but I’m also feeling much better.”

Lilia looked concerned. “Have you eaten anything? You look beat.”

“Only what the nurse brought me yesterday. That’s a good idea.” I had my out. “I’m going to grab a bite to eat. When’s the next Council meeting? Do you guys want Fitz and I there?”

“There’s an emergency meeting at noon to discuss what happens next. Hrun’s passing was so sudden.” Lilia sighed, shaking her head. “The funeral’s not until tomorrow, but we need to keep things running smooth. He’ll be missed.”

She told me to drop by around one and I turned to go.

“Raek,” Paer said, “tell Lyam I want a rematch with him too.”

“I will,” I answered.

Running, I took the stairs two at a time. Had something happened? The main entrance inched open and a figure slid through: Fitz.

“Where have you been?” I asked. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“I’m sorry, son. Last night after I left you, I had to find out what was going on. Wanted to get the lay of the land and see if my contacts knew anything. Spent the night meeting old friends around the city, finding out who we could trust and if any could help us.”

“Would have been nice of you to tell me.”

His eyes darted around. “Shhh! It isn’t safe here. We need to find somewhere to talk.”

“I know the perfect place.” I led him to the abandoned sleeping quarters and we both slipped in.

“It’s worse than we thought,” he said. “I talked to some people. They said now’s the worst time for war. The towns are feeling more scared than angry, and the rebels are weaker than they think. The betting houses in Zone Three are in on the action. The line fluctuates between forty-five-to-one and fifty-to-one for the government. It doesn’t look good.”

“And that’s why they want me.”

“Exactly! They need a spark, something to light the fire in animotes everywhere. The videos Lilia talked about didn’t do it. Ten thousand views before the government pulled them. Now they’re gone, and not coming back. And there’s the other thing they didn’t tell us.” He paused. “The GDR’s considering increased enforcement in the towns. They’re worried about violence and plan to deploy cleanup squads in every town: small armed units to intimidate and end uprisings before they begin.”

“The army’s big enough?” That must be tens of thousands of soldiers...

Fitz laughed a pained laugh. “They can do anything. It’s the government we’re talking about. Their resources are limitless.” He shook his head. “Plus they control the money supply.”

“What if now’s our last chance?” I could hear the desperation in my voice.

“There’s no such thing as a last chance, son. Unless you give up or die, you haven’t lost. Besides, it’s suicide to stay. I don’t trust Lilia.”

“Okay, we’ll do it,” I said after a moment. “We’ll go. But when? By the way, Lilia and Paer said they want us at the end of the Council meeting at 13:00.”

He stroked his beard. “Interesting. That’ll tell us a lot. Let’s plan to leave tonight. I think we have to. Make things ready. Steal as much food as you can, enough to fill a pack. I’ll make other preparations. And Raek.” He grabbed me and pulled me closer. “Take this.”

Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a piece of paper and scribbled something. “Memorize it. It’s the name and address of an old friend I’d trust with my life. Just in case,” he added. “Quick, let’s go before anyone notices we’re missing.”

He left, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

On the run, again. I’d been getting comfortable here. Would life ever be the same? I doubted it.

What was this paper?

Lars - 1104b Heartlow Drive.

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