Tenzin turned away from Lucas and the others and lowered his voice. “Jane, what’s the latest on raider activity in this area?”
Jane began speaking rapidly directly into Tenzin’s earpiece. “The latest report from Oculus was clean for this sector, but my own analysis of their source data does indicate the possibility of a new raider enclave two valleys over. I can’t give you anything more without more information.”
Tenzin woke from his reverie when Viktor leaned over and tapped him sharply on the forehead. “You awake in there, droogan?”
Tenzin smiled at the tall blonde. They’d fought side by side against thugs and raiders alike long before they joined Minerva. Since Viktor never let Tenzin’s rank get in the way of their friendship he was one of the only people Tenzin felt comfortable with.
Tenzin turned and addressed the mechanic. “Can I eat or do you need to work on the suit more?”
The wiry man nodded. “You’re good to go, sir.”
Viktor gave Tenzin a big grin before clapping the mechanic on the shoulder. “Rick, my friend! How are you?”
As Viktor and Rick made small talk, Tenzin committed the mechanic’s name to memory for future use. He turned back to his screen and glared at Jane. “My digital mistress? What did you say to him, Jane?”
“And that’s everything,” Jane said, snapping Tenzin out of his reverie. “Any questions?”
He stands at attention beneath the old tree in the monastery, his arms held before him in a position he’s practiced hundreds of times. He can hear the soldiers coming up to the walls, laughing. Their shots cut through the night and leave a ringing in his ears. The smoke from the village fills his nostrils, mixing with the smell of blood and rot. Turning to look behind him, he sees the old woman reach out to him with her broken fingers. Beside her a young boy lying on the ground looks up at him through empty sockets, his arms open, pleading. No, I didn’t mean to. More people join the woman and boy, all reaching out to him; their silent screams tear at him. I’m sorry! I tried! The group of people merge together in the darkness, their arms reaching farther and farther. Their faces blend together, twisting around the tree, consuming it, while still begging with their eyes and silent lips that he save them. I can’t. Their sad faces continue to pitifully entreat him: Save us. He turns away from them and drops to his knees. I can’t save anyone. Brother? She reaches out her arms as she hangs from the mass of bodies. Petals fall from her like rain. Save me brother! I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. “Tenzin.” Forgive me. “Tenzin.” I’ll avenge you, I promise. “Tenzin!” -Indira!- “Wake up!”