K.A. Emmons - Resurgence

S eated on my bunk, I tipped my head back against the wall. I could hear the dripping of rain on the tin roof, but I was listening for something beyond that. A distant roll of thunder thudded through the cement walls of the barracks. Normally I wouldnt have startled, but tonight I was on edge.

The boy in the bunk above me snored softly; the rest slept peacefully. There were twelve bunks in that room, occupied by young men and women no older than twenty. I was the only one awake, the only one listening.

The clomp of boots on the pavement outside caught my attention. I held my breath.

A long silence was followed by the distant creaking of a heavy iron door. I shoved back the sheets. My rifle leaned against the end of my bunk, just like everyone elses. I grabbed it as I rose, tucking my pillow under the wool blanket. I melted back against the wall and into the shadows as the footsteps began to echo in the hall. At first, they were distant; then they came closer.

My muscles tightened as the door burst open and a shaft of light cut across the floor. The assertive footfalls entered the room and abruptly halted. I already knew who it was before he even spoke.

Corporal Moran. His thick Irish accent filled the room.

I said nothing. My fingers tightened around the cold, black barrel.

He cleared his throat and spoke louder, repeating my name and rank.

Several soldiers stirred in their bunks, but no one woke.

My commander stepped farther in as I shrank back into the shadows. Walking briskly to my bunk, he bent down to snatch the wool blanket off what he was expecting to be me. He cursed under his breath when he realized I was gone.

He turned his attention immediately to the top bunk across from mine, grabbing hold of the sleeping soldier by the arm and shaking her roughly.

On your feet!

An inaudible murmur was the only response to his order.

I said on your feet now!

He all but dragged her down.

Whatsir? Whats going on?

Moran, he barked into her face. Where is she?

Over there, sleeping

Shes not sleeping. Shes not in her bunk. He cut her off. Shes gone. Where is she?

I dont know, sir.

You must knowyou have to know. Youre the only one she ever talks to.

Kess shook her head adamantly. No, sir, she replied. Sorry, sir.

He cursed loudly, then spun on his heels and marched for the door. He halted on the threshold, and I saw his shadow on the floor as he stabbed a finger in my comrades direction.

You see her, you hear heryou report to me. You understand?

Kess hesitated, her eyes catching on my hiding place. She looked away just as quickly.

Sir, yes, sir!

She saluted respectfully and the door slammed in her face.

I squeezed my eyes shut, breathing again. Kess reached me in two quick strides. She clamped her hand over my mouth and shoved me back against the wall.

Dont you dare say thank you, Lara. Dont you dare. She hissed the words into my face. Tell me what the hell youre doing, or I will go tell Donovan exactly what he wants to hear.

I peeled her fingers away. Kess, tonights the night.

What are you saying?

I have to get out of hereI cant do this anymore, Kess. I cant.

Do you want to get yourself shot? She nailed me back against the wall again. Its your night, Larayoure on deck!

Kess, stop it. I know

Theyll skin you if you dont go. She dropped her voice. Theres been several sightings on the flats just this weekthis week, Lara.

I swallowed. You dont understand, Kess.

What dont I understand? she demanded. Enlighten me!

I cant kill another oneI cantI

Lara, if you dont kill themher words severed my sentencetheyll kill you. And Im not talking about the recusants; Im talking about the RGMIm talking about our bosses, she continued, her voice a harsh whisper in my ear. The only reason youve survived this long is because we need you

I dont care, I interrupted, pushing her away. I didnt sign up for this! I didnt sign up to go crawl through the cold mud to kill rebels!

Did any of us sign up to be snipers, Lara? She shook her head. I suggest you get your act together and get out there. Dont run on your night. Its too dangerous. Everyone is on alert for you. Donovans looking for you as we speak, for Gods sake. Dont be a moron.

I wanted to objecteverything inside me was screaming; I felt sick. But before I could say a word, she clapped her hands on my shoulders and shoved me forward. Dont say a word. Get out there and go find himnow.

The hinges creaked as the door opened again; finally, I saw Kesss face in the sliver of light: deep brown skin, dark eyes, and a buzz cut. Her tone was steel, but her eyes were filled with concern.

Youd better make up a good excuse.

Without replying, I took a few steps towards the threshold and then stopped. Turning around, I backtracked to my bunk. Hurriedly, I reached into my pillowcase and pulled out the familiar slip of paper. A tiny yellowed square, softened with age.

Kess sighed. Why do you always take that thing with you?

You know why. I pulled on my jacket and boots. Its the last I have of him.

Slinging my rifle over my shoulder, I buttoned my jacket and slid the folded paper into my breast pocket.

Ill see you tomorrow, Kess, I said, stepping out into the hallway. Hopefully

Kess didnt respond. She looked at me for a long moment before closing the door.

A migraine was already beginning to pound at my temple. I pushed my shoulders back and cracked my neck as I made my way down the hall and out of the barracks. Outside, the courtyard was spattered with rain and fluorescent light. My supervisor was in my face in a heartbeat, shouting at top volume.

Where were you?

The jakes, sir.

Youre a liar, Moran. He shoved me backwards just as an unmanned Byrd aircraft began to lower silently onto the pavement. Ill beat it out of you in the morning, you hear me?

Yes, sir.

Im sorry, I didnt catch that!

Yes, sir! I yelled into his face, anger bleeding dangerously into my voice.

Right now theres a job to be done, he continued. You know what to do.

I gave a shallow nod, swallowing back the sick feeling in my stomach.

As the slender, almost translucent aircraft touched ground, its pressurized double doors hissed open. I climbed into the tight, body-sized space. The Byrds tight interior was reminiscent of the small vintage helicopters the Irish Air Corps used to use.

Were dropping you on the outskirts of Section New Dublin, Donovan told me as he leaned up against the side of the Byrd. The exact coordinates have already been entered into ANIs system.

The Automated Navigation Intelligence system: my pilot and worst enemy.

I strapped on my helmet. Will I ever be able to see exact coordinates for myself, sir?