Wilmington didn't look like it had sustained significant damage, but it wasn't exactly a picture of serenity.
Wrecks of military vehicles lay scattered along the main road, their frames scorched and scarred, their tires shredded, and their windows shattered.
"Look at that debris. A downed jet," Commander Halsey pointed at a piece of metal on top of a destroyed bus. "It's the wing. Maybe the fuselage's around here somewhere."
He was oddly blasé about it, Enterprise noted. Amy poked her head out the window to get a better look, but quickly withdrew. Grim, as always, was vigilant, his eyes sweeping across the area.
Parts of the fuselage were indeed lying not too far away, along with the landing gear. The hardpoints on the wingtips and wings were empty, indicating that the pilot had managed to expend their weapons, and the lack of bodies and the open canopy suggested that they'd managed to bail out before the crash. It was, at least, a little comforting, and Enterprise hoped the pilot was safe.
"Enterprise..."
The sudden tension in the Commander's voice was chilling, and she didn't need to ask why. Amid the rumbling rain, she could hear it. The sound of an otherworldly war machine.
"Get down. Hide. Hurry!"
Commander Halsey slipped into the back, pulling Amy down. Enterprise slid lower in her seat, her hand on the wheel, ready to slam the pedal at a moment's notice.
The sound was ever close, lingering above their heads. A black shadow loomed through the windshield, and the car trembled as it passed by. Larger than the drones they'd encountered so far, the shape hovered, waiting for something to happen. Perhaps it had already found them, or perhaps it was just passing by.
Tentacles hung under its belly, wriggling like hungry snakes, the appendages flipping debris and overturned vehicles, searching. The red light at its base pulsed, and Enterprise wondered if it was its eye.
The thing didn't seem to notice them yet, but it still felt like a standoff, and the first one to make a move would have to face the consequences.
Enterprise glanced at the rear mirror. The Commander and Amy were crouched low, their eyes shut, their hands clasped together. Enterprise could hear the man's faint whispers.
"There! One of those!"
"Alright, take this, you bastard!"
A whistle, unmistakably from a rocket-propelled grenade being launched, pierced the air, and there was a flash of light and a bang.
"Aw, yes!"
"Got ya, you son of a bitch!"
A stream of liquid seemed to spurt from whatever damage the rocket had inflicted on the machine, but it wasn't downed.
"Oy, that thing's still alive!"
"Well, shoot it, you dumbass!"
The machine's tentacles swung toward the source of the voices, the red lights glowing brighter, followed by the sickening crunch of concrete and metal being pulverized. There were shouts, and the machine moved forward in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle.
"Commander, maybe they're soldiers who are still fighting," Enterprise said, her eyes following the machine.
Or they could be yet another band of thugs claiming to fight in the name of the people, she thought.
"You want to help them?" He asked.
"I...I don't know. They could be..."
"I know, I know. Still, they're fighting for their lives, too. Let's not presume. Let's do this. Follow that thing."
"Understood, Commander."
She waited until the machine was far enough before stepping on the gas, keeping a safe distance.
The monstrosity was now reduced to a hazy silhouette as they tailed it.
"Enterprise, what do you see?"
"That machine seems to be tailing those people."
"Alright. This is a gamble, but I don't know if it's going to work. From what I noticed, that thing has no other weapons except its tentacles, which it uses for grabbing and crushing. The red light on its base is likely from its eye or sensor array. If that's the case, then it's the weak point, as with every other drone. But I don't know if the same thing will apply here."
"Sir?"
"Only one way to find out. As crazy as it is, I want you to drive below it, bring out your bow, and aim for the eye. I'll take the wheel while you do that. Grim, I need you to move to the back and keep Amy safe."
Grim stared at him for a moment, then his talons reached for the crank, lowering the side window with some effort and slipping through the opening.
Commander Halsey rolled down his own window, the rain immediately pouring in, and moved to the front seat, his hand clutching his side as he did so. He had to bite back the pain, but it was still visible on his face.
"Commander, your injuries..."
"Can't be helped. Now, hurry before that thing catches those guys."
Grim had already perched on the back of the seat, his feathers wet. Enterprise added more speed, closing the distance.
The machine was still pursuing the other vehicle, which, judging by its shape, was a pickup truck, with a man holding a gun at the back, shooting at their pursuer. It was hard to see through the rain and the dark.
"Now, Enterprise," the Commander said, taking the wheel. Enterprise extended her right hand outside the window, conjuring her bow. She angled her body, drawing the string. Arm and shoulder aligned, with the bow rising and drawing a vertical line. No easy task considering the tight, awkward space, but her training kicked in, and she was ready.
She could feel the Commander's breath, and his chest was pressing against her back.
The machine was ahead of them, its appendages reaching out like a predator, ready to snatch its prey.
The man in the pickup fired; the muzzle flashed brightly in the gloom, and the bullets hit the machine. But it was unfazed.
"Enterprise, now!"
She released the charged arrow, the missile soaring toward its mark.
The yellow beam struck the red light, and there was an explosion, the force pushing the machine back, its tentacles flailing wildly.
"Got it, Commander!" She yelled.
"Great! Let's finish it off!"
She redrew her bow and fired again, the arrow hitting the spot a second time. This time, the shot completely pierced through the center, and the machine shuddered violently, its appendages going limp before exploding. The pickup truck skidded to a halt, and the man in the back jumped off.
Enterprise stepped on the brakes, and the car came to a stop.
The group didn't look like soldiers. The man in the back was in his mid-twenties or so, wearing a black shirt, grimy jeans, and boots. The driver had the same get-up.
Enterprise put away her bow and waited as they approached her side of the car.
"Whoa, whoa. A...uh...what's that, the Navy thingie..."
"Yes, I am," Enterprise cracked a small smile. That young man had no threatening aura about him, and his companion looked equally harmless. That was a good thing, and she couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.
"Dolt, 'thank you' first!" His companion said. "Thank you, miss. You saved us."
"Oh, no problem. Glad I could help. Are you two alright?"
"Er, yeah, we're okay," the younger man said. "By the way, I'm Jim. That's my brother, Josh."
"Glad to meet you," Josh nodded. "Wilmingtonites born and bred, by the way."
"Good to meet you, too. So, what happened there?"
"Well...them machines came a-knocking, just like everywhere else. Then, the National Guard came and fought, and they were able to push them back. Then, we were told to prepare for evacuation. Most people have left, but there are some of us who remain, waiting for them to pick us up."
"And they didn't," Jim muttered.
"We don't know if it's because they can't or they're not coming at all. Right now, we're just focusing on surviving. Those freaks sometimes come visiting, you know. Folks get antsy whenever they do," Josh explained, his tone grim.
"Everyone's on edge," Jim said with a shake of his head. "Anyway, might you need help with anything? Where are you heading to?"
"We're going to New York. Let's just say...the Navy has issued a mobilization order," Enterprise answered. "We've been driving for...quite some time."
The groan from her side reminded her that Commander Halsey was still in pain. The brothers noticed this, too, and their expressions turned grave.
"Your friend's hurt," Jim said, pointing at the Commander. "He doesn't look good."
"Hey, I think old man Reese could help."
"Reese?"
"Leader of our group. He's no doctor, but he's got EMT training. I think he could help."
Enterprise glanced at the Commander.
"Up to you. I trust your judgment," he whispered, his breathing shallow.
"Okay, I guess," Enterprise nodded. "Just to be sure. He's been holding out, but...I don't think he can go on like this. He needs to rest."
"Alright, we'll show you the way to our shelter. It's our thanks, by the way."
The brothers climbed back to their truck, and the convoy began to move. Enterprise followed their vehicle, her hand never leaving the wheel, her other on the Commander's arm, her eyes occasionally flicking to the rear-view mirror to check on Amy and Grim.
***
The brothers led them to a motor lodge. The building was nondescript and unimpressive, but it seemed to be in decent condition and didn't give the impression that it had been repurposed. A good sign. Enterprise didn't like to imagine what would happen if they were up to something.
Jim and Josh had stopped their truck and gestured for her to pull up. A couple of people milling about in the parking lot stared as an unknown car stopped before them.
Enterprise helped Amy and the Commander out. The girl clung to her side, and he had to lean on her shoulder.
"Damn, seems like your friend is pretty banged up," Josh said, frowning. "Old man Reese! Hey, old man! Got an emergency!"
An Asian man with the bushiest beard Enterprise had ever seen approached them. He looked to be in his forties and was dressed in the same clothes as the brothers. His eyes fell on the trio, and he took a long look at them.
"...Never in my life do I think I'd see a KANSEN in person," he muttered. "What's she doing here?"
"Remember one of those tentacled thingies? She took it down! With an arrow!" Jim exclaimed, his eyes lighting up.
"Is that so?" the man named Reese turned to Enterprise. Thanks for helping these two. Sometimes, they get themselves into a mess."
"Hey!" Jim protested, but Reese ignored him, his attention on the Commander.
"...Since you're a KANSEN, I take it he's your commanding officer?"
"Y-yes, sir."
"Right. Get him inside my room over there."
The room was far from luxurious, but it was clean and well-kept. A large, makeshift medicine cabinet was sitting on the nightstand, and a couple of medical books were on the floor.
Reese motioned for Commander Halsey to lie on the bed. The man obeyed, his face paling.
"Here, have some water. You look like shit," Reese offered.
"Thanks," the Commander said, his voice raspy.
Reese nodded and turned to Amy, his eyes softening.
"Don't worry, little one. Your dad's going to be okay. Just let me do my work, yeah?"
The girl didn't bother to correct him. Instead, she nodded and held Enterprise's hand tighter.
Opening the Commander's shirt, the bandages wrapped around his torso, soaked with blood, were exposed. Reese frowned, his fingers gingerly touching the wound. The Commander winced, gritting his teeth.
"What the...My God, you sure are a tough one, sir. How long have you had these?"
"...A couple of days. It was...ugh...getting better, but we had a run-in with some...ah...bad guys. Had to protect...them."
"Luckily, whatever hurt you in the first place missed your vital spots. But I'm going to have to stitch you up to help it heal faster. Now..."
His face turned solemn, and he took a deep breath before continuing. "...we're out of anesthetics. Not gonna lie; for wounds this deep, it will hurt. You will feel the needle going into your skin, the suture going through your flesh, everything. The best I can do is offer a leather strap for you to bite on. Sorry."
The Commander was sweating, Enterprise noticed, even though the room was hardly warm. She knew it must have been the pain and the fear. He'd been able to keep the latter at bay, but she saw the way he gripped the sheets. One can only be strong for so long.
"Enterprise...take Amy outside," he said, his voice trembling. "I...she doesn't need to see this."
"Understood...sir. Come on, sweetie. Let's...wait outside."
"Jim, Josh, I'm gonna need you boys to help hold him down. Don't want him to thrash around and mess up my work," Reese said. The brothers nodded and stood on each side of the bed.
Enterprise led Amy out and closed the door behind them. She sat down on the bench outside the room and pulled Amy to sit on her lap, her hand stroking the girl's hair.
The screams were muted, but they were there, and they made her wince. Amy clung to her tightly, her face buried in her neck, and she could feel her quaking and shivering.
Was it really the needle and the threads, or was it the pain finally manifesting itself after being bottled up for too long, like the body suddenly realizing how much it hurt?
The urge to go inside and take the Commander's hand and tell him everything would be okay was almost overwhelming. But she couldn't, shouldn't.
Amy was crying again, and the sound was so soft yet so painful.
Enterprise tried to comfort her, whispering into her ear, but it seemed to have little effect, and she felt powerless once more.
"Why are you crying?"
A young voice. Enterprise looked up to see a girl who seemed slightly older than Amy standing before them.
"Why are you crying?" She repeated, tilting her head. "Is that your daddy? I heard him yelling."
Amy didn't answer, only burying her face deeper into Enterprise's shoulder.
"Uhh...and you are...?"
"Oh, I'm Jessie!" The girl grinned. "So, is that her daddy screaming?"
"More or less," Enterprise answered for Amy.
"Ah...I see. But Daddy will make her daddy feel better soon, for sure!."
"Ah...so that's your father. Reese, yes?"
"Yep! Daddy's not a doctor, but he knows a lot about fixing people. So...don't worry! Why don't we play with the others instead?"
The girl, Jessie, reached out her hand, offering. Amy looked up, sniffling and wiping her eyes.
"...I..." Amy mumbled, but her voice trailed off, and she glanced up at Enterprise.
"Go on, sweetie. He will be all right. I will call you if he needs anything, alright?"
Amy looked at her for a moment, and then she nodded. She took the offered hand, and Jessie led her to where a few other children were playing. They were a mixed bunch; some were younger than Amy and Jessie, and some were older.
Innocence regained, if only for a while.
How many of them had lost their parents? Their homes? How many of them were now orphaned, their childhoods shattered?
Enterprise looked away, not wanting to intrude on their private moment.
The voices inside the room had gone quieter, and she wondered if Commander Halsey had passed out from the pain. If he had, it would be a mercy—a respite from the suffering.
She sighed and sat back, staring at the darkening sky. The rain had stopped, but the sun was still hiding behind the clouds, and the wind was cold. It didn't matter, as it would set soon anyway.
The door creaked open, and Reese walked out, tired but relieved.
"No, he's never in danger of dying if that's what you're worried about," he said, answering her unspoken question. "He's tough, I'll give him that. But he needs to rest. He's been pushing himself too hard."
"Yes...he has," she admitted. "He's been like that since the very beginning. Always pushing himself. He'd rather hurt himself than see any of us getting hurt."
"Heh. Not your typical Navy guy, I see. A good one, too, from what I've seen," Reese smiled. "Well, he's inside if you want to talk to him. I need to plan out another supply run..."
"Supply run?"
"Yeah. Without it, we'd be dead. It's not actually that dangerous if you ask me, but as you've seen, one or two of those...things still pop up now and then. That's why we need to arm ourselves. Good thing there's a National Guard depot around here, and Josh and Jim, despite how they act, were cops. They managed to secure a large haul of weapons and ammo from their precinct. The smaller drones were easy to take out, but that one you destroyed wasn't as simple. Usually, we'd just lie low when we see one of those. I don't know why they decided to engage this time...maybe they got cocky just because they managed to get that RPG. I sure hope that won't attract them in droves now. Anyway, I'm rambling. Sorry about that."
"It's alright," Enterprise smiled. "I was just curious."
"Right. Do you want to see him now or...?"
"Yes. I'd love to. But before that, Mr. Reese?"
"Yeah?"
"This supply run of yours...I want to help."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay...we can discuss that later. Go see your man first," Reese said, patting her on the shoulder. Only after he left did she realize he may have misunderstood their relationship.
She was blushing again.
Shaking her head, she headed inside the room, the brothers slipping out as she entered. The Commander's eyes were closed but not asleep, as they fluttered open when she approached. They were wet.
His shirt was still off, and his torso was covered in fresh bandages. He looked paler, but not in a sickly way.
"Hey, Enterprise," he greeted. The voice, though weak, was assuring. He wasn't going to fade away. Not yet. Not ever.
That was what mattered the most.
"Hello, Commander. How are you feeling?"
"Like shit," he laughed, then coughed. "Well, that means I'm still alive, and you're not the angel welcoming me into Heaven, heh."
"Sir..." She said, her tone reproachful.
"Haha, bad joke. Sorry. Just...glad...to see you."
Enterprise smiled. She sat on the bed and took his hand, her thumb gently stroking the back of his palm. It felt...natural, in a way she didn't quite understand.
It wasn't right, she knew, to touch him like this. It wasn't like her to be so bold, not when it concerned the Commander. But she couldn't help it. It just felt so natural. She could feel his pulse, the warmth, the strength.
"How's Amy? Is she...okay?"
"She is. A girl around her age came and invited her to play. Her name is Jessie. She is Reese's daughter. They are playing outside right now. Grim is keeping an eye on her, too."
"That's great," he sighed, relieved. "I'm glad she's...happy. Even for a little while."
"She is, thanks to you," Enterprise said, her tone soft. "Thank you, sir."
"Huh?"
"For everything."
"Heh. Well, that's...great to hear. I guess," he tried to sit up, but she gently pushed him back down. It was not exactly a challenge, considering how exhausted he was. "If you have somewhere to be, you can go. I'll be fine."
"You will be, yes. But I'm not going anywhere."
"You sure? I don't want you to feel like you have to babysit me."
"I don't feel like that. I just don't want to leave you."
"Fair enough. It's funny how we can talk like this now, huh? Back then...you were less...open."
"You're persistent. I guess that's how," Enterprise smiled. "Stubborn, too."
He didn't laugh this time. He just stared at her, his gaze intense.
"No...it's this whole damn mess, isn't it? It changed us. Forced us to adapt. It made you realize what you were missing. What you could've lost," his hand tightened around hers, and she could feel the strength behind it. "That's why."
Enterprise didn't answer. Instead, she leaned down and kissed him on the forehead, the gesture feeling as natural as holding his hand. It was a small kiss, a quick peck, but it carried a lot of emotions. At least, to her, it was.
"Enterprise...?"
"Yes...that's why."
She pulled back as quickly as she had kissed him, her face flushed and her heart pounding. Commander Halsey's face was a mirror of her own, a mixture of surprise, confusion, embarrassment, and something else.
"Enterprise, I—"
"...Sorry. I was acting out of line. I don't know what came over me."
"But you know why. Maybe you don't understand yet, but don't force yourself to if you think you aren't ready."
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Not when the words would come out as mere squeaks.
"But until then," he continued, smiling, "I'm not going anywhere. Until you're ready, I'll be here. And even after you are, and whatever your decision is, I'll still be with you."
Confronting it now will only weigh her down, she thought, and perhaps he was right. It was the last thing both of them needed. But if they could be separated any minute from now, there was a sense of urgency, a need to find the answers now rather than later. She was confused, but at the same time, she wasn't. It was a paradox.
Just...focus on the mission for now. We will cross that line when we get to it, she thought. His promise to stay was more than enough to quell the uncertainty, at least for now.
"If so...Commander, then I...I want to promise you the same. I'll always be here, too. For you, for Amy. And for everyone else who needs me."
Intense, unrelenting. That was what the Commander's gaze was. She didn't look away, giving back as much as she received.
"Enterprise, thank you."
She nodded. She wasn't sure how to continue the conversation, but she was saved from having to do so when there was a knock on the door, and it creaked open a second later.
"Oh, hey. Sorry if I'm interrupting something, but Reese told me to move Mr. Commander to another room, somewhere more spacious," Josh poked his head inside. The door swung open to reveal a wheelchair with Jim waiting behind it. "Here's the ride, sir."
Commander Halsey grunted and tried to stand, but his face twisted in a grimace. Enterprise quickly moved to support him.
"Easy, Commander. Take it slow. I've got you."
"Yeah, thanks. Man, what am I going to do without you?" He chuckled, his breath tickling Enterprise's ear.
"Me too, sir. Me too," she whispered back. She knew Josh was watching and probably wondering what the hell they were talking about, but she didn't care.
The brothers led them to a room, larger and more spacious, with two beds, and Enterprise realized she would have to share the space with the Commander. A blush crept up her cheeks again. It was pretty well-furnished, and there was even a TV, though that thing probably wouldn't be useful now. There was a small bathroom with a working shower, and she was thankful for that.
"Need anything else, just holler," Josh said, stepping out of the room. Enterprise helped the Commander sit on one of the beds and pulled the covers over him.
"And Miss Enterprise," Josh said, his hand on the door, "Reese wants to speak to you later after dinner. It will be at seven in the cafeteria. And Mr. Commander, don't worry. We'll send your dinner over here, too."
"Thank you, gentlemen," the Commander said, nodding at them. "And thank you again for your hospitality. You've been a great help to us, even if we've only been here for a couple of hours."
"No problem. It's the least we could do to repay Miss Enterprise," Jim said. He waved and stepped out, closing the door behind him.
Enterprise looked at the clock. Still around an hour and a half to go. She could take the shower she'd been looking forward to.
"I'm going to clean myself up a bit," she said.
"Alright. I guess I'll...wait for Amy," he groaned. The sound of children laughing and playing came from outside. "By the way, I wonder what Reese wants to talk to you about."
"Likely the supply run he's planning. I volunteered to help."
"Are you sure?"
The concern was plain on his face, but there was something else, too. Understanding. Even pride.
"Positive, Commander. I'll get us the supplies we need. For the road. And maybe, for this community, too."
"Right. Make sure you get enough rest before that. This bed is comfy," he patted the mattress.
"I will. Don't worry."
***
She didn't expect warm water, for sure. It was a luxury she couldn't even think of asking for, but she was glad the motor lodge still had that small, simple blessing. A small bottle of shampoo was provided, and she made do.
She sorely missed the pleasant, tingling sensation of her skin being washed, scrubbed, and cleansed. The water cascading down her body, removing the sweat and grime accumulated over the days, was soothing.
She felt bad for Commander Halsey for not being able to shower, but it wasn't his time yet. The stitches would come undone if he tried to wash himself now. Maybe she could help him wipe himself down with a towel, at least.
It was an embarrassing thought, but she shook her head and cleared her mind. He needed help, and she would provide it.
The shampoo smelled nice, too. A pleasant scent of roses. Maybe it was a coincidence, or maybe it was the universe rewarding her for doing what was right.
Whatever it was, she was glad.
She decided not to stay too long despite liking the warmth and comfort. One must not be too comfortable, especially in a situation like this, lest one become complacent. It was a lesson she'd learned the hard way.
So, she turned off the shower, dried herself, and put on the clothes the brothers had provided—a simple T-shirt and sweatpants combo.
Still more than enough.
The Commander was asleep when she stepped out, his breathing slow and steady. He was on his back, his head resting against the pillow. His stubble had gotten longer, which Enterprise was certain would earn him a scolding back at the base. Peeking through the blinds, she could see Amy playing tag with the other children. Grim was still perched on the bench, watching over them. People passing by were understandably startled to see a bird of prey casually sitting on a bench, but they soon learned that he meant no harm, or so she thought.
Good, she thought. Let them be children for a while.
She closed her eyes, her hands reaching for a brush, which, luckily, was provided, and she began combing her hair. She'd never cared for her locks too much, but she had to admit that it felt good to take care of them. Especially after a shower.
It was never part of her routine.
She was a carrier, a warship, and a soldier.
It wasn't her first time pondering this, but the situation had forced her to reevaluate things.
Who am I?
In a changed world, she had to embrace that duty more than ever. But at the same time, being thrown into this world forced her to begin seeing that she was more than that. To learn.
But often, the more she did, the more confused she became.
The woman in the mirror was her. She was her. But her image seemed different somehow, unfamiliar and yet familiar.
Changing, yet the same.
Maybe it was for the best. Maybe the old her would have to make way for the new.
Because she didn't really hate this new her—in fact, she was beginning to like her.
Maybe she could embrace it.
But first, there was a war to win.
To survive.
"Enterprise."
She almost dropped the brush. She turned around to see the Commander staring at her, his eyes half-open and a faint smile on his lips.
"You look beautiful. Your hair."
The words were simple, but they were enough to send a shiver down her spine. She wasn't sure if it was the tone of his voice, the sincerity of his words, or the look in his eyes. Whatever it was, she didn't mind it at all.
"Th-thank you. Feels good to take care of myself once in a while. And you? How's your rest?"
"Much better than the past few days. The pain in my gut aside, I think I'll be good in a couple of days. Just in time to hit the road."
Enterprise nodded and sat on the other bed. It was as comfy as the Commander had said, and she felt like sinking into it.
"You can rest for a bit. You have about an hour to go before seeing Reese."
"Yes...yes, that would be a good idea. I'll take a short nap," she said, pulling the covers and resting her head on the pillow. The nightstand had an alarm clock, and she set it to fifteen minutes to seven. "I'll see you later."
"Alright. Sweet dreams. You deserve it."
She chuckled and closed her eyes, whispering, "Thank you."