05-08-2019, 05:38 PM
Two messages pinged Natalie’s wallet during the journey, both scanned despite the wheel beneath her fingertips. She was mostly quiet, absorbing the plan as it coalesced around her, interjecting only when she found it necessary to clarify or question. Axel warned of contingencies; of the likelihood that the getting in would pale in difficulty compared to the getting out. She wondered if he would even stick with them that long, once the shit inevitably hit the fan. Truth was, Natalie never imagined it would be simple.
Lawrence mentioned guards at the perimeter and an ID checkpoint. Forged papers might smooth their entryway -- at least for her and Xander. The details argued themselves out. Meanwhile, the fact their destination was a school drilled down deep away from Natalie’s thoughts. The wider picture circled like a preying wolf, nipping at her conscience for the attention it deserved. She felt the weight of Azu’s ghostly stare. But she couldn’t save everyone. It was going to take a miracle as it was, and she’d never believed in those.
By the time they neared the facility, smoke plumed above the surrounding houses. An alarm was wailing in the distance. Natalie’s heart sank. The engine idled a slow crawl while they moved close enough to take in the whole scene. Ribbons of docile children were being led out of the building, the only yells those of the adults corralling them into neat lines. There seemed to be confusion as to the cause, and of the failure of the system to contain the fire. Doctors took hurried inventory, counting heads. Soldiers turned inwards, like the threat came from within.
Maybe it did.
Fear dug fresh roots as her gaze rose to the clouds of smoke sheeting dark across the sky. She could already feel the lick of heat against her skin, banding her chest with the discomfort of memory like shackles. If the others spoke she didn’t hear it. She just swerved the car around.
The front entrance was useless, now, but maybe the chaos would serve enough of a distraction for a less delicate method.
No one sane would breach the fenced perimeter to break into a burning building.
When she parked up her eyes closed a brief moment. The gun Jay had given her still hung heavy and cold inside her jacket, but she’d never truly considered she might need to use it. No other hesitation marred the decisiveness with which she opened the door and stepped out. The plan, fool’s hope that it had been, was in tatters before they even started. “Someone needs to stay with the car,” she said, though she didn’t search the faces of those with her. She wouldn’t blame them for bailing. Even Axel.
This side of the building an empty playground sat beyond the fence. No guards appeared to hover. Shards of air sharp as the blades which scarred her wrists sliced the fence, enough to force entry without leaving a gaping hole. Natalie stepped through without waiting to see who would follow.
Lawrence mentioned guards at the perimeter and an ID checkpoint. Forged papers might smooth their entryway -- at least for her and Xander. The details argued themselves out. Meanwhile, the fact their destination was a school drilled down deep away from Natalie’s thoughts. The wider picture circled like a preying wolf, nipping at her conscience for the attention it deserved. She felt the weight of Azu’s ghostly stare. But she couldn’t save everyone. It was going to take a miracle as it was, and she’d never believed in those.
By the time they neared the facility, smoke plumed above the surrounding houses. An alarm was wailing in the distance. Natalie’s heart sank. The engine idled a slow crawl while they moved close enough to take in the whole scene. Ribbons of docile children were being led out of the building, the only yells those of the adults corralling them into neat lines. There seemed to be confusion as to the cause, and of the failure of the system to contain the fire. Doctors took hurried inventory, counting heads. Soldiers turned inwards, like the threat came from within.
Maybe it did.
Fear dug fresh roots as her gaze rose to the clouds of smoke sheeting dark across the sky. She could already feel the lick of heat against her skin, banding her chest with the discomfort of memory like shackles. If the others spoke she didn’t hear it. She just swerved the car around.
The front entrance was useless, now, but maybe the chaos would serve enough of a distraction for a less delicate method.
No one sane would breach the fenced perimeter to break into a burning building.
When she parked up her eyes closed a brief moment. The gun Jay had given her still hung heavy and cold inside her jacket, but she’d never truly considered she might need to use it. No other hesitation marred the decisiveness with which she opened the door and stepped out. The plan, fool’s hope that it had been, was in tatters before they even started. “Someone needs to stay with the car,” she said, though she didn’t search the faces of those with her. She wouldn’t blame them for bailing. Even Axel.
This side of the building an empty playground sat beyond the fence. No guards appeared to hover. Shards of air sharp as the blades which scarred her wrists sliced the fence, enough to force entry without leaving a gaping hole. Natalie stepped through without waiting to see who would follow.