Zuri’s POV I’m slowly regaining my senses.
I remember being kidnapped.
I remember that video the warlord used to threaten my brothers in arms.
I also recall them injecting me with something the eventually seemed to knock me out until now.
I can feel the world around me moving, slowly, but it’s silent, except for the sound of boots dragging across the ground.
I feel arms around me, holding me like the world is going end if the arms let go.
The last time I was held like this was when Erik dragged me out of vehicle that caught on fire.
I don’t know why but I felt safe being held like that.
So safe that I actually felt anxious for a little while after he let go that day.
This time the arms feel similar but doesn’t have the same tenderness and warmth.
But still safe.
I can feel the strength returning and so I open my eyes to see what’s going on.
The first thing I see is a chiseled face that screams charisma for days, but the face looks pale and lifeless at the same time.
I look around and I see Anya and Selene arm and arm with another lady and they look like willpower is the only thing that is keeping them going forward.
Anya and Selene are tough girls who’ve been through so much together and I’ve never seen them even remotely close to this.
I fear something has happened that has broken these people.
I look back at the man holding me and he’s looking down at me with a gentle smile “Welcome back to life, sleeping beauty.
We’re only a few minutes away from base camp.” He says as I immediately recognize those eyes.
“Derricc, is that you.” I say weakly.
“Yeah” “Why are you here?” “To save you silly.
Selene’s info network said that you might be in danger so we came to make sure that you’re safe.” “Thank you, I’m sorry for being a burden like this.
I’m ashamed to let myself be captured like this.” “You’re family, we will be there to take of you every time.” “Thank you.
So where are the others?” “I’m not sure about the whereabouts of Aurora, Vera and Ginifer right now.
We are actually getting ready to get the group together.” “Aurora is actually here in Somalia.
Should actually be at the medical tent.
Said she couldn’t go home yet and wanted to continue her practice so I brought her with me.” “That’s actually great news.
Aurora always said that she’d never go home until she could prove to her family that being a doctor was the right choice.” “But you didn’t mention Erik, where is he.” I look at Derricc at his face looks lifeless again.
Tears start flowing.
I knew it, something bad did happen.
It also explains Anya and Selene.
Erik was the one who always made sure each of us had what we needed to do our best in everything.
He even gave me a workshop back America that I could use to work on strengthening my skills for the group.
Even came by himself to dirty his hands himself to make sure I never got overwhelmed.
I can’t believe this.
“Erik’s going to be ok, right?” “We can only hope.” “What does that even mean?” “It means it’s up to the heavens above if he makes it not.” “No, it can’t be that bad.” I say I’m pure shock and Derricc’s face doesn’t budge at all.
The three girls turn around and walk over to hug me and I can see to defeat in all their eyes.
Eyes that say that someone isn’t coming home.
I can’t help but breakdown in their arms.
Erik has done so much for me and I haven’t even tried to pay him back for anything.
This can’t be how it plays out I question.
I can feel my legs coming back and I have Derricc put me down.
We make it to base camp where everyone is glad to see me and Derricc gives everyone the mission report.
Everyone cheers and is happy.
Derricc leads up to a small room where we all sit in silence.
The six of us have no more tears left, no light in our eyes, and it’s almost impossible to see a way forward right now.
I overheard Derricc asking the camp leader for as many able bodies as possible along with equipment to dig through rubble.
Something tells me we’re going back to collect a body to bring home and not our brother in arms.
As I start to come to terms, I see a blue light pop us in the middle of us.
“Oh what now system.” Derricc says angrily.
“Hold on Derricc, the new girl next to me says.
If Erik is truly gone, then why is the system still active.
Erik is the operator of the system right.
He might still be alive after.” I immediately see hope return to everyone but I also see weariness.
It also makes me curious of the system.
“Ding, Zuri has met the score conditions for Head of engineering department.
Will you accept, Zuri.” The group looks at me and can see that they all know something about this but they’re eerily calm, like this isn’t new.
“I Accept”.
I say.
“Ding, engineering and mechanic specialist found.
Specialist recruited: 7/10 Recommendation: recruit more specialists.
“Ummmm Derricc, what is all this.” “No time to explain, and it is a very long explanation.
Right now we need to get Erik back and plan our next moves.” “Ding” I see a big blue bubble now Operation Homecoming Mission Status: Ongoing Primary objective: Rescue Zuri Completed New objective created Friendly Causalities: 0 Administrator Erik Status: Missing in action System capabilities reduced 70% Then another screen pops up.
New objective established: Locate and recover Erik Priority: Maximum Failure Condition: Administrator vital signs lost Permanent system capability reduction.
“Wait” the other new girl says, “Zero casualties, the failure condition is Erik dying, everyone we have a chance.
This is saying that Erik is still alive and can be saved.
We need to hurry.” “Derricc, we know where he his and what we need to do to save him.” The girl next to me says.
I’m still wondering why she’s in a servant uniform.
“Let move” I hear as we get ready to rescue our brother in arms.